Category: Africa

MIL-Evening Report: High Court strikes down government’s law to monitor former immigration detainees

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

The High Court has struck down the Albanese government’s law enabling it to impose ankle bracelets and curfews on the more than 200 non-citizens it released from immigration detention in 2023 after an earlier decision by the court.

Wednesday’s decision, by a five-two majority, found the measures “punitive” and an infringement of the constitution.

The plaintiff in the case was a stateless Eritrean who was released from immigration detention last November. He was later charged with six offences for failing to comply with his monitoring and curfew conditions. The charges are pending in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. His earlier criminal record includes a 2017 conviction for offences of burglary and causing injury.

Legislation for the measures was rushed through parliament a year ago, in response to the release of the detainees, many of whom had serious criminal records, including for murder, rape and assault.

During consideration of the bill, the opposition forced the government to toughen it – from providing for the measures only where needed for community safety, to saying the minister must act unless satisfied the person did not pose a risk.

At the time constitutional experts such as Anne Twomey, from the University of Sydney,nas well as the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills expressed doubts about the legislation.

Twomey wrote: “the effects of the political bidding war to be seen as the ‘toughest’ and most punitive towards non-citizens will make it infinitely harder for Commonwealth lawyers to defend these measures in the courts”.

The opposition said in a statement the effect of the court decision would be that “215 dangerous non-citizen offenders including 12 murderers, 66 sex offenders, 97 people convicted of assault, 15 domestic violence perpetrators and others will be free in the community without any monitoring or curfews”.

It said since being released, 65 of these people had been charged with new state or territory offences, with 45 remaining free in the community.

The government should immediately bring in fresh legislation to deal with the situation, the opposition said.

Surprisingly, the opposition did not ask the government in the House of Representatives question time what it planned to do.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. High Court strikes down government’s law to monitor former immigration detainees – https://theconversation.com/high-court-strikes-down-governments-law-to-monitor-former-immigration-detainees-243027

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Extreme weather has already cost vulnerable island nations US$141 billion – and 38% is attributable to climate change

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emily Wilkinson, Principal Research Fellow, ODI

Multiverse / shutterstock

Two years ago, when the curtain fell on the COP27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, developing nations on the frontline of climate change had something meaningful to celebrate.

The creation of a new fund for responding to loss and damage was agreed after a hard-fought diplomatic effort, spearheaded by a group of small island developing states (sometimes known as the Sids). The fund would provide much needed support for climate-vulnerable nations faced with a spiralling human and financial toll from sea-level rise, extreme temperatures, droughts, wildfires, and intensifying floods and storms.

Yet two years on, the world’s wealthiest nations – also the largest carbon emitters – are still dragging their feet. They’ve not followed up their pledges with anywhere near the finance required.

Some nations, particularly the 39 Sids, which include places like Barbados, Grenada, Fiji and Vanuatu, are uniquely vulnerable to climate change and are already paying the price.

Sky-high ocean temperatures created the conditions for Hurricane Beryl to develop in July this year, as the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record in the Caribbean. As oceans warm up, climate science tells us that this rapid intensification is becoming more common.

Fijians run for shelter as a cyclone approaches.
ChameleonsEye / shutterstock

The island nation of Fiji, best known as a tropical paradise, has experienced a frightening series of storms over recent years, linked to climate change. Cyclone Winston in 2016, one of the most intense on record, caused widespread flooding and lead to the loss of 44 lives.

This episode reduced Fiji’s GDP growth by 1.4 percentage points. According to the Asian Development Bank, ongoing losses from climate change could reach 4% of Fiji’s annual GDP by 2100, as higher temperatures and more extreme weather hold back growth.

This isn’t an isolated problem. Tropical cyclones and hurricanes have long battered small islands, but what is new is how often the most extreme storms and floods are happening, as well as our improved ability to measure their economic effects.

Direct and indirect impacts

Our latest research looked at extreme weather events affecting 35 small island developing nations. We first collected information about the direct consequences of these extreme weather events: the damaged homes, the injured people, and the bridges that must be rebuilt.

We then looked at how these events have affected GDP growth and public finances. These changes are not felt immediately, but rather as the economy stalls, tourism dries up, and expensive recovery plans inhibit spending in other areas.

In all, from 2000 to 2020, these direct and indirect impacts may have cost small island states a total of US$141 billion. That works out to around US$2,000 per person on average, although this figure underplays just how bad things can get in some places. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused damage to the Caribbean island of Dominica worth more than double its entire GDP. That amounted to around US$20,000 per person, overnight. Almost a decade later, the country is still struggling with one of the largest debt burdens on earth at over 150% of GDP.

Dominica’s lush forests were badly damaged by Hurricane Maria.
Derek D Galon / shutterstock

Of these huge aggregate losses across all the small island development states, around 38% are attributable to climate change. That’s according to calculations we made based on “extreme event attribution” studies, which estimate the degree to which greenhouse gas emissions influenced extreme weather events.

What is clear is that small island economies are among the worst affected by severe weather. These island states have three to five times more climate-related loss and damage than other states, as a percentage of government revenues. That’s true even for wealthier small island states, like the Bahamas and Barbados, where loss and damage is four times greater than other high-income countries. For all small island nations, the economic impacts will increase, with “attributable” losses from extreme weather reaching US$75 billion by 2050 if global temperatures hit 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Our research helps us to see how far short the richer nations driving climate change are falling in their efforts to both curb emissions and to compensate the nations harmed by their failure to prevent climate change.

Developed countries need to pay up

One of the key discussions at the forthcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, will be the “new collective quantified goal”. This is the technical name to describe how much money wealthy countries will need to contribute to help vulnerable nations to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

That overall goal must also include a target to finance small islands and other vulnerable countries, with billions more needed per year in the new loss and damage fund. Given the extent of actual and likely losses, nothing less than ambition on the scale of a “modern Marshall Plan” for these states will do.

In addition to this extra financing, the fund will need to work effectively to support the most climate vulnerable nations and populations when severe weather occurs. This can be done in a few ways.

The fund could create a budget support mechanism that can help small island states and other vulnerable countries deal with loss of income and the negative effects on growth. It could make sure loss and damage funds can be released quickly, and ensure support is channelled to those who need it the most. It could also make more concessional finance available for recovery, especially for the most adversely affected sectors like agriculture and tourism.

The world has a troubling history of missing self-imposed targets on climate finance and emissions reduction. But the stakes are ever higher now, and any target for loss and damage finance will need to be sufficient to deal with the challenges posed already by climate change, and in the years to come.

Emily Wilkinson receives funding from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office

Ilan Noy, Matt Bishop, and Vikrant Panwar do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Extreme weather has already cost vulnerable island nations US$141 billion – and 38% is attributable to climate change – https://theconversation.com/extreme-weather-has-already-cost-vulnerable-island-nations-us-141-billion-and-38-is-attributable-to-climate-change-242640

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Credit Agricole Sa: Third quarter and first nine months 2024 results – VERY STRONG QUARTER, 2024 INCOME TARGET CONFIRMED

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VERY STRONG QUARTER, 2024 INCOME TARGET CONFIRMED
CASA AND CAG STATED AND UNDERLYING DATA Q3-2024

	CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A.			CRÉDIT AGRICOLE GROUP
		Stated	Underlying		Stated	Underlying
Revenues		€6,487m +2.3% Q3/Q3	€6,484m +7.0% Q3/Q3		€9,213m -0.4% Q3/Q3	€9,210m +4.1% Q3/Q3
Expenses		-€3,689m +9.2% Q3/Q3	-€3,654m +8.2% Q3/Q3		-€5,590m +6.2% Q3/Q3	-€5,556m +5.5% Q3/Q3
Gross Operating Income		€2,799m -5.7% Q3/Q3	€2,830m +5.5% Q3/Q3		€3,623m -9.1% Q3/Q3	€3,654m +2.0% Q3/Q3
Cost of risk		-€433m +0.9% Q3/Q3	-€433m +0.9% Q3/Q3		-€801m +15.6% Q3/Q3	-€801m +15.6% Q3/Q3
Net income group share		€1,666m -4.7% Q3/Q3	€1,686m +10.9% Q3/Q3		€2,080m -12.8% Q3/Q3	€2,100m +1.5% Q3/Q3
C/I ratio		56.9% +3.6 pp Q3/Q3	56.4% +0.6 pp Q3/Q3		60.7% +3.7 pp Q3/Q3	60.3% +0.8 pp Q3/Q3
RESULTS UP FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR; TARGET CONFIRMED OF >€6BN IN NET INCOME GROUP SHARE FOR 2024 STRONG QUARTERLY RESULT +8.2% growth in net income Group share excluding base effect related to reversals of Home Purchase Savings Plan provisions in Q3-23 High level of revenues, sharply up in underlying vision Low cost/income ratio; support for business line development with a +4.1% increase in recurring expenses STRONG ACTIVITY IN ALL BUSINESS LINES Solid performance in retail banking and consumer finance, supported by a good level of customer capture, higher on-balance sheet deposits in France and stable on-balance sheet deposits in Italy, gradual recovery in home loan activity and increased corporate loan production in France, continued momentum in international loan activity, and consumer finance activity stable at a high level Excellent business momentum in CIB, asset management and insurance, reflected in high gross inflows in life insurance, continued brisk business in property and casualty and personal insurance, solid level of inflows and a record level of assets under management, CIB business still robust and record nine-month revenues CONTINUED STRATEGIC PROJECTS Partnership with GAC in China on leasing and in Europe on automotive financing Signing of an agreement to acquire Merca Leasing Acquisition of Nexity Property Management VERY SOLID CAPITAL AND LIQUIDITY POSITIONS Crédit Agricole S.A. phased-in CET1 11.7% CA Group phased-in CET1 17.4%

Dominique Lefebvre,
Chairman of SAS Rue La Boétie and Chairman of the Crédit Agricole S.A. Board of Directors

“The Group reports solid results this quarter. These results reinforce its desire to be useful to all its customers and to play a leading role in actively supporting the economy.”

Philippe Brassac,
Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole S.A.

“Quarter after quarter, the Group publishes high-level results confirming the outlook for a 2024 result that is one year ahead of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s Ambitions for 2025.”

This press release comments on the results of Crédit Agricole S.A. and those of Crédit Agricole Group, which comprises the Crédit Agricole S.A. entities and the Crédit Agricole Regional Banks, which own 62.4% of Crédit Agricole S.A. Please see the appendices to this press release for details of specific items, which are restated in the various indicators to calculate underlying income.

Crédit Agricole Group

Group activity

The Group’s commercial activity during the quarter continued at a steady pace across all business lines, with a good level of customer capture. During the third quarter of 2024, the Group recorded +482,000 new customers in retail banking, and the customer base grew by +104,000 customers. More specifically, over the quarter, the Group recorded +383,000 new customers for Retail Banking in France and +99,000 new International Retail Banking customers (Italy and Poland), and the customer base also grew (+64,000 and +40,000 customers, respectively).

At 30 September 2024, retail banking on-balance sheet deposits totalled €830 billion, up +2.8% year-on-year in France and Italy (+3.1% for Regional Banks and LCL and -0.4% in Italy). Outstanding loans totalled €876 billion, up +0.4% year-on-year in France and Italy (+0.2% for Regional Banks and LCL and +3.0% in Italy). Home loan production picked up gradually in France during this quarter, recording an increase of +20% for the Regional Banks and +73% for LCL compared to the second quarter of 2024, and -11% and +17% respectively compared to the third quarter of 2023. In Italy, home loan production was down -12% for CA Italy due to a base effect related to successful marketing campaigns in the third quarter of 2023. However, they were still up on second quarter 2024. The property and casualty insurance equipment rate¹ rose to 43.8% for the Regional Banks (+0.7 percentage points compared to the third quarter of 2023), 27.9% for LCL (+0.3 percentage point) and 20.0% for CA Italy (+1.7 percentage point).

In asset management, inflows remained healthy (+€14.4 billion excluding an insurance mandate withdrawal totalling -€11.6 billion), particularly with regard to medium/long-term assets excluding JVs (+€9 billion). Commercial momentum within JVs was also solid. In savings/retirement, Crédit Agricole Assurances posted a high level of gross inflows (€7.2 billion, up +56% year-on-year), the unit-linked rate remained high in production (32.8%), and net inflows were positive (+€1.6 billion) and growing. In property and casualty insurance, the portfolio grew by +5.1% year-on-year to 16.6 million policies. Assets under management were once again at their highest level ever, rising compared to the end of September 2023 in asset management (€2,192 billion, or +11.1%), life insurance (€343.2 billion, or +5.8%) and wealth management, which benefited from the integration of Degroof Petercam (IWM and Private Banking of LCL €274 billion, or +46.9%).

SFS business line registered an activity stable at a high level, with an increase in consumer finance outstandings at CAPFM (+5.2% compared to the end of September 2023), driven by automotive activities, which account for 53%² of total outstandings, and growth in production and leasing outstandings at CAL&F (€20.1 billion, or +8.8% compared to the end of September 2023).

Momentum is strong in Large Customers, with record revenues in corporate and investment banking (best nine-month cumulative total), with capital markets and investment banking being driven by capital market activities, and financing activities benefiting from growth in commercial banking. CACEIS also posted a high level of assets under custody (€5,061 billion, +12.1% compared to the end of September 2023) and assets under administration (€3,386 billion, +4.2% compared to the end of September 2023). It benefited during the quarter from strong commercial momentum and positive market effects.

Each of the Group’s business lines posted strong activity (see Infra).

Continued support of transition

Crédit Agricole Assurances has set out its new climate commitments, announcing its target to reduce carbon intensity of its portfolio³ by -50% by 2029 (compared to 2019).

Crédit Agricole Group has also decided to participate in CDC’s energy and ecological transition financing support scheme. The Group will thus be able to raise up to €5.3 billion in liquidity by November 2025, exclusively for financing new projects contributing to the energy and ecological transition.

The Group is continuing the mass roll-out of financing and investment to promote the transition. As such, the Crédit Agricole Group doubled its exposure to low-carbon energy financing⁴ between the end of 2020 and September 2024, with €21.9 billion at 30 September 2024. In addition, Crédit Agricole Assurances’s financing of renewable energy production capacity increased by +17% compared to the end of 2022, representing 13.8 gigawatts at 30 June 2024.

Lastly, Crédit Agricole CIB’s green loan portfolio⁵ grew by +67% between the end of 2022 and September 2024, and represented €20.7 billion at 30 September 2024.

Group results

In the third quarter of 2024, the Crédit Agricole Group’s stated net income Group share came to €2,080 million, down -12.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023. This was due to significant specific items in the third quarter of 2023.

Specific items in the third quarter of 2024 had a negative net impact of -€20 million on the net income Group share of the Crédit Agricole Group. These items comprise the following recurring accounting items: recurring accounting volatility items, namely the DVA (Debt Valuation Adjustment), the issuer spread portion of the FVA, and secured lending for +€3 million in net income Group share from capital markets and investment banking, and the hedging of the loan book in Large Customers for -€1 million in net income Group share. In addition to these recurring items, there were other items specific to this quarter: ISB integration costs of -€14 million in net income Group share of Large Customers, the Degroof Petercam integration costs of -€6 million in net income Group share of Asset Gathering, and the acquisition costs of Degroof Petercam totalling -€2 million in net income Group share of private banking.

Specific items in the third quarter of 2023 had a cumulative positive impact of +€317 million in net income Group share and comprised DVA and hedging items for +€1 million under Large Customers, reversals of the Home Purchase Savings Plan provisions for +€297 million (+€38 million for LCL, +€171 million for the Corporate Centre and +€88 million for the Regional Banks), and the impact of the SFS division’s Mobility⁶ business for -€26 million under the equity method and +€45 million under gains and losses on other assets.

Excluding these specific items, Crédit Agricole Group’s underlying net income Group share⁷ amounted to €2,100 million, up +1.5% compared to third quarter 2023.

Crédit Agricole Group – Stated and underlying results, Q3-24 and Q3-23

€m	Q3-24 stated	Specific items	Q3-24 underlying	Q3-23 stated	Specific items	Q3-23 underlying	∆ Q3/Q3 stated	∆ Q3/Q3 underlying

Revenues	9,213	3	9,210	9,249	402	8,847	(0.4%)	+4.1%
Operating expenses excl.SRF	(5,590)	(34)	(5,556)	(5,265)	0	(5,265)	+6.2%	+5.5%
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	n.m.	n.m.
Gross operating income	3,623	(31)	3,654	3,984	402	3,582	(9.1%)	+2.0%
Cost of risk	(801)	0	(801)	(693)	0	(693)	+15.6%	+15.6%
Equity-accounted entities	61	–	61	37	(26)	63	+65.7%	(3.5%)
Net income on other assets	(5)	(3)	(2)	69	61	9	n.m.	n.m.
Change in value of goodwill	–	–	–	–	–	–	n.m.	n.m.
Income before tax	2,877	(34)	2,912	3,397	436	2,961	(15.3%)	(1.6%)
Tax	(587)	8	(595)	(810)	(120)	(691)	(27.6%)	(13.8%)
Net income from discont’d or held-for-sale ope.	–	–	–	2	–	2	(100.0%)	(100.0%)
Net income	2,291	(26)	2,317	2,588	317	2,272	(11.5%)	+2.0%
Non controlling interests	(211)	6	(217)	(204)	–	(204)	+3.4%	+6.5%
Net income Group Share	2,080	(20)	2,100	2,384	317	2,068	(12.8%)	+1.5%
Cost/Income ratio excl.SRF (%)	60.7%		60.3%	56.9%		59.5%	+3.7 pp	+0.8 pp

In the third quarter of 2024, underlying revenues amounted to €9,210 million, up +4.1% compared to the third quarter of 2023, driven by favourable results from most of the business lines. Underlying revenues were up in French Retail Banking (+1.8%), while the Asset Gathering division benefited from good business momentum and the integration of Degroof Petercam, and the Large Customers division enjoyed a high level of revenues across all of its business lines, in addition to the integration of ISB. Meanwhile, revenues were down slightly for International Retail Banking and Specialised Financial Services, which were penalised by the drop in interest rates. Underlying operating expenses increased by +5.5% in the third quarter of 2024 to €5,556 million. This was due to scope effects, base effects on taxes and support for business line development. Overall, the Group saw its underlying cost/income ratio reach 60.3% in the third quarter of 2024, a moderate rise of +0.8 percentage point. As a result, the underlying gross operating income stood at €3,654 million, up +2.0% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

The underlying cost of credit risk stood at -€801 million, a year-on-year increase of +15.6%. This figure comprises an addition of -€93 million for prudential provisions on performing loans (stages 1 and 2), an addition of -€709 million for the cost of proven risk (stage 3), the consequence of an increase in defaults in the corporate market, and additional provisioning for a number of corporate-specific files. There was also a reversal of +€1 million on other risks. The provisioning levels were determined by taking into account several weighted economic scenarios and by applying some flat-rate adjustments on sensitive portfolios. The weighted economic scenarios for the third quarter were unchanged from the second quarter, with a favourable scenario (French GDP at +1.2% in 2024, +1.5% in 2025) and an unfavourable scenario (French GDP at -0.2% in 2024 and +0.5% in 2025). The cost of risk/outstandings⁸reached 26 basis points over a four rolling quarter period and 27 basis points on an annualised quarterly basis⁹.

Underlying pre-tax income stood at €2,912 million, a year-on-year decrease of -1.6%. This includes the contribution from equity-accounted entities of €61 million (down -3.5%) and net income on other assets, which came to -€2 million this quarter. The underlying tax charge fell by -13.8% over the period, the tax rate this quarter falling by -3.0 percentage points to 20.9%. Underlying net income before non-controlling interests was up +2.0% to €2,317 million. Non-controlling interests rose +6.5%. Lastly, underlying net income Group share was €2,100 million, +1.5% higher than in the third quarter of 2023.

