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Akur8 Expands Pricing Suite with Launch of Deploy

PARIS, Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Akur8, the next–generation insurance pricing and reserving solution powered by transparent machine learning, announced today the launch of Deploy, a new addition to its pricing suite that expands capabilities and reinforces its position as the insurance industry’s only end–to–end actuarial platform. With Deploy, insurers gain a high–performance pricing engine that seamlessly moves models into live production, enabling real–time, operational deployment.

Deploy: Real–Time Pricing Engine

Deploy is Akur8’s fully integrated, cloud–based pricing engine that seamlessly moves rates into live production. Insurers can import rate plans in minutes, deploy them in seconds, and quote in milliseconds, supported by a responsive API that connects directly with policy administration systems, giving insurers the speed, control, and confidence to implement pricing strategies at scale. With built–in features for A/B testing, simulations, version control, and audit logs, Deploy ensures every rate decision is transparent, traceable, regulator–ready and filings–ready, while eliminating manual risk and accelerating speed to market. Together with Akur8’s core solutions Data, Risk, Demand, and Rate, Deploy equips actuaries with a unified workflow from model build to governance to deployment.

Management Comments

Samuel Falmagne, CEO at Akur8

“The launch of Deploy is a defining milestone in Akur8’s journey to transform insurance pricing. We are delivering a unified platform for actuaries — one that combines speed, transparency, and governance across the entire pricing and reserving lifecycle. Every component of the platform is best–in–class, designed to deliver maximum value on its own while integrating seamlessly with the rest. This expansion underscores our commitment to providing next–generation, end–to–end actuarial solutions that elevate both business performance and strategic decision making.”

Brune Delinares, Chief Client Officer at Akur8

“Our clients consistently tell us they need solutions that go beyond model building, solutions that foster collaboration, streamline governance, and connect actuarial work with strategic decision–making. Deploy delivers on that need by enabling real–time, operational deployment and giving insurers the speed and confidence to bring their strategies to life. And because we know adoption and outcomes matter just as much as technology, we back our platform with an unmatched user experience, including our live actuarial team, available on demand to support clients whenever needed. Together, we’re setting a new standard for end–to–end actuarial excellence.”

Akur8 will showcase Deploy during its breakout session, “Connected Pricing in Action: From Model Build to Deployment”, at InsureTech Connect (ITC) Vegas 2025, where the company is proud to serve as a Title Sponsor for the fifth year in a row. In addition, Akur8 has released a product video that demonstrates how insurers are already realizing tangible benefits with Deploy.

About Akur8
Akur8 is transforming the non–life insurance industry with its innovative suite of pricing and reserving solutions. Our Next Gen Pricing and Reserving Platform combines cutting–edge technology with actuarial excellence to drive business value, bringing speed, performance, transparency, and reliability to insurers of all sizes. Akur8 serves 300 customers across 40+ countries, including AXA, Generali, Munich Re, MAPFRE, HDI, Tokio Marine, and MS&AD. Over 3000 actuaries use Akur8 daily to build their pricing models and reserving projections across all lines of business.

To learn more about Akur8, visit https://www.akur8.com/.

Media Contact
Vera Buttinger
Head of International Marketing
Akur8
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2a06f6a–0dac–4fc3–9289–b06fbe4b9106


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Akur8 étoffe sa solution de tarification avec le lancement de Deploy

PARIS, 14 oct. 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Akur8, la solution nouvelle génération de tarification et de provisionnement pour l’assurance, reposant sur une intelligence artificielle transparente, annonce aujourd’hui le lancement de son moteur de tarification Deploy.

Cette nouvelle extension de sa suite de tarification élargit ses capacités et renforce sa position de seule plateforme actuarielle complète et intégrée du secteur de l’assurance.

Grâce à Deploy, les assureurs bénéficient d’un moteur de tarification haute performance qui permet de déployer les modèles en production sans effort et en temps réel.

Deploy : le moteur de tarification en temps réel

Deploy est le moteur de tarification cloud entièrement intégré d’Akur8, conçu pour déployer les tarifs en production de manière fluide et sécurisée. Les assureurs peuvent importer des grilles tarifaires en quelques minutes, les déployer en quelques secondes, et proposer des devis en quelques millisecondes, grâce à une API réactive connectée directement aux systèmes de gestion des polices. Cette architecture offre aux assureurs la vitesse, le contrôle et la confiance nécessaires pour mettre en œuvre leurs stratégies tarifaires à grande échelle.

