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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by Palazzo Chigi on new initiatives announced by the European Commission to increase investments in defence

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    14 Febbraio 2025

    The Italian Government welcomes the announcement by the President of the European Commission regarding new initiatives aimed at increasing investments in defence, starting with the exclusion of these expenses from the Stability and Growth Pact, as Italy has long been requesting.

    This is a first, fundamental step in the right direction, which also needs to be followed by the creation of common financial instruments.

    The Italian Government is ready to work constructively with the EU institutions and the other Member States to achieve these important goals together, starting with the upcoming presentation of the EU defence white paper.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford managing agent fined for serious safety breaches in House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

    Source: City of Salford

    • Salford City Council inspection results in court action with a £6,600 fine, costs totalling £4,500 and a victim surcharge of £2,000. (Total cost £13,160)
    • Three offences of failing to comply with The Licensing and Management of a House in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006, of which the most serious relates to failure to ensure adequate fire escape routes
    • HMO landlords and managing agents in Salford advised to take immediate action to ensure their properties meet the required standards

    Salford based Student-Haus Limited pleaded guilty at Tameside Magistrates’ Court following action taken by Salford City Council after an inspection at the HMO where they were found  breaching critical safety regulations. 

    In failing to comply with The Licensing and Management of HMO Regulations 2006 following an inspection in November 2023 carried out by Salford City Council, Student-Haus Limited has been ordered to pay a £6,600 fine, £4,500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £2,000 (totalling £13,160).

    Student-Haus Limited was found guilty of three offences relating to fire safety breaches.

    The three offences included breaches of:

    1. Regulation 4(1)(b) – the manager must ensure that all means of escape from fire in the HMO are maintained in good order and repair.
    2. Regulation 7(1)(a) The manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in good and clean decorative repair.
    3. Regulation 7(1)(b) The manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in a safe and working condition.

    With its commitment to building a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all, Salford City Council strongly encourages landlords to take immediate action to ensure their properties meet the required standards, focusing on key compliance areas and adopting a proactive management approach. This will not only help in avoiding financial penalties but also in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants.

    Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty stated: “I’m pleased with this outcome, which clearly reinforces the importance that tenants deserve to live in safe and well managed properties. This action by the court and through civil penalty notices issued by the Council should be a warning to other landlords to check they are meeting all their obligations.

    “Negligent landlords who put tenants’ health and safety at risk have no excuse to abandon their legal duties. Residents of Salford living in HMOs can be assured that the council will take action against landlords and agents who don’t stick to the rules.”

    A HMO can be bedsit, shared house or flat occupied by more than one household and more than two people, with shared kitchens or bathrooms. If you are a landlord of an HMO you need to have a licence. Apply to Salford City Council for an HMO licence.

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    Date published
    Friday 14 February 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local businesses urged to take part in Freebie Fortnight

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Local small and medium-sized businesses can now apply to take part in a new city centre promotion designed to drive more people into the area – Freebie Fortnight.

    The promotion will run next month in co-ordination with local retail and hospitality businesses to boost city centre footfall, visitor numbers, and local spend.

    Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “I’d urge local eligible businesses – particularly those near the current construction works at Union Street Central and the new market building – to apply and take part in the Freebie Fortnight promotion.

    “This initiative will help towards providing a truly vibrant city centre which attracts locals, visitors, residents and tourists to the area.”

    Finance and Resources Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The Freebie Fortnight will be a help to local shops, cafes, and restaurants, in the city centre to further develop and diversify their offering to customers while taking part in a fun promotion.

    “Shifts in consumer behaviour, pandemic recovery, and rising energy and living costs have all had an impact on why and how often people visit their local high street. Promotions such as Freebie Fortnight will help to attract people into the city centre.”

    The Freebie Fortnight is to take place from 10 March to 23 March, dates which would avoid existing key events such as Aberdeen Restaurant Week and Mother’s Day.

    Each retailer will be asked to select an in-store offering of value up to either £5 or £10, to be made available to a set number of customers per day over the period, for free. Customers will need to use a verbal code to access the offering.

    The expectation around free in-store offerings, for up to £5, could be a hot drink or baked good for example. For up to £10, could be a lunch deal with soft drink in a restaurant, or a free gift in a retail setting. Participating businesses will have an opportunity to devise their own deal based on stock and deliverability.

    A variety of offerings will be ensured, from ‘grab and go’ options which may attract workers and commuters, to sit-down or browsing options which may attract visitors and increase dwell time spent in the city centre.

    Customers will be required to use a verbal code to access the offering will avoid cannibalisation of regular sales for the participating business. There is also the likelihood of additional spend, with customers purchasing extra items to ‘complement’ the free offering, ie a cake with a coffee. In a retail setting, it will be suggested that the free offering is attached to a minimum spend, ie customers spending £10 will receive a £10 voucher to spend next time they return.

    There will be a supporting marketing campaign to accompany the ‘Freebie Fortnight’ for participating retailers alongside support from Aberdeen Inspired, Business Gateway, Opportunity North East, Our Union Street, and the Federation of Small Businesses. 

    There will be a particular emphasis on targeting businesses near the current construction works at Union Street Central and the new market building.

    It is expected that funding will support up to 20 businesses to take part, and criteria will be set around these being local SMEs, with fewer than three stores, rather than national chains. Care will be taken to ensure that the participating businesses are representative of multiple sectors.

    Funding from UK Government administered by Aberdeen City Council will meet the cost of the promotion by reimbursing each participating business.

    The deadline to apply is 21 February or once all funds have been allocated. More information and how to apply is at Freebie Fortnight | Aberdeen City Council

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 14 February 2025 Departmental update Guiding maternal and perinatal health research during global pandemics

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP) have a new plan to enhance the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies in the wake of infectious disease outbreaks.

    In the last few decades, the world has continuously grappled with epidemics of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza; mosquito-borne viral diseases including Zika and Oropouche; and haemorrhagic fevers including Ebola and Marburg virus disease and mpox. These epidemics have significantly impacted women and their babies. However, it is important to know more about how disease outbreaks affect these populations in order to create informed policies, as well as clinical guidance for effective prevention and treatment. 

    The newly launched Roadmap for research on maternal and perinatal health in the context of epidemic threats provides a comprehensive strategy to address the unique challenges pregnant women and babies face during epidemics. The Roadmap seeks to fill gaps in what we know by fostering thorough research, the sharing of findings and by delivering actionable solutions to improve outcomes for women and their babies during health emergencies.

    The Roadmap is grounded in a vision of a world where every pregnant woman and baby, no matter where they live or their economic situation, receives the highest standard of care during and after pregnancy – even in the most challenging of times.

    Four key areas for action

    The Roadmap calls on a wide range of stakeholders – including researchers, policymakers, health workers, international organizations and community advocates – to join forces in four main strategic areas:

    • improve coordination and collaboration: streamlining global research efforts to ensure effective use of resources, enhance surveillance, and share knowledge;
    • advocate for change: raising awareness, securing funding and partnerships to prioritize the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies during epidemics;
    • build research and surveillance capacity: enhancing skills, tools and infrastructure to better study how epidemics impact pregnant women and their babies, and generate high-quality evidence – including through standardized outcome measurement; and
    • optimize timely use of evidence: by disseminating and encouraging wide accessibility and use of scientific knowledge by policymakers, health workers, researchers and women themselves.

    The development of this Roadmap followed a rigorous, systematic process, including comprehensive analyses of existing maternal and perinatal health research, and several consultative meetings with a wide range of stakeholders.

    WHO and HRP work to generate the evidence needed to better understand the effects of epidemics on women’s health, women’s perceptions and needs, and to improve relevant health system responses. Guided by this Roadmap, and in strong collaboration with all stakeholders, they will advance research, offer technical support to countries and develop guidance so that sexual and reproductive health services can be prioritized when emergencies occur.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s, minister’s, parliamentary secretary’s, MLA’s statements on the Women’s Memorial March

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in honour of the annual Women’s Memorial March:

    “Today, hundreds of people will come together on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to honour and advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people. They will walk through the streets, pausing where the missing and murdered were last seen or found. They will remember, mourn and call for an end to racism, inequity and gender-based violence.

    “Our government stands with survivors, supporters and the loved ones left behind – and we are answering their call.

    “We are taking action to end the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people by working in partnership with Indigenous people to increase safety and supports for survivors, uplift Indigenous-led approaches and break the cycle of violence through prevention, healing and accountability.

    “It is fitting that the Women’s Memorial March is on Valentine’s Day. Everyone we have lost was deeply loved by their family, friends and community. In memory of all missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people, we recommit to ending racism and gender-based violence so everyone in B.C. can enjoy a lifetime of love without the risk of being harmed just because of who they are.”

    Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said:

    “On Jan. 20, 1992, Cheryl Ann Joe, a 26-year-old mother of three young boys, was murdered in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The Women’s Memorial March sparked by her death has grown to become about every missing and murdered Indigenous woman, girl, Two Spirit and trans person. It is a call to action to end gender-based violence and we are committed to supporting and leading that work in every way we can.”

    Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

    “Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people have the right to feel and be safe, and yet they are at greater risk of violence. Today, and every day, we grieve for those who are missing and those whose lives have been stolen. Through Safe and Supported: B.C.’s gender-based violence action plan, we are continuing the vital work to address gender-based violence, systemic racism and discrimination.”

    Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, said:

    “For 33 years, the grassroots efforts of community members have brought us together on Feb. 14 to acknowledge violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people. We walk together to honour those who have been murdered or went missing, and survivors and their families. We need to continue working together as government to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence and racism so that every Indigenous woman, girl, Two Spirit and trans person feels safe.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Exploring New Opportunities in Vietnam and Singapore

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 14, 2025

    Mission focuses on natural resources, agriculture, education and more.

     Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding is leading a delegation to Vietnam and Singapore to maintain and grow trade opportunities, increase investment attraction, encourage collaboration in higher education, and showcase Saskatchewan’s capacity to support nations around the world to meet food and energy security needs. A portion of the mission will also be dedicated to labour and immigration recruitment efforts.