Crédit Agricole Group – Stated and underlying results 9M-24 and 9M-23

€m	9M-24 stated	Specific items	9M-24 underlying	9M-23 stated	Specific items	9M-23 underlying	∆ 9M/9M stated	∆ 9M/9M underlying

Revenues	28,244	117	28,127	27,722	758	26,965	+1.9%	+4.3%
Operating expenses excl.SRF	(16,866)	(84)	(16,782)	(15,782)	(18)	(15,764)	+6.9%	+6.5%
SRF	–	–	–	(620)	–	(620)	(100.0%)	(100.0%)
Gross operating income	11,378	33	11,345	11,321	739	10,581	+0.5%	+7.2%
Cost of risk	(2,324)	(20)	(2,304)	(2,179)	(84)	(2,095)	+6.6%	+10.0%
Equity-accounted entities	203	(0)	203	190	(39)	229	+6.7%	(11.2%)
Net income on other assets	(19)	(23)	4	107	89	18	n.m.	(78.5%)
Change in value of goodwill	–	–	–	–	–	–	n.m.	n.m.
Income before tax	9,238	(10)	9,248	9,438	705	8,733	(2.1%)	+5.9%
Tax	(2,104)	(4)	(2,100)	(2,293)	(180)	(2,113)	(8.2%)	(0.6%)
Net income from discont’d or held-for-sale ope.	–	–	–	7	–	7	(100.0%)	(100.0%)
Net income	7,134	(14)	7,148	7,153	525	6,628	(0.3%)	+7.9%
Non controlling interests	(643)	17	(659)	(619)	(0)	(619)	+3.8%	+6.5%
Net income Group Share	6,491	3	6,489	6,534	525	6,009	(0.6%)	+8.0%
Cost/Income ratio excl.SRF (%)	59.7%		59.7%	56.9%		58.5%	+2.8 pp	+1.2 pp

In the first nine months of 2024, stated net income Group share amounted to €6,491 million, compared with €6,534 million in the first nine months of 2023, a difference of just -0.6%.

Specific items for the first nine months of 2024 include the specific items of the Regional Banks for the first nine months of 2024 (+€47 million in reversals of Home Purchase Savings Plan provisions) and Crédit Agricole S.A. specific items, which are detailed in the Crédit Agricole S.A. section.

Excluding specific items, underlying net income Group share reached €6,489 million, up +8.0% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Underlying revenues totalled €28,127 million, up +4.3% compared to the first nine months of 2023. This increase is attributable to growth in all business lines, reaching a total, excluding the Corporate Centre division, of +4.6% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Underlying operating expenses amounted to -€16,782 million, up +6.5% excluding SRF compared to the first nine months of 2023, mainly due to higher compensation in an inflationary environment, support for business development, IT expenditure and scope effects as detailed for each division. The underlying cost/income ratio for the first nine months of 2024 was 59.7%, up +1.2 percentage points compared to the first nine months of 2023 excluding SRF. The SRF stood at -€620 million in 2023.

Underlying gross operating income totalled €11,345 million, up +7.2% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

The underlying cost of risk for the first nine months of 2024 rose to -€2,304 million (of which -€178 million in cost of risk on performing loans (stages 1 and 2), -€2,148 million in cost of proven risk, and +€22 million in other risks corresponding mainly to reversals of legal provisions), i.e. an increase of +10.0% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

As at 30 September 2024, risk indicators confirm the high quality of Crédit Agricole Group’s assets and risk coverage level. The diversified loan book is mainly geared towards home loans (45% of gross outstandings) and corporates (33% of gross outstandings). Loan loss reserves amounted to €21.3 billion at the end of September 2024 (€11.7 billion for Regional Banks), 41% of which represented provisioning of performing loans (47% for Regional Banks). The prudent management of these loan loss reserves meant that the Crédit Agricole Group’s overall coverage ratio for doubtful loans at the end of September 2024 was 82.8%.

Underlying net income on other assets stood at €4 million in the first nine months of 2024, versus €18 million in the first nine months of 2023. Underlying pre-tax income before discontinued operations and non-controlling interests rose by +5.9% to €9,248 million. The tax charge was -€2,100 million, a change of just -0.6%, with an underlying effective tax rate of 23.2%, down -1.6 percentage points compared to the first nine months of 2023. Underlying net income before non-controlling interests was therefore up by +7.9%. Non-controlling interests amounted to -€659 million in the first nine months of 2023, up +6.5%.

Underlying net income Group share for first nine months of 2024 thus stood at €6,489 million, up +8.0% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Regional banks

Gross customer capture stands at +275,000 new customers and the customer base grew by +27,000 new customers over the same period. The percentage of customers using demand deposits as their main account and those who use digital tools continued to increase.

Loan production was down -7% compared to the third quarter of 2023, reflecting the -11% drop in home loans and the decline in specialised markets. Home loan production has been gradually recovering since the beginning of the year (+20% compared to the second quarter 2024). The average lending production rate for home loans stood at 3.47%¹⁰ over July and August 2024, -16 basis points lower than in the second quarter of 2024. By contrast, the global loan stock rate showed a gradual improvement (+27 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2023). Outstanding loans totalled €646 billion at the end of September 2024, stable year-on-year across all markets but up slightly by +0.5% over the quarter.

Customer assets were up +3.6% year-on-year to reach €903 billion at the end of September 2024. This growth was driven both by on-balance sheet deposits, which reached €601 billion (+2.5% compared to end September year-on-year), and off-balance sheet deposits, which reached €302 billion (+5.9% year-on-year) benefiting from favourable market effects and strong inflows in unit-linked bonds (€8 billion cumulative year-on-year). The mix of on-balance sheet deposits for the quarter remained almost unchanged, with demand deposits and term deposits fluctuating by -0.6% and +1% respectively from end-June 2024.

The equipment rate for property and casualty insurance¹¹ was 43.8% at the end of September 2024 and continues to rise (up +0.7 percentage point compared to the end of September 2023). In terms of payment instruments, the number of cards rose by +1.7% year-on-year, as did the percentage of premium cards in the stock, which increased by 1.9 percentage points year-on-year to account for 16.0% of total cards.

In the third quarter of 2024, the Regional Banks’ consolidated revenues including the SAS Rue La Boétie dividend¹² stood at €3,220 million, down -2.1% compared to the third quarter of 2023, notably impacted by a base effect of +€118 million¹³ related to the reversal of the Home Purchase Savings Plan provision in the third quarter of 2023. Excluding this item, revenues were up +1.5% year-on-year, the decline in the net interest margin (-11.6% excluding the Home Purchase Savings Plan¹³ base effect) being offset by the rise in portfolio revenues (+41.8%) and fee and commission income (+4.9%), itself driven by buoyant business in life insurance and account management. Operating expenses were up +3.5%, due to an increase in staff costs, property expenses and IT costs. Gross operating income was down -15.3% year-on-year (-3.8% excluding the Home Purchase Savings Plan¹³ base effect). The cost of risk was up by +43.7% compared to the third quarter of 2023 to stand at -€369 million. mainly due to the increase in proven risk in the corporate sector. Cost of risk/outstandings remained under control, at 22 basis points.

The Regional Banks’ consolidated net income, including the SAS Rue La Boétie dividend,¹² amounted to €351 million, down -38.0% compared to the third quarter of 2023 (-26.5% excluding the base effect¹³).

The Regional Banks’ contribution to net income Group share was €371 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -36.9% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024, revenues including the SAS Rue La Boétie dividend were up +2.2% compared to the same period in 2023. Operating expenses rose by +1.7%, resulting in a rise in gross operating income of +3% for the first nine months of 2024. Finally, with a cost of risk up +29%, the Regional Banks’ net income Group share, including the SAS Rue La Boétie dividend, amounted to €3,051 million, up +0.5% compared to the first nine months of 2023 (+1.9% excluding the Home Purchase Savings Plan base effect).

The Regional Banks’ contribution to the results of Crédit Agricole Group in the first nine months of 2024 amounted to €1,021 million in stated net income Group share (-28.1% compared to the same period in 2023), with revenues of €9,834 million (-2%), expenses of -€7,453 (+3.3%) and a cost of risk of -€1,056 million (+27%).

Crédit Agricole S.A.

Results

Crédit Agricole S.A.’s Board of Directors, chaired by Dominique Lefebvre, met on 5 November 2024 to examine the financial statements for third quarter 2024.

Crédit Agricole S.A. – Stated and underlying results, Q3-24 and Q3-23

€m	Q3-24 stated	Specific items	Q3-24 underlying	Q3-23 stated	Specific items	Q3-23 underlying	∆ Q3/Q3 stated	∆ Q3/Q3 underlying

Revenues	6,487	3	6,484	6,343	284	6,060	+2.3%	+7.0%
Operating expenses excl.SRF	(3,689)	(34)	(3,654)	(3,376)	0	(3,376)	+9.2%	+8.2%
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	n.m.	n.m.
Gross operating income	2,799	(31)	2,830	2,967	284	2,684	(5.7%)	+5.5%
Cost of risk	(433)	0	(433)	(429)	0	(429)	+0.9%	+0.9%
Equity-accounted entities	42	–	42	23	(26)	50	+81.3%	(15.3%)
Net income on other assets	(4)	(3)	(1)	69	61	8	n.m.	n.m.
Change in value of goodwill	–	–	–	–	–	–	n.m.	n.m.
Income before tax	2,404	(34)	2,438	2,630	318	2,312	(8.6%)	+5.4%
Tax	(476)	8	(484)	(633)	(89)	(544)	(24.8%)	(11.0%)
Net income from discont’d or held-for-sale ope.	–	–	–	2	–	2	n.m.	n.m.
Net income	1,928	(26)	1,954	1,999	229	1,770	(3.5%)	+10.4%
Non controlling interests	(262)	6	(268)	(251)	(2)	(250)	+4.2%	+7.5%
Net income Group Share	1,666	(20)	1,686	1,748	227	1,520	(4.7%)	+10.9%
Earnings per share (€)	0.50	(0.01)	0.51	0.53	0.07	0.46	(5.5%)	+11.4%
Cost/Income ratio excl. SRF (%)	56.9%		56.4%	53.2%		55.7%	+3.6 pp	+0.6 pp

In the third quarter of 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A.’s stated net income Group share came to €1,666 million, down -4.7% compared to the third quarter of 2023, having benefited from non-recurring items related to reversals of the Home Purchase Savings Plan provisions (see below). This was an excellent result for the third quarter of 2024, based on high revenues and a cost/income ratio kept at a low level.

Specific items for this quarter had a cumulative impact of -€20 million on net income Group share, and included the following recurring accounting items: recurring accounting volatility items in revenues, such as the DVA (Debt Valuation Adjustment), the issuer spread portion of the FVA and secured lending for +€3 million in net income Group share in the Large Customers segment, and the hedging of the loan book in the Large Customers segment for -€1 million in net income Group share. In addition to these recurring items, there were a number of items specific to this quarter: Degroof Petercam integration costs of -€6 million in the net income Group share in Asset Gathering; ISB integration costs for -€14 million in the net income Group share in Large Customers, and the acquisition costs of Degroof Petercam for -€2 million in the net income Group share in Asset Gathering.

Specific items for the third quarter of 2023 had a cumulative impact of +€227 million on net income Group share, and comprised recurring accounting items amounting to +€208 million (primarily reversals of Home Purchase Savings Plan provisions for +€37 million at LCL and +€171 million at the Corporate Centre). Non-recurring items were related to the ongoing reorganisation of the SFS division’s Mobility business amounting to +€19 million.

Excluding a positive base effect related to the reversals of Home Purchase Savings Plan provisions, net income Group share was up +8.2% for the period.

Excluding specific items, underlying net income Group share¹⁴ stood at €1,686 million in the third quarter of 2024, up +10.9% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

In the third quarter of 2024, underlying revenues were at a high level, standing at €6,484 million. They were up sharply by +7.0% compared to the third quarter of 2023. This growth was driven by the Asset Gathering business line, which recorded growth of +12.9% as a result of strong business momentum and the integration of Degroof Petercam¹⁵; the Large Customers business line (+8.7%), which saw good results from all business lines with continued revenue growth in the third quarter in Corporate and Investment Banking, in addition to an improvement in the net interest margin and fee and commission income within CACEIS; Specialised Financial Services (-1.5%), which benefited from favourable scope and volume effects as well as a more stable margin in the Personal Finance and Mobility business line; French Retail Banking (+3.7%), which was boosted by an improved net interest margin and higher fee and commission income; and lastly, International Retail Banking (-1.8%), which was essentially impacted by the decline in the net interest margin in Italy. The Corporate Centre division recorded an increase in revenues of +€43 million.

Underlying operating expenses totalled -€3,654 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of +8.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023, reflecting the support given to business line development. The -€278 million year-on-year increase in expenses was mainly due to a -€112 million scope effect,¹⁶ integration costs of -€29 million¹⁷, and a positive tax-related base effect of -€30 million. Recurring expenses were up by -€141 million, or +4.1% (-€38 million in staff costs, -€76 million in IT investments and -€27 million in other expenses).

The underlying cost/income ratio in the third quarter of 2024 thus stood at 56.4%, an increase of +0.6 percentage points compared to the third quarter of 2023.

Underlying gross operating income in the third quarter of 2024 stood at €2,830 million, an increase of +5.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023. It was up +4.2% when restated solely for reversals of the Home Purchase Savings Plan provisions.

As at 30 September 2024, risk indicators confirm the high quality of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s assets and risk coverage level. The diversified loan book is mainly geared towards home loans (26% of gross outstandings) and corporates (43% of Crédit Agricole S.A. gross outstandings). The Non Performing Loans ratio showed little change from the previous quarter and remained low at 2.5%. The coverage ratio¹⁸ was high at 71.4%, up +0.1 percentage points over the quarter. Loan loss reserves amounted to €9.6 billion for Crédit Agricole S.A., a -€0.1 billion decline from end-June 2024. Of those loan loss reserves, 34% were for performing loans (percentage in line with previous quarters).

The underlying cost of risk showed a net addition of -€433 million, up +0.9% from the third quarter of 2023, which included a -€38 million addition for performing loans (stages 1 and 2) (versus a reversal of +€59 million in the third quarter of 2023) and -€388 million in provisioning for proven risks (stage 3) (versus -€487 million in the third quarter of 2023). There was also a small addition of -€7 million for other items (legal provisions). By business line, 52% of the net addition for the quarter came from Specialised Financial Services (unchanged from end-September 2023), 19% from LCL (16% at end-September 2023), 14% from International Retail Banking (28% at end-September 2023), 4% from Large Customers (3% at end-September 2023) and 8% from the Corporate Centre (zero at end-September 2023). The increase in the cost of risk for the Corporate Centre was mainly due to the increase in the risk on financing secured by Foncaris. The provisioning levels were determined by taking into account several weighted economic scenarios and by applying some flat-rate adjustments on sensitive portfolios. The weighted economic scenarios for the third quarter were unchanged from the second quarter, with a favourable scenario (French GDP at +1.2% in 2024, +1.5% in 2025) and an unfavourable scenario (French GDP at -0.2% in 2024 and +0.5% in 2025). In the third quarter of 2024, the cost of risk/outstandings was 32 basis points over a rolling four-quarter period¹⁹ and 32 basis points on an annualised quarterly basis²⁰ (an improvement of 1 basis point compared to the third quarter of 2023 for both bases).

The underlying contribution from equity-accounted entities amounted to €42 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -15.3% compared to the third quarter of 2023, driven in particular by the strong growth of equity-accounted entities in asset management and a decline in the Personal Finance and Mobility business line.

Underlying income²¹before tax, discontinued operations and non-controlling interests was up +5.4% to €2,438 million. The underlying effective tax rate stood at 20.2%, i.e. down -3.8 percentage points compared to the third quarter of 2023. The underlying tax charge was -€484 million, down -11% mainly due to the impact of reduced-tax disposals of equity interests and the revaluation of securities at fair value in the Insurance business line, partially offset by the increase in the tax rate in Ukraine. Underlying net income before non-controlling interests was up +10.4% to €1,954 million. Non-controlling interests amounted to -€268 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of +7.5%.

Underlying earnings per share in third quarter of 2024 reached €0.51, increasing by +11.4% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

Crédit Agricole S.A. – Stated and underlying results, 9M-24 and 9M-23

€m	9M-24 stated	Specific items	9M-24 underlying	9M-23 stated	Specific items	9M-23 underlying	∆ 9M/9M stated	∆ 9M/9M underlying

Revenues	20,089	53	20,036	19,140	598	18,542	+5.0%	+8.1%
Operating expenses excl.SRF	(10,978)	(84)	(10,894)	(9,922)	(18)	(9,904)	+10.6%	+10.0%
SRF	–	–	–	(509)	–	(509)	(100.0%)	(100.0%)
Gross operating income	9,111	(30)	9,141	8,709	580	8,129	+4.6%	+12.5%
Cost of risk	(1,256)	(20)	(1,236)	(1,338)	(84)	(1,253)	(6.1%)	(1.3%)
Equity-accounted entities	132	(0)	132	136	(39)	175	(3.4%)	(24.7%)
Net income on other assets	5	(23)	28	102	89	13	(95.3%)	x 2.1
Change in value of goodwill	–	–	–	–	–	–	n.m.	n.m.
Income before tax	7,991	(73)	8,064	7,609	545	7,064	+5.0%	+14.2%
Tax	(1,790)	12	(1,803)	(1,832)	(149)	(1,682)	(2.3%)	+7.1%
Net income from discont’d or held-for-sale ope.	–	–	–	7	–	7	n.m.	n.m.
Net income	6,201	(61)	6,262	5,785	396	5,389	+7.2%	+16.2%
Non controlling interests	(803)	16	(820)	(771)	(2)	(769)	+4.2%	+6.6%
Net income Group Share	5,397	(45)	5,442	5,014	394	4,620	+7.6%	+17.8%
Earnings per share (€)	1.59	(0.01)	1.60	1.53	0.13	1.40	+3.8%	+14.5%
Cost/Income ratio excl.SRF (%)	54.6%		54.4%	51.8%		53.4%	+2.8 pp	+1.0 pp

In the first nine months of 2024, stated net income Group share amounted to €5,397 million, compared with €5,014 million in the first nine months of 2023, an increase of +7.6%.

Specific items in the first nine months of 2024 had a negative impact of -€45 million on stated net income Group share, and comprise +€39 million in recurring accounting items and -€84 million in non-recurring items. The recurring items mainly correspond to the reversals of and additions to the Home Purchase Savings Plans provisions for +€1 million net, as well as the accounting volatility items of the Large Customers division (the DVA for +€33 million and loan book hedging for +€5 million). Non-recurring items relate to the costs of integrating and acquiring Degroof Petercam (-€27 million) within the Asset Gathering division, the costs of integrating (-€37 million) and acquiring (-€17 million) ISB within the Large Customers division and an additional provision for risk in Ukraine (-€20 million) within the International Retail Banking division.

Excluding specific items, underlying Net income Group share reached €5,442 million, up +17.8% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Underlying revenues were up +8.1% compared to the first nine months of 2023, driven by all business lines. Underlying operating expenses were +10% higher than in 2023, essentially reflecting the development of the Group’s business lines and the integration of scope effects, partially offset by the end of the SRF²² building-up period. The underlying cost/income ratio excluding SRF for the period was 54.4%, an increase of 1 percentage point compared to the same period in 2023. Underlying gross operating income totalled €9,141 million, up +12.5% compared to the first nine months of 2023. The underlying cost of risk decreased by -1.3% over the period to -€1,236 million, versus -€1,253 million in 2023. Lastly, underlying contributions from equity-accounted entities amounted to €132 million, down -24.7% over the period.