Deploy est doté de fonctionnalités intégrées de tests A/B, de simulations, de gestion des versions et de sauvegardes permettant une traçabilité complète. Cela garantit que chaque décision tarifaire est transparente, documentée et prête à satisfaire toutes exigences réglementaires, tout en éliminant les risques manuels et en accélérant la mise sur le marché.

En complément des solutions historiques d’Akur8 (Data, Risk, Demand et Rate), Deploy offre aux actuaires un flux de travail unifié, allant de la construction du modèle à sa gouvernance, en passant par son déploiement.

Commentaires de l’équipe dirigeante

Samuel Falmagne, CEO d’Akur8

“Le lancement de Deploy constitue une étape déterminante dans la transformation de la tarification des assurances visée par Akur8. Nous offrons désormais une plateforme unifiée pour les actuaires, alliant vitesse, transparence et gouvernance sur l’ensemble des processus de tarification et de provisionnement. Chaque composant de la plateforme est conçu pour apporter une valeur maximale tout en s’intégrant parfaitement au reste de la solution. Cette expansion témoigne de notre engagement à fournir des solutions actuarielles nouvelle génération, capables d’améliorer la performance des assureurs et de soutenir leurs décisions stratégiques.”

Brune Delinares, Chief Client Officer d’Akur8

“Nos clients nous disent régulièrement qu’ils ont besoin de solutions allant au–delà de la simple modélisation : des solutions qui favorisent la collaboration, simplifient la gouvernance et relient le travail actuariel à la prise de décision stratégique. Deploy répond pleinement à ce besoin en permettant un déploiement opérationnel en temps réel, offrant ainsi aux assureurs la vitesse et la confiance nécessaires pour donner vie à leurs stratégies. Et parce que nous savons que l’adoption et les résultats comptent autant que la technologie, notre plateforme s’accompagne d’une expérience utilisateur inégalée, avec notamment le soutien continu de notre équipe actuarielle pour accompagner nos clients à tout moment. Ensemble, nous établissons un nouveau standard d’excellence actuarielle.”

Akur8 a dévoilé une vidéo produit illustrant la manière dont les assureurs bénéficient déjà concrètement des avantages offerts par Deploy. En complément, Akur8 présentera officiellement Deploy lors de sa session thématique “Connected Pricing in Action: From Model Build to Deployment” à InsureTech Connect (ITC) de Las Vegas 2025, où l’entreprise est fière d’être sponsor principal pour la cinquième année consécutive.

A propos d’Akur8

Akur8 transforme le secteur de l'assurance non–vie grâce à ses solutions innovantes de tarification et de provisionnement.

Notre plateforme de tarification et de provisionnement nouvelle génération associe une technologie de pointe à l'excellence actuarielle pour générer de la valeur commerciale, en apportant rapidité, performance, transparence et fiabilité aux assureurs de toutes tailles.

Akur8 compte plus de 300 clients dans plus de 40 pays, dont AXA, Generali, Munich Re, MAPFRE, HDI, Tokio Marine et MS&AD. Plus de 3 000 actuaires utilisent Akur8 quotidiennement pour construire leurs modèles de tarification et leurs projections de provisionnement dans toutes les branches d'activité.

Pour en savoir plus, visitez https://fr.akur8.com/.

Contact
Vera Buttinger
Head of International Marketing
Akur8
[email protected]

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible au : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2a06f6a–0dac–4fc3–9289–b06fbe4b9106/fr


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MISTRAS Group Partnering with Villari to Offer Wireless Crack-Detection Sensors for Critical Steel Assets

PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J., Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MISTRAS Group (NYSE: MG), a global leader in technology–enabled industrial asset integrity and testing solutions, today announced it is partnering with Villari, a technology provider offering continuous visibility into fatigue and crack growth through a globally certified wireless crack–detection system for steel structures. The collaboration enables MISTRAS to offer Villari’s sensor technology to customers with any steel structure susceptible to cracking, advancing continuous, data–driven structural health monitoring and proactive maintenance.

The Villari system is the only wireless monitoring technology known to detect fatigue crack growth through passive magnetic flux leakage, identifying cracks earlier than traditional NDE methods. This capability gives MISTRAS customers access to continuous, real–time insight into asset health through an integrated solution that combines Villari’s proven sensor technology with MISTRAS’ expertise in continuous monitoring and data analytics, reducing the need for manual inspection while improving safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.

