FinDev Canada provides a USD 60 million loan to Muangthai Capital to advance gender equality and private sector investment in Thailand

BANGKOK, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development) on behalf of Canada's bilateral development finance institution, FinDev Canada, announces the signing of a USD 60 million loan to Muangthai Capital (MTC), a leading non-bank financial institution (NBFI) in Thailand.

The parallel loan is in addition to the USD 200 million syndicated facility co-led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), a leading private Japanese global financial institution, bringing the total funding raised to USD 260 million. The syndicate also includes commercial and state-owned banks, as well as an asset management firm.

This transaction will seek to improve women's access to finance and represents FinDev Canada's first direct loan to a Thai NBFI.

FinDev Canada will direct 100% of the loan proceeds toward MTC's efforts to increase access to formal financial services for underserved rural women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (WMSMEs), strengthening financial inclusion and economic growth in Thailand.

MSMEs play a critical role in Thailand's sustainable and inclusive growth, contributing approximately 35% of its GDP and supporting significant employment opportunities. However, many enterprises face constraints in accessing formal credit, including limited or no credit history and insufficient collateral. As a result, MSMEs rely on informal lending, which significantly limits their growth potential and sustainability. With 90% of its customers located in rural areas, MTC is well-positioned to expand access to finance through its established lending model and branch network.

FinDev Canada's commitment strengthens Canada's relationship with Thailand and supports continued growth in investment, strengthening economic resilience in both countries. Thailand is Canada's second‑largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"FinDev Canada is committed to attracting more private sector capital into emerging markets across Asia-Pacific. Through our strategic partnership with MTC, alongside ADB and SMBC, we are increasing access to finance for underserved women-owned enterprises in Thailand, supporting more inclusive economic development. This transaction strengthens FinDev Canada's financial sector capacity and Canada's long-term economic engagement in the region," said Lori Kerr, CEO, FinDev Canada.

"An investment in women is an investment in us all. Canada is empowering women entrepreneurs by expanding access to financing for MSMEs and strengthening the resources needed to succeed. By building financial bridges and breaking down barriers, Canada is advancing a more inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed," said the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development).  

"We are pleased to partner with FinDev Canada, alongside ADB and SMBC to expand access to formal financing for women-owned MSMEs, particularly in rural communities across Thailand. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth, while strengthening MTC's ability to serve underserved customers nationwide," said Mr. Parithad Patcharachai, Chief Executive Officer, Muangthai Capital Public Company Limited.

About FinDev Canada       

FinDev Canada is a development finance institution that invests in emerging markets to deliver development impact, financial returns, and shared economic prosperity. We provide debt, equity, blended finance, technical assistance, and advisory across infrastructure, agribusiness, and the financial industry in developing economies to support development through the private sector. Find out more about FinDev Canada at www.findevcanada.ca.  

About Muangthai Capital

Muangthai Capital Public Company Limited is a leading non-bank financial institution in Thailand regulated by the Bank of Thailand, providing secured and unsecured financing to individuals and MSMEs. Its core products are vehicle title and land title deed loans, complemented by personal loans, nano finance, motorcycle hire purchase, and buy now pay later services. With a branch network covering all 77 provinces, MTC is committed to expanding financial inclusion and supporting sustainable economic growth, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Find out more at www.muangthaicap.com.

Media Contact: FinDev Canada: Media@findevcanada.ca

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

FinDev Canada provides a USD 60 million loan to Muangthai Capital to advance gender equality and private sector investment in Thailand

Angelalign Has Already Replaced Torque Ridges with Upgraded "Pressure Points" in Europe

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Angelalign Technology Inc. (6699.HK) ("Angel") http://www.angelaligner.com, a company driven by innovation in orthodontic clear aligner technology, said today that a ruling by the Paris Local Division of the Unified Patent Court concerning its Torque Ridges feature does not affect the availability of its offering in Europe, which already incorporates the next generation of torque-control technology. 

Angel already has discontinued Torque Ridges in Europe and has replaced it with an upgraded feature called Pressure Points. Pressure Points, which launched in the European market in September, was designed to improve torque control and reflects Angel's continued commitment to innovation focused on solving orthodontists' clinical challenges. Angel customers in Spain, the UK and outside of Europe, including the Americas and Asia, are not affected by this ruling. Angel is constantly developing new solutions to continue to serve its customers well.

The court today ruled that the Torque Ridges feature infringes a patent held by Align Technology Inc. (ALGN) for repositioning a patient's teeth according to an orthodontic treatment plan. Angel respectfully disagrees with the decision and is reviewing it closely while it evaluates its options. Angel will comply with the court's ruling, including the return of any products. Because Torque Ridges is no longer offered in Europe, orthodontists using Angel products and services can continue treating their patients with access to Pressure Points and Angel's ongoing clinical and technical support.

"Our priority is to ensure that orthodontists can continue delivering excellent care to their patients," said Xavier Cherbavaz, General Manager and Vice President, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Angelalign Technology Inc. "Torque Ridges has already been retired in Europe and replaced with Pressure Points, an approach intended to support controlled force application and tooth contact. We remain focused on giving orthodontists innovative clinical solutions and a dependable customer experience."

"Angel takes intellectual property rights seriously and is careful not to infringe on valid patents," added Richard Hirschland, Angel's Chief Commercial Officer and SVP. "We are reviewing the court's reasoning carefully and will consider all available options. Angel will continue to innovate and improve its products to benefit its providers and their patients despite litigation by a competitor. Continuous innovation means anticipating challenges and preparing solutions to protect the customer experience. Our transition to Pressure Points reflects that commitment. We are determined to continue developing innovative solutions so that orthodontists can rely on Angel over the long term."

To learn more, visit angelaligner.com/eu and www.angelaligner.com.

About Angelalign Technology Inc.

Founded in 2003 and publicly listed since 2021, Angelalign Technology Inc. provides clear aligner solutions to clinically focused professionals and patients in over 60 countries. Having surpassed two million cumulative cases and with about a US$2 billion market capitalization, the company focuses on clinical innovation and professional support to help experts achieve extraordinary outcomes. Its established global operations and continued investment in innovation support its long-term commitment to orthodontists and their patients. Learn more at angelaligner.com.

Media Contact:

Sue Kolb
Angelalign Technology Inc.
sue.kolb@angelaligner.com

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Paris Court Ruling on Discontinued Feature Will Have Minimal Impact on Angelalign Customers