Underlying earnings per share were €1.60 per share in the first nine months of 2024, up +14.5% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Underlying RoTE ²³, which is calculated on the basis of an annualised underlying Net Income Group Share ²⁴ and IFRIC charges linearised over the year, net of annualised Additional Tier 1 coupons (return on equity Group share excluding intangibles) and net of foreign exchange impact on reimbursed AT1, and restated for certain volatile items recognised in equity (including unrealised gains and/or losses), reached 14.5% over the first nine months of 2024, up by +1 percentage point compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Analysis of the activity and the results of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s divisions and business lines

Activity of the Asset Gathering division

In the third quarter of 2024, assets under management in the Asset Gathering division (AG) totalled €2,809 billion, up +€46 billion over the quarter (or +1.7%), mainly due to a positive market effect and a good level of net inflows in the three business lines of Asset Management, Insurance and Wealth Management. Over the year, assets under management rose by +13.1%.

Insurance activity (Crédit Agricole Assurances) was very strong with total premium income of €9.7 billion – a record level for a third quarter – up +38.9% compared to the third quarter of 2023, and up in all three segments: savings/retirement, property and casualty, and death & disability/creditor/group insurance. In total, overall premium income stood at €32.8 billion, up +18.2% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

In Savings/Retirement, third-quarter premium income stood at €7.2 billion, up +56.4% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Business was driven by euro payment bonus campaigns in France, launched during the first quarter, which boosted gross euro inflows, as well as by a confirmed upturn in international business. The unit-linked rate accounted for 32.8% of gross inflows, down -7.5 percentage points compared to the third quarter of 2023. This decline is linked to the recovery in gross euro inflows and less favourable market conditions for unit-linked products, in particular the reduced attractiveness of unit-linked bond products. Net inflows totalled +€1.6 billion this quarter, on par with last quarter. This level is made up of positive net inflows from unit-linked contracts (+€0.9 billion) and also from euro funds (+€0.8 billion). In total, Savings/Retirement premium income reached €23.9 billion at the end of September, up +23.1% compared to the end of September 2023.

Assets under management (savings, retirement and funeral insurance), which stood at €343.2 billion, continued to rise and reached their highest level ever. They were up +€19.0 billion over one year, or +5.8%, and +€12.9 billion since the beginning of the year, or +3.9%. The growth of assets under management was supported by a positive market effect and positive net inflows. Unit-linked contracts reached 29.9% of assets under management, up +2.3 percentage points over one year and +1.0 percentage point compared to the end of December 2023.

In property and casualty insurance, premium income stood at €1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2024, up +9.2%²⁵ compared to the third quarter of 2023. This growth was driven by volume and price effects. Indeed, at the end of September 2024, the portfolio stood at nearly 16.6 million²⁶ contracts, up +5.1% year-on-year. At the same time, the average premium was up, benefiting from rate revisions in addition to changes in the product mix. Lastly, the combined ratio at the end of September 2024 stood at 95.5%²⁷, a deterioration of +0.3 percentage point year-on-year due to the unfavourable impact of discounting. In total, at the end of September 2024, premium income stood at €4.9 billion, an increase of +7.8% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

In death & disability/creditor/group insurance, premium income for the third quarter of 2024 stood at €1.3 billion, up +2.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Creditor insurance premium income rose by +1.6% compared to the third quarter of 2023, thanks to an upturn in consumer finance and good performance in real estate. Death and disability was up +3.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023, mainly driven by group insurance, which posted an increase of +9.5%. In group insurance, an agreement was signed with Industries Electriques et Gazières in October 2024, with effect from the second half of 2025. In total, at the end of September, premium income from personal protection stood at €4.0 billion, an increase of +5.7% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

In Asset Management (Amundi), Amundi’s assets under management saw a +11.1% increase year-on-year at 30 September 2024 and a +1.6% increase over the quarter to €2,192 billion, an all-time high. The +€35.4 billion increase in assets under management over the quarter was due to a positive market and foreign exchange impact of +€32.5 billion and positive net inflows of +€2.9 billion.

This quarter’s net inflows include the exit from a mandate worth €11.6 billion with a European insurer, which was not generating much revenue. Adjusted for this outflow, net inflows for the quarter stood at +€14.4 billion, including +€9.1 billion in medium- and long-term assets²⁸, driven by active management and ETFs. Structured products and real and alternative assets also recorded positive inflows, while treasury products²⁸ were stable. Lastly, the JVs continued their solid commercial momentum, with net inflows of +€5.3 billion, reflecting a positive contribution from India and South Korea.

By customer segment, Retail inflows (+€6.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024) were driven by the excellent momentum of third-party distributors (+€6.8 billion), across all regions and with good diversification of inflows by asset class. Excluding the loss of the insurance mandate mentioned above, the Institutional segment recorded very positive inflows in MLT assets across all segments, in particular Institutional and Sovereign, and on mandates from insurers in the Crédit Agricole Groupe and the Société Générale group, thanks to the continued recovery in the euro-denominated life insurance policies market in France during the quarter. Treasury products, on the other hand, experienced sharp seasonal outflows in this segment.

In Wealth Management, total assets under management (CA Indosuez Wealth Management and LCL Private Banking) amounted to €274 billion at the end of September 2024, and were up +2.7% compared to June 2024 and +46.9% compared to September 2023.

Indosuez Wealth Management had assets under management of €209.2 billion²⁹ at the end of September, up +2.1%, or +€4.2 billion, compared to the end of June 2024 due to a positive market effect of +€2.5 billion and good level of activity with positive net inflows of +€1.8 billion, driven in particular by Switzerland and Asia. The quarter also saw Degroof Petercam funds begin to be marketed to Indosuez clients. Compared with the end of September 2023, assets under management were up by +€84.3 billion (or +67.5%), taking into account a scope effect of €69 billion (integration of Degroof Petercam in June 2024), a positive market effect and a good level of net inflows.

In LCL’s Private Banking division, assets under management at the end of September totalled €64.8 billion, up by +€1.0 billion or +1.5% compared to the end of June 2024, thanks to a positive market effect and positive net inflows. Compared with the end of September 2023, assets under management were up by +€3.2 billion (or +5.3%), mainly due to a positive market effect, and also to positive net inflows.

Results of the Asset Gathering division

In the third quarter of 2024, AG generated €1,870 million in revenues, up +12.9% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Expenses rose by +20.9% to -€868 million. Thus, the cost/income ratio stood at 46.4%, up +3.0 percentage points compared to the third quarter of 2023. Gross operating income stood at €1,002 million, up +6.9% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Taxes stood at -€157 million, compared with -€221 million at the end of September 2023 (down -29.1%). The net income Group share of AG stood at €728 million, up +17.1% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

At the end of September 2024, AG generated revenues of €5,603 million, up +9.1% compared to the end of September 2023. The increase is explained by a very high level of revenues in all three business lines: Insurance, Asset Management and Wealth Management. Costs excluding SRF increased +13.4%. As a result, the cost/income ratio excluding SRF stood at 43.5%, up +1.6 percentage points compared to the end of September 2023. Gross operating income stood at €3,168 million, an increase of +6.3% compared to the end of September 2023. Taxes stood at -€659 million, compared with -€699 million at the end of September 2023 (down -5.7%). The net income Group share of AG stood at €2,180 million, up +9.3% compared to the first nine months of 2023. Net income Group share increased between the first nine months of 2023 and the first nine months of 2024 in Asset Management (+10.2%) and the Insurance business lines (+11.3%), but was down in Wealth Management (-18.9%).

At the end of September 2024, the Asset Gathering division contributed by 37% to the underlying net income Group share of the Crédit Agricole S.A. core businesses (excluding Corporate Centre division) and 27% to underlying revenues excluding the Corporate Centre division.

As at 30 September 2024, equity allocated to the division amounted to €12.6 billion, including €10.4 billion for Insurance, €1.3 billion for Asset Management, and €0.8 billion for Wealth Management. The division’s risk-weighted assets amounted to €58.7 billion, including €35.7 billion for Insurance, €14.1 billion for Asset Management and €8.9 billion for Wealth Management.

The underlying RoNE (return on normalised equity) stood at 27.1% for the first nine months of 2024.

Insurance results

In the third quarter of 2024, insurance revenues amounted to €635 million, down -1.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023. This includes €418 million from savings/retirement³⁰, €117 million from personal protection³¹ and €40 million from property and casualty insurance³². Against a backdrop of increased business activity, the decline in revenues is explained in particular by the change in Property & Casualty claims, which were low in the third quarter of 2023 and higher in the third quarter of 2024, particularly for crop insurance, as well as by an unfavourable effect linked to the replacement of AT1 debt (for which the expense was recorded as minority interests) by Tier 2 debt (the cost of which is deducted from revenues).

The contractual service margin (CSM) stood at €24.9 billion, up +4.5% since 31 December 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, the impact of the stock revaluation was positive, and the impact of new business exceeded the CSM allocation.

Non-attributable expenses for the quarter stood at €85 million, up +5.1% over the third quarter of 2023. Gross operating income stood at €550 million, down -2.1% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Taxes stood at -€51 million, compared with -€131 million for the third quarter of 2023. This decline is due to a re-estimation of the tax rate including the impact of reduced-tax disposals of equity interests and the revaluation of securities at fair value, which took place during the quarter. Net income Group share stood at €478 million, up +16.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

Revenues from insurance in the first nine months of 2024 came to €2,130 million, up +5.4% compared to the total at the end of September 2023. Non-attributable expenses came to €264 million, i.e. an increase of +11.4%. The cost/income ratio stood at 12.4%, below the target ceiling of 15% set by the Medium-Term Plan. Gross operating income stood at €1,866 million, up +4.6% compared to the first nine months of 2023. The tax charge stood at -€354 million, below the September 2023 level of -€411 million. Net income Group share amounted to €1,466 million, up +11.3% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Insurance contributed by 25% to the underlying net income Group share of the Crédit Agricole S.A. core businesses (excluding the Corporate Centre division) at the end of September 2024 and by 10% to their underlying revenues.

Asset Management results

In the third quarter of 2024, revenues amounted to €838 million, showing double-digit growth (+10.3% compared to the third quarter of 2023). The +9.2% increase in management fee and commission income compared to the third quarter of 2023 reflects the good level of activity and the increase in average assets under management excluding JVs (which increased by +8.6% over the same period, and by +1.2% between the second and third quarter). Performance fees increased by +€10 million compared with the third quarter of 2023, but there were fewer crystallisation dates in the third quarter than in the second or fourth quarters. Amundi Technology’s revenues increased by +41.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Financial revenues were down by -10.6% compared to third quarter of 2023. Operating expenses stood at -€466 million, up +7.5% mainly due to the consolidation of Alpha Associates, accelerated investment and the impact of revenue growth on variable compensation. The jaws effect was positive over the quarter. The cost/income ratio thus stood at 55.6%, an improvement year-on-year (-1.5 percentage point). Gross operating income increased by +14.1% compared to the third quarter of 2023. The contribution from equity-accounted entities, comprising the contribution from Amundi’s Asian joint ventures, stood at €33 million, up +36.4% from the third quarter of 2023, driven mainly by the strong growth of the contribution from SBI MF in India. The income tax charge stood at -€92 million, up +14.9%. Net income before non-controlling interests was €312 million, up +16.4% compared to the total at the end of September 2023. Net income Group share stood at €208 million, up +16.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024, revenues rose by +7.2% in asset management, reflecting sustained growth in management fee and commission income and a sharp increase in Amundi Technology revenues (€54m, +28.2%) and net financial income. Performance fees were down slightly (-2.0%). Operating expenses excluding SRF increased by +6.3%. The cost/income ratio excluding SRF was 55.3%, stable compared to the total at the end of September 2023. As a result, gross operating income was up +8.8% compared to the first nine months of 2023. The net income of equity-accounted entities increased by +28.4%. All in all, net income Group share for the half-year stood at €623 million, an increase of +10.2%.

Asset management contributed 10% to the underlying net income Group share of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s core businesses (excluding the Corporate Centre division) at end September 2024 and by 12% to their underlying revenues.

At 30 September 2024, equity allocated to the Asset Management business line amounted to €1.3 billion, while risk-weighted assets totalled €14.1 billion.

Wealth Management results³³

Revenues of Wealth Management stood at €397 million in the third quarter of 2024, up +56.6% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Revenues benefited from the impact of the integration of Degroof Petercam in June 2024; excluding this effect, they were supported by the good momentum of management fee and commission income, which offset the erosion of interest revenues. Expenses totalled -€317 million, up +55.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023, due to the impact of the integration of Degroof Petercam in June 2024³⁴ and integration costs of -€8 million in the third quarter. Restated for these impacts, growth in expenses is stable (+0.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023). The cost/income ratio in the third quarter of 2024 stood at 79.9%, down -0.6 percentage points compared to the third quarter of 2023. Gross operating income stood at €80 million, up +61.4% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Cost of risk was -€11 million in the third quarter of 2024, including the recognition of litigations and provisions for various cases. Net income on other assets stood at -€3 million in the third quarter of 2024, corresponding to the Degroof Petercam acquisition costs, restated as specific items. Net income Group share amounted to €42 million, up +30.6% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024, Wealth Management’s revenues rose by +24.7% compared to the end of September 2023, notably benefiting from the integration of Degroof Petercam in June 2024 to reach €967 million. Expenses excluding SRF rose by +29.3% due to the impact of the integration of Degroof Petercam in June 2024 and the €14 million in integration costs. Restated for these impacts, growth in expenses is under control, increasing by +3.6% compared to the first nine months of 2023, due in particular to an unfavourable base effect in 2023. Gross operating income thus rose by +10.0% to €181 million. The cost of risk was -€12 million at the end of September 2024 (it was +€1 million at the end of September 2023). Net income on other assets stood at -€23 million at the end of September 2024, corresponding to the Degroof Petercam acquisition costs, restated as specific items. Net income Group share stood at €91 million for the first nine months of 2024, down -18.9% compared to the first nine months of 2023, but up +4.5% after restatement for integration and acquisition costs.

Wealth Management contributed 2% of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s business lines underlying net income Group share. (excluding the Corporate Centre division) at end September 2024 and by 5% to their underlying revenues.

At 30 September 2024, equity allocated to Wealth Management was €0.8 billion and risk-weighted assets totalled €8.9 billion.

Activity of the Large Customers division

Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) once again posted a very good performance in the third quarter of 2024 (best third quarter and best year-to-date in terms of both revenues and results). Asset servicing also recorded strong business momentum during the period.

CIB third-quarter underlying revenues rose sharply to €1,528 million, an increase of +8.0% compared to the third quarter of 2023, driven by growth in its two business lines. Revenues from Financing activities were up +7.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023, at €809 million. This was mainly due to the excellent performance of Commercial Banking (+9.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023), driven by the development of Corporate activities, especially in the Telecom sector, and a good level of revenues from asset financing and project financing. Capital Markets and Investment Banking also reported revenue growth of +9.0% compared to the third quarter of 2023, at €719 million, driven by the continued high level of performance of Capital Markets (+6.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023 for FICC) and the good level of activity in Investment Banking, (+22.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023), confirming the trend observed at the end of the first half of 2024.

Financing activities thus confirmed its leading position in syndicated loans (#2 in France³⁵ and #2 in EMEA³⁵). Crédit Agricole CIB reaffirmed its strong position in bond issues (#3 All bonds in EUR Worldwide³⁵) and was ranked #2 in Green, Social & Sustainable bonds in EUR³⁶. Average regulatory VaR stood at €10.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, unchanged from the second quarter of 2024 when it was €10.1 million. It remained at a level that reflected prudent risk management.

In addition, the third quarter of 2024 saw the continued migration of ISB (formerly RBC Investor Services in Europe) customer portfolios to CACEIS platforms, following the effective merger of the legal entities with those of CACEIS on 31 May 2024. Customer migration is expected to continue until the end of 2024. As a reminder, ISB integration costs will be recorded during the year for an amount of around €80 million to €100 million, including €25.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, i.e. €70 million recorded in the first nine months of 2024.

In the third quarter of 2024, solid customer business and market effects supported growth in assets over the year. Assets under custody increased by +1.9% at the end of September 2024 compared to the end of June 2024 and increased by +12.1% compared to the end of September 2023, to reach €5,061 billion. Assets under administration were down -1.2% over the quarter (planned exit of some ISB customers) and up +4.2% year-on-year, reaching €3,386 billion at the end of September 2024.

Results of the Large Customers division

In the third quarter of 2024, stated revenues of the Large Customers division once again reached a record level of €2,054 million, up +8.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023, buoyed by excellent performance in the Corporate and Investment Banking and Asset Servicing business lines. The division’s specific items this quarter had an impact of +€2.8 million on Corporate and Investment Banking and comprised the DVA, the issuer spread portion of the FVA and secured lending amounting to +€3.6 million, and loan book hedging totalling -€0.8 million. Operating expenses were up compared to the third quarter of 2023 (+8.8%), due, on the one hand, to IT investments and the development of the business lines’ activity and, on the other hand, to the recognition of ISB integration costs of -€25.9 million, restated as specific items. As a result, the division’s gross operating income was up +8.8% from the third quarter of 2023 to €814 million. The division recorded an overall net addition for cost of risk of -€19 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared with an addition of -€13 million in the third quarter of 2023. Stated pre-tax income totalled €800 million, an increase over the period (+8.2%). The tax charge was
-€234 million. Lastly, stated Net income Group share reached €520 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared with stated income of €488 million in the third quarter of 2023. Underlying net income Group share came to €532 million in the third quarter of 2024, versus €488 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Over the first nine months of 2024, stated revenues of the Large Customers division amounted to a record high of €6,543 million, i.e. +12.0% compared to the first nine months of 2023. Operating expenses excluding SRF rose +13.4% compared to the same period to -€3,298 million, largely related to employee expenses and IT investments, and including ISB integration costs of -€70 million. Gross operating income for the first nine months of 2024 totalled €2,802 million, representing an increase of +25.4% compared to the first nine months of 2023. Over the period, the cost of risk recorded a net addition of -€25 million, compared to an addition of -€81 million in the same period. The business line’s contribution to stated Net income Group share was €1,936 million, a strong increase of +30.3% compared to the first nine months of 2023. Underlying net income Group share came to €1,935 million in the first nine months of 2024, versus €1,520 million in the first nine months of 2023.

The division contributed 33% to the underlying net income Group share of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s core businesses (excluding the Corporate Centre division) at end September 2024 and 31% to underlying revenues excluding the Corporate Centre.

At 30 September 2024, the equity allocated to the division was €13.3 billion and its risk-weighted assets were €140.5 billion.

Underlying RoNE (return on normalised equity) stood at 19.0% at the end of September 2024.