    “Vietnam and Singapore are two vitally important markets for Saskatchewan as we continue to build relationships abroad,” Minister Kaeding said. “The ASEAN region is an area where we’ve seen rapid growth, and we want to continue to build on that positive momentum. Strengthening international trade relationships and diversifying our export markets are more important than ever as we look to promote our sustainable food and energy security to the world.”

    The mission will cover many of Saskatchewan’s main sectors, including mining, critical minerals, energy, and agri-value.

    One of the highlights of the mission will be attending the Canada in Asia Conference. The conference brings together key stakeholders and decision makers from across Canada and Asia for discussions and sessions on agri-foods, food security, clean technology, and energy transitions.

    Provincial exports to the ASEAN region totaled $1.5 billion in 2024. Of that, $130.6 million and $10.3 million worth of goods were exported to Vietnam and Singapore respectively.
    Saskatchewan currently operates trade and investment offices in both Vietnam and Singapore. Saskatchewan’s trade offices work with industry partners and support the province’s engagement efforts across the ASEAN region.

    Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.
    For more information visit: InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Related Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced for drug-related charges in the Northern District of West Virginia.

    Jo-El Torres, 40, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    During a traffic stop in Clarksburg, West Virginia, a K9 officer positively alerted for the presence of drugs in a vehicle occupied by Torres. Torres was directed to exit the vehicle. At that point, Torres attempted to swallow a bag and its contents. Officers were able to subdue him and retrieve the bag. Subsequent lab tests confirmed that the bag contained fentanyl and other drugs.  This is the third federal drug conviction for Torres.

    Torres will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The matter was investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA funded initiative; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; the Clarksburg Police Department; and the West Virginia State Police.

    U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Convicted in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Case Receives Sentence in Federal Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Elijah D. Brown, 24, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Brown was sentenced to 63 months in prison, to run consecutive to a 42-month federal prison sentence he is currently serving for illegal possession of a machine gun, for a total of 105 months (8 years, 9 months) in prison. In addition, Brown was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,254,790.

    In April 2024, a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned an indictment charging 21 defendants in connection with a federal bank fraud case in the Shreveport area. All of those defendants have now entered guilty pleas or entered into pretrial diversion agreements. A summary of the 20 remaining defendants and their status is as follows:

    Defendant Name

    Conviction/Sentence

    Destane Glass, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/25

    Sharmaine Jackson, 26,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 6/5/2025

    ZarRajah Z. Watkins, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 4/24/2025

    Arazhia R. Gully, 24,

    Bossier City, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 2/20/2025

    Eric D. Loud, 24,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/20/2025

    Maya L. Green, 24,

    Bossier City, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Olivia M. Deboe, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation and ordered to pay $34,261.81 in restitution

    Donte N. Larrimore, 24,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation

    Shamaya S. Pouncy, 27,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 9 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,317.50

    Precious Wilbert, 25,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years of supervised probation

    Cynthia R. Bryant, 22,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 4/10/2025

    Trameka McGinty, 25,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Shaquentalas B. McGinty,

    26, Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 6/5/25

    Javonte J. Lejay, 28,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Octavia L. Mitchell, 33,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/20/2025

    Shmarrian J. Taylor, 27,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Rakeydra S. Shepherd, 28,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to possession of a counterfeit security
    • Sentencing set for 2/20/2025

    Tina Marie Bryant, 43,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    Lakysa S. Barfield, 26,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    Kyra D. Washington-Bates,

    24, Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    This scheme to defraud began in January 2021 and continued through October 31, 2022. The defendants admitted to their involvement in the conspiracy to defraud banks including USAA Savings Bank (“USAA Bank”), Navy Federal Credit Union, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Barksdale Federal Credit Union and Bank of America. 

    Arazhiah Gully, Maya Green and ZarRajah Watkins worked at Teleperformance, a multinational company that provided business services including a call center in Shreveport. The call center provided customer service to USAA Bank. Gully, Green and Watkins all had access to USAA Bank customer information including names of customers, their ages, account balances, and account numbers. These three defendants admitted to conspiring with Destane Glass, Elijah Brown, Sharmaine Jackson, and others to defraud USAA Bank. Gully, Green and Watkins improperly obtained account holder information so that it could be used by others to create counterfeit USAA Bank checks, and they were paid to provide the account information. Counterfeit checks traced to accounts that these defendants accessed totaled over $4 million.

    Glass, Brown and Jackson used social media and other methods to recruit individuals in the Shreveport area with bank accounts to use their accounts to deposit the counterfeit checks to make money. The co-defendants involved in the scheme would open accounts at various financial institutions under their own names and then provide their access cards and login information to other co-defendants. Counterfeit checks were then provided to these co-defendants to be deposited into their own personal bank accounts, and they were instructed to withdraw the funds in various ways, including making withdrawals at local casinos, through ATMs, Apple Cash payments, and PayPal payments. After withdrawing the money, the defendants would meet Glass, Brown, Jackson and other co-defendants in various places, including casino parking lots, and give the funds to them, with a portion of the proceeds going to the one who made the withdrawal. Activity in the casinos were captured by the surveillance cameras at those locations which helped solve the case. The counterfeit checks that were deposited were in varying amounts ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. 

    “The defendants involved in this conspiracy shamelessly targeted vulnerable elderly victims, stealing their personal identifying and bank account information and using it to take advantage of them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “We urge everyone to make a habit of checking your bank accounts regularly to avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud. If you see suspicious transactions, report it to your bank immediately.”

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and Shreveport Police Department and was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: El Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – An El Salvadoran national living in Methuen, Mass. pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to illegal reentry.

    Agustin Landaverde-Romero, 57, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S.  District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2025. Landaverde-Romero was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.

    On or about July 13, 2020, Landaverde-Romero was found in the United States without having received express consent of the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Landaverde-Romero was previously removed to El Salvador on Oct. 7, 1999.  

    The charge of illegal reentry provides for sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of an imposed sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Estonian Nationals Plead Guilty in $577 Million Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Scheme Victimized Hundreds of Thousands of People in United States and Abroad 

    Two Estonian nationals pleaded guilty yesterday for their operation of a massive, multi-faceted cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that victimized hundreds of thousands of people from across the world, including in the United States. As part of the defendants’ guilty pleas, they agreed to forfeit assets valued over $400 million obtained during the conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin, both 40, sold contracts to customers entitling them to a share of cryptocurrency mined by the defendants’ purported cryptocurrency mining service, HashFlare. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of using computers to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, for profit.

    Between 2015 and 2019, Hashflare’s sales totaled more than $577 million, but HashFlare did not possess the requisite computing capacity to perform the vast majority of the mining the defendants told HashFlare customers it performed. HashFlare’s web-based dashboard, which purported to show customers their mining profits, instead reflected falsified data. Potapenko and Turõgin used the proceeds of the fraud conspiracy to purchase real estate and luxury vehicles and maintained investment and cryptocurrency accounts. Potapenko and Turõgin have agreed to forfeit assets worth, as of the date of the plea, more than $400 million. The forfeited assets will be available for a remission process to compensate victims of the crime. Details about the remission process will be announced at a later date.

    Potapenko and Turõgin each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 8 and each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Justice Department thanks the Cybercrime Bureau of the Estonian Police and Border Guard for its support with this investigation. The Estonian Prosecutor General and Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs provided substantial assistance with the extradition. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided extensive assistance to the investigation and the extradition of the defendants.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington, Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Seattle Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Adrienne E. Rosen and David Ginensky of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Friedman and Sok Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jehiel Baer for the Western District of Washington is handling asset forfeiture aspects of the case.

    Individuals who believe they may have been a victim in this case should visit www.fbi.gov/hashflare.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.5 (EPT/RI)- Amendment of Dowlais Group plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI) Amendment

    Amendment Section 2(a)

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
    Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)        Name of exempt principal trader: Investec Bank plc
    (b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Dowlais Group Plc        
    (c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Investec is Broker to Dowlais Group Plc
    (d)        Date dealing undertaken: 05th February 2025
    (e)        In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to this offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received Lowest price per unit paid/received

    Ordinary shares

    Purchases

    1,501,500

    69.575

    68.75

    Ordinary shares

    Sales

    1,343,410

    69.6

    68.75

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
    N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    N/A N/A N/A N/A

    3.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None
    Date of disclosure: 14thFebruary 2025
    Contact name: Priyali Bhattacharjee
    Telephone number: +91 9768034903

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Goldmoney Inc. Reports Results for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024; Announces Restatement of 2024 audited comparative Financial Statements

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Goldmoney Inc. (TSX:XAU) (US:XAUMF) (“Goldmoney” or the “Company”) today announced financial results for the fiscal 2025 third quarter period ended December 31, 2024. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

    Financial statements are available online at Sedar+ www.sedarplus.ca.