“Building on MISTRAS’ long–established expertise in continuous monitoring technology, this collaboration enhances how operators manage the health and reliability of their critical assets,” said Jonathan Burns, Vice President, Monitoring Technologies, MISTRAS Group. “By integrating Villari’s certified wireless crack–detection technology with our proven monitoring solutions, customers gain a continuous view of asset integrity that helps them take action before minor defects become critical or confidently plan maintenance to maintain operational safety and uptime. Together, we’re helping customers minimize unplanned downtime, optimize inspection and repair intervals, and extend asset life across wind turbines, bridges, cranes, and more.”

“At Villari, our mission is to empower asset owners with real–time insights into the integrity of their critical steel structures,” said Olivier Baas, CEO & Founder, Villari. “By partnering with MISTRAS, we can bring our technology to a wider range of industries and geographies, combining their deep expertise in asset integrity and inspection solutions with our wireless monitoring system to help customers ensure safety, protect uptime and improve efficiency and sustainability.”

Proven Applications Across Critical Industries
MISTRAS, a leader in data–centric asset integrity and continuous monitoring solutions, integrates advanced sensor technologies within its broader Data Solutions ecosystem to provide customers with real–time intelligence on asset condition and performance. These wireless sensors add another layer of insight to predictive maintenance programs, enabling customers to stay ahead of potential failures, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend the life of critical infrastructure.

  • Wind turbines: Online monitoring of crack sensitive locations of bedding plates and pitch bearing outer rings, circumferential tower welds and any manufacturing weld defects.
  • Oil & Gas: Early detection of fatigue and crack propagation in offshore structural supports, cranes, and aerial pipeline crossings located in non–ATEX environments
  • Bridges & Infrastructure: Early detection of sub–surface or toe/root–initiated cracks to inform maintenance timing and extend service life.
  • Ports & Terminals: Continuous monitoring on ship–to–shore and overhead cranes to identify fatigue damage and reduce operational risk.
  • Steel Manufacturing: 24/7 insights on high–stress components to improve uptime and safety in demanding production environments.

About MISTRAS Group
MISTRAS Group, Inc. (NYSE: MG) is a global leader in technology–enabled industrial asset integrity solutions, serving critical industries including oil & gas, aerospace & defense, power & utilities, manufacturing, and civil infrastructure. The company provides a diversified portfolio of products and services, ranging from advanced non–destructive testing and pipeline inspections to real–time condition monitoring, maintenance planning, and specialized engineering, powered by a proprietary management software suite that centralizes integrity data for predictive analytics and benchmark analysis. With a long–standing track record of innovation and deep industry expertise, MISTRAS helps clients reduce risk, extend asset life, and optimize operational performance. Learn more at www.mistrasgroup.com.

About Villari

Designed for steel structures that keep industries moving, Villari provides continuous visibility into fatigue and crack growth, helping operators avoid unplanned downtime, plan maintenance and repairs better and make smart investment choices through extending the life of critical steel assets with confidence. Villari’s wireless sensor technology is trusted by leading operators across ports, industrial, infrastructure, and other sectors, supporting critical assets in over a dozen countries worldwide. Learn more at villari–technology.com.

MISTRAS Media Contact:

Theresa Feraren
Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
MISTRAS Group, Inc.
[email protected]


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Global South Can Rebalance Climate Agenda in Belém, Says Gambian Negotiator

Climate change is a significant contributor to water insecurity in Africa. Water stress and hazards, like withering droughts, are hitting African communities, economies, and ecosystems hard. Credit: Joyce Chimbi/IPS

Climate change is a significant contributor to water insecurity in Africa. Water stress and hazards, like withering droughts, are hitting African communities, economies, and ecosystems hard. Credit: Joyce Chimbi/IPS

By Joyce Chimbi
NAIROBI, Oct 14 2025 – The Gambia’s lead negotiator on mitigation believes that COP30 presents a unique opportunity to rebalance global climate leadership.

“This COP cannot be shrouded in vagueness. Too much is now at stake,” Malang Sambou Manneh says in an interview with IPS ahead of the climate negotiations. He identified a wide range of issues that are expected to define COP30 climate talks.

The global community will shortly descend on the Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest intact forest, home to more than 24 million people in Brazil alone, including hundreds of thousands of Indigenous Peoples. Here, delegates will come face-to-face with the realities of climate change and see what is at stake.

Malang Sambou Manneh

Malang Sambou Manneh.