Corporate and Investment Banking results

In the third quarter of 2024, Corporate and Investment Banking stated revenues reached a record at €1,531 million, up +8.2% from the third quarter of 2023. The Corporate and Investment Banking division’s specific items this quarter had an impact of +€2.8 million and comprised the DVA, the issuer spread portion of the FVA, and secured lending amounting to +€3.6 million, and loan book hedging totalling -€0.8 million. Operating expenses rose by +7.2% to -€864 million, mainly due to IT investments and the development of business line activities. Gross operating income rose sharply by +9.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023, taking it to a high level of +€667 million. The cost/income ratio was 56.4%, a slight change of -0.5 percentage point over the period. The cost of risk recorded a limited net provision of -€14 million, stable compared to the third quarter of 2023. Lastly, pre-tax income in the third quarter of 2024 stood at €653 million, versus €596 million in the third quarter of 2023. The tax charge stood at -€195 million. Lastly, stated net income Group share rose sharply by +10.3% to €446 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Over the first nine months of 2024, stated revenues rose by +7.6% compared to the excellent level recorded in the first nine months of 2023, to a record level of €4,995 million. The specific items over the period had an impact of +€52.2 million and comprised the DVA (the issuer spread portion of the FVA and secured lending) amounting to +€45.8 million, and loan book hedging totalling +€6.3 million. Operating expenses excluding SRF rose +5.1%, mainly due to variable compensation and investments in IT and employees to support the development of the business lines. Thus, gross operating income of €2,370 million was up sharply (+26.5% compared to the first nine months of 2023). The cost of risk recorded a net provision of -€7 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared to a net provision of -€80 million in the first nine months of 2023. The income tax charge stood at -€609 million, up +27.1%. Lastly, stated net income Group share stood at €1,715 million for the first nine months of 2024, an increase of +33.6% over the period, the highest historical level. Underlying Net income Group share stood at €1,677 million over the first nine months of 2024, versus €1,318 million over the same period in 2023.

Risk-weighted assets at the end of September 2024 were down -€2.7 billion compared to the end of June 2024 at €128.6 billion, still well under control with business growth.

Asset servicing results

In the third quarter of 2024, the revenues of Asset Servicing were up +10.7% compared to the third quarter of 2023, standing at €523 million. This rise was driven in particular by high fee and commission income, itself driven by the increase in assets and by the favourable trend in NIM. Operating expenses rose by +12.8% to
-€376 million, including -€4 million in scope effects linked to the consolidation of the remaining ISB entities and a -€25.8 million in ISB integration costs restated as specific items. Excluding these effects, the increase in expenses was +5.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023. As a result, gross operating income was up by +5.7% to €147 million in the third quarter of 2024. Thus, the cost/income ratio stood at 71.9%, up +1.3 percentage points. Excluding ISB integration costs and the consolidation of the remaining ISB entities, it stood at 66.2%, an improvement of 3.3 percentage points compared to the third quarter of 2023. The quarter also recorded +€6 million in income from equity-accounted entities. Net income thus totalled €109 million, down -10.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted for the €35 million share of non-controlling interests, the business line’s contribution to stated net income Group share totalled €74 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -11.7% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Excluding ISB integration costs, net income Group share was up +4.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

Stated revenues for the first nine months of 2024 were up +28.7% compared to the same period in 2023, buoyed by the integration of ISB, strong commercial momentum and a favourable trend in the interest margin over the period. Expenses excluding SRF were up +39.2% and included a scope effect of -€207 million over the first six months of 2024 and -€70 million in ISB integration costs. Gross operating income was up +20.0% compared to the first nine months of 2023. The cost/income ratio stood at 72.1%, an improvement of 5.5 points compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net income thus rose by +10.1%. The overall contribution of the business line to net income Group share in the first nine months of 2024 was €221 million, a +9.3% increase compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Specialised financial services activity

Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility’s (CAPFM) commercial production totalled €11.6 billion in the third quarter of 2024, stable compared to the third quarter of 2023. The share of automotive financing³⁷ in quarterly new business production stood at 50.6% this quarter. The average customer rate for production was down -24 basis points from the second quarter of 2024. CAPFM’s assets under management stood at €116.8 billion at the end of September 2024, up +5.2% compared to the end of September 2023, driven by all activities (Automotive +6,9%³⁸; LCL and Regional Banks +5.6%; Other entities +3.3%). Lastly, consolidated outstandings totalled €68.9 billion at the end of September 2024, up +4.7% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

CAPFM has announced a number of recent developments: a plan to acquire 50% of GAC Leasing; a pan-European partnership with GAC Motor International to entrust CA Auto Bank with the financing of vehicles made by Chinese manufacturer GAC; a partnership with FATEC to offer a fleet management service to its customers; and an agreement with EDF to ramp up the installation of electric charging stations in France.

Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring (CAL&F) commercial production increased by +13.6% compared to the third quarter of 2023. It was driven by all business lines, and was particularly strong in property leasing and renewable energy financing. Property leasing continued to grow in France and abroad. Leasing outstandings rose +8.8% year-on-year, both in France (+6.7%) and internationally (+17.4%), to reach €20.1 billion at the end of September 2024 (of which €15.9 billion in France and €4.2 billion internationally). Commercial factoring production fell by -17% compared to the third quarter of 2023. As a reminder, the third quarter of 2023 was marked by record production in Germany. Factoring outstandings at the end of September 2024 were stable compared to the end of September 2023.

On 31 October 2024, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire Merca Leasing in Germany.

Specialised financial services’ results

The revenues of Specialised Financial Services rose to €869 million in the third quarter of 2024, down slightly by -1.6% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Expenses stood at -€437 million, up +3.1% compared to the third quarter of 2023. The cost/income ratio stood at 48%, up +2.3 percentage points compared to the same period in 2023. Gross operating income thus stood at €433 million, down -5.9% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Cost of risk reached -€223 million, stable compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net income from equity-accounted entities rose significantly (x4.5 compared to the third quarter of 2023) to €23 million. Excluding the base effect³⁹ related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities at CAPFM, the change was -20.7%. Net income on other assets stood at -€2 million, versus €57 million in the third quarter of 2023. Excluding the base effect³⁹ related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities at CAPFM, the change was -52.5%. The division’s Net income Group share amounted to €172 million, down -15.6% compared to the same period in 2023, and down -7% excluding the base effect³⁹.

Over the first nine months of 2024, revenues for the Specialised Financial Services division fell by-4.1%, but rose by +7.8% excluding the base effect⁴⁰ related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities at CAPFM, compared to the first nine months of 2023. This favourable trend was driven by a good performance in CAL&F (+8.5%) and by higher revenues for CAPFM excluding the base effect⁴⁰ (+7,6%), benefiting from the scope effects linked to the strategic pivot around Mobility at CAPFM, which led to the 100% consolidation of Crédit Agricole Auto Bank from the second quarter of 2023 and of ALD and LeasePlan activities in six European countries, as well as the acquisition of a majority stake in the capital of Hiflow in the third quarter of 2023. Underlying costs excluding SRF increased by +8.9% compared to the first nine months of 2023. Expenses excluding SRF, the base effect⁴⁰ and scope effects rose by +3.1%. The cost/income ratio stood at 51.2%, or +6.1 percentage points versus the same period in 2023; excluding the base effect⁴⁰, the change was +1.3 percentage points. The cost of risk was down -4.9% compared to the first nine months of 2023, to -€653 million, and up +8.4% excluding the base effect⁴⁰. This increase incorporated in particular the impact of scope effects. The contribution from equity-accounted entities was down -8.5% versus the same period in 2023, and down -35.9% excluding the base effect⁴⁰, due to the full consolidation of Crédit Agricole Auto Bank in the second quarter of 2023, which was previously accounted for using the equity method. Net income on other assets amounted to -€3 million at the end of September 2024, compared to €81 million at the end of September 2023 (-€7 million excluding the base effect⁴⁰). Net income Group share thus came to €502 million, down -21% compared to the first nine months of 2023, but up +5.4% excluding the base effect⁴⁰ related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities at CAPFM.

The business line contributed 8% to the underlying net income Group share of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s core businesses. (excluding the Corporate Centre division) at the end of September 2024 and 13% to underlying revenues excluding the Corporate Centre.

At 30 September 2024, the equity allocated to the division was €6.8 billion and its risk-weighted assets were €71.8 billion.

The underlying RoNE (return on normalised equity) stood at 9.0% for the first nine months of 2024.

Personal Finance and Mobility results

CAPFM revenues totalled €678 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -4.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023. The price effect remained negative in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023, but stabilised compared to the second quarter of 2024, thanks in particular to an improved production margin rate over the last few quarters (stable in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024, and up by +86 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2023). Expenses remained under control at -€338 million, up +2.4% compared to the same period in 2023. Gross operating income stood at €340 million, down -10%. The cost/income ratio stood at 49.8%, up +3.2 percentage points compared to the same period in 2023. The cost of risk stood at -€201 million, down -2.4% from the third quarter of 2023. The cost of risk/outstandings thus stood at 112 basis points⁴¹, an improvement of -16 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2023. The Non Performing Loans ratio was 4.5% at the end of June 2024, up +0.2 percentage point compared to the end of June 2024, while the coverage ratio reached 74.2%, down -1.6 percentage points compared to the end of June 2024. The contribution from equity-accounted entities rose sharply (x5.1) compared to the same period in 2023, and fell by -20.7% excluding the base effect related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities³⁹. Net income on other assets amounted to -€2 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to €57 million in the third quarter of 2023. Excluding the base effect³⁹, net income on other assets of the third quarter of 203 amounted to -€4 million. As a result, net income Group share totalled €118 million in the third quarter of 2024, i.e. -20.9% compared to the same period the previous year. Excluding the base effect³⁹, net income Group share was down -9.3%.

In the first nine months of 2024, CAPFM’s revenues totalled €2,042 million, down -7.1% compared with the first nine months of 2023, but up +7.6% excluding the base effect related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities⁴². Revenues benefited from scope effects related to the strategic pivot around Mobility, leading to the full consolidation of Crédit Agricole Auto Bank from the second quarter of 2023 and the consolidation of the ALD and LeasePlan activities in six European countries, as well as the acquisition of a majority stake in the capital of Hiflow in the third quarter of 2023. Expenses excluding SRF stood at -€1,035 million, an increase of +9.9% on 2023. Expenses excluding SRF, excluding the base effect⁴² and scope effects, were up +2.2%. Gross operating income therefore came in at €1,007 million, which was a drop of -19% but an increase of +4.7% excluding the base effect⁴². The cost/income ratio stood at 50.7%, or +7.9 percentage points versus the same period in 2023. When restated for the base effect, the change was +2.1 percentage points. Cost of risk fell -7.3% compared with the first nine months of 2023 to -€591 million, but rose +6.8% when the base effect⁴² is excluded. This rise notably includes the impact of scope effects. The contribution from equity-accounted entities was down -5.4% versus the same period in 2023, and down -33.1% excluding the base effect⁴² related to the scope effects of Crédit Agricole Auto Bank, which was fully consolidated in the second quarter of 2023 having previously been accounted for using the equity method. Income on other assets fell -55.5%, or -63,4% excluding the base effect⁴². As a result, net income Group share stood at €349 million in the first nine months of 2024, i.e. -31.3% from the same period one year earlier. Excluding the base effect⁴², net income Group share was stable at -0.1% compared with the same period in 2023.

Leasing & Factoring results

CAL&F’s revenues totalled €192 million, up +8.5% compared with the third quarter of 2023. This increase was driven by all business lines and benefited from volume effects (increase in factored revenues and equipment leasing outstandings). Expenses remained under control with an increase of +4.8%, while the cost/income ratio stood at 51.6%, an improvement of -1.8 percentage points from the third quarter of 2023. Gross operating income rose +12.7% to €93 million, with a positive jaws effect of +3.7 percentage points. Cost of risk totalled -€22 million, up +25.1% compared with the same period in 2023, linked to economic conditions in the corporate market. Cost of risk/outstandings stood at 22 basis points⁴¹, down slightly from the third quarter of 2023. As a result, net income Group share was €54 million, down -1.8% compared with the third quarter of 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024, revenues totalled €563 million, an increase of +8.5% compared with the first nine months of 2023. Costs excluding SRF increased by +5.7% to €298 million. Gross operating income rose sharply to €265 million, a +19.8% increase compared with the first nine months of 2023. The underlying cost/income ratio excluding SRF amounted to 53%, an improvement of -1.4 percentage points compared with the first nine months of 2023. Cost of risk was up compared with the same period of 2023 (+26.7%). The business line’s contribution to underlying net income Group share was €153 million, up +20.2% compared with the first nine months of 2023.

Crédit Agricole S.A. Retail Banking activity

Activity in Crédit Agricole S.A.’s Retail Banking business was solid during the quarter, with customer capture continuing at a good pace and an increasing number of customers taking out insurance policies. Home loan production in France is steadily recovering, while continuing to rise for corporate loans. Outside France, loan activity was dynamic.

Retail banking activity in France

In the third quarter of 2024, activity remained buoyant with the confirmed recovery in mortgage lending and the continued stabilisation of the mix of inflows.

Gross customer capture for the quarter stood at 76,000 new customers and net customer capture came in at 9,700 customers. The equipment rate for car, multi-risk home, health, legal, all mobile phones or personal accident insurance rose by +0.3 percentage points to stand at 27.9% at end-September 2024.

Loan production totalled €7.5 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of +11%. The third quarter of 2024 confirmed the recovery in home loan production (+17% compared to the third quarter of 2023 and +73% compared to the second quarter of 2023), boosted by the proactive pricing policy. The average production rate for home loans came to 3.38%, down -46 basis points from the second quarter of 2024 and -32 basis points year on year. The home loan stock rate improved by +5 basis points over the quarter and by +18 basis points year on year. The solid momentum continued in the corporate market (+16% year on year). Production for small businesses declined in a competitive market and challenging economic environment.

Outstanding loans stood at €169 billion at end-September 2024, representing a quarter-on-quarter increase of +0.4% and a year-on-year increase of +0.5% (of which +0.6% for home loans, +0.7% for loans to small businesses, +1.0% for consumer finance and -0.1% for corporate loans). Customer assets totalled €253.3 billion at end-September 2024, up +5.1% year on year, driven by interest-earning deposits and off-balance sheet funds. Customer assets also edged up +0.6% during the quarter. This was accompanied by the continued stabilisation of demand deposit volumes (+0.4% compared with end-June 2024) in a still-uncertain environment, as well as term deposits (-2.9% compared with end-June 2024). Off-balance sheet deposits benefited from a positive year-on-year market effect across all segments and positive net inflows in life insurance.

Retail banking activity in Italy

In the third quarter of 2024, CA Italy posted a gross customer capture of 43,000, while the customer base grew by around 13,000 customers.

Loan outstandings at CA Italy stood at €61.3 billion⁴³ at end-September 2024, up +3.0% compared with end-September 2023. This was despite the downturn in the Italian market⁴⁴, mostly in the retail segment, which posted an increase in outstandings of +3.6%. Loan production, buoyed by the solid momentum in all markets, rose 7.5% compared with the third quarter of 2023. Home loan production remained steady (+7% compared with the second quarter of 2024), despite a -12% year-on-year decline due to a base effect linked to the success of the promotional campaign which ran in the third quarter of 2023. The loan stock rate was down -17 basis points on the second quarter of 2024, in line with the general trend in Italian market rates.

Customer assets at end-September 2024 totalled €117.4 billion, up +3.7% compared with end-September 2023; on-balance sheet deposits were relatively unchanged from the previous year at +0.4%, while the cost of inflows decreased. Lastly, off-balance sheet deposits rose +9.2%, benefiting from a market effect and positive net inflows.

CA Italy’s equipment rate in car, multi-risk home, health, legal, all mobile phones or personal accident insurance increased to 20.0%, up 1.7 percentage points compared with the third quarter of 2023.

International Retail Banking activity excluding Italy

For International Retail Banking excluding Italy, loan outstandings were up +4.2% at current exchange rates at end-September 2024 compared with end-September 2023 (+6.7% at constant exchange rates). Customer assets rose slightly by +0.4% over the same period at current exchange rates (+8.1% at constant exchange rates).

In Poland in particular, loan outstandings increased by +11.8% versus September 2023 (+3.6% at constant exchange rates) and customer assets by +14% (+5.5% at constant exchange rates), against a backdrop of fierce competition for deposits. Loan production in Poland also remained strong, rising +32.4% compared with the third quarter of 2023 at current exchange rates (up +26% at constant exchange rates).

In Egypt, loan outstandings rose -18.3% between end-September 2024 and end-September 2023 (+34.6% at constant exchange rates). Over the same period, inflows fell by -36.6% but were still up +4% at constant exchange rates.

The surplus of deposits over loans in Poland and Egypt amounted to €1.6 billion at 30 September 2024, and totalled €3.2 billion including Ukraine.

French retail banking results

In the third quarter of 2024, LCL’s revenues stood at €979 million, down -1.7% compared with the third quarter of 2023 due to a base effect related to the reversal of the provision for Home Purchase Saving Plans in the third quarter of 2023⁴⁵. Excluding this base effect, revenues grew by +3.7% as a result of both net interest margin and fee and commission income. Net interest margin, excluding the Home Purchase Saving Plan base effect⁴⁵, rose +2.3%⁴⁵ year on year, benefiting from positive exceptional items related to the revaluation of equity investments. In addition, the increase in the cost of funding continued to weigh on the net interest margin, partially offset by the positive impact of gradual loan repricing and the favourable impact of the contribution of macro-hedging (virtually unchanged year on year). Fee and commission income was up +5.1% compared with the third quarter of 2023, driven by all activities.

Expenses rose +3.2% to stand at -€608 million. The increase for the period is mainly related to the increase in property expenses and IT costs. The cost/income ratio stood at 62.1%, a rise of +2.9 percentage points compared with the third quarter of 2023. Gross operating income was down -8.8%, to €371 million (up +4.5% excluding the Home Purchase Saving Plan base effect⁴⁵).

The cost of risk was up +17% compared with the third quarter of 2023 to -€82 million (including +€18 million in cost of risk on performing loans, -€94 million in proven risk, and -€5 million in other risks). This increase was mainly due to corporate specific files and to the consumer finance segment. The cost of risk/outstandings remained under control, at 23 basis points. The coverage ratio stood at 59.8% at end-September 2024 (-1 percentage point compared with end-June 2024). The Non Performing Loans ratio reached 2.1% at end-September 2024, stable compared with end-June 2024 (+0.1 percentage point). As a result, net income Group share decreased by -19.2% compared with the third quarter of 2024 (-6.2% excluding the Home Purchase Saving Plan base effect⁴⁵).

In the first nine months of 2024, LCL revenues totalled €2,912 million, a +0.7% increase compared with the first nine months of 2023. The net interest margin was slightly up (+0.5%), benefiting from gradual loan repricing and the positive impact of macro-hedging, in the context of rising refinancing and funding costs, and positive exceptional items in the second and third quarters of 2024 (positive valuation effects on equity investments). Fee and commission income was up +0.9% compared with the first nine months of 2023 (impacted by the base effect of Image cheque in 2023⁴⁶, particularly in the life insurance and payment instrument segments. Expenses excluding SRF rose +3.4% over the period as a result of the increase in staff and IT costs, partially offset by a one-off impact on taxation and a base effect related to end-of-career allowances. The cost/income ratio excluding SRF stood at 61.8% (+1.6 percentage points compared with the first nine months of 2023). Gross operating income grew slightly by +0.5% year on year. Cost of risk increased by +44.3%, impacted by the rise in proven risk from corporates and recent consumer finance production. All in all, the business line’s contribution to net income Group share stood at €607 million, down -9.8% (-5% excluding Home Purchase Saving Plan base effect)

In the end, the business line contributed 10% to the underlying net income Group share of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s core businesses. (excluding the Corporate Centre division) in the first nine months of 2024 and 14% to underlying revenues excluding the Corporate Centre.

At 30 September 2024, the equity allocated to the business line stood at €5.3 billion and risk-weighted assets amounted to €55.3 billion. LCL’s underlying RoNE (return on normalised equity) stood at 14.4% for the first nine months of 2024.