    Financial Highlights

    • Group Tangible Capital of $138.8 million, an increase of 2.6% QoQ
    • Group Tangible Capital per Share of $10.40, an increase of 1.4% QoQ
    • Group Tangible Capital per Share excluding MENE of $9.45 per share, an increase of 1.6% QoQ
    • Adjusted Net Income of $3.9 million, a decrease of 11.2% QoQ

    Quarterly Performance Metrics Table

      Q3 Q2   Q1   Q4   Q3   Q2 Q1   Q4  
    Key Performance Metrics (Balance Sheet)      
    Shares outstanding 13,348 13,182   13,060   13,137   13,449   13,777 13,926   13,996  
    Shareholder equity 152,487 149,026   147,984   141,178   173,761   172,602 173,224   172,123  
    Tangible equity inclusive of MENE 138,832 135,299   133,780   126,100   147,078   143,019 143,475   142,203  
    Tangible equity exclusive of MENE 126,164 122,631   113,217   105,457   113,059   108,396 108,756   107,599  
    Tangible equity per share ($CAD) 10.40 10.26   10.24   9.60   10.94   10.38 10.30   10.16  
    Tangible equity per share exclusive of MENE 9.45 9.30   8.67   8.03   8.41   7.87 7.81   7.69  
    Key Performance Metrics (Operational)      
    Net income (loss) 2,891 (3,896 ) 5,132   (32,095 ) 6,005   2,009 1,995   (4,050 )
    Total comprehensive income (loss) 2,628 792   6,077   (30,640 ) 7,391   627 1,651   (4,053 )
    Adjustments for revaluations, FX, stock
    compensation, and non-cash items    		 1,246 3,569   550   34,857   (1,350 ) 2,310 1,903   7,020  
    Non-IFRS adjusted net income 3,874 4,361   6,627   4,217   6,040   2,937 3,554   2,966  
    Key Performance Metrics (Earnings per Share)      
    Basic earnings (loss) per share 0.22 (0.29 ) 0.39   (2.42 ) 0.44   0.15 0.14   (0.27 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share 0.22 (0.29 ) 0.38   (2.42 ) 0.44   0.14 0.14   (0.27 )
    Non-IFRS adjusted net income per share 0.29 0.33   0.51   0.32   0.45   0.21 0.26   0.21  
                                 

    Financial Statement Restatement

    Goldmoney also announces the restatement of previously issued financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (the “Restatement”).

    Since the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Goldmoney.com was founded, client cash and client precious metals had been treated as an off-balance sheet item and clearly disclosed as such in the Notes to the Company’s audited annual financial statements. The Restatement recognizes and presents client cash within Goldmoney.com on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with a corresponding liability. This has been presented in prior years as a line item separate from the Company’s cash and cash equivalents. Consequently, the March 31, 2024, audited consolidated financial statements have been restated to capture this change in presentation, along with the related management’s discussion and analysis, and the 2024 Annual Information Form (collectively, the “Restatement Package”). This restated accounting presentation for client cash has also been reflected in the Company’s December 31, 2024, unaudited interim financial statements. There has been no impact to the Company’s financial statement presentation of historic equity or earnings as a result of this restatement.

    The Restatement has been approved by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Audit Committee and management in connection with a review of its historic accounting treatment of client cash as off-balance sheet assets. Management considers these restatements to result from a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting, and accordingly has implemented measures to address this weakness. As described in the restated annual information form and other public disclosure, Goldmoney Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary Goldmoney.com operates an online platform which provides clients with access to purchase and sell precious metals, and to arrange for custody and storage in accordance with the terms of a standard-form client agreement available on the Goldmoney website (the “Client Agreement”). Cash balances used to settle purchases and sales are held in Company bank accounts.

    Shareholders and users of Goldmoney’s financial statements should note that the Restatement is not a result of any change to its operations, business or financial operating performance for the restated periods. The Company continues to hold customer cash on behalf of its clients in accordance with and in full compliance with all of the terms of the Client Agreement.

    The Restatement Documents have been filed at Sedar+ www.sedarplus.ca with the unaudited interim financial statements for the three- and nine-month period ended December 31, 2024, with restated unaudited comparative interim financial statements the three- and nine-month period ended December 31, 2023.

    The effect of the restatement on the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position and condensed consolidated interim statements of cash flows for the periods ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 are as follows:

                 
    Effect on Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position        
                 
    As at June 30, 2024   Previously
    Reported
    ($)    		   Adjustment
    ($)    		   Restated
    ($)
                 
    Client cash   –     61,472,682   61,472,682  
    Total assets   193,484,934     61,472,682   254,957,616  
                 
    Client liabilities   –     61,472,682   61,472,682  
    Total liabilities   45,500,586     61,472,682   106,973,268  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   193,484,934     61,472,682   254,957,616  
                 
    As at September 30, 2024   Previously
    Reported
    ($)    		   Adjustment
    ($)    		   Restated
    ($)
                 
    Client cash   –     67,446,073   67,446,073  
    Total assets   195,538,391     67,446,073   262,984,464  
                 
    Client liabilities   –     67,446,073   67,446,073  
    Total liabilities   46,512,066     67,446,073   113,958,139  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   195,538,391     67,446,073   262,984,464  
                 
    Effect on Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows        
                 
                 
    For the three month period ended June 30, 2024   Previously
    Reported
    ($)    		   Adjustment
    ($)    		   Restated
    ($)
                 
    Net cash provided by operating activities   7,683,278     2,859,508   10,542,786  
    Net cash used in investing activities   (6,963,178 )   –   (6,963,178 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (1,328,262 )   –   (1,328,262 )
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents and client cash   (608,162 )   2,859,508   2,251,346  
                 
    For the three month period ended September 30, 2024   Previously
    Reported
    ($)    		   Adjustment
    ($)    		   Restated
    ($)
                 
    Net cash provided by operating activities   4,726,457     5,973,391   10,699,848  
    Net cash used in investing activities   (6,793,363 )   –   (6,793,363 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (1,640,059 )   –   (1,640,059 )
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents and client cash   (3,706,965 )   5,973,391   2,266,426  
                     
    For the six month period ended September 30, 2024   Previously
    Reported
    ($)    		   Adjustment
    ($)    		   Restated
    ($)
                 
    Net cash provided by operating activities   12,409,735     8,832,899   21,242,634  
    Net cash used in investing activities   (13,756,541 )   –   (13,756,541 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (2,968,321 )   –   (2,968,321 )
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents and client cash   (4,315,127 )   8,832,899   4,517,772  
                 

    About Goldmoney Inc.

    Founded in 2001, Goldmoney (TSX:XAU) is a TSX listed company invested in the real economy. The leading custodians and traders of precious metals, Goldmoney Inc. also owns and operates businesses in jewelry manufacturing and property investment. For more information about Goldmoney, visit goldmoney.com.

    Financial Information and IFRS Standards

    The selected financial information included in this release is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read together with, the Company’s amended and restated consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards (“IFRS”) and the corresponding restated management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”), which are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Non-IFRS Measures

    This news release contains non-IFRS financial measures; the Company believes that these measures provide investors with useful supplemental information about the financial performance of its business, enable comparison of financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in operating its business. Although management believes these financial measures are important in evaluating the Company’s performance, they are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures used by other companies. For certain non-IFRS financial measures, there are no directly comparable amounts under IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be viewed as alternatives to measures of financial performance determined in accordance with IFRS. Moreover, presentation of certain of these measures is provided for year-over-year comparison purposes, and investors should be cautioned that the effect of the adjustments thereto provided herein have an actual effect on the Company’s operating results.

    Tangible Capital is a non-IFRS measure. This figure excludes from total shareholder equity (i) intangibles, and (ii) goodwill, and is useful to demonstrate the tangible capital employed by the business.

    Non-IFRS Adjusted Net Income is a non-IFRS measure, defined as total comprehensive income (loss) adjusted for non-cash and non-core items which include, but is not limited to, revaluation of precious metal inventories, fair value movements, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange fluctuations and gains and losses on investments.

    For a full reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures used herein to their nearest IFRS equivalents, please see the section entitled “Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended March 31, 2024.

    Media and Investor Relations inquiries:

    Sean Ty
    Chief Financial Officer
    Goldmoney Inc.
    +1 647 250 7098

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains or refers to certain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can often be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “may”, “potential” and “will” or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. All information other than information regarding historical fact, which addresses activities, events or developments that the Goldmoney Inc. believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information does not constitute historical fact but reflects the current expectations the Company regarding future results or events based on information that is currently available. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information will not occur. Such forward-looking information in this release speak only as of the date hereof.

    Forward-looking information in this release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: financial performance and growth of the Company’s business; expected results of operations, the market for the Company’s products and services and competitive conditions; the establishment of a real estate investment strategy and the success of the Company’s real estate portfolio; the expected value and return on investment in the Company’s real estate acquisitions, and the properties described herein (the “Properties”) in particular, the ability of the current tenants on the Properties to meet their rental obligations, the future state of the Properties and the environment surrounding it, the ability of the Company to maintain and service the indebtedness incurred to acquire the properties, including any future refinancings, the ability of the Company to redevelop the properties as anticipated and, in general, return value from the Properties to shareholders; and the basis for the Restatement. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: the Company’s operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; fluctuations in the market price of the Company’s common shares; the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Company and the industry; legal and regulatory change and uncertainty; jurisdictional factors associated with international operations; foreign restrictions on the Company’s operations; product development and rapid technological change; dependence on technical infrastructure; protection of intellectual property; use and storage of personal information and compliance with privacy laws; network security risks; risk of system failure or inadequacy; the Company’s ability to manage rapid growth; competition; the ability to identify opportunities for growth internally and through acquisitions and strategic relationships on terms which are economic or at all; the ability to identify and complete the acquisition of suitable real estate investment opportunities on terms which are economic or at all; the global inflationary environment and its effect on real estate prices, interest rates, and the Properties in particular; the ability of the Company to integrate the Properties into its current operations; the anticipated value and income growth in connection with the Properties; the ability to maintain current and procure future commercial tenants for the Properties; the surrounding environment and infrastructure of the Properties remaining suitable; the ability to redevelop the Properties on terms which are economic or at all; the anticipated variable interest rate for the loan used to finance the acquisition of the Properties, and the effect on this interest rate from the SONIA as set by the Bank of England; the ability to successfully develop and manage the Company’s real estate portfolio; the risks of concentration of the Company’s real estate portfolio in the United Kingdom; effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal controls; use of the Company’s services for improper or illegal purposes; uninsured and underinsured losses; theft & risk of physical harm to personnel; precious metal trading risks; and volatility of precious metals prices & public interest in precious metals investment; the potential that additional restatements of the financial statements will be required; the impact on the Company’s reputation and customer relation in respect of the Restatement; risks associated with regulatory reviews and investigations; risks that the Restatement or any future required restatement may negatively affect the Company’s financial condition or result in additional liabilities; the potential impact on investor confidence, market perception, and the Company’s reputation in respect of the Restatement; risks related to maintaining adequate liquidity and access to capital while resolving restatement matters; and those risks set out in the Company’s most recently filed annual information form, available on SEDAR. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hashdex Announces Launch of Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (Ticker: NCIQ), Offering US Investors Exposure to Bitcoin and Ether Through a Single Product

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Product structured to provide crypto asset exposure by tracking the Nasdaq Crypto US™ Index (NCIUS™), a benchmark for institutional investment in certain market-leading crypto assets

    Hashdex and Nasdaq Global Indexes continue to be at the forefront of crypto index product innovation, offering investors and wealth managers access to the first multi-asset spot crypto ETP in the United States

    New York, February 14, 2025 – Hashdex Asset Management Ltd. (“Hashdex”), a leading global crypto-focused asset manager, and Nasdaq Global Indexes, which has been creating innovative, transparent indexes for more than 50 years, today announced the launch of the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (the “Product” or “NCIQ”) [Ticker: NCIQ], the first multi-asset spot crypto exchange traded product (“ETP”) available to U.S. investors. The Product, which is now trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market® under ticker NCIQ, currently offers exposure to both spot bitcoin (“BTC”) and ether (“ETH”). NCIQ’s management fee is contractually set at 0.25% per annum of the daily net asset value (“NAV”) of the Product through the end of 2025, and then 0.50% thereafter.