COP30, the UN’s annual climate conference, or the Conference of Parties, will take place from November 10-21, 2025 in the Amazonian city of Belém, Brazil and promises to be people-centered and inclusive. But with fragmented and fragile geopolitics, negotiations for the best climate deal will not be easy.

Sambou, a lead climate negotiator who has attended all COPs, says a unified global South is up to the task.

He particularly stressed the need for an unwavering “focus on mitigation or actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions.” Stating that the Mitigation Work Programme is critical, as it is a process established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at COP26 to urgently scale up the ambition and implementation of efforts to mitigate climate change globally.

Sambou spoke about how COP30 differs from previous conferences, expectations from the global South, fossils fuels and climate financing, stressing that “as it was in Azerbaijan for COP29, Belem will be a ‘finance COP’ because climate financing is still the major hurdle. Negotiations will be tough, but I foresee a better outcome this time round.”

The Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T is expected to be released soon, outlining a framework by the COP 29 and COP 30 Presidencies for scaling climate finance for developing countries to at least USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

Unlike previous conferences, COP30 focuses on closing the ambition gap identified by the Global Stocktake, a periodic review that enables countries and other stakeholders, such as the private sector, to take inventory to assess the world’s collective progress in meeting its climate goals.

The first stocktake was completed at COP28 in 2023, revealing that current efforts are insufficient and the world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement. But while the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, set off on a high singular note when it entered into force in November 2016, that unity is today far from guaranteed.

Malang Sambou Manneh with She-Climate Fellows. Credit: Clean Earth Gambia/Facebook

Malang Sambou Manneh with She-Climate Fellows. Credit: Clean Earth Gambia/Facebook

Unlocking high-impact and sustainable climate action opportunities amidst geopolitical turbulence was always going to be difficult. Not only did President Donald Trump pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement, but he is now reenergized against climate programs and robustly in support of fossil fuels—and there are those who are listening to his message.

Sambou says while this stance “could impact the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, many more countries are in favor of renewable energy than against.”

“But energy issues are complex because fossil fuels have been a way of life for centuries, and developed countries leveraged fossil fuels to accelerate development. And then, developing countries also started discovering their oil and gas, but they are not to touch it to accelerate their own development and must instead shift to renewables. It is a complex situation.”

Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, famously described oil as a “gift from God” at COP29 to defend his country’s reliance on fossil fuels despite climate change concerns. This statement highlights the complexity of the situation, especially since it came only a year after the landmark COP28 hard-won UAE Consensus included the first explicit reference to “transitioning away from all fossil fuels in energy systems” in a COP agreement.

As a negotiator, Sambou says he is very much alive to these dynamics but advises that the global community “will not successfully counter fossil fuels by saying they are bad and harmful; we should do so through technology. By showcasing alternatives that work. This is an opportunity for the global South to take the lead and present best practices in renewables.”

And it seems there is evidence for his optimism. A recent report shows the uptake of renewables overtaking coal generation for the first time on record in the first half of 2025 and solar and wind outpacing the growth in demand.

This time around, the global south has its work cut out, as it will be expected to step up and provide much-needed leadership as Western leaders retreat to address pressing problems at home, defined by escalating economic crises, immigration issues, conflict, and social unrest.

It is in the developing world’s leadership that Sambou sees the opportunities—especially as scientific evidence mounts on the impacts of the climate crisis.

The World Meteorological Organization projects a continuation of record-high global temperatures, increasing climate risks and potentially marking the first five-year period, 2025-2029.

Sambou says all is not lost in light of the new and ambitious national climate action plans or the Nationally Determined Contributions.

This past September marked the deadline for a new set of these contributions, which will guide the COP30 talks. Every five years, the signatory governments to the Paris Agreement are requested to submit new national climate plans detailing more ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction and adaptation goals.

“Ambition has never been a problem; it is the lack of implementation that remains a most pressing issue. Action plans cannot be implemented without financing. This is why the ongoing political fragmentation is concerning, for if there was ever a time to stand unified, it is now. The survival of humanity depends on it,” he emphasizes.

“Rather than just setting new goals in Belém, this time around, we are better off pushing for a few scalable solutions, commitments that we can firmly hold ourselves accountable to, than 200 pages of outcomes that will never properly translate into climate action.”

Despite many competing challenges and a step forward, two steps backwards here and there, from the heart of the Amazon rainforest, COP30’s emphasis on the critical role of tropical forests and nature-based solutions is expected to significantly drive action for environmental and economic growth.