International Retail Banking results⁴⁷

In the third quarter of 2024, revenues for International Retail Banking totalled €1,006 million, falling slightly by -1.8% (+1.2% at constant exchange rates) compared with the third quarter of 2023. Operating expenses were under control at €519 million, an increase of +3.1% (+4.4% at constant exchange rates) Gross operating income consequently totalled €486 million, down -6.5% (-2.1% at constant exchange rates) for the period. Cost of risk amounted to -€59 million, down -51.1% compared with the third quarter of 2023 (-50.1% at constant exchange rates).

All in all, net income Group share for CA Italy, CA Egypt, CA Poland and CA Ukraine amounted to €194 million in the third quarter of 2024, up +13.9% (-12.9% at constant exchange rates). This included a negative impact of -€40 million following the change in the corporate income tax rate in Ukraine.

For the first nine months of 2024, International Retail Banking revenues rose by +3.9% to €3,090 million (+0.6% at constant exchange rates). Expenses excluding SRF and DGS stood at -€1,522 million, an increase of 2.1% compared with the first nine months of 2023. Gross operating income totalled €1,510 million, up +4.6% (+1.1% at constant exchange rates). Cost of risk fell by -41.0% (-23.0% at constant exchange rates) to -€213 million compared with the first nine months of 2023. In the end, net income Group share for International Retail Banking came to €678 million, versus €600 million in the first nine months of 2023, and included a negative impact of around -€40 million following the change in corporate income tax rate in Ukraine.

In the first nine months of 2024, International Retail Banking contributed 12% to the underlying net income Group share of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s core businesses (excluding the Corporate Centre) and 15% to underlying revenues excluding the Corporate Centre.

As at 30 September 2024, the capital allocated to International Retail Banking was €4.4 billion and risk-weighted assets totalled €46.3 billion.

Results in Italy

In the third quarter of 2024, revenues for Crédit Agricole Italy amounted to €764 million, down -2.5% compared with the third quarter of 2023. Revenues were impacted by a -2.5% decline in net interest margin compared with the third quarter of 2023 but were boosted by fee and commission income from assets under management, which remained relatively unchanged at +0.7%. Operating expenses were stable at 0.9% compared with the third quarter of 2023.

Cost of risk amounted to -€48 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -43.4% from the third quarter of 2023, and corresponded almost entirely to provisions for proven risk. Cost of risk/outstandings⁴⁸ stood at 44 basis points, an improvement of 6 basis points compared with the second quarter of 2024. The Non Performing Loans ratio improved compared with the first quarter of 2024 to stand at 3.0%, while the coverage ratio was 73.6% (+1.2 percentage points compared with the second quarter of 2024). Net income Group share for CA Italy was €164 million, down -1.3% compared with the third quarter of 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024, revenues for Crédit Agricole Italy rose slightly by +0.8% to €2,323 million. Expenses excluding SRF and DGS (deposit guarantee fund in Italy) were under control at €1,161 million, a slight decrease of -0.2% compared with the first nine months of 2023. Gross operating income stood at €1,105 million, a slight increase of +0.3% compared with the first nine months of 2023. Cost of risk amounted to -€170 million, down -27.2% compared with the first nine months of 2023. As a result, CA Italy’s net income Group share totalled €497 million, an increase of +4.4% compared with the first nine months of 2023.

CA Italy’s underlying RoNE (return on normalised equity) was 22.6% at 30 September 2024.

International Retail Banking results – excluding Italy

In the third quarter of 2024, revenues for International Retail Banking excluding Italy totalled €242 million, up +0.4% (+14.8% at constant exchange rates) compared with the third quarter of 2023. Revenues in Poland were up +22.2% compared with the third quarter of 2023 (+16.1% at constant exchange rates), boosted by a higher net interest margin and a strong upwards trend in fee and commission income. Revenues in Egypt were down (-19.9% compared with the third quarter of 2023) due to foreign exchange rate movements (depreciation of the Egyptian pound), but were particularly buoyant at constant exchange rates (+32.7%), benefiting from a sharp increase in the interest margin. Operating expenses for International Retail Banking excluding Italy amounted to €122 million, up +11.0% compared with the third quarter of 2023 (+17.8% at constant exchange rates). Gross operating income amounted to €120 million, a decrease of -8.5% (+11.8% at constant exchange rates) compared with the third quarter of 2023. Cost of risk amounted to -€11 million, down -68.9% (-68.9% at constant exchange rates). Furthermore, at end-September 2024, the coverage ratio for loan outstandings remained high in Poland and Egypt, at 121% and 139% respectively. In Ukraine, the local coverage ratio remains prudent (335%). All in all, the contribution of International Retail Banking excluding Italy to net income Group share was €30 million, down 49.1% compared with the third quarter of 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024, revenues for International Retail Banking excluding Italy totalled €767 million, up +14.3% (+25.0% at constant exchange rates) compared with the first nine months of 2023, driven by the increase in net interest margin. Operating expenses amounted to -€361 million, up +10.2% compared with the first nine months of 2023 (+12.8% at constant exchange rates). The cost/income ratio at end-September 2024 was 47.1% (an improvement of 1.8 points on the cost/income ratio at end-September 2023). Thanks to strong growth in revenues, gross operating income came to €406 million, up 18.3% (+38.4% at constant exchange rates) from the first nine months of 2023. Cost of risk amounted to -€43 million, down -66.4% (-65.8% at constant exchange rates) compared with the first nine months of 2023. All in all, International Retail Banking excluding Italy contributed €182 million to net income Group share.

The underlying RoNE (return on normalised equity) of Other IRB (excluding CA Italy) stood at 33.0% at 30 September 2024.

At 30 September 2024, the entire Retail Banking business line contributed 22% to the underlying net income Group share of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s core businesses (excluding the Corporate Centre division) and 29% to underlying revenues excluding the Corporate Centre.

At 30 September 2024, the division’s equity amounted to €9.7 billion. Its risk-weighted assets totalled €101.6 billion.

Corporate Centre results

The net income Group share of the Corporate Centre was -€161 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -€106 million compared with the third quarter of 2023. The negative contribution of the Corporate Centre division can be analysed by distinguishing between the “structural” contribution (-€161 million) and other items (+€1 million).
The contribution of the “structural” component (-€161 million) decreased by -€138 million compared with the third quarter of 2023 and can be broken down into three types of activity:

The activities and functions of the Corporate Centre of the Crédit Agricole S.A. Parent Company. This contribution amounted to -€140 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -€75 million, notably due to a base effect of -€171 million related to reversals of provisions for Home Purchase Saving Plans recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
The business lines that are not part of the core businesses, such as CACIF (private equity), CA Immobilier, CATE and BforBank (equity-accounted). They contributed -€28 million in the third quarter of 2024, down -€65 million from the third quarter of 2023. This was due to the unfavourable impact of the revaluation of Banco BPM securities for -€35 million (+€5 million in the third quarter of 2024, against +€40 million in the third quarter of 2023), as well as a deterioration in the portfolio which pushed up the cost of potential risk (stages 1 and 2), particularly on financing guaranteed by Foncaris⁴⁹
Group support functions. Their contribution amounted to +€7 million this quarter (+€3 million compared with the third quarter of 2023).

The contribution of “other items” was up +€32 million compared with the third quarter of 2023.
The “internal margins” effect at the time of the consolidation of the insurance activity at the Crédit Agricole level was accounted for through the Corporate Centre. Over the quarter, the impact of internal margins was -€211 million in revenues and +€211 million in expenses.

In the first nine months of 2024, underlying net income Group share of the Corporate Centre division was -€506 million, down -€131 million compared with the first nine months of 2023. The structural component contributed -€513 million and other items of the division recorded a positive contribution of +€7 million in the first nine months.
The “structural” component contribution was down -€2 million compared with the first nine months of 2023. It can be broken down into three types of activities:

The activities and functions of the Corporate Centre of the Crédit Agricole S.A. Parent Company. This contribution amounted to -€767 million in the first nine months of 2024, down -€55 million compared with the first nine months of 2023, including a base effect of -€171 million related to the reversal of the provision for Home Purchase Saving Plans recorded in the third quarter of 2023;
Business lines not attached to the core businesses, such as CACIF (private equity), CA Immobilier and BforBank: their contribution, at +€234 million in the first nine months of 2024, was up on the first nine months of 2023 (+€46 million), primarily due to the end of the SRF building-up period (-€77 million in the first half of 2023), as well as the impact of the valuation and dividend of Banco BPM securities for +€99 million;
The Group’s support functions: their contribution for the first nine months of 2024 was +€20 million, up +€7 million compared with the first nine months of 2023.

The contribution of “other items” was down -€129 million compared with the first nine months of 2023.

At 30 September 2024, risk-weighted assets stood at €29.6 billion.

Financial strength

Crédit Agricole Group

At 30 September 2024, the phased-in Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of Crédit Agricole Group was 17.4%, an increase of +0.1 percentage point compared with end-June 2024. Therefore, the Crédit Agricole Group posted a substantial buffer of 7.6 percentage points between the level of its CET1 ratio and the 9.8% SREP requirement. The fully loaded CET1 ratio was 17.3%.

During the third quarter 2024:

The CET1 ratio benefited from an impact of +25 basis points related to retained earnings.
Changes in risk-weighted assets related to business lines organic growth impacted the Group’s CET1 ratio by -27 basis points (see below).
The methodological and other effects have a favourable impact of +4 basis points and include the contribution of the capital increase reserved for employees and a favourable change in unrealised gains and/or losses.

The phased-in Tier 1 ratio stood at 18.3%, while the phased-in total ratio was 21.0% at end-September 2024.

The phased-in leverage ratio stood at 5.5%, remaining stable compared with end-June 2024, well above the regulatory requirement of 3.5%.

Risk-weighted assets for the Crédit Agricole Group amounted to €636 billion, up +€8.2 billion compared with 30 June 2024. The change can be broken down by business line as follows: Retail Banking +€7.3 billion, Asset Gathering +€3.2 billion (including +€3.1 billion in Insurance equity-accounted value), Specialised Financial Services +€0.3 billion, Large Customers -€2.3 billion (benefiting from favourable foreign exchange and regulatory impacts for Crédit Agricole CIB) and Corporate Centre -€0.2 billion.

Maximum Distributable Amount (MDA and L-MDA) trigger thresholds

The transposition of Basel regulations into European law (CRD) introduced a restriction mechanism for distribution that applies to dividends, AT1 instruments and variable compensation. The Maximum Distributable Amount (MDA, the maximum sum a bank is allowed to allocate to distributions) principle aims to place limitations on distributions in the event the latter were to result in non-compliance with combined capital buffer requirements.

The distance to the MDA trigger is the lowest of the respective distances to the SREP requirements in CET1 capital, Tier 1 capital and total capital.

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole Group posted a buffer of 670 basis points above the MDA trigger, i.e. €43 billion in CET1 capital.

Failure to comply with the leverage ratio buffer requirement would result in a restriction of distributions and the calculation of a maximum distributable amount (L-MDA).

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole Group posted a buffer of 196 basis points above the L-MDA trigger, i.e. €42 billion in Tier 1 capital. At the Crédit Agricole Group level, it is the distance to the L-MDA trigger that determines the distance to distribution restriction.

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A. posted a buffer of 280 basis points above the MDA trigger, i.e. €11 billion in CET1 capital. Crédit Agricole S.A. is not subject to the L-MDA requirement.

The issuance of a new AT1 instrument carried out by Crédit Agricole S.A. on 2 October 2024, for a nominal amount of US$1.25 billion, has a positive impact of 18 basis points on the Tier 1 and Total capital ratios of Crédit Agricole Group, as well as a positive impact of 5 basis points on its leverage ratio. This issuance also has a positive impact of 28 basis points on the Tier 1 and Total capital ratios of Crédit Agricole S.A. Taking this issuance into account in the solvency ratios at 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole Group would post a buffer of 688 basis points above the MDA trigger, i.e. €44 billion in CET1 capital, and 201 basis points above the L-MDA trigger, i.e. €43 billion in Tier 1 capital. Crédit Agricole S.A. would post a buffer of 308 basis points above the MDA trigger, i.e. €12 billion in CET1 capital.

TLAC

Crédit Agricole Group must comply with the following TLAC ratio requirements at all times:

a TLAC ratio above 18% of risk-weighted assets (RWA), plus – in accordance with EU directive CRD 5 – a combined capital buffer requirement (including, for Crédit Agricole Group, a 2.5% capital conservation buffer, a 1% G-SIB buffer, the counter-cyclical buffer set at 0.77% and the 0.01% systemic risk buffer for CA Group at 30 September 2024). Considering the combined capital buffer requirement, Crédit Agricole Group must adhere to a TLAC ratio of above 22.3%;
a TLAC ratio of above 6.75% of the Leverage Ratio Exposure (LRE).

The Crédit Agricole Group’s 2025 target is to maintain a TLAC ratio greater than or equal to 26% of RWA excluding eligible senior preferred debt.

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole Group’s TLAC ratio stood at 27.3% of RWA and 8.2% of leverage ratio exposure, excluding eligible senior preferred debt⁵⁰, which is well above the requirements. The TLAC ratio, expressed as a percentage of risk weighted assets, increased by 20 basis points over the quarter, due to equity and eligible items increasing more rapidly than risk-weighted assets over the period. Expressed as a percentage of leverage ratio exposure (LRE), the TLAC ratio was up 20 basis points compared with June 2024.

The Group thus has a TLAC ratio excluding eligible senior preferred debt that is 510 basis points higher, i.e. €32 billion, than the current requirement of 22.3% of RWA.

At end-September 2024, €10.4 billion equivalent had been issued in the market (senior non-preferred and Tier 2 debt) as well as €1.25 billion of AT1. The amount of Crédit Agricole Group senior non-preferred securities taken into account in the calculation of the TLAC ratio was €35.2 billion.

MREL

The required minimum levels are set by decisions of resolution authorities and then communicated to each institution, then revised periodically. At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole Group has to meet a minimum total MREL requirement of:

22.01% of RWA, plus – in accordance with EU directive CRD 5 – a combined capital buffer requirement (including, for Crédit Agricole Group, a 2.5% capital conservation buffer, a 1% G-SIB buffer, the counter-cyclical buffer set at 0.77% and the 0.01% systemic risk buffer for CA Group at 30 September 2024). Considering the combined capital buffer requirement, the Crédit Agricole Group has to meet to a total MREL ratio of above 26.3%;
6.25% of the LRE.

At 30 September 2024, the Crédit Agricole Group had a total MREL ratio of 32.9% of RWA and 9.8% of leverage exposure, well above the requirement.

An additional subordination requirement (“subordinated MREL”) is also determined by the resolution authorities and expressed as a percentage of RWA and LRE. At 30 September 2024, this subordinated MREL requirement for the Crédit Agricole Group was:

18.25% of RWA, plus a combined capital buffer requirement. Considering the combined capital buffer requirement, the Crédit Agricole Group has to meet to a subordinated MREL ratio of above 22.5%;
6.25% of leverage exposure.

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole Group had a subordinated MREL ratio of 27.3% of RWA and 8.2% of leverage exposure, well above the requirement.

The distance to the maximum distributable amount trigger related to MREL requirements (M-MDA) is the lowest of the respective distances to the MREL, subordinated MREL and TLAC requirements expressed in RWA.

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole Group had a buffer of 480 basis points above the M-MDA trigger, i.e. €31 billion in CET1 capital; the distance to the M-MDA trigger corresponds to the distance between the subordinated MREL ratio and the corresponding requirement.

Crédit Agricole S.A.

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A.’s solvency ratio was higher than the Medium-Term Plan target, with a phased-in Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 11.7%, up +0.1 percentage point from end-June 2024. Crédit Agricole S.A. therefore had a comfortable buffer of 3.1 percentage points between the level of its CET1 ratio and the 8.6% SREP requirement. The fully loaded CET1 ratio was 11.7%.

During the third quarter 2024:

The CET1 ratio benefited this quarter from a positive impact of +19 basis points linked to retained earnings. This impact corresponds to net income Group share net of AT1 coupons (impact of +38 basis points) and of the distribution of 50% of earnings, i.e. a provision for dividends of 25 euro cents per share in third quarter 2024 (-19 basis points).
Changes in risk-weighted assets related to business line organic growth impacted the CET1 ratio by
-14 basis points, of which -5 basis points in the Insurance business line (increase in the equity-accounted value over the quarter).
Methodological and other effects had a positive impact of +10 basis points and included the contribution of the capital increase reserved for employees and a favourable trend in unrealised gains and/or losses.

The phased-in leverage ratio was 3.8% at end-September 2024, stable compared to end-June 2024 and above the 3% requirement.

The phased-in Tier 1 ratio stood at 13.2% and the phased-in total ratio at 17.3% this quarter.

Risk weighted assets for Crédit Agricole S.A. amounted to €402 billion at end of September 2024, up by +€3.1 billion compared to 30 June 2024. The change can be broken down by core business line as follows:

The Retail Banking divisions showed an increase of +€1.7 billion, particularly in France.
Asset Gathering posted an increase of +€3.2 billion, including +€3.1 billion in RWA for Insurance (increase in the equity-accounted value in the third quarter of 2024).
Specialised Financial Services remained stable at +€0.2 billion.
Large Customers recorded a decrease in risk-weighted assets of -€2.4 billion over the quarter, mainly as a result of foreign exchange and regulatory impacts in CIB.
The Corporate Centre divisions posted an increase in risk-weighted assets of +€0.4 billion.

Liquidity and Funding

Liquidity is measured at Crédit Agricole Group level.

In order to provide simple, relevant and auditable information on the Group’s liquidity position, the banking cash balance sheet’s stable resources surplus is calculated quarterly.

The banking cash balance sheet is derived from Crédit Agricole Group’s IFRS financial statements. It is based on the definition of a mapping table between the Group’s IFRS financial statements and the sections of the cash balance sheet and whose definition is commonly accepted in the marketplace. It relates to the banking scope, with insurance activities being managed in accordance with their own specific regulatory constraints.

Further to the breakdown of the IFRS financial statements in the sections of the cash balance sheet, netting calculations are carried out. They relate to certain assets and liabilities that have a symmetrical impact in terms of liquidity risk. Deferred taxes, fair value impacts, collective impairments, short-selling transactions and other assets and liabilities were netted for a total of €68 billion at end-September 2024. Similarly, €157 billion in repos/reverse repos were eliminated insofar as these outstandings reflect the activity of the securities desk carrying out securities borrowing and lending operations that offset each other. Other nettings calculated in order to build the cash balance sheet – for an amount totalling €181 billion at end September 2024 – relate to derivatives, margin calls, adjustment/settlement/liaison accounts and to non-liquid securities held by Corporate and Investment banking (CIB) and are included in the “Customer-related trading assets” section.

Note that deposits centralised with Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations are not netted in order to build the cash balance sheet; the amount of centralised deposits (€105 billion at end-September 2024) is booked to assets under “Customer-related trading assets” and to liabilities under “Customer-related funds”.

In a final stage, other restatements reassign outstandings that accounting standards allocate to one section, when they are economically related to another. As such, Senior issuances placed through the banking networks as well as financing by the European Investment Bank, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and other refinancing transactions of the same type backed by customer loans, which accounting standards would classify as “Medium long-term market funds”, are reclassified as “Customer-related funds”.

Medium to long-term repurchase agreements are also included in “Long-term market funds”.

Finally, the CIB’s counterparties that are banks with which we have a commercial relationship are considered as customers in the construction of the cash balance sheet.