    The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF provides U.S. investors with direct access to the two leading crypto assets by trading volume in the U.S., currently with a combined market capitalization of over $2.3 trillion,1 all through one tradeable product. NCIQ tracks the Nasdaq Crypto US™ Index (“NCIUS”), which was co-developed by Nasdaq Global Indexes and Hashdex to measure the performance of a material portion of the overall crypto asset market by investing in the index constituents. The NCIUS is based on strict criteria like liquidity, market capitalization, and regulatory compliance. Currently, only bitcoin and ether are eligible for inclusion in the NCIUS. The launch of NCIQ builds on Hashdex’s track record of innovation and global market leadership in crypto index-based products, with the firm currently managing the largest multi-asset crypto ETP in Europe2 and the largest ETF in Latin America.3

    “Since our founding, Hashdex has held the belief that a basket of crypto assets offers multiple benefits and is a great way for many investors to participate in the crypto ecosystem. Until today, U.S. investors have been forced to either purchase coins directly or invest in single-asset vehicles,” said Marcelo Sampaio, Co-Founder and CEO of Hashdex. “Now, with the launch of NCIQ, we are proud to deliver a familiar and readily tradeable U.S.-based product that provides seamless exposure to bitcoin and ether. Alongside our partners at Nasdaq Global Indexes, we are thrilled to take this exciting step in bringing our expertise in crypto index and crypto index-based products to U.S. investors, and we look forward to continuing to deliver innovative crypto index products as the industry and regulatory landscape further evolves.”

    The launch of NCIQ marks an important milestone in the U.S. crypto market and continues the long-term partnership between Hashdex and Nasdaq Global Indexes. Hashdex and Nasdaq Global Indexes have been among the pioneers in developing crypto index and index-based products since 2021.

    “Nasdaq Global Indexes and Hashdex share a mission of advancing crypto asset indexes and financial vehicles to meet the ever-growing demand from investors looking for access to the rapidly evolving crypto sector,” said Cameron Lilja, Vice President and Global Head of Index Product and Operations, Nasdaq Global Indexes. “Nasdaq Crypto™ Indexes offer a standardized approach to capturing the performance of a material portion of the overall crypto asset market, serving as a guidepost in the dynamic crypto asset landscape. Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in bringing a rules-based methodology-driven benchmark to US investors, adding to comparable products in Europe and Latin America.”

    Hashdex serves as the sponsor for NCIQ. Paralel Distributors LLC serves as marketing agent, and Coinbase Custody and BitGo Trust serve as crypto asset custodians. Nasdaq serves as the index administrator and listing venue. The fund administrator is U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

    “With interest in crypto asset ETFs continuing to grow, reaching over $120 billion in U.S. AUM alone4, we believe that what investors really need is an easy, passive way to invest in a product that is constantly evolving to capture the latest trends in the broader crypto market. With a structure similar to traditional index products, NCIQ offers investors a multi-asset investment approach that is proven, familiar, and readily tradeable,” said Samir Kerbage, CIO at Hashdex. “As the crypto market continues to develop, we expect there to be ongoing volatility with newer coins that disrupt the market share of bitcoin, ether and other dominant assets, and we expect index-based products will enable wealth managers and investors to benefit from the growth of the rapidly changing sector without needing to be actively managing single asset crypto exposure.”

    Hashdex has no role in maintaining, calculating or publishing NCIUS.

    A registration statement (including a prospectus) has been filed with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates and can be found here: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2031069/000121390025013738/ea0209567-10.htm. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents that have been filed with the SEC for more complete information about NCIQ and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Hashdex will arrange to send you the prospectus, if you request it by calling toll-free 917-525-5635.

    About Hashdex
    Hashdex is a global pioneer in crypto asset management. The firm’s mission is to provide educational resources and best-in-class products that advance its efforts to help open the crypto ecosystem to investors around the world. Hashdex co-developed the Nasdaq Crypto™ Index (NCI™) with Nasdaq to provide global investors with a reliable benchmark for the crypto asset class. In 2021, Hashdex introduced the world’s first crypto ETF5 and other innovative products, enabling over 350,000 investors to simply and securely add crypto to their portfolios. Since 2018, Hashdex has established itself as a global leader in crypto index ETFs, helping to pave the way for crypto’s mainstream adoption across eight countries. Hashdex currently offers 4 index products tracking the global version of the NCI™, including the largest multi-asset crypto ETF in the world.6 Additionally, the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Europe ETP (“HASH”) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETP in Europe and recently won ETF Stream’s Digital Asset ETP of the year award.7 The firm’s total AUM across its range of products is more than $1.3 billion.8

    Hashdex Media Contacts:
    Kendal Till/Josh Gerth
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    Hashdex@DLPR.com

    Legal Disclaimer

    Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing.

    Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The Product, an exchange traded product, is not an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). Shares of the Product are not subject to the same regulations and protections as 1940 Act registered ETFs and mutual funds.

    Shares of the Product are bought and sold at a market price, not at net asset value. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

    This material expresses the opinion of Hashdex Group and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Hashdex”) for informational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs of any one investor or a particular group of investors. Certain opinions and viewpoints expressed may reflect personal views of the authors and not necessarily those of Hashdex. We recommend consulting specialized professionals for investment decisions. Investors are advised to carefully read the prospectus or regulations before investing in their products. The information and conclusions contained in this material may be changed at any time, without prior notice. Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer, solicitation or recommendation regarding any investment management product or service. This information is not directed at or intended for distribution to or use by any person or entity located in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation or which would subject Hashdex to any registration or licensing requirements within such jurisdiction.

    Important Risks

    Investment in any investment vehicle and cryptoassets is highly speculative and is not intended as a complete investment program. It is designed only for sophisticated persons who can bear the economic risk of the loss of their entire investment and who have limited need for liquidity in their investment. There can be no assurance that the investment vehicle will achieve its investment objective or return any capital. No guarantee or representation is made that Hashdex’s investment strategy, including, without limitation, its business and investment objectives, diversification strategies or risk monitoring goals, will be successful, and investment results may vary substantially over time. Nothing herein is intended to imply that the Hashdex investment methodology or that investing in any of the Product or crypto assets referenced herein may be considered “conservative,” “safe,” “risk free,” or “risk averse.”

    Certain information contained herein (including financial information) has been obtained from published and non-published sources. Such information has not been independently verified by Hashdex. Hashdex does not provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” “believe” and “seek” (or the negatives thereof) or other variations thereof. Due to various risks and uncertainties, including those discussed above, actual events or results, the ultimate business or activities of Hashdex and its investment vehicles or the actual performance of Hashdex, its investment vehicles, or crypto assets may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. As a result, investors should not rely on such forward- looking statements in making their investment decisions. No governmental authority has opined on the merits of Hashdex’s investment vehicles or the adequacy of the information contained herein.

    This material is not an offer or solicitation of any kind to buy or sell any securities outside of the United States of America.

    Product Risks

    An investment in the Product involves significant risks and you could incur a partial or total loss of your investment in the Product.

    Crypto assets generally are volatile, and instruments whose underlying investments include crypto assets are not suitable for all investors. Crypto assets represent a new and rapidly evolving industry. The value of the Product depends on the acceptance of the crypto assets, the capabilities and development of blockchain technologies and the fundamental investment characteristics of the crypto assets. Crypto platforms may be largely unregulated or may be largely or entirely non-compliant with applicable regulation and may therefore be more exposed to fraud and failure. Crypto asset markets in the U.S. exist in a state of regulatory uncertainty, and adverse legislative or regulatory developments could significantly harm the Product.

    The market for crypto assets is still developing and may be subject to periods of illiquidity. During such times it may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell a position at the desired price. Possible illiquid markets may exacerbate losses or increase the variability between the Product’s NAV and its market price. The lack of active trading markets for the Product shares may result in losses on investors’ investments at the time of disposition of the Product’s shares.

    Both the Index and the Product are new with a limited operating history.

    Nasdaq® is a registered trademark of Nasdaq, Inc. Corporations make no representation or warranty, whether express or implied, to the owners of the fund(s) or any member of the public regarding the suitability of investing in securities in general or in the fund(s) in particular, or the ability of the Nasdaq Crypto US Index to track the performance of the market for crypto assets, or any portion thereof. The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular digital asset or an overall investment strategy. Neither Nasdaq, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any digital asset or any representation about the financial condition of a digital asset. Statements regarding Nasdaq proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate assets before investing. ADVICE FROM A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED.