Note: This interview is published with the support of Open Society Foundations.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 


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From Diversity to Impact: The Power of Diversity Funding Facility Identifies Priority Opportunity Crops for Investment

Bonn, Germany, Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Horse gram from India and Nigeria’s ancient grain fonio are among the dazzling variety of opportunity crops singled out for special attention in the coming years by over 250 farmers, scientists and policymakers across seven countries. This marks the successful completion of the crucial first step in the work of the Power of Diversity Funding Facility, an ambitious global initiative launched by the Crop Trust earlier this year.

Backed by €10 million from Germany through KfW Development Bank and €2 million from Ireland via its Department of Foreign Affairs, the Funding Facility will promote the conservation, production and consumption of high–potential opportunity crops. These plants are resilient, nutrient–rich and deeply tied to local traditions – yet overlooked by research and investment. Until now.

Across the participating countries, national partners convened inclusive dialogues that brought together farmers, researchers and policymakers to decide which crops should take center stage. This process was supported by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, which brought to bear decades of expertise on neglected and underutilized crops, particularly in Africa.

  • Colombia – Agrosavia, supported by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, guided discussions that highlighted peach palm and chayote for their strong nutritional value and untapped market potential.
  • Nigeria – The National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) led a process that singled out fonio and pigeon pea, both recognized for their role in strengthening resilience and supporting food security in rural and urban diets alike.
  • Zambia – Experts and farmers convened by the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) chose cowpea and sorghum – crops able to withstand harsh conditions while still providing reliable nutrition.
  • Kenya – The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) coordinated a dialogue that elevated amaranth, valued for both its leaves and grains, and finger millet, praised for its versatility and cultural importance.
  • India – The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) brought together diverse voices that emphasized horse gram and yams – traditional staples now in need of renewed research attention.
  • Tanzania – The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), working with the Crop Trust’s BOLDER initiative, facilitated a broad consultation that identified finger millet, Bambara groundnut, moringa, sweetpotato (especially its leaves) and jute mallow as priority crops for both nutrition and resilience.
  • Uganda – Also in partnership with BOLDER, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) led a process that selected jackfruit, pearl millet, pumpkin, cowpea and amaranth for their contribution to diets today and their potential to expand economic opportunities for smallholders.

The next phase of the Power of Diversity Funding Facility will build on this momentum, says Nico Wilms–Posen, who coordinates the Funding Facility. Project activities will focus on securing the diversity of the selected crops in genebanks and ensuring it is available to breeders and farmers.

At the same time, the project will strengthen value chains by improving seed availability, conducting nutritional studies and engaging with consumers to promote these crops. Knowledge will also be shared with national policymakers to help give opportunity crops the recognition they deserve, within the partner countries and beyond.

“These crops were selected by those who know their farming and food systems best,” said Dr Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the Crop Trust. “By focusing on opportunity crops, we can meet the challenges facing tomorrow’s food systems. These crops can open economic opportunities for farmers and deliver benefits to communities now, while safeguarding the future of food.”

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About the Crop Trust
The Crop Trust is an international organization working to conserve crop diversity and thus protect global food and nutrition security. At the core of Crop Trust is an endowment fund dedicated to providing guaranteed long–term financial support to key genebanks worldwide. The Crop Trust supports the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and coordinates large–scale projects worldwide to secure crop diversity and make it available for use, globally forever and for the benefit of everyone. The Crop Trust is recognized as an essential element of the funding strategy of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Learn more at www.croptrust.org 

About the Power of Diversity Funding Facility
The Power of Diversity Funding Facility is a multi–donor initiative managed by the Crop Trust, dedicated to conserving, cultivating and promoting the consumption of relatively neglected opportunity crops across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Learn more: https://www.croptrust.org/what–we–do/projects/power–of–diversity–funding–facility/

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Axi Makes Waves at Money Expo Dubai 2025 with Cutting-Edge Products and Services

SYDNEY, Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Axi, a financial leader in online CFD and FX trading, participated in Money Expo Dubai 2025, held on October 6–7, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai.

Event attendees had the opportunity to explore the Axi brand and its products and latest innovations, including the Axi trading platform, how they can grow their IB and Affiliate business scoring exclusive deals available only during the event, discover how they can access up to $1M USD in funding through the broker’s flagship capital allocation program, Axi Select, and much more. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn more about the broker’s yearslong partnership with eight–time Premier League Champions, Man City, as well as snap exclusive photos with Man City memorabilia and the club’s mascots, brought in especially for the event. 

