Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 26 | Page 17

NEWS Almas Nexus signs MoU with Bahrain Economic Development Board A lmas Nexus, a next-generation alternative investments fintech company focussing on providing investors with a global platform to access cutting-edge investment products, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). The agreement looks to have the two organisations co-operate in the field of fintech innovation, ensuring the Kingdom remains one of the region’s leading fintech hubs, and an attractive destination for innovation and investment. Almas’s platform will be made available to wealth advisors and institutions in Bahrain as well as across the GCC. Through long-term co-operation, the EDB and Almas will also look to develop local and regional talent to enhance Bahrain’s position as a key incubator for cutting-edge financial technology solutions. David Parker, Executive Director of Financial Services, Business Development at the EDB, said: “We are very pleased to announce this co-operation with Almas. We witness real momentum for fintech in the region, where businesses and start-ups are looking to develop innovative products and services to meet growing demands. Strategic relationships like this one are vital to ensuring the right ecosystem is in place to continue this momentum.” Mark Nichols, CEO, Almas, stated: “The support from the EDB is a powerful endorsement of our proposition and the potential for future growth.” ///////////////// Batelco launches VoWiFi Service for the first time in Bahrain B atelco, Bahrain’s leading digital solutions provider, has announced the launch of Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) across the kingdom. service is currently applicable to iPhone 6 or later models with customers required to update their phone to the latest iOS software. The voice over WiFi service is delivered in line with Batelco’s pioneering role in leading innovation for telecom services in Bahrain. Locally, VoWiFi does not cost any extra; the service is being included in customer’s selected package minutes allowance, with any additional calls charged at the standard rates. A converged network infrastructure allows Batelco to maximise its network capabilities and speed up the deployment of more new innovative services for its customers. This new introduction follows on from the successful launch earlier this year of Voice over LTE (VoLTE), with Batelco being the first to launch the service in Bahrain. VoWiFi taps into any WiFi connection the customer may have, including public WiFi enabled areas. Calls will seamlessly and automatically be switched between VoLTE and VoWiFi to ensure a superior customer experience. Similar to VoLTE, the new Voice over WiFi service will deliver faster call setup and superior high-quality (HD) voice calls. The www.intelligentcio.com INTELLIGENTCIO 17