    1 Bitcoin’s market cap was $1.92T and ether’s market cap was $387B, according to Messari.io data as of January 13, 2025
    2 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Europe ETP (HASH) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETP in Europe according to Bloomberg fund asset data for the “Western Europe” region as of January 7, 2025
    3 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Fundo de Indice (HASH11) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETF in Latin America according to Bloomberg fund asset data for the “Central & South America” region as of January 7, 2025
    4 Blockworks.co data on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in the U.S. as of February 10, 2025.
    5 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index ETF began trading on the Bermuda Stock Exchange on February 9, 2021.
    6 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Fundo de Indice (HASH11) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETF in the world according to Bloomberg fund asset data for all regions as of January 7, 2025
    7 https://www.etfstream.com/articles/etf-stream-reveals-winners-of-etf-awards-2024
    8 Hashdex AUM data as of February 10, 2025, https://hashdex.com/en-US

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Marauder Capital Announces the Acquisition of Mako Lift

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAFAYETTE, La., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marauder Capital (“Marauder”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Mako Lift (“Mako” or the “Company”), a premier manufacturer and service provider of gas lift solutions.

    Founded in 2019, Mako Lift has rapidly expanded to become a trusted partner for blue-chip energy companies. With operational facilities in Lafayette, Houston and Midland, Mako is uniquely positioned to serve the Permian Basin, the largest oil-producing region in the United States.

    Drew Dixson, President of Mako Lift, commented on the transaction:
    “Mako Lift is driven by a committed team of experienced gas lift professionals focused on innovation and exceptional service delivery. Our cutting-edge products, design expertise, and manufacturing capabilities set a new standard for gas lift performance. Partnering with Marauder Capital will allow us to accelerate our growth trajectory, expand into new markets, and introduce new products that address critical industry challenges.”

    Marauder’s Managing Partner, Adam Hurley, stated:
    “We are thrilled to welcome Mako Lift into the Marauder portfolio. The gas lift market is undergoing tremendous growth, and Mako’s differentiated product offerings, experienced leadership team, and commitment to quality make this an exceptional investment opportunity. We see significant potential for organic expansion, new product innovation, and strategic acquisitions to further strengthen Mako’s market position.”

    About Mako Lift

    Mako Lift is a leading artificial lift manufacturing and service company, specializing in high-performance artificial lift solutions. The Company’s customized in-house design expertise, R&D, and manufacturing capabilities enable it to produce superior-quality products with measurable performance advantages.

    About Marauder Capital

    Founded in 2023, Marauder Capital is a Fort Worth-based private equity firm specializing in strategic investments in critical, production-levered energy service and equipment companies.

    Advisors
    Duane Morris LLP served as Marauder Capital’s legal advisor for the transaction.

    For more information contact:
    Lora Fitzgerald
    lora@maraudercap.com
    (682) 900-9020

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Financial Calendar for 2025 for DLR Kredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DLR Kredit A/S has set the following dates in 2025 for the publication of financial statements and the holding of the ordinary general meeting:

    Annual Report 2024                                    7 February 2025
    General Meeting                                         29 April 2025
    Interim Report for Q1 2025                         29 April 2025
    Interim Report for H1 2025                         21 August 2025
    Interim Report for Q1-Q3 2025                   29 October 2025

    The announcements will be available on DLR Kredits’s A/S website: www.dlr.dk immediately after publication.

    Kind regards,

    DLR Kredit A/S

    For further inquiries, please contact Jakob Kongsgaard Olsson, tel.: +45 40 30 33 51

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Invesco Ltd: Form 8.3 -Dowlais Group PLC; Public dealing disclosure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Invesco Ltd.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Dowlais Group plc  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 13.02.2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 Yes, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary GB00BMWRZ071  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 352,945 0.02      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 352,945 0.02      
       
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    1p ordinary GB00BMWRZ071 Sale 7,607 0.67 GBP  
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 14.02.2025  
    Contact name Philippa Holmes  
    Telephone number +441491417447  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Southern Banc Company, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GADSDEN, Ala., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Southern Banc Company, Inc. (OTCBB: SRNN), the holding company for The Southern Bank Company, formerly First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Gadsden, Alabama, announced net income of approximately $369,000, or $0.49 per basic share and $0.48 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to net income of approximately $471,000, or $0.62 per basic share and $0.61 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. For the six months ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded net income of approximately $545,000, or $0.72 per basic share and $0.71 per diluted share, as compared to net income of approximately $837,000, or $1.10 per basic share and $1.09 per diluted share, for the six months ended December 31, 2023. The Company’s fiscal year ends June 30, 2025.

    Gates Little, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated that the Company’s net interest income before provision for loan losses totaled approximately $2.213 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to approximately $2.013 million in the same period in 2023, an increase of approximately $201,000, or 9.96%. The increase in the net interest income before provision for loan losses for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was primarily attributable to an increase in total interest income of approximately $430,000, offset by an increase in total interest expense of approximately $230,000. In the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Bank recorded a provision for loan losses of approximately $70,000 and no provision for loan losses in during the three months ended December 31, 2023. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, total non-interest income increased approximately $9,000, or 6.09%, while total non-interest expense increased approximately $278,000, or 18.25%, as compared to the same three-month period in 2023. The increase in non-interest income was primarily attributable to an increase in miscellaneous income of approximately $10,000. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily attributable to increases in salaries and benefits of approximately $222,000, office building expense of approximately $6,000, other operating expense of approximately $16,000, professional service expense of approximately $45,000, offset by a decrease in data processing expense of approximately $12,000.

    For the six months ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s net interest income before provision for loan losses totaled approximately $4.363 million, an increase of approximately $479,000, or 12.33%, when compared to the six months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net interest income before provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to an increase in total interest income of approximately $965,000, or 20.38%, offset by an increase in total interest expense of approximately $486,000, or 57.19%. For the six months ended December 31, 2024, the Bank recorded provisions for loan losses of approximately $442,000. There was no provision for loan losses during the six months ended December 31, 2023. For the six months ended December 31, 2024, total non-interest income increased approximately $12,000, or 4.10%, compared to the same period in 2023, while non-interest expense increased approximately $444,000, or 14.59%. The increase in non-interest income was primarily attributable to an increase in miscellaneous income of approximately $14,000. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily attributable to increases in salaries and benefits of approximately $340,000, office and equipment of approximately $14,000, professional service expenses of approximately $119,000 offset in part by decreases in data processing expense of approximately $15,000, and other operating expense of approximately $15,000.

    The Company’s total assets at December 31, 2024 were approximately $117.0 million, as compared to approximately $113.0 million at June 30, 2024. Total stockholders’ equity was approximately $15.5 million at December 31, 2024, or 13.2% of total assets, as compared to approximately $14.5 million at June 30, 2024, or 12.80% of total assets.

    The Bank has four full-service banking offices located in Gadsden, Albertville, Guntersville, and Centre, AL, and one loan production office in Birmingham, AL. The stock of The Southern Banc Company, Inc. trades in the over-the-counter market under the symbol “SRNN”.

    Certain statements in this release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “target,” “plan,” “project,” “continue,” or the negatives thereof, or other variations thereon or similar terminology, and are made on the basis of management’s plans and current analyses of the Company, its business and the industry as a whole. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, competition, interest rate sensitivity and exposure to regulatory and legislative changes. The above factors, in some cases, have affected, and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

    (Selected financial data attached)
     
    THE SOUTHERN BANC COMPANY, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
     
        December 31,     June 30,
        2024       2024  
        Unaudited     Audited
    ASSETS          
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ 16,592     $ 12,632  
    SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE, at fair value   39,238       37,912  
    FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK   120       120  
    LOANS RECEIVABLE, net of allowance for loan losses of $1,548 and $1,151, respectively   56,999       58,199  
    PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, net   1,059       1,133  
    ACCRUED INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS RECEIVABLE   946       934  
    PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS   2,055       2,124  
               
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 117,009     $ 113,054  
               
    LIABILITIES          
    DEPOSITS $ 95,528     $ 92,250  
    FHLB ADVANCES   0       0  
    OTHER LIABILITIES   6,035       6,338  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   101,563       98,588  
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:          
    Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share          
    500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding   –       –  
    Common stock, par value $.01 per share,          
    3,500,000 authorized, 1,454,750 shares issued   15       15  
    Additional paid-in capital   13,946       13,943  
    Shares held in trust, 49,081 and 46,454 shares at cost, respectively   (804 )     (772 )
    Retained earnings   14,429       13,884  
    Treasury stock, at cost, 648,664 shares   (8,825 )     (8,825 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income   (3,315 )     (3,779 )
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   15,446       14,466  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 117,009     $ 113,054  
     
    THE SOUTHERN BANC COMPANY, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)
     
        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
        December 31,     December 31,
                           
        2024
    (Unaudited)    		     2023     2024
    (Unaudited)    		     2023
                           
    INTEREST INCOME:                      
    Interest and fees on loans $ 2,598   $ 2,210   $ 5,072   $ 4,176
    Interest and dividends on securities   179     183     345     369
    Other interest income   126     80     281     188
    Total interest income   2,903     2,473     5,698     4,733
    INTEREST EXPENSE:                      
    Interest on deposits   690     460     1,335     849
    Interest on borrowings   0     0     0     0
    Total interest expense   690     460     1,335     849
    Net interest income before provision for loan losses   2,213     2,013     4,363     3,884
    Provision for loan losses   69     0     442     0
    Net interest income after provision for loan losses   2,144     2,013     3,921     3,884
    NON-INTEREST INCOME:                      
    Fees and other non-interest income   31     32     66     68
    Miscellaneous income   124     114     237     223
    Total non-interest income   155     146     303     291
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:                      
    Salaries and employee benefits   1,138     916     2,163     1,823
    Office building and equipment expenses   90     84     184     170
    Professional Services Expense   170     125     371     252
    Data Processing Expense   188     200     370     384
    Other operating expense   214     197     399     414
    Total non-interest expense   1,800     1,522     3,487     3,043
    Income before income taxes   499     637     737     1,132
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   130     166     192     295

    Net Income

    $

    		 369  

    $

    		 471  

    $

    		 545  

    $

    		 837
    EARNINGS PER SHARE:                      
    Basic $ 0.49   $ 0.62   $ 0.72   $ 1.10
    Diluted $ 0.48   $ 0.61   $ 0.71   $ 1.09
    DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —
                           
    AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:                      
    Basic   759,632     761,257     759,632     761,257
    Diluted   766,615     768,395     765,926     768,628

    Contact: Gates Little                
    (256) 543-3860

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Crypto Trading: 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, $50 Bonus and No KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the price of Bitcoin hovers around the $100,000 mark, many analysts predict that the market is entering a high-volatility phase. To help traders capitalize on these dynamic market conditions, BexBack Exchange has rolled out an unbeatable offer, featuring 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users. What sets BexBack apart is its no KYC policy, ensuring seamless, private, and efficient trading for users globally.

