Brands
The Smurfs go global on TCL channel for 50 million viewers
SHENZHEN: TCL, the world’s second-largest TV brand, and Peyo Company have joined forces to bring the timeless charm of The Smurfs to millions of households around the globe.
With over 14 per cent market share and a free streaming platform boasting more than 50 million users, TCL Channel is set to broadcast the classic Smurf series in six languages: English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Arabic and Hindi. This makes 2026 a double celebration, marking both the 45th anniversary of the series and its worldwide availability on TCL CTVs.
TCL Channel head of business development Rebecca Wan said, “We are thrilled to welcome The Smurfs to our platform. This partnership strengthens our commitment to offering high-quality, family-friendly entertainment for our global audience. It’s a joy to bring such a beloved series to millions of homes at no cost.”
Peyo Company CCO audiovisual & music Nele De Wilde added, “This partnership kicks off our 45th anniversary celebrations. Since 1981, The Smurfs have enchanted families across generations. We are proud to continue sharing Peyo’s legacy with new audiences worldwide.”
The deal highlights TCL’s focus on delivering diverse, engaging content for children and families, while reinforcing its global reach in free streaming entertainment.
Brands
FSS names Anand Krishnamurthi head of global digital delivery
Tech veteran to drive AI-first, cloud-led transformation in payments globally
CHENNAI: Financial Software and Systems (FSS), an AI-first payment infrastructure company, has appointed Anand Krishnamurthi as head of global digital delivery.
In his new role, Anand Krishnamurthi will lead FSS’s global digital delivery capabilities, focusing on AI-first and cloud-led transformation while ensuring predictable, high-quality outcomes for customers worldwide. He will be based in Chennai and report to V. Balasubramanian, CEO of FSS.
Bringing 28 years of experience in technology and digital transformation across banking, capital markets, financial services, and insurance, Anand has held senior leadership positions at Cognizant and NuSummit. He is recognised for scaling multi-geography delivery teams, leading mission-critical platforms, and embedding AI-driven automation in complex, regulated environments.
“What drew me to FSS is its deep payments expertise, strong product DNA, and the scale at which its platforms power real-world financial ecosystems,” said Anand Krishnamurthi. “I aim to strengthen delivery predictability, execution rigor, and engineering quality, building empowered teams that deliver measurable customer outcomes. FSS has a unique opportunity to create real-time, AI-infused payments infrastructure that is resilient, secure, and globally scalable.”
V. Balasubramanian added, “Anand’s track record in leading multi-geography delivery programs and AI-first operating models makes him the ideal leader for FSS as we accelerate our AI-driven digital payments business. His leadership will help us raise the bar for outcomes globally.”
This appointment is part of FSS’s broader push to build an AI-powered, cloud-native delivery organisation capable of meeting the evolving needs of banks, fintechs, and financial institutions worldwide.