Per Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at Axi, what made the experience even more special was receiving the prestigious ‘Best Trading Experience’ award*. “We extend our appreciation to the event organisers for not only delivering a seamless conference experience yet again, but also for honouring us with the ‘Best Trading Experience’ award. This recognition reflects our continuous commitment to providing our traders and partners the ultimate trading experience.”

The latest recognition follows a series of notable achievements for Axi. The broker attended Forex Expo Dubai 2024 and was recognised with the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award*, as well as the ‘Most Reliable Broker’; ‘Broker of the Year’ and ‘Most Innovative Proprietary Trading Firm’ awards* from Finance Feeds, highlighting the broker’s forward–thinking ethos and its vision for the future of the trading industry.

To learn more about Axi, visit www.axi.com

About Axi

Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. This content may not be available in your region. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply.

For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: [email protected]

*Granted to the Axi Group of Companies.


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US Passport Power Plummets to Historic Low

LONDON, Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the first time since the Henley Passport Index was created 20 years ago, the United States is no longer ranked amongst the world’s Top 10 most powerful passports. Once unrivalled at No.1 in 2014, the American passport has now slumped to 12th place, tied with Malaysia, with visa–free access to only 180 of 227 destinations worldwide. The Asian trifecta of Singapore (access to 193 destinations visa–free), South Korea (190 destinations), and Japan (189) now occupy the top three spots on the index, powered by exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The decline of the US passport and its most recent drop from 10th to 12th position on the index has been driven by a series of access changes. The loss of visa–free access to Brazil in April due to a lack of reciprocity, and the US being left out of China’s rapidly expanding visa–free list, marked the start of its downward slide. This was followed by adjustments from Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, which further eroded the US score while boosting other passports. Most recently, Somalia’s launch of a new eVisa system and Vietnam’s decision to exclude the US from its latest visa–free additions delivered the final blow, pushing it out of the Top 10.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, says: “The declining strength of the US passport over the past decade is more than just a reshuffle in rankings — it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics. Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”

Similarly, the UK passport has fallen to its lowest–ever position on the index, slipping two places since July, from 6th to 8th place, despite also once holding the top spot (in 2015).

Visa Reciprocity Matters More

While American passport holders can currently access 180 destinations visa–free, the US itself allows only 46 other nationalities to enter without a visa. This puts it way down in 77th place on the Henley Openness Index, which ranks all 199 countries and territories worldwide according to the number of nationalities they permit entry to without a prior visa. 

This disparity between visa free access and openness is one of the widest globally — second only to Australia, and just ahead of Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. Annie Pforzheimer, Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, notes that America’s retreat is rooted in politics. “Even before a second Trump presidency, US policy had turned inward. That isolationist mindset is now being reflected in America’s loss of passport power.”

China’s Ascent: A Decade of Gains

In sharp contrast, China has been among the biggest climbers on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, leaping from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025, with its visa–free access score increasing by 37 destinations during that time.

On the Henley Openness Index, China has also risen dramatically, granting visa–free access to an additional 30 countries in the past year alone. It now sits in 65th position, providing entry to 76 nations — 30 more than the US.

Recent developments, including granting visa free access to Russia, underscore Beijing’s ongoing strategy of increased openness. China’s moves — alongside new agreements with the Gulf states, South America, and several European countries — are cementing its role as a global mobility powerhouse, bolstering the Asia–Pacific region’s dominance in travel freedom.

Dr. Tim Klatte, Partner at Grant Thornton China, highlights the geopolitical implications: “Trump’s return to power has bought fresh trade conflicts that weaken America’s mobility, while China’s strategic openness boosts its global influence. These diverging paths will reshape economic and travel dynamics worldwide.”

Americans Lead Global Rush for Second Citizenships

The decline in US passport power is fueling an unprecedented surge in demand for alternative residence and citizenship options. Henley & Partners data shows that Americans have become by far the largest group of applicants for investment migration programs in 2025. By the end of Q3, applications from US nationals were already 67% higher than the total for 2024, which itself recorded a 60% year–on–year increase.

Prof. Peter J. Spiro of Temple University Law School in Philadelphia says while US citizenship remains a valuable status, it’s no longer good enough as a standalone. “In coming years, more Americans will be acquiring additional citizenships in whatever way they can. Multiple citizenship is being normalized in American society. While it may be a bit of an exaggeration, as one social media poster recently put it, 'dual citizenship is the new American dream'.”

Read Full Press Release

Contact:
Sarah Nicklin
[email protected]
+27 72 464 8965


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