WISETECH GLOBAL ACQUIRE FRDM.AI - Invitation to meet WTG CEO

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

260722 - WiseTech to acquire FRDMai MEDIA RELEASE.pdf

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has today been advised by WiseTech Global of its acquisition of FRDM.ai, a company known for its AI-driven supply chain risk and compliance analysis. The move appears to reflect broader industry efforts to improve transparency, accountability and resilience across increasingly complex global supply chains.
 
The timing is notable. Geopolitical uncertainty, evolving regulatory frameworks and rising expectations around responsible sourcing are increasing compliance demands on businesses worldwide. Organisations are now required to demonstrate visibility not only across direct suppliers but also through multiple tiers of their supply chains. Verified compliance is shifting from a regulatory obligation to a core operational requirement that influences trade continuity, brand reputation, and customer confidence.
 
Recent policy developments underscore this trend. In the United States, the Department of Justice has established the Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement Section (GTCES) to investigate and prosecute import, trade, and related fraud offences. In Australia, the government has signalled plans to strengthen modern slavery legislation, including a proposed criminal offence for companies with annual consolidated revenue above $100 million that fail to prevent modern slavery within their supply chains. These initiatives indicate a growing expectation that organisations actively identify, monitor, and address risks across their supplier networks.
 
Insufficient supply chain visibility can lead to significant consequences, including shipment delays, reputational harm, and reduced commercial opportunities. Many businesses maintain reliable oversight only of Tier 1 suppliers, leaving potential compliance gaps when issues arise deeper within the supply chain.
 
In this context, FRDM.ai's capabilities are noteworthy. The platform offers extended supplier mapping into Tier 2 and Tier 3, continuous risk monitoring, and data-driven compliance insights. These functions support more accurate regulatory reporting and help organisations detect and mitigate risks before they escalate.
 
WiseTech Global has indicated that FRDM.ai's technology will be integrated into its existing systems to form "VerifyWise", an AI-enabled platform intended to verify identity, establish trust, and validate trade data across global supply chains. Drawing on datasets developed, accumulated, and licensed by both organisations, VerifyWise is positioned to provide a structured framework for responsible sourcing and compliance management.
 
Commenting on the acquisition, Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer of WiseTech Global, noted that WiseTech's Chief Innovation Officer, Richard White, has collaborated with FRDM.ai founder Justin Dillon for several months to bring the company into the WiseTech Group and accelerate VerifyWise development.

According to Zubin, the shared objective is to make it easier for organisations to proactively identify and address supply chain regulatory issues.
 
These themes of transparency, risk management and regional collaboration will also feature prominently at the upcoming Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference in Sydney. Supply chain conditions across both countries continue to shift, with capacity constraints, cost changes, and evolving border requirements prompting importers and exporters to plan further ahead and make more informed decisions. The shared challenges and opportunities across Australia and New Zealand highlight the value of a forum dedicated to practical solutions and strengthened supply chain resilience.
 
FTA, the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council (NZCOC) continue to play a pivotal role in advancing industry collaboration, thought leadership and practical solutions as organisations navigate an increasingly complex global trade environment. At a time when supply chain transparency, regulatory compliance and trusted trading relationships have become strategic imperatives, these forums provide an essential platform for informed discussion, knowledge sharing, and collective action. We look forward to welcoming Zubin and other industry leaders to this premier event as they help shape the future of resilient, transparent and compliant global supply chains.
 
MEDIA RELEASE - WiseTech Global to acquire FRDM.ai supply chain risk and compliance intelligence, to accelerate development of VerifyWise

LINKED-INInvitation from Zubin Appoo to meet delegates at the Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference

Key Dates

  • 26 August 2026 – APSA Annual General Meeting followed by the Welcome Function at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.
  • 27 August 2026 – Join us for the Gala Dinner at NSW Parliament House for a key networking event bringing together leaders and experts from across the sector
  • 27–28 August 2026 – Formal Conference bringing together senior industry and government leaders from across both nations and beyond

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