    Key Features of BexBack:

    1. 100x Leverage on Crypto Futures With 100x leverage, BexBack allows traders to control larger positions with a smaller initial investment. For example, if the price of Bitcoin (BTC) is $100,000 and you open a position with 1 BTC, your position becomes equivalent to $100,000. With 100x leverage, this is equivalent to controlling $10,000,000 worth of Bitcoin, giving you the ability to maximize your profits.
    2. No KYC Required BexBack stands out by offering a no KYC (Know Your Customer) approach, allowing users to start trading instantly, without having to submit personal identification documents. This policy ensures that users can begin their trading journey quickly and securely.
    3. 100% Deposit Bonus for New Users To help new users maximize their trading potential, BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. This means that when you deposit, for example, 1 BTC, BexBack will match it with an additional 1 BTC, giving you double the funds for trading.
    4. $50 Welcome Bonus New users can also enjoy a $50 welcome bonus, available after completing their first trade. This bonus can be used for trading, and any profits gained from it are fully withdrawable.
    5. Comprehensive Trading Options BexBack offers a variety of cryptocurrencies for trading, including BTC, ETH, XRP, ADA, and SOL, among others. The platform offers 100x leverage on all these futures contracts, allowing traders to optimize their strategies and trading opportunities.

    Why Choose BexBack?

    • No KYC: Start trading immediately with no complex identity verification.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds and maximize your profits.
    • 100x Leverage: Increase your trading efficiency with up to 100x leverage.
    • Demo Account: Receive a 10 BTC demo account, ideal for practice without real funds.
    • Fast and Secure Trading: No slippage, no spread, and quick, precise order execution.
    • 24/7 Support: Access customer support at any time to resolve any issues or queries.
    • Global Access: Available to users from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

    About BexBack:

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. BexBack holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, providing an inclusive and user-friendly experience for traders globally.

    Take Action Now—Maximize Your Trading Potential with BexBack!

    Whether you are new to cryptocurrency or an experienced trader, BexBack offers 100x leverage, 100% deposit bonus, and $50 welcome bonus—all with no KYC—ensuring you have the tools needed for success in the dynamic crypto market.

    Sign up now at www.bexback.com, claim your exclusive bonuses, and start trading today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f24f4f46-0ae9-427c-8dbb-638de34b5c08

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/913fa9e2-18bf-474f-b2fc-06ccbc6a9f6d

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87841659-4d30-439c-8019-04c351853f8f

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bd39b9f6-0b0f-4532-82dd-6c0c700f413e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Card Switches on AVAX Cashback Option

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has unveiled the first ecosystem partner of the Bybit Card, AVAX. First in the market to enable rewards in AVAX, the Bybit Card has expanded its auto cashback options yet again, affording users more flexibility in their crypto payment journey. The activation comes with extra perks for Bybit Card holders in a limited-time campaign for the popular altcoin. 

    AVAX is the native utility token of the Avalanche network. Avalanche is a high-performance blockchain platform designed for builders who need to scale. Engineered with a revolutionary three-part Layer 1 (L1) architecture, Avalanche is anchored by its Avalanche Consensus Mechanism, ensuring near-instant finality for transactions. The platform also features an open-source Layer 0 (L0) framework, enabling the seamless creation of interoperable Layer 1 blockchains with high throughput on both public and private networks.

    Now with the Bybit Card, users have the option to turn on AVAX Cashback, experiencing a brand new seamless on and off-ramp experience with AVAX. Supporting paying, saving, and holding with AVAX, Bybit users can earn AVAX through cashback rewards on daily spending using the Bybit Card. 

    For Avalanche’s global community, the new feature opens up a new avenue for them to foster the growth of the network with a swipe of the Bybit Card. Eligible cardholders will also qualify for extra bonuses through the Bybit Card’s year-round rewards campaigns, making their shopping sprees and holiday spending more worthwhile. 

    To celebrate the occasion, the Bybit Card is welcoming AVAX into the ecosystem with an AVAX-only perk. Eligible users may toggle their AVAX default cashback option to get up to 10% cashback in AVAX for a limited time. 

    “Bybit and the Avalanche community are synchronized in our vision for a blockchain-enabled future that benefits all. Our efforts to increase adoption of scalable smart contracts and crypto as a digital asset class are building blocks of the digital economy. And with the Bybit Card, our customers can contribute to their favorite blockchains through simple daily spendings,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. 

    The Bybit Card offers an intuitive and rewarding way for believers in crypto to use, save, and potentially earn yield on their digital assets. Card holders can experience the entire customer journey online by applying for the Bybit Card and start tapping away as soon as they receive their approved virtual card. The crypto-native payment gateway also comes with year-round benefits, up to 8% APR on eligible holdings, and no-frills cashback mechanisms. 

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk #TheBybitCard

    About Bybit

    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

    For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com 

    For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37e2ae4a-26e3-4991-89d2-e4c1d63a6aa2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: European partners urged to develop sanctions to smash people smuggling gangs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Foreign Secretary will press partners to replicate Britain’s world-first plans for a sanctions aimed at organised immigration crime gangs. 

    • Foreign Secretary urges international action on one of the defining security threats of our time – irregular migration
    • Partners pressed to replicate UK’s world-first plans for sanctions targeting people smugglers
    • £8m additional funding will short-circuit people smugglers’ business model, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change and commitment to protect UK borders

    European partners will be urged to join up with the UK’s pioneering efforts to smash the business model of people smugglers to help tackle irregular migration.

    The Foreign Secretary David Lammy will press partners at the Munich Security Conference to replicate Britain’s world-first plans for a sanctions regime aimed squarely at organised immigration crime gangs and their networks. 

    On the first day of the conference (today), the Foreign Secretary met Vice President of the US J.D. Vance. They discussed the importance of the special relationship, the war in Ukraine, their shared commitment to NATO and AUKUS, and building on our strong trade which already delivers growth and jobs for millions.

    The UK and Italy will co-host a migration roundtable on the second day of conference, gathering representatives from The Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany and others to promote the use of innovative tools to tackle migrant smuggling and organised immigration crime.

    The UK’s plans to freeze the assets of and slap travel bans on smugglers who facilitate the deadly trade in people will help to cripple people-smuggling crime rings and starve them of illicit finance fuelling their operations, delivering on the government’s commitment to secure borders.    

    The Government is targeting irregular migration through a ‘whole-of-route’ approach, tackling both smugglers and the drivers of migration – such as limited opportunities in would-be migrants’ region.

    A new £8m funding package announced today will give more people in East Africa an alternative to making perilous journeys to the UK in small boats by boosting access to education alongside employment opportunities across the region.

    This programme has already helped to deliver entrepreneurship training to over 650 would-be and returned migrants in Ethiopia and Kenya, enabling many of them to set up their own businesses in their home countries, rather than migrating further afield. 

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:  

    Criminal gangs enabling irregular migration are a national security threat across Europe. We must deliver on our mandate to smash the gangs, secure this country’s borders and deliver the Plan for Change. 

    Only by working together with our neighbours will we take the wind out of their sails and degrade the appalling trade in people. 

    We must also target the root causes of migration, which is why we are boosting opportunities across Eastern Africa – making people less likely to travel to the UK in the first place.

    This will further boost this government’s progress on irregular migration. Nearly 19,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders have been returned since the election to countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America following a major escalation in immigration enforcement by the Home Office.

    The government’s success in ramping up removals is a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities and finally restoring order to the asylum system. This new approach focusses on breaking the business model of smuggling gangs through tougher law enforcement powers than ever before, rapidly removing those who are here illegally and ending the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.

    Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.  

    Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work to start in four parks and gardens

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Work to start in four parks and gardens

    Our exciting plans to transform some of the city’s parks and gardens through our Connected Canterbury project are coming along nicely.

    As part of this, you will notice some early work taking place at four sites over the next couple of weeks – the Dane John Gardens, Canterbury Castle grounds, Greyfriars Gardens and the Three Cities Garden.

    This will involve some shrub and vegetation clearance and some crown lifting of trees (not tree felling) and has been timed for now to ensure we are complete before the start of the bird nesting season.

    This is the basic equivalent of a private homeowner clearing out overgrown vegetation from their garden prior to a revamp, but just on a bigger scale and right in the public eye.

    The majority of the shrub clearance is the removal of overgrown non-native species that you might describe as having ‘got a bit out of hand’. These areas will be replaced with new planting such as wildflower meadows and perennial flower beds.

    The new landscape and planting scheme has been designed by HTA, a landscape architect company who are currently designing a new garden in London’s Regent’s Park to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, and leading planting designer and writer Noel Kingsbury.

    We want people to be reassured that while some areas may look a bit bare for a while, this is simply a necessary part of the process in order to achieve what we believe will be fantastic looking parks a few months down the line.

    The picture above shows some of the area around the Dane John Mound where work will take place, and for which there is a landscaping and planting scheme.

    Published: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Cook Islands PM in Harbin

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HARBIN, Feb. 14 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday met with Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown in Harbin, capital city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province.

    Brown is here for the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games.

    Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 28 years ago, China and the Cook Islands have always treated each other with sincerity, friendship and equality, Li said. They have also continuously promoted mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and moved forward hand in hand on the path of common development, he added.

    He said that China is committed to equality among all countries, big or small, and firmly supports the people of the Cook Islands in choosing a development path suited to their own national conditions independently.