Standing at €1,719 billion at 30 September 2024, the Group’s banking cash balance sheet shows a surplus of stable funding resources over stable application of funds of €188 billion, down -€10 billion compared with end-June 2024.

Total T-LTRO 3 outstandings for Crédit Agricole Group amounted to €0.7 billion at 30 September 2024.

Furthermore, given the excess liquidity, the Group remained in a short-term lending position at 30 September 2024 (central bank deposits exceeding the amount of short-term net debt).

Medium-to-long-term market resources were €263 billion at 30 September 2024, up slightly from end-June 2024.

They included senior secured debt of €76 billion, senior preferred debt of €125 billion, senior non-preferred debt of €37 billion and Tier 2 securities amounting to €25 billion.

The Group’s liquidity reserves, at market value and after haircuts, amounted to €466 billion at 30 September 2024, down -€12 billion compared to 30 June 2024.

They covered short-term net debt more than two times over (excluding the replacements with Central Banks).

The decrease in liquidity reserves was mainly due to:

The decrease in Central Bank deposits for -€15 billion;
The decrease in eligible claims to Central Bank (mainly due to the temporary removal of TRICP credit claims with an internal rating) for -€3 billion;
The increase in the securities portfolio for +€6 billion (+€3 billion of HQLA securities/+€3 billion of non-HQLA securities).

Crédit Agricole Group also continued its efforts to maintain immediately available reserves (after recourse to ECB financing). Central bank eligible non-HQLA assets after haircuts amounted to €152 billion.

Credit institutions are subject to a threshold for the LCR ratio, set at 100% on 1 January 2018.

At 30 September 2024, the end of month LCR ratios were 147% for Crédit Agricole Group (representing a surplus of €97.7 billion) and 152% for Crédit Agricole S.A. (representing a surplus of €92.2 billion). They were higher than the Medium-Term Plan target (around 110%).

In addition, the NSFR of Crédit Agricole Group and Crédit Agricole S.A. exceeded 100%, in accordance with the regulatory requirement applicable since 28 June 2021 and above the Medium-Term Plan target (>100%).

The Group continues to follow a prudent policy as regards medium-to-long-term refinancing, with a very diversified access to markets in terms of investor base and products.

At 30 September 2024, the Group’s main issuers raised the equivalent of €51 billion⁵¹^,⁵²in medium-to-long-term debt on the markets, 47% of which was issued by Crédit Agricole S.A. In particular, the following amounts are noted for the Group:

Crédit Agricole CIB issued €17.9 billion in structured format, including €1.2 billion in Green Bond format;
Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility issued €2 billion equivalent in EMTN issuances through Crédit Agricole Auto Bank (CAAB) and €0.7 billion equivalent in securitisations;
CA Italy issued two senior secured debt issuances for a total of €1.5 billion, of which €500 million in Green Bond format;
Crédit Agricole next bank (Switzerland) issued two tranches in senior secured format for a total of 200 million Swiss francs, of which 100 million Swiss francs in Green Bond format;
Crédit Agricole Assurances issued a €750 million Tier 2 10-year bullet subordinated bond and made a tender offer on two subordinated perpetual issuances (FR0012444750 & FR0012222297) for €788.5 million in September.

The Group’s medium-to-long-term financing can be broken down into the following categories:

€9.0 billion in secured financing;
€22.0 billion in plain-vanilla unsecured financing;
€17.9 billion in structured financing;
€2.3 billion in long-term institutional deposits and CDs.

In addition, €11.7 billion was raised through off-market issuances, split as follows:

€9.5 billion from banking networks (the Group’s retail banking or external networks);
€0.65 billion from supranational organisations or financial institutions;
€1.6 billion from national refinancing vehicles (including the credit institution CRH).

At 30 September 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A. raised the equivalent of €24.1 billion on the market⁵³^,⁵⁴representing 93% of its 2024 refinancing programme:

The bank raised the equivalent of €24.1 billion, of which €7.3 billion in senior non-preferred debt and €3.1 billion in Tier 2 debt, as well as €7.2 billion in senior preferred debt and €6.5 billion in senior secured debt at end-September. The financing comprised a variety of formats and currencies, including:

€6.3 billion⁵⁵;
6.35 billion US dollars (€5.8 billion equivalent);
1.1 billion pounds sterling (€1.3 billion equivalent);
230 billion Japanese yen (€1.4 billion equivalent);
0.8 billion Swiss francs (€0.8 billion equivalent);
1.75 billion Australian dollars (€1.1 billion equivalent);
7 billion renminbi (€0.9 billion equivalent).

At end-September, Crédit Agricole S.A. had issued 64% of its funding plan in currencies other than the euro⁵⁶^,⁵⁷.

In addition, on 2 January 2024, Crédit Agricole S.A. issued a PerpNC6 AT1 bond for €1.25 billion at an initial rate of 6.5% and, on 24 September 2024, a PerpNC10 AT1 bond for $1.25 billion at an initial rate of 6.7%.

Appendix 1 – Specific items, Crédit Agricole Group et Crédit Agricole S.A.

Crédit Agricole Group – Specific items

	Q3-24		Q3-23		9M-24		9M-23
€m	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income

DVA (LC)	4	3	2	2	46	34	(21)	(15)
Loan portfolio hedges (LC)	(1)	(1)	(2)	(1)	6	5	(26)	(19)
Home Purchase Savings Plans (LCL)	–	–	52	38	1	1	52	38
Home Purchase Savings Plans (CC)	–	–	230	171	(0)	(0)	230	171
Home Purchase Savings Plans (RB)	–	–	118	88	63	47	118	88
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	1	0	–	–	300	214
Check Image Exchange penalty (CC)	–	–	–	–	–	–	42	42
Check Image Exchange penalty (LCL)	–	–	–	–	–	–	21	21
Check Image Exchange penalty (RB)	–	–	–	–	–	–	42	42
Total impact on revenues	3	2	402	298	117	87	758	581
Degroof Petercam integration costs (AG)	(8)	(6)	–	–	(14)	(10)	–	–
ISB integration costs (LC)	(26)	(14)	–	–	(70)	(37)	–	–
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	–	–	–	–	(18)	(13)
Total impact on operating expenses	(34)	(20)	–	–	(84)	(47)	(18)	(13)
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	–	–	–	–	(85)	(61)
Provision for risk Ukraine (IRB)	–	–	–	–	(20)	(20)	–	–
Total impact on cost of credit risk	–	–	–	–	(20)	(20)	(85)	(61)
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	(26)	(26)	–	–	(39)	(39)
Total impact equity-accounted entities	–	–	(26)	(26)	–	–	(39)	(39)
Degroof Petercam aquisition costs (AG)	(3)	(2)	–	–	(23)	(17)	–	–
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	61	45	–	–	89	57
Total impact on Net income on other assets	(3)	(2)	61	45	(23)	(17)	89	57

Total impact of specific items	(34)	(20)	436	317	(10)	3	705	525
Asset gathering	(11)	(8)	–	–	(37)	(27)	–	–
French Retail banking	–	–	170	126	65	48	233	189
International Retail banking	–	–	–	–	(20)	(20)	–	–
Specialised financial services	–	–	35	19	–	–	247	159
Large customers	(23)	(12)	1	0	(18)	1	(47)	(35)
Corporate centre	–	–	230	171	(0)	(0)	272	213
* Impact before tax and before minority interests

Crédit Agricole S.A. – Specific Items

	Q3-24		Q3-23		9M-24		9M-23
€m	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income	Gross impact*	Impact on Net income

DVA (LC)	4	3	2	2	46	33	(21)	(15)
Loan portfolio hedges (LC)	(1)	(1)	(2)	(1)	6	5	(26)	(19)
Home Purchase Savings Plans (FRB)	–	–	52	37	3	2	52	37
Home Purchase Savings Plans (CC)	–	–	230	171	(2)	(1)	230	171
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	1	0.5	–	–	300	214
Check Image Exchange penalty (CC)	–	–	–	–	–	–	42	42
Check Image Exchange penalty (LCL)	–	–	–	–	–	–	21	20
Total impact on revenues	3	2	284	209	53	39	598	450
Degroof Petercam integration costs (AG)	(8)	(6)	–	–	(14)	(10)	–	–
ISB integration costs (LC)	(26)	(14)	–	–	(70)	(37)	–	–
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	–	–	–	–	(18)	(13)
Total impact on operating expenses	(34)	(19)	–	–	(84)	(47)	(18)	(13)
Provision for risk Ukraine (IRB)	–	–	–	–	(20)	(20)	–	–
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	–	–	–	–	(85)	(61)
Total impact on cost of credit risk	–	–	–	–	(20)	(20)	(85)	(61)

Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	(26)	(26)	–	–	(39)	(39)
Total impact equity-accounted entities	–	–	(26)	(26)	–	–	(39)	(39)
Degroof Petercam aquisition costs (AG)	(3)	(2)	–	–	(23)	(17)	–	–
Mobility activities reorganisation (SFS)	–	–	61	45	–	–	89	57
Total impact Net income on other assets	(3)	(2)	61	45	(23)	(17)	89	57

Total impact of specific items	(34)	(20)	318	227	(73)	(45)	545	394
Asset gathering	(11)	(8)	–	–	(37)	(26)	–	–
French Retail banking	–	–	52	37	3	2	73	57
International Retail banking	–	–	–	–	(20)	(20)	–	–
Specialised financial services	–	–	35	19	–	–	247	159
Large customers	(23)	(12)	1	0	(18)	1	(47)	(34)
Corporate centre	–	–	230	171	(2)	(1)	272	213
* Impact before tax and before minority interests

Appendix 2 – Crédit Agricole Group: income statement by business line

Crédit Agricole Group – Results by business line, Q3-23 and Q3-24

	Q3-24 (stated)
€m	RB	LCL	IRB	AG	SFS	LC	CC	Total

Revenues	3,266	979	1,029	1,857	869	2,054	(842)	9,213
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(2,409)	(608)	(539)	(868)	(437)	(1,240)	511	(5,590)
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Gross operating income	857	371	490	989	433	814	(331)	3,623
Cost of risk	(364)	(82)	(60)	(13)	(223)	(19)	(40)	(801)
Equity-accounted entities	0	–	–	33	23	6	–	61
Net income on other assets	0	0	0	(3)	(2)	(0)	(2)	(5)
Income before tax	493	290	430	1,006	231	801	(372)	2,877
Tax	(122)	(66)	(176)	(156)	(42)	(234)	210	(587)
Net income from discont’d or held-for-sale ope.	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Net income	371	224	254	850	189	566	(162)	2,291
Non controlling interests	(1)	(0)	(40)	(128)	(17)	(35)	10	(211)
Net income Group Share	371	223	214	722	172	531	(153)	2,080

	Q3-23 (stated)
€m	RB	LCL	IRB	AG	SFS	LC	CC	Total

Revenues	3,345	996	1,046	1,657	883	1,888	(567)	9,249
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(2,328)	(589)	(522)	(718)	(424)	(1,139)	454	(5,265)
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Gross operating income	1,018	407	524	939	460	749	(113)	3,984
Cost of risk	(254)	(70)	(126)	(0)	(224)	(13)	(6)	(693)
Equity-accounted entities	1	–	1	24	5	6	0	37
Net income on other assets	0	18	1	(5)	57	(2)	(0)	69
Income before tax	765	355	400	958	298	740	(119)	3,397
Tax	(178)	(79)	(118)	(221)	(77)	(203)	65	(810)
Net income from discont’d or held-for-sale ope.	(0)	–	2	–	(0)	–	–	2
Net income	587	277	284	737	220	537	(53)	2,588
Non controlling interests	(0)	(0)	(42)	(110)	(17)	(39)	4	(204)
Net income Group Share	587	277	242	628	204	497	(49)	2,384

Crédit Agricole Group – Results by business line, 9M-24 et 9M-23

	9M-24 (stated)
€m	RB	LCL	IRB	AG	SFS	LC	CC	Total

Revenues	9,834	2,912	3,161	5,596	2,605	6,544	(2,407)	28,244
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(7,453)	(1,801)	(1,637)	(2,435)	(1,333)	(3,741)	1,535	(16,866)
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Gross operating income	2,381	1,111	1,523	3,161	1,272	2,803	(872)	11,378
Cost of risk	(1,056)	(295)	(219)	(18)	(653)	(25)	(59)	(2,324)
Equity-accounted entities	7	–	–	94	83	20	–	203
Net income on other assets	3	5	0	(23)	(3)	2	(3)	(19)
Income before tax	1,335	820	1,305	3,214	699	2,800	(935)	9,238
Tax	(313)	(185)	(436)	(658)	(138)	(717)	343	(2,104)
Net income from discontinued or held-for-sale operations	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Net income	1,022	635	869	2,557	560	2,083	(592)	7,134
Non controlling interests	(1)	(0)	(129)	(364)	(59)	(104)	15	(643)
Net income Group Share	1,021	635	739	2,193	502	1,979	(577)	6,491

	9M-23 (stated)
€m	RB	LCL	IRB	AG	SFS	LC	CC	Total

Revenues	10,032	2,891	3,040	5,144	2,717	5,844	(1,946)	27,722
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(7,217)	(1,742)	(1,542)	(2,148)	(1,224)	(3,298)	1,389	(15,782)
SRF	(111)	(44)	(40)	(6)	(29)	(312)	(77)	(620)
Gross operating income	2,704	1,105	1,458	2,989	1,465	2,234	(634)	11,321
Cost of risk	(831)	(205)	(366)	(1)	(686)	(81)	(8)	(2,179)
Equity-accounted entities	9	–	1	73	90	17	–	190
Net income on other assets	6	21	1	(5)	81	3	(1)	107
Income before tax	1,887	921	1,095	3,057	950	2,173	(643)	9,438
Tax	(467)	(217)	(321)	(696)	(254)	(561)	222	(2,293)
Net income from discontinued or held-for-sale operations	(0)	–	7	1	(0)	–	–	7
Net income	1,421	704	781	2,361	696	1,612	(421)	7,153
Non controlling interests	(1)	(0)	(121)	(343)	(61)	(93)	(0)	(619)
Net income Group Share	1,420	704	660	2,018	635	1,519	(421)	6,534

Appendix 3 – Crédit Agricole S.A.: Results by business line

Crédit Agricole S.A. – Results by business line, Q3-24 et Q3-23

	Q3-24 (stated)
€m	AG	LC	SFS	FRB (LCL)	IRB	CC	Total

Revenues	1,870	2,054	869	979	1,006	(290)	6,487
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(868)	(1,240)	(437)	(608)	(519)	(17)	(3,689)
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Gross operating income	1,002	814	433	371	486	(307)	2,799
Cost of risk	(13)	(19)	(223)	(82)	(59)	(37)	(433)
Equity-accounted entities	33	6	23	–	–	(19)	42
Net income on other assets	(3)	(0)	(2)	0	0	0	(4)
Income before tax	1,019	800	231	290	427	(363)	2,404
Tax	(157)	(234)	(42)	(66)	(176)	199	(476)
Net income from discontinued or held-for-sale operations	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Net income	862	566	189	224	252	(164)	1,928
Non controlling interests	(135)	(46)	(17)	(10)	(58)	4	(262)
Net income Group Share	728	520	172	214	194	(161)	1,666

	Q3-23 (stated)
€m	AG	LC	SFS	FRB (LCL)	IRB	CC	Total

Revenues	1,656	1,888	883	996	1,024	(103)	6,343
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(718)	(1,139)	(424)	(589)	(504)	(2)	(3,376)
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Gross operating income	937	748	460	407	520	(105)	2,967
Cost of risk	(0)	(13)	(224)	(70)	(121)	(2)	(429)
Equity-accounted entities	24	6	5	–	1	(12)	23
Net income on other assets	(5)	(2)	57	18	1	(0)	69
Income before tax	956	739	298	355	401	(119)	2,630
Tax	(221)	(203)	(77)	(79)	(118)	65	(633)
Net income from discontinued or held-for-sale operations	–	–	(0)	–	2	–	2
Net income	736	536	220	277	285	(55)	1,999
Non controlling interests	(114)	(48)	(17)	(12)	(60)	0	(251)
Net income Group Share	621	488	204	264	225	(55)	1,748

Crédit Agricole S.A. – Results by business line, 9M-24 et 9M-23

	9M-24 (stated)
€m	AG	LC	SFS	FRB (LCL)	IRB	CC	Total

Revenues	5,603	6,543	2,605	2,912	3,090	(665)	20,089
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(2,435)	(3,741)	(1,333)	(1,801)	(1,580)	(88)	(10,978)
SRF	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Gross operating income	3,168	2,802	1,272	1,111	1,510	(752)	9,111
Cost of risk	(18)	(25)	(653)	(295)	(213)	(53)	(1,256)
Equity-accounted entities	94	20	83	–	–	(65)	132
Net income on other assets	(23)	2	(3)	5	0	24	5
Change in value of goodwill	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Income before tax	3,221	2,800	699	820	1,297	(846)	7,991
Tax	(659)	(717)	(138)	(185)	(435)	343	(1,790)
Net income from discontinued or held-for-sale operations	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Net income	2,563	2,083	560	635	862	(503)	6,201
Non controlling interests	(382)	(147)	(59)	(28)	(184)	(3)	(803)
Net income Group Share	2,180	1,936	502	607	678	(506)	5,397

	9M-23 (stated)
€m	AG	LC	SFS	FRB (LCL)	IRB	CC	Total

Revenues	5,133	5,844	2,717	2,891	2,975	(421)	19,140
Operating expenses excl. SRF	(2,148)	(3,298)	(1,224)	(1,742)	(1,491)	(20)	(9,922)
SRF	(6)	(312)	(29)	(44)	(40)	(77)	(509)
Gross operating income	2,979	2,234	1,465	1,105	1,444	(519)	8,709
Cost of risk	(1)	(81)	(686)	(205)	(362)	(2)	(1,338)
Equity-accounted entities	73	17	90	–	2	(45)	136
Net income on other assets	(5)	3	81	21	1	(0)	102
Change in value of goodwill	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Income before tax	3,047	2,173	950	921	1,085	(566)	7,609
Tax	(699)	(561)	(254)	(217)	(320)	218	(1,832)
Net income from discontinued or held-for-sale operations	1	–	(0)	–	7	–	7
Net income	2,349	1,612	696	704	772	(348)	5,785
Non controlling interests	(353)	(125)	(61)	(31)	(172)	(27)	(771)
Net income Group Share	1,996	1,486	635	673	600	(375)	5,014

Appendix 4 – Data per share

Crédit Agricole S.A. – Earnings p/share, net book value p/share and RoTE

(€m)		Q3-2024	Q3-2023	9M-24	9M-23

Net income Group share – stated		1,666	1,748	5,397	5,014
– Interests on AT1, including issuance costs, before tax		(130)	(136)	(351)	(371)
– Foreign exchange impact on reimbursed AT1		(19)	–	(266)	–
NIGS attributable to ordinary shares – stated	[A]	1,517	1,612	4,780	4,643
Average number shares in issue, excluding treasury shares (m)	[B]	3,031	3,043	3,007	3,031
Net earnings per share – stated	[A]/[B]	0.50 €	0.53 €	1.59 €	1.53 €
Underlying net income Group share (NIGS)		1,686	1,520	5,442	4,620
Underlying NIGS attributable to ordinary shares	[C]	1,537	1,384	4,825	4,249
Net earnings per share – underlying	[C]/[B]	0.51 €	0.46 €	1.60 €	1.40 €


(€m)				30/09/2024	30/09/2023
Shareholder’s equity Group share				71,386	69,416
– AT1 issuances				(6,102)	(7,235)
– Unrealised gains and losses on OCI – Group share				1,042	1,644
Net book value (NBV), not revaluated, attributable to ordin. sh.	[D]			66,326	63,825
– Goodwill & intangibles* – Group share				(17,778)	(17,255)
Tangible NBV (TNBV), not revaluated attrib. to ordinary sh.	[E]			48,548	46,570
Total shares in issue, excluding treasury shares (period end, m)	[F]			3,040	3,052
NBV per share , after deduction of dividend to pay (€)	[D]/[F]			21.8 €	20.9 €
TNBV per share, after deduction of dividend to pay (€)	[G]=[E]/[F]			16.0 €	15.3 €
* including goodwill in the equity-accounted entities

(€m)				9M-24	9M-23
Net income Group share – stated	[K]			5,397	5,014
Impairment of intangible assets	[L]			0	0
IFRIC	[M]			-110	-542
Stated NIGS annualised	[N] = ([K]-[L]-[M])*2+[M]			7,233	6,866
Interests on AT1, including issuance costs, before tax, foreign exchange impact, annualised	[O]			-734	-495
Stated result adjusted	[P] = [N]+[O]			6,499	6,371
Tangible NBV (TNBV), not revaluated attrib. to ord. sh. – avg *** (3)	[J]			45,219	43,200
Stated ROTE adjusted (%)	= [P] / [J]			14.4%	14.7%
Underlying Net income Group share	[Q]			5,442	4,620
Underlying NIGS annualised	[R] = ([Q]-[M])*2+[M]			7,293	6,341
Underlying NIGS adjusted	[S] = [R]+[O]			6,559	5,846
Underlying ROTE adjusted(%)	= [S] / [J]			14.5%	13.5%
*** including assumption of dividend for the current exercise					*0.0%*

(1) Underlying: see appendixes for more details on specific items
(2) Underlying ROTE calculated on the basis of an annualised underlying net income Group share and linearised IFRIC costs over the year
(3) Average of the NTBV not revalued attributable to ordinary shares, calculated between 31/12/2023 and 30/09/2024 (line [E]), restated with an assumption of dividend for current exercises

Alternative Performance Indicators⁵⁸

NBV Net Book Value (not revalued)
The Net Book Value not revalued corresponds to the shareholders’ equity Group share from which the amount of the AT1 issues, the unrealised gains and/or losses on OCI Group share and the pay-out assumption on annual results have been deducted.

NBV per share Net Book Value per share – NTBV Net Tangible Book Value per share
One of the methods for calculating the value of a share. This represents the Net Book Value divided by the number of shares in issue at end of period, excluding treasury shares.

Net Tangible Book Value per share represents the Net Book Value after deduction of intangible assets and goodwill, divided by the number of shares in issue at end of period, excluding treasury shares.

EPS Earnings per Share
This is the net income Group share, from which the AT1 coupon has been deducted, divided by the average number of shares in issue excluding treasury shares. It indicates the portion of profit attributable to each share (not the portion of earnings paid out to each shareholder, which is the dividend). It may decrease, assuming the net income Group share remains unchanged, if the number of shares increases.

Cost/income ratio
The cost/income ratio is calculated by dividing operating expenses by revenues, indicating the proportion of revenues needed to cover operating expenses.

Cost of risk/outstandings
Calculated by dividing the cost of credit risk (over four quarters on a rolling basis) by outstandings (over an average of the past four quarters, beginning of the period). It can also be calculated by dividing the annualised cost of credit risk for the quarter by outstandings at the beginning of the quarter. Similarly, the cost of risk for the period can be annualised and divided by the average outstandings at the beginning of the period.

Since the first quarter of 2019, the outstandings taken into account are the customer outstandings, before allocations to provisions.

The calculation method for the indicator is specified each time the indicator is used.

Doubtful loan
A doubtful loan is a loan in default. The debtor is considered to be in default when at least one of the following two conditions has been met:

a payment generally more than 90 days past due, unless specific circumstances point to the fact that the delay is due to reasons independent of the debtor’s financial situation.
the entity believes that the debtor is unlikely to settle its credit obligations unless it avails itself of certain measures such as enforcement of collateral security right.

Impaired loan
Loan which has been provisioned due to a risk of non-repayment.

MREL
The MREL (Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities) ratio is defined in the European “Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive” (BRRD). This Directive establishes a framework for the resolution of banks throughout the European Union, with the aim to provide resolution authorities with shared instruments and powers to pre-emptively tackle banking crises, preserve financial stability and reduce taxpayers’ exposure to losses. Directive (EU) 2019/879 of 20 May 2019 known as “BRRD2” amended the BRRD and was transposed into French law by Order 2020-1636 of 21 December 2020.

The MREL ratio corresponds to an own funds and eligible liabilities buffer required to absorb losses in the event of resolution. Under BRRD2, the MREL ratio is calculated as the amount of eligible capital and liabilities expressed as a percentage of risk weighted assets (RWA), as well as a leverage ratio exposure (LRE). Are eligible for the numerator of the total MREL ratio the Group’s regulatory capital, as well as eligible liabilities issued by the corporate centre and the Crédit Agricole network affiliated entities, i.e. subordinated notes, senior non-preferred debt instruments and certain senior preferred debt instruments with residual maturities of more than one year.

Impaired (or non-performing) loan coverage ratio
This ratio divides the outstanding provisions by the impaired gross customer loans.

Impaired (or non-performing) loan ratio
This ratio divides the impaired gross customer loans on an individual basis, before provisions, by the total gross customer loans.

TLAC
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has defined the calculation of a ratio aimed at estimating the adequacy of the bail-in and recapitalisation capacity of Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs). This Total Loss Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) ratio provides resolution authorities with the means to assess whether G-SIBs have sufficient bail-in and recapitalisation capacity before and during resolution. It applies to Global Systemically Important Banks, and therefore to Crédit Agricole Group. Agricole. The TLAC ratio requirement was transposed into European Union law via CRR2 and has been applicable since 27 June 2019.

The Group’s regulatory capital as well as subordinated notes and eligible senior non-preferred debt with residual maturities of more than one year issued by Crédit Agricole S.A. are eligible for the numerator of the TLAC ratio.

Net income Group share
Net income/(loss) for the financial year (after corporate income tax). Equal to net income Group share, less the share attributable to non-controlling interests in fully consolidated subsidiaries.

Underlying Net income Group share
The underlying net income Group share represents the stated net income Group share from which specific items have been deducted (i.e., non-recurring or exceptional items) to facilitate the understanding of the company’s actual earnings.

Net income Group share attributable to ordinary shares
The net income Group share attributable to ordinary shares represents the net income Group share from which the AT1 coupon has been deducted, including issuance costs before tax.

RoTE Return on Tangible Equity
The RoTE (Return on Tangible Equity) measures the return on tangible capital by dividing the Net income Group share annualised by the Group’s NBV net of intangibles and goodwill. The annualised Net income Group share corresponds to the annualisation of the Net income Group share (Q1x4; H1x2; 9Mx4/3) excluding impairments of intangible assets and restating each period of the IFRIC impacts in order to linearise them over the year.

Disclaimer

The financial information on Crédit Agricole S.A. and Crédit Agricole Group for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2024 comprises this presentation and the attached appendices and press release which are available on the website: https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance/financial-publications.

This presentation may include prospective information on the Group, supplied as information on trends. This data does not represent forecasts within the meaning of EU Delegated Act 2019/980 of 14 March 2019 (Chapter 1, article 1, d).

This information was developed from scenarios based on a number of economic assumptions for a given competitive and regulatory environment. Therefore, these assumptions are by nature subject to random factors that could cause actual results to differ from projections. Likewise, the financial statements are based on estimates, particularly in calculating market value and asset impairment.

Readers must take all these risk factors and uncertainties into consideration before making their own judgement.

Applicable standards and comparability

The figures presented for the nine-month period ending 30 September 2024 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted in the European Union and applicable at that date, and with prudential regulations currently in force. This financial information does not constitute a set of financial statements for an interim period as defined by IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” and has not been audited.

Note: The scopes of consolidation of the Crédit Agricole S.A. and Crédit Agricole Groups have not changed materially since the Crédit Agricole S.A. 2023 Universal Registration Document and its A.01 update (including all regulatory information about the Crédit Agricole Group) were filed with the AMF (the French Financial Markets Authority).

The sum of values contained in the tables and analyses may differ slightly from the total reported due to rounding.

At 30 June 2024, Indosuez Wealth Management had completed the acquisition of Degroof Petercam and now holds 65% of Banque Degroof Petercam alongside with CLdN Cobelfret, its historical shareholder, which would maintain a 20% stake in capital. As of 30 September 2024, Indosuez Wealth Management’s stake in Degroof Petercam has increased to 76%.

At 30 June 2024, Amundi had completed the acquisition of Alpha Associates, an independent asset manager offering multi-management investment solutions in private assets.

Financial Agenda

05 February 2025        Publication of the 2024 fourth quarter and full year results
30 April 2025                Publication of the 2025 first quarter results
14 May 2025                General Meeting
31 July 2025                Publication of the 2025 second quarter and the first half-year results
30 October 2025                Publication of the 2025 third quarter and first nine months results

Contacts

CREDIT AGRICOLE PRESS CONTACTS

CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS

Institutional investors	+ 33 1 43 23 04 31	investor.relations@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Individual shareholders	+ 33 800 000 777 (freephone number – France only)	relation@actionnaires.credit-agricole.com

Cécile Mouton	+ 33 1 57 72 86 79	cecile.mouton@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Equity investor relations:
Jean-Yann Asseraf Fethi Azzoug	+ 33 1 57 72 23 81 + 33 1 57 72 03 75	jean-yann.asseraf@credit-agricole-sa.fr fethi.azzoug@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Oriane Cante	+ 33 1 43 23 03 07	oriane.cante@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Nicolas Ianna	+ 33 1 43 23 55 51	nicolas.ianna@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Leila Mamou	+ 33 1 57 72 07 93	leila.mamou@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Anna Pigoulevski	+ 33 1 43 23 40 59	anna.pigoulevski@credit-agricole-sa.fr


Credit investor and rating agency relations:
Gwenaëlle Lereste	+ 33 1 57 72 57 84	gwenaelle.lereste@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Florence Quintin de Kercadio	+ 33 1 43 23 25 32	florence.quintindekercadio@credit-agricole-sa.fr

See all our press releases at: www.credit-agricole.com

1 Car, home, health, legal, all mobile phones or personal accident insurance.
2 CA Auto Bank, automotive JVs and automotive activities of other entities
3 50% reduction in the carbon footprint (tonnes of CO₂ equivalent/€m invested) of its equity-listed and corporate bond investment portfolios and directly held property. (The previous target was a 25% reduction in the carbon footprint of its equity-listed and corporate bond investment portfolio in 2025 vs 2019.)

4 Low-carbon energy outstandings made up of renewable energy produced by the clients of all Crédit Agricole Group entities, including nuclear energy outstandings for Crédit Agricole CIB.
5 Crédit Agricole CIB green asset portfolio, in line with the eligibility criteria of the Group Green Bond Framework published in November 2023.
6 The reorganisation of the Mobility activities of the CA Consumer Finance Group had a non-recurring impact in Q3 2023 due to the transfer of business assets, indemnities received and paid, the accounting treatment of the 100% consolidation of CA Auto Bank (formerly FCA Bank) and the reorganisation of the automotive financing activities within the CA Consumer Finance Group (particularly the review of application solutions).
7 See Appendixes for more details on specific items.
8 The cost of risk/outstandings (in basis points) on a four-quarter rolling basis is calculated on the cost of risk of the past four quarters divided by the average outstandings at the start of each of the four quarters
9 The cost of risk/outstandings (in basis points) on an annualised basis is calculated on the cost of risk of the quarter multiplied by four and divided by the outstandings at the start of the quarter
10 Average rate of loans to monthly production for July and August 2024.
11 Equipment rate – Home-Car-Health policies, Legal, All Mobile/Portable or personal accident insurance
12 SAS Rue La Boétie dividend paid annually in Q2
13 Home Purchase Savings Plan base effect (reversal of the Home Purchase Savings Plan provision) in Q3-23 totalling +€118m in revenues and +€88m in net income Group share.

14 Underlying, excluding specific items.
15 Scope effect of Degroof Petercam revenues: +€140 million in the third quarter of 2024.
16 Scope effect in expenses in the third quarter of 2024: Degroof Petercam for -€104 million and miscellaneous others.
17 Costs related to the integration of ISB (CACEIS): -€26 million in third quarter 2024 versus -€5 million in third quarter 2023; costs related to the integration of Degroof Petercam: -€8 million in third quarter 2024.

18 Provisioning rate calculated with outstandings in Stage 3 as denominator, and the sum of the provisions recorded in Stages 1, 2 and 3 as numerator.
19 The cost of risk/outstandings (in basis points) on a four-quarter rolling basis is calculated on the cost of risk of the past four quarters divided by the average outstandings at the start of each of the four quarters
20 The cost of risk/outstandings (in basis points) on an annualised basis is calculated on the cost of risk of the quarter multiplied by four and divided by the outstandings at the start of the quarter
21 See Appendixes for more details on specific items.
22 SRF costs amounted to -€509 million over the first nine months of 2023

23 See Appendixes for details on the calculation of the RoTE (return on tangible equity)
24 The annualised underlying net income Group share corresponds to the annualisation of the underlying net income Group share (Q1x4; H1x2; 9Mx4/3) by restating each period for IFRIC impacts to linearise them over the year
25 Property and casualty insurance premium income includes a scope effect linked to the first consolidation of CATU (a property and casualty insurance entity in Poland): Impact of +0.5% on growth in property and casualty insurance premium income (+8.7% change in premium income excluding CATU between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024); Impact of +2.0% on portfolio growth, i.e. an impact of 314,000 contracts (+3.1% growth excluding CATU between September 2023 and September 2024).

26 Scope: property and casualty in France and abroad
27 P&C combined ratio in France (Pacifica) including discounting and excluding undiscounting, net of reinsurance: (claims + operating expenses + fee and commission income) to gross earned premiums; the ratio is calculated for the first nine months of 2024. The net combined ratio excluding the effect of discounting for the first nine months of 2024 is 97.7% (-0.2 percentage point year-on-year).
28 Excl. JVs
29 Excluding assets under custody for institutional clients
30 Amount of allocation of Contractual Service Margin (CSM) and Risk Adjustment (RA) including funeral guarantees
31 Amount of allocation of CSM and RA
32 Net of cost of reinsurance, excluding financial results
33 Indosuez Wealth Management scope
34 Degroof Petercam data for the quarter included in Wealth Management results: Revenues of €140m and expenses of -€104m (excluding integration costs partly borne by Degroof Petercam)

35 Refinitiv LSEG
36 Bloomberg in EUR
37 CA Auto Bank, automotive JVs and auto activities of other entities
38 CA Auto Bank and automotive JVs
39 Base effect related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities in Q3-23: +€1m in revenues, -€26m in equity-accounted entities, +€61m in net income on other assets, -€16m in corporate income tax, i.e. +€19m in net income Group share
40 Base effect related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities in 9M-23: +€300 million in revenues, -€18 million in expenses, -€85 million in cost of risk, -€39 million in equity-accounted entities, +€89 million in net income on other assets, -€89 million in corporate income tax, i.e. +€159 million in net income Group share.
41 Cost of risk for the last four quarters as a proportion of the average outstandings at the beginning of the period for the last four quarters.
42 Base effect related to the reorganisation of Mobility activities in 9M-23: +€300 million in revenues, -€18 million in expenses, -€85 million in cost of risk, -€39 million in equity-accounted entities, +€89 million in net income on other assets, -€89 million in corporate income tax, i.e. +€159 million in net income Group share.
43 Net of POCI outstandings
44 Source: Abi Monthly Outlook, July 2024: -1.9% June/June and -1.2% year to date for all loans
45 Home Purchase Saving Plan base effect (reversal of the provision for Home Purchase Saving Plans) in Q2-23 of +€52 million in revenues and +€37 million in net income Group share.
46 Reversal of provision for Cheque Image Exchange Provision of + €21m in Q2-23
47 At 30 September 2024 this scope includes the entities CA Italy, CA Polska, CA Egypt and CA Ukraine.

48 Over a rolling four quarter period.
49 A credit institution that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Crédit Agricole S.A. Large credit exposures borne by the Regional Banks must be presented to Foncaris, which partially guarantees such exposures.
50 As part of its annual resolvability assessment, Crédit Agricole Group has chosen to waive the possibility offered by Article 72ter(3) of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) to use senior preferred debt for compliance with its TLAC requirements in 2024.
51 Gross amount before buy-backs and amortisations
52 Excl. AT1 issuances
53 Gross amount before buy-backs and amortisations
54 Excl. AT1 issuances
55 Excl. senior secured debt
56 Excl. senior secured debt
57 Excl. AT1 issuances
58 APMs are financial indicators not presented in the financial statements or defined in accounting standards but used in the context of financial communications, such as underlying net income Group share or RoTE. They are used to facilitate the understanding of the company’s actual performance. Each APM indicator is matched in its definition to accounting data.

Attachment

CASA_PR_2024-Q3 results

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Government to introduce urgent legislation after High Court strikes down law to monitor former immigration detainees

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

The High Court has struck down the Albanese government’s law enabling it to impose ankle bracelets and curfews on the more than 200 non-citizens it released from immigration detention in 2023 after an earlier decision by the court.

Wednesday’s decision, by a five-two majority, found the measures “punitive” and an infringement of the constitution.

The plaintiff in the case was a stateless Eritrean who was released from immigration detention last November. He was later charged with six offences for failing to comply with his monitoring and curfew conditions. The charges are pending in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. His earlier criminal record includes a 2017 conviction for offences of burglary and causing injury.

Legislation for the measures was rushed through parliament a year ago, in response to the release of the detainees, many of whom had serious criminal records, including for murder, rape and assault.

During consideration of the bill, the opposition forced the government to toughen it – from providing for the measures only where needed for community safety, to saying the minister must act unless satisfied the person did not pose a risk.

At the time constitutional experts such as Anne Twomey, from the University of Sydney,nas well as the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills expressed doubts about the legislation.

Twomey wrote: “the effects of the political bidding war to be seen as the ‘toughest’ and most punitive towards non-citizens will make it infinitely harder for Commonwealth lawyers to defend these measures in the courts”.

The opposition said in a statement the effect of the court decision would be that “215 dangerous non-citizen offenders including 12 murderers, 66 sex offenders, 97 people convicted of assault, 15 domestic violence perpetrators and others will be free in the community without any monitoring or curfews”.

It said since being released, 65 of these people had been charged with new state or territory offences, with 45 remaining free in the community.

Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said regulations were being finalised for “an adjusted process” for electronic monitoring and curfews. “I will sign off on these regulations later today.”

Burke said that on Thursday he would introduce new legislation to support the regulations. That legislation would also strengthen the government’s power to remove to third countries people whose visas had been cancelled.

“The court decision is not the one the government wanted – but it is one the government has prepared for,” Burke said.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Government to introduce urgent legislation after High Court strikes down law to monitor former immigration detainees – https://theconversation.com/government-to-introduce-urgent-legislation-after-high-court-strikes-down-law-to-monitor-former-immigration-detainees-243027

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Report for the nine months ended 30 September 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Highlights

Added 33 GWh of annual proportionate power generation in the SE3 and SE4 price areas through acquisitions and increased ownership in existing windfarms.
Power generation amounted to 620 GWh for the reporting period, which was approximately ten percent below expectations, due to lower-than-average wind speeds and voluntary production curtailments during periods of low electricity prices.
Continued progress on the Company’s greenfield projects, with additional land secured and the first projects in the UK and Germany approaching the ready-to-permit stage.