    Li expressed a willingness to deepen political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation with the Cook Islands, aiming to achieve more tangible results and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

    China stands ready to enhance the synergy of the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative and the development strategies of the Cook Islands, and to push for deeper, more solid mutually beneficial cooperation on oceans, infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, Li said.

    China welcomes an increase in imports of quality products from the Cook Islands, and more Chinese people are encouraged to travel to the Cook Islands, Li said, adding that the two countries should strengthen exchange and cooperation in fields such as education, culture, health and youth, and increase the number of friendly people-to-people exchanges.

    China is willing to work with the Cook Islands to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, address the challenge of climate change, and build a fair, reasonable and win-win global climate governance system.

    Brown said that with nearly 30 years of friendly cooperative relations between the two countries, the Cook Islands always regards China as an important partner and good friend. He expressed his sincere appreciation to China for its strong, long-term support and assistance for the economic and social development of the Cook Islands and other Pacific island countries.

    The Cook Islands attaches great importance to relations with China, will continue to abide by the one-China principle, strengthen multilateral coordination on climate change and in other areas, and push for the sustained, in-depth development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, Brown said.

    Following the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of PTDO Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Alex Velez-Green’s Meeting With Bahrain National Security Advisor Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    LtCol Garron Garn, USMC, provided the following readout:

    (Performing The Duties Of) Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Mr. Alex Velez-Green, met with Bahrain National Security Advisor Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the Pentagon yesterday to review U.S.-Bahrain defense cooperation and exchange views on regional security issues. Mr. Velez-Green expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s support to U.S.-led regional operations as host of USNAVCENT, and the broader security partnership in light of Bahrain’s role as a major non-NATO Ally. He urged continued cooperation against shared threats in support of President Trump’s regional agenda for peace and prosperity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gander — Gander RCMP responds to report of impaired driver, man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 42-year-old man was arrested for impaired operation by Gander RCMP on February 13, 2025, after the report of a suspected impaired driver.

    Shortly after 10 a.m. yesterday, police received the report of a suspected impaired driver travelling through Gander. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver showed signs of impairment, failed a roadside breath test, and was subsequently arrested for impaired driving.

    At the detachment, the man provided breath samples that were over three times the legal limit. His driver’s licence was suspended and the vehicle was seized and impounded. The man was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired operation.

    RCMP NL thanks the public for continuing to report suspected incidents of impaired driving. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you suspect a driver is impaired, please immediately call your local police or 911 and be prepared to provide the current location and description of the vehicle, including a licence plate, if possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Delegation Demands Trump Stop Unlawful Mass Firings of Probationary Federal Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, Stansbury, Vasquez: “Large-scale firings of probationary employees would ripple through our communities, reducing consumer spending, straining local businesses, and creating unnecessary economic instability”
    “Federal agencies must be staffed by qualified professionals, not political loyalists”
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are demanding that President Trump immediately halt his unlawful mass firings of federal employees on probationary status.
    Nearly all federal employees are routinely in a probationary period for the first one or two years of service and more than 200,000 of them are on probationary status across the federal government. In New Mexico, there are approximately 2,200 federal employees in their probationary period – including individuals who serve in critical roles across key agencies, including the Veterans Health Administration, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others. 
    “Abruptly terminating these employees without due process would not only undermine the delivery of essential government services but would also have widespread economic consequences for our state. Federal employment is a major contributor to New Mexico’s economy, supporting thousands of families and generating significant local revenue. Large-scale firings of probationary employees would ripple through our communities, reducing consumer spending, straining local businesses, and creating unnecessary economic instability,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to President Trump.
    The delegation emphasized how these firings could endanger the safety of New Mexicans, “Recent reports highlight the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s extensive training and reliance on probationary employees, with new agents and support staff actively investigating crimes nationwide. Dismissing these employees could have dire consequences on national security and public safety. Such firings are sure to weaken national security by removing personnel involved in critical investigations. The loss of these agents would leave vital work unfinished and could compromise public safety both in the present and for years to come.”
    Additionally, the delegation highlighted that probationary employees are subject to established federal workforce protections, underscoring the unlawfulness of terminating employees for reasons other than performance or conduct issues, “Concerns have already been raised about the legality of these terminations, noting that mass layoffs without individualized assessments violate existing federal workforce statutes. Federal law permits the termination of probationary employees based on performance or conduct. It does not allow for large-scale firings without individualized assessments or adherence to Reduction in Force procedures. Additionally, it explicitly prohibits dismissing probationary employees for partisan political reasons. Federal agencies must be staffed by qualified professionals, not political loyalists.”
    The lawmakers demanded, “We urge your Administration to halt any plans for mass firings of probationary employees in New Mexico and across the country.”
    The text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear President Trump,
    We write to express serious concerns about your Administration’s efforts to target federal employees, particularly those on probationary status.  Probationary employees are subject to established federal workforce protections, including adherence to Reduction in Force (RIF) procedures (5 C.F.R. § 351.201(a)(1)).  Any attempt to circumvent legal protections by imposing mass terminations would be unprecedented, disruptive, and illegal.
    Nationally, there are more than 2.4 million federal workers. Nearly all federal employees are routinely in a probationary period for the first one or two years of service and more than 200,000 of them are on probationary status across the federal government.  In New Mexico, there are approximately 2,200 federal employees in their probationary period – including individuals who serve in critical roles across key agencies, including the Veterans Health Administration, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others.
    Abruptly terminating these employees without due process would not only undermine the delivery of essential government services but would also have widespread economic consequences for our state. Federal employment is a major contributor to New Mexico’s economy, supporting thousands of families and generating significant local revenue. Large-scale firings of probationary employees would ripple through our communities, reducing consumer spending, straining local businesses, and creating unnecessary economic instability.
    Immediately terminating probationary employees also risks long-term harm to the federal workforce. Many of these probationary employees represent the next generation of skilled public servants – 27% are under the age of 30 – and they report the highest levels of job engagement across the federal workforce. Signaling that federal employment is unstable and subject to arbitrary dismissal will undermine recruitment and retention efforts, making it harder for agencies to attract and keep the skilled professionals essential to their missions (5 C.F.R. § 351.501).
    Concerns have already been raised about the legality of these terminations, noting that mass layoffs without individualized assessments violate existing federal workforce statutes. Federal law permits the termination of probationary employees based on performance or conduct. It does not allow for large-scale firings without individualized assessments or adherence to Reduction in Force procedures.  Additionally, it explicitly prohibits dismissing probationary employees for partisan political reasons. Federal agencies must be staffed by qualified professionals, not political loyalists.
    Particularly concerning are the potential implications for public safety. Recent reports highlight the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s extensive training and reliance on probationary employees, with new agents and support staff actively investigating crimes nationwide. Dismissing these employees could have dire consequences on national security and public safety. Such firings are sure to weaken national security by removing personnel involved in critical investigations. The loss of these agents would leave vital work unfinished and could compromise public safety both in the present and for years to come.
    Given all of the above, we urge your Administration to halt any plans for mass firings of probationary employees in New Mexico and across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Efanesoctocog alfa approved to prevent and treat bleeding in children and adults with severe or moderate haemophilia A

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 14 February 2025, approved efanesoctocog alfa (brand name Altuvoct) to be used to treat and prevent bleeding in patients aged 2 years and above with severe or moderate haemophilia A.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 14 February 2025, approved efanesoctocog alfa (brand name Altuvoct) to be used to treat and prevent bleeding in patients aged 2 years and above with severe or moderate haemophilia A.

    Efanesoctocog alfa, the active substance, is a replacement factor VIII protein. This protein is naturally found in the body and is necessary for the blood to form clots and stop bleeding.

    People with severe haemophilia A have undetectable factor VIII and, if untreated, may experience up to about 40 episodes of bleed per year.

    This medicine is administered as an intravenously (into a vein).

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    “Patient safety is our top priority, which is why I am pleased to confirm approval of efanesoctocog alfa to treat and prevent bleeding in patients 2 years and above with severe or moderate haemophilia A.

    “We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and efficacy for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

    “As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”

    In a study with 159 patients aged 12 and above with severe haemophilia A, weekly injections of Altuvoct as prophylaxis led to 65% patients reporting zero overall episodes of bleed over the course of the year-long study; the remaining 35% had much reduced episodes of bleed. Altuvoct was also used to treat individual bleeds.

    In a study involving 74 children under 12 years of age with severe haemophilia A, treatment with efanesoctocog alfa yielded similar results to those in older patients.

    Efanesoctocog alfa was therefore considered effective for the prophylaxis and treatment of severe haemophilia A in children aged 2yrs and above.

    The company extended the indication to those with moderate haemophilia A by means of a modelling exercise.

    Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some of the potential side effects include headaches and arthralgia (joint pain).

    For the full list of all side effects reported with this medicine, see Section 4 of the PIL or the SmPC available on the MHRA website.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.   

     ENDS  

    Notes to editors   

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted on 14 February 2025 to Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB

    • This product was submitted and approved via an international recognition  procedure. 

    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval. 

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Smart Bank of the Future: How AI Enhances Human-Centricity

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Higher School of Economics

    Thanks to the rapid development of digital technologies, the banking sector is going through a period of profound transformation. One of the key changes was the transition to a human-centric model, in which priority is given to the interests and needs of the client. This topic was discussed at the webinar Laboratories of human-centeredness and leadership practices HSE and the Bank of Russia. The event brought together over 1,400 representatives of banking and financial organizations from all over Russia.

    The webinar was a logical continuation conferences “Focus on the Client”, which was attended by the Chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina and top management of leading Russian banks. The moderator of the plenary session was Vladimir Solovyov, Head of the Laboratory of Human-Centricity and Leadership Practices at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (CHIL Laboratory). The experts discussed what a smart bank of the future should be like.

    The webinar participants were able to delve deeper into the theory and practice of implementing human-centricity in banks, noted Ekaterina Butova, First Deputy Head of the Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring the Availability of Financial Services of the Bank of Russia.

    The key event of the webinar was the presentation of the results of the study conducted last year by the CHIL Laboratory and the International Laboratory of Digital Transformation in Public Administration under the auspices of the Bank of Russia. It was based on a model developed by the CHIL Laboratory, consisting of eight key aspects that allow measuring the level of human-centricity in an organization. This tool can be used by banks to assess the current situation and further development. A survey of more than 16 thousand respondents was conducted – managers and employees of government agencies.

    “The results showed that the bank of the future is a human-centric cognitive bank, where artificial and human intelligence work in synergy to deeply understand customers and offer personalized solutions,” the head of the bank noted. International laboratory of CTSU Evgeny Styrin.

    At the same time, in-depth interviews revealed that the introduction of AI and other digital tools into banking processes has both significant advantages and a number of disadvantages, and also leads to the emergence of ethical challenges.

    “34% of respondents do not want to communicate with virtual voice assistants. At the same time, negative emotions that arise during communication with them multiply very quickly, while the emergence and consolidation of positive associations requires serious efforts,” explained Oleg Samolyanov, chief expert of the CHIL Laboratory.

    Representatives of major Russian banks shared their vision of the smart bank of the future. Nikolay Tiden, Director of the Modeling and Data Research Division of the Sales Network Block of Sberbank, believes that the basis for the development of banks of the future is personalization and security. The use of artificial intelligence at all stages of interaction with clients makes user services simpler, more convenient, more reliable and more profitable.

    “A smart bank of the future values its employees, understands its clients and knows how to adapt its products and services to their needs, including actively introducing new technologies,” says Vyacheslav Rodnishev, Director of the Customer Experience and Retail Business Coordination Department at Alfa-Bank.

    At the same time, the implementation of AI solutions in the banking sector is associated with a number of ethical challenges, including data bias, protection of personal information, responsibility for AI decisions and transparency of algorithms.

    “One of the most important aspects of monitoring the ethics and correctness of artificial intelligence is monitoring its work and quality. The user must feel that the bank’s AI is attentive to his interests, accurate in its answers and financial forecasts,” says Ivan Sidorovsky, head of products for ecosystem assistants at T-Bank.

    Currently, the issues of customer trust in smart assistants developed by banking organizations and the ethics of using artificial intelligence have not been fully resolved; their discussion in the expert community continues. The solution will require a comprehensive approach combining technological, organizational and regulatory measures.

    “From the point of view of the Central Bank as a regulator, human-centricity is the key that helps to solve the root problems underlying some disputes, misunderstandings and difficulties that arise between the consumer and the financial institution,” notes Mikhail Mamuta, Head of the Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Ensuring Accessibility of Financial Services at the Bank of Russia.

    He emphasizes that human-centricity in financial organizations should begin with caring for employees, who, in turn, will transfer it to clients. Then the financial world will become more harmonious.

    The content of the discussion about human-centricity in the context of digital transformation and the use of AI largely depends on the ability to rely on structured data and the results of sociological research.

    “Today, an important and urgent task for our team is to monitor the transformation of the banking sector towards human-centricity: what new tools are emerging, what problems organizations face and how they solve them. And artificial intelligence in all its manifestations is certainly one of the key factors influencing the development of human-centricity,” Vladimir Solovyov summarized.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three Coventry leisure centres receive Sport England funding to boost sustainability

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Council has successfully secured National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) to enhance sustainability efforts at three leisure centres in the city.

    Almost £750k has been awarded to The Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and Xcel Leisure Centre, all of which are operated by CV Life.

    A capital grant of £250,000 has been awarded to install solar panels at The Alan Higgs Centre, whilst Centre AT7 has received £270k for the installation of solar panels and the replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED lighting.

    Xcel Leisure Centre will also see the installation of LED lighting as well as an upgrade to its building management system which will be covered by a £220k grant.

    Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, added: “This funding is a real boost for CV Life leisure centres, helping them to become more energy efficient and sustainable.

    “By installing solar panels, LED lighting and upgrading building management systems, we are taking steps to cut carbon emissions and reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources.

    “Not only will these upgrades lower running costs over the coming years, they also contribute to our broader efforts to make Coventry a cleaner, greener city.”

    Work to the centres started in January and is expected to be finished later this month. The installation of PV panels will contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits for the facility and the local community.

    Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, added: “It’s fantastic to see that Coventry has been awarded funding from Sport England to support three hugely popular leisure centres in the city.

    “Day to day running costs of leisure centres is constantly on the rise. This funding will help the centres continue to provide high quality facilities to residents whilst reducing energy bills by around £140k per year.”

    Funding was awarded based on a selection of sites serving areas with the highest need. The allocation of funding aligns with Sport England’s national funding scheme aimed at supporting public leisure centres with swimming pools across the country.

    Steve Wiles, Chief Operating Officer at CV Life, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this funding, which will make a real difference to the sustainability of our leisure centres. 

    “These improvements will help us reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and create more environmentally friendly facilities for the community. By investing in solar panels, LED lighting, and building management upgrades, we’re ensuring that our centres remain accessible, efficient and fit for the future.”

    For further details on the Swimming Pool Support Fund, please visit the SPSF webpage.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE removes Paisas gang member wanted for homicide who illegally entered US 10 times

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Humberto Romero Avila, a 45-year-old Paisas gang member and foreign fugitive, to Mexico Feb. 13. Romero has illegally entered the U.S. 10 times and is wanted in Mexico for allegedly murdering Geovany Uriel Prado Morales, a 22-year-old Mexican national, Dec. 2, 2007, in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico.

    ICE transported Romero from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo where he was transferred into the custody of Mexican authorities.

    Romero has been convicted four times of driving while intoxicated and once for larceny, illegal entry, and illegal reentry while in the U.S. illegally.

    “For nearly a quarter of a century, this transnational gang member has blatantly disregarded our nation’s immigration and criminal laws, putting the life of every person he’s encountered in danger,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “On top of that, he’s accused of brutally gunning down an innocent 22-year-old man in Mexico in 2007. In the more than 30 years that I’ve worked in immigration enforcement, I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a more egregious offender or a better example of why immigration enforcement is so critical to maintaining public safety. Thanks to the immigration officers who worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to connect this foreign fugitive to the open warrant for homicide, he will no longer be free to reign terror on the general public, and finally face justice for his alleged involvement in that heinous crime that took place 18 years ago.”

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. March 22, 2002; June 14, 2002; June 16, 2002; June 20, 2002; and March 3, 2005. On each occasion, he was immediately apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol and voluntarily returned to Mexico the same day.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a sixth time on an unknown date and at an unknown location and was not encountered until Aug. 3, 2012, at the Nacogdoches County Jail in Nacogdoches following his arrest for driving under the influence. ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the jail, and he was released into ICE custody Aug. 9, 2012, and placed into immigration proceedings. An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Romero removed from the U.S. to Mexico Aug. 24, 2012. ICE officers carried out that order and removed Romero to Mexico Aug. 27, 2012.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a seventh time on an unknown date and at an unknown location and was encountered Aug. 31, 2013, at the Shelby County Jail in Center following his arrest for larceny and DWI (third offense). ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the jail, and he was transferred into ICE custody Jan. 14, 2014. ICE reinstated his prior order of removal, and he was removed to Mexico Jan. 16, 2014.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for an eighth time Feb. 7, 2014, and was immediately apprehended by the Border Patrol. His prior order of removal was reinstated and the Border Patrol removed Romero to Mexico Feb. 11, 2014.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a ninth time March 7, 2014, and he was immediately apprehended by the Border Patrol. His prior order of removal was reinstated, and the Border Patrol forwarded his case for prosecution for illegal entry. Romero was convicted of illegal entry March 10, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and sentenced to 150 days incarceration. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons transferred Romero into ICE custody Aug. 1, 2014, following his release from prison and he was removed to Mexico that same day.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a 10th time on an unknown date and at an unknown location and wasn’t encountered again until March 22, 2024, following his arrest for felony DWI (fourth offense) in Shelby County. ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the jail and forwarded his case for prosecution for illegal reentry. While conducting routine background checks, ICE was notified by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, that Romero was wanted for homicide in Mexico. Romero was convicted of illegal reentry Jan. 28, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and was sentenced to time served. The Bureau of Prisons transferred Romero into ICE custody Jan. 31 and his prior order of removal was reinstated.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Advocates for Merging Agencies, Improving State’s Water Quantity & Quality

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Advocates for Merging Agencies, Improving State’s Water Quantity & Quality

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee in favor of LB317 to merge the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Senator Tom Brandt introduced LB317 at the Governor’s request. 

    “Nebraska is at the center of an economic boom with announcements of new hydrogen, advanced biofuels and bio-based products, animal processing plants and data centers looking to locate here. All these industries will require water,” said Gov. Pillen. “Moving forward, we need to double-down on our efforts to protect and enhance this valuable resource. Combining DEE and DNR sets the foundation for water quantity and quality under the same leadership.”

    During his bill introduction, Sen. Brandt also touched on the collaboration between the agencies for water planning, state investments in water infrastructure projects and continued leadership by the state in resource management innovation. 

    “This merger will also reduce costs by eliminating overlapping administrative functions while improving outcomes in personnel management, financial oversight, and IT,” said Sen. Brandt. “Streamlining state permitting for water-related projects will cut red tape and enable quicker, more efficient progress on projects that matter to our communities.” 

    Yesterday, Gov. Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director of DEE. Bradley is also the interim director of DNR.  He addressed the overarching benefit of housing DEE and DNR under what would be known as the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. 

    “By combining the agencies’ efforts, the state will improve its focus on challenging long-term water and natural resource management issues such as nitrogen management, water utilization and soil health. The merging of the two departments is expected to allow customers, who currently work with both DNR and DEE separately, the ability to streamline their planning and permitting efforts by working with a single department.”

    Also testifying in favor of LB317 was Tim McCoy, director of the Game & Parks Commission. 

    MIL OSI USA News –