Consolidated financials – 9 months

Cash flows from investing activities amounted to MEUR 39.5 and was positively impacted by the sale of the Leikanger hydropower plant in the second quarter.
Cash flows from operating activities amounted to MEUR -3.6.

Proportionate financials – 9 months

Achieved electricity price amounted to EUR 35 per MWh, which resulted in a proportionate EBITDA of MEUR 6.9.
Proportionate net debt of MEUR 55.9, with significant liquidity headroom available through the MEUR 170 revolving credit facility.

Financial Summary

Orrön Energy owns renewables assets directly and through joint ventures and associated companies and is presenting proportionate financials to show the net ownership and related results of these assets. The purpose of the proportionate reporting is to give an enhanced insight into the Company’s operational and financial results.

Expressed in MEUR	1 Jan 2024- 30 Sep 2024 9 months	1 Jul 2024- 30 Sep 2024 3 months	1 Jan 2023- 30 Sep 2023 9 months	1 Jul 2023- 30 Sep 2023 3 months	1 Jan 2023- 31 Dec 2023 12 months
Consolidated financials
Revenue	18.6	1.6	19.6	2.3	28.0
EBITDA	0.9	-7.1	-4.2	-6.7	-5.1
Operating profit (EBIT)	-11.2	-11.3	-12.6	-9.4	-17.0
Net result	-6.7	-11.1	-15.6	-7.8	-7.6
Earnings per share – EUR	-0.02	-0.04	-0.05	-0.03	-0.03
Earnings per share diluted – EUR	-0.02	-0.04	-0.05	-0.03	-0.03
Proportionate financials¹
Power generation (GWh)	620	164	539	161	765
Average price achieved per MWh – EUR	35	18	49	23	47
Operating expenses per MWh – EUR	18	21	18	20	18
Revenue	22.0	2.9	26.6	3.6	36.2
EBITDA	6.9	-4.9	4.0	-4.3	5.3
Operating profit (EBIT)	-8.1	-10.1	-7.8	-8.2	-11.0

¹ Proportionate financials represent Orrön Energy’s proportionate ownership (net) of assets and related financial results, including joint ventures. For more details see section Key Financial Data in the report for the interim report for the third quarter.

Comment from Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO of Orrön Energy AB
“The third quarter provided many opportunities for our business, in a period characterised by low and volatile electricity prices. We continued to grow our business through selective acquisitions and consolidation opportunities, and continued to lay the foundation for future growth through our greenfield projects across Europe. However, the third quarter was challenging from a revenue and electricity price perspective, impacting our financial results. In the Nordics this was primarily due to lower-than-expected electricity demand, low gas prices and an oversupply of electricity during peak hours. Despite these challenges, we successfully expanded our asset base through strategic acquisitions of shares and assets across wind farms and companies, delivered in line with our cost guidance and maintained high technical availability across our operational portfolio. Orrön Energy’s balance sheet remains robust and we have ample liquidity to continue to invest in growth while withstanding periods with lower electricity prices, allowing us to capitalise on opportunities when markets are weak.

Proportionate power generation amounted to 620 GWh for the reporting period and was below expectations due to lower-than-average wind speeds and voluntary production curtailments during periods of low electricity prices. I am pleased that we continue to achieve high technical availability across our operational assets, reaching an average of 96 percent in the third quarter, which demonstrates that we have the capacity to produce more if not for the weather conditions and low prices. Lower seasonal demand, coupled with high volatility in the electricity markets, resulted in a higher number of hours with low or negative electricity prices across the Nordics this summer. During these periods, we proactively curtailed production for short periods to avoid uneconomical power generation, returning to full operation once prices strengthened. As we move into winter, we expect to see higher demand which should help to strengthen electricity pricing into the fourth quarter this year and the first quarter next year, as already reflected in the futures price. Based on our power generation year to date, we now expect to produce around 900 GWh in 2024, depending on wind speeds and power prices during the fourth quarter.

The third quarter marks one year since the start of the Sudan trial in the Stockholm District Court, which will conclude in early 2026 with a verdict expected around the summer 2026. My view on this case remains unchanged and, if anything, it has strengthened over the past 12 months, and I expect a complete and unequivocal acquittal of all parties involved, given the baseless nature of the allegations. Once the trial is complete, we will no longer need to fund the ongoing legal costs related to this case which reduces our G&A expenses by around MEUR 7 per annum, leading to higher underlying EBITDA for the Company in the long term.

Strategic Growth
We have been active on the M&A front since the start of the summer, adding 33 GWh of annual power generation in the SE3 and SE4 price areas through increased ownership in various wind farms and companies. These investments strengthen our operational portfolio, and we will continue to seek opportunities to further consolidate ownership in assets that are complementary to our existing portfolio.

On the greenfield front, we continue to make good progress with our growth strategy. Having secured additional land, we are now moving closer to the ready-to-permit phase for our first large-scale projects in both the UK and Germany, where market valuations and demand for such projects remain high. Additionally, we have commissioned our first battery project in Sweden and continue to advance a pipeline of projects across wind, solar and batteries in the Nordics.

Financially Resilient
We remain in a financially robust position, with liquidity headroom exceeding MEUR 110. Proportionate revenues and other income amounted to MEUR 2.9 for the third quarter, which was impacted by low electricity prices, resulting in a proportionate EBITDA of MEUR -4.9 for the third quarter and MEUR 6.9 for the reporting period. Due to cost savings and phasing of investments into 2025, we are revising our capital expenditure guidance to MEUR 11 for 2024.

Looking Ahead
Throughout the remainder of the year, we will intensify our efforts on the greenfield side to reach the ready-to-permit phase for our first large-scale projects, while continuing to explore opportunities to capitalise on the current market conditions. Orrön Energy has a resilient financial position, enabling us to withstand periods of low pricing while still investing in accretive growth opportunities and acquisitions. I expect market conditions to improve as we come into the winter months, and over time, I am convinced that we will see further value creation through the growth in our core business and greenfield projects.

Once again, I thank our shareholders for their continued support and look forward to sharing updates as we continue to grow the business.”

Webcast
Listen to Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO and Espen Hennie, CFO commenting on the report and presenting the latest developments in Orrön Energy and its future growth strategy at a webcast held on 8 August 2024 at 14.00 CEST. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Registration for the webcast presentation is available on the website and the below link:
https://vimeo.com/event/4678321/54544efc16

For further information, please contact:

Robert Eriksson
Director Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
robert.eriksson@orron.com

Jenny Sandström
Communications Lead
Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany and France. With financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

Forward-looking statements
Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Attachment

Q3 Report 2024 ENG

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Rosanna Costa: Medium – and long-run trends in interest rates – causes and implications for monetary policy

Source: Bank for International Settlements

1. Welcome Remarks

Good morning to all the speakers, discussants, the organizers of this event, Atif Mian, Sofia Bauducco, Mariana García and Lucciano Villacorta, and everyone who is here attending in person and to those following us via streaming. We welcome you to the twenty-seventh Annual Conference of the Central Bank of Chile entitled “Medium- and Long-Run Trends in Interest Rates: Causes and Implications for Monetary Policy.”

Since 1997, the Central Bank of Chile (BCCh) has been convening prominent scholars and policymakers to this Conference to discuss major issues in central banking and their implications for emerging economies. Since its inception, this Conference has served as a bridge between academics and policymakers. This version is no exception: fresh and thoughtful research will support the discussion over the next two days on a topic that is very much front and center on the policy agenda. We will enjoy the presentations of seven authors, seven discussants, two keynote speakers, and a policy panel.

2. Motivation and context

This year’s conference tackles a topic that is increasingly at the forefront of economic discussions: the future trajectory of long-run real interest rates, their potential determinants, and the implications for monetary policy. The timing of this topic couldn’t be more relevant, especially in light of the sharpest and most synchronized monetary tightening we have seen in decades.

As we all know, central banks in advanced economies have recently started lowering their policy rates and in many emerging economies this normalization process has been under way for some time now. Even so, policy rates had risen significantly over the past two years from their record lows in decades. This shift has sparked a lively debate regarding the future of medium- and long-run trends in the real rates; specifically, whether policy rates will revert to their pre-pandemic lows or will settle at a higher level.

Opinions on this matter vary widely among experts and I think there is not a clear consensus on what the long run interest rates will look like in the future. On the one hand, there are reasons to believe that real interest rates are likely to revert to their historical lows, as the key factors that were mainly thought to have driven these rates down over the past forty years-such as demographic shifts, stagnant productivity growth, increased market power, higher risk aversion and sustained demand for safe assets-do not seem likely to revert sufficiently to produce a significant and lasting increase in real interest rates in the coming years.

On the other hand, recent market indicators suggest that equilibrium long-term real interest rates have risen. Also, some new estimates of the natural interest rate-defined as the “long-run” equilibrium rate after shocks have dissipated-indicates that this rate may have risen in several advanced countries in the past few years. As I will discuss in a while, this shift could indicate that at least some structural drivers of real interest rates have changed direction or that the natural interest rate is adjusting to a new economic environment possibly characterized by higher levels of public debt.

The future evolution of the natural interest rate has significant implications for monetary policy. Accurately assessing the long-run trend of the natural rate is essential for central banks, as this rate serves as a crucial reference point for monetary policy. The difference between the real interest rate and the natural rate provides valuable insight into a central bank’s monetary stance and aids in evaluating various policy options.

However, the natural rate is an abstract concept, and its estimates often carry considerable uncertainty, particularly in the post-pandemic period. Since the natural rate is not directly observable, understanding its determinants has become vital for effective monetary policy. I am confident that the fruitful discussions we will have during this conference will deepen our understanding of these determinants and clarify where natural rates and other relevant interest rates may stand in the years ahead.

In these opening remarks, I would like to take a moment to briefly review the key empirical long run trends we have observed in interest rates, as well as the primary explanations put forth in the literature. Following that, I will walk you through the main agenda of the Conference.

3. Drivers behind the trends in interest rates

Over the past forty years (up to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-2021), we have seen a remarkable decline in nominal interest rates across the globe. For example, during the 1981 to 2020 period, nominal returns on U.S. Treasury bonds, both short and long term, dropped significantly. The 2-year Treasury Bills experienced a drop of around 14 percentage points, and 10-year bonds saw a decline of 13 percentage points. During this same period, inflation also fell, albeit to a lesser degree, leading to real rate declines of about 5 and 4 percentage points for the 2- and 10-year bonds, respectively, putting sovereign real interest rates close to zero and even in negative territory for some periods. The decline was not limited to sovereign bond rates; it was also present in the returns on other so-called “safe” assets. Importantly, this downward trend was not exclusive to the United States. Real long-term rates have declined by several percentage points since the early 1980s in both developed and emerging economies, so this appears to be a global phenomenon.

The global downward trend in observed risk-free rates over an extended period suggests a significant decline in the natural interest rate, often referred to as the “long-run” equilibrium rate. This secular decline has coincided with a relatively stable trajectory in the marginal product of capital, a stable trajectory on the returns on risky assets, and a stable trajectory in the investment rate, particularly in advanced economies. As a result, these patterns are often attributed to factors that have increased the overall supply of savings over the years, alongside factors that have redirected this excess in savings toward the demand for safe assets rather than productive investments.

In recent years, much of the literature has centered on the hypothesis of a “global saving glut.” This theory suggests that a significant excess of savings from certain countries and affluent groups has led to a marked shift toward safe assets. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in the prices of these assets, accompanied by a decline in interest rates.

One contributor to this phenomenon was the increased savings from emerging economies, particularly since the 1990s. Factors such as robust economic growth, soaring commodity prices, and high risk aversion all fueled greater savings in these regions. As a result, these economies channeled substantial portions of their savings into global markets, with a significant impact on interest rates in developed countries.

Another contributor to this saving glut was the increasing savings rates among the wealthiest households in developed nations. As income inequality has risen, rich households have saved a larger share of their income, further contributing to the excess savings phenomenon. Research indicates that the savings of the top 1% in the United States is comparable to the savings generated by the excess from emerging markets, a trend the literature refersto as the “saving glut of the rich.” This dynamic has profound implications for wealth distribution and economic stability.

Other mentioned explanations for the excess savings are linked to more structural factors, such as the secular stagnation hypothesis, which suggests a persistent decline in potential economic growth that limits investment opportunities, thereby driving savings toward safer assets. Additionally, demographic changes-including declining population growth and longer life expectancy-have influenced savings behavior across generations and regions.

Finally, rising risk aversion, the declining cost of investment goods, and the substantial increase in corporate power over recent years further explain why this increase in savings has been directed toward safe assets rather than productive investments.

Over the past 40 years, all these factors have shaped the dynamics of savings, investment, and, consequently, interest rates, each contributing with varying significance during different phases. Looking ahead, the trajectory of interest rates will heavily depend on the uncertain evolution of these drivers.

The outlook for these structural factors influencing real interest rates is mixed. On the one hand, several key factors behind the pre-pandemic decline in interest rates- such as low potential growth, rising inequality, increasing uncertainty, growing market power, and longer life expectancy- show no significant signs of changing direction. These forces suggest that real interest rates may revert to their declining pre-pandemic trend. On the other hand, additional factors could lead to a sustained rise in rates. These include a decrease in savings due to a growing inactive population, substantial fiscal deficits resulting in very high levels of debt, potential productivity gains from advancements in artificial intelligence, geopolitical risks and climate disasters affecting global savings, and significant investments in the green transition.

I hope our upcoming discussion will help clarify the direction of these drivers and enhance our understanding of where the natural interest rate may be headed in the future.

4. Conference contents

Let me now give a very brief overview of what we will be hearing today and tomorrow:

The Conference will start with the session “Interest Rates and Macroeconomic Policy” In this session, the paper by Francesco Bianchi, Renato Faccini and Leonardo Melosi examines the role of fiscal policy in shaping the future path of real interest rates. Then, the paper by Gabriel Jiménez, Dmitry Kuvshinov, José-Luis Peydró and Bjorn Richter will look at the links between the path of the monetary policy rate over time and the risk of banking crises from a historical perspective.

Then, we will continue with the first keynote speech, delivered by Ricardo Reis. He will address the implications of interest rate trends on inflation, as well as the subsequent effects of inflation on these trends.

We will then transition to our second academic session, which will focus on “Theories of Natural Interest Rates.” The natural interest rate, an abstract concept, is defined as the interest rate that prevails in long-term equilibrium once economic shocks have dissipated and prices are fully flexible. As a latent variable, understanding its determinants and refining its measurement is of paramount importance.

This session will begin with a paper by Ozge Akinci, Gianluca Beningno, Marco del Negro, and Albert Queralto, who propose a complementary concept referred to as the Financial (In) Stability Real Interest Rate. While the natural interest rate is typically associated with macroeconomic stability, this new concept emphasizes the critical importance of financial stability. Following this presentation, Galo Nuño will discuss three theories concerning natural interest rates. Traditional theories often highlight structural drivers such as technological advancement and demographic changes. However, Galo’s paper will challenge this conventional view, exploring how factors such as public debt, household inequality, the zero lower bound, and persistent negative supply shocks may influence natural interest rates.

To conclude this session, we will hear from Elías Albagli, Sofia Bauducco, Guillermo Carlomagno, Luis Gonzales, and Juan Marcos Wlasiuk, who will discuss the potential impacts of climate change and escalating geopolitical tensions on long-term interest rates.

The second day will begin with the keynote speech titled “Long-Run Interest Rates: Past, Present, and Future” by Atif Mian. He will explore the interconnections between interest rates and both private and public debt over time. Atif will first address the role of inequality in explaining the simultaneous decline in interest rates and the rise in debt over the past few decades. He will then examine the dynamics of debt, discussing an appropriate constraint on interest rates to prevent explosive borrowing. Finally, he will focus on estimating future yields.

Next, we will transition to the session titled “Interest Rates, Inflation, and Transmission to Emerging Markets.” This session will open with the paper “U.S. Anti-Inflationary Policy and Emerging Economies: 1980 vs. 2020s” by Drishan Banerjee, Galina Hale, and Harrison Shieh. Their paper analyzes macroeconomic data from advanced and emerging economies in the 1980s and 2020s to highlight differences in how U.S. monetary policies have impacted emerging markets in these two distinct periods. The second paper in this session, by Francisco Legaspe and Liliana Varela, will show how country-specific risks, such as political uncertainty and risk on debt repayment explain excess returns from investing in local currency assets in LATAM countries. Finally, a policy panel featuring Elias Albagli, Jean-Marc Natal, Boris Hofmann, and Ricardo Reis will offer insights into the future of interest rates and their implications for monetary policy in emerging economies.

5. Acknowledgements

I would like to especially thank Atif Mian for being the external organizer of this Conference, as well as locals Sofia Bauducco, Mariana García and Lucciano Villacorta for putting togethersuch a wonderful program. I also thank all the speakers and contributors and look forward to the Conference volume that we will publish in some months with its formatted contents.

Let me finish by thanking María José Reyes, Constanza Martinelli, Carolina Besa, Daniela Gaete, Daphne Guiloff, Pablo Barros, and both the Public Affairs Department and the Economic Research Department of the Central Bank of Chile for all their invaluable help managing the logistics of organizing this Annual Conference.

I wish you a fruitful discussion over the next two days.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Mozambique: End violent post-election crackdown ahead of 7 November Maputo march

Source: Amnesty International –

Ahead of a major opposition march planned for 7 November in Maputo following disputed elections, Mozambique’s Frelimo-led government must halt its violent and widespread crackdown on human rights and respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, Amnesty International said.

The crisis in Mozambique is the country’s worst crackdown on protests in years. Police have killed more than 20 people and injured or arrested hundreds more, according to civil society. Security forces have routinely tried to violently and unlawfully break up peaceful assemblies with tear gas, bullets and arbitrary arrests. Authorities say protesters killed at least one police officer.

“The last two weeks in Mozambique have been marked by completely unnecessary bloodshed as authorities have tried to stop a peaceful protest movement with deadly force. The number of casualties increases every day, with authorities deploying weapons of war, including rifles and armoured vehicles, on city streets. People cannot even protest in their own homes without risking tear gassing by police,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

The government has repeatedly cut internet access across the country and blocked social media sites for nearly a week. Unknown gunmen assassinated two leading opposition figures, and opposition leader Venancio Mondlane is in hiding.

Mozambique’s government has the primary responsibility to respect and uphold human rights, but neighboring countries and international organizations, including the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, must forcefully speak out now to prevent further unlawful killings and other human rights violations.

“This outrageous chapter in Mozambique’s history must end now, and perpetrators must be brought to justice. Mozambique’s government must pull back from the brink to avert further human rights violations,” said Khanyo Farise.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: The Gambia becomes nineteenth signatory state of the Establishment Agreement of Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

KIGALI, Rwanda, November 6, 2024/APO Group/ —

The Republic of The Gambia has acceded the Establishment Agreement of the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact investment arm of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com).

With this accession, The Gambia becomes FEDA’s nineteenth member, reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic growth and development. This milestone follows a wave of recent accessions by other countries, which is driving FEDA’s momentum in broadening its scope of interventions and its mission of delivering long-term capital to African economies, with a focus on industrialization, intra-African trade and value-added exports.

Some of FEDA’s recent strategic investments across the continent include its investment in Bloom Africa Holdings Limited (BAHL) in April 2024, a regional financial services platform operating across West Africa, including The Gambia, and a further USD300 million capital injection in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) in October 2024. Others include strategic investment in Team Drogba, competing in the inaugural E1 Series, the world’s first-ever all-electric boat racing championship and the partnership with the Republic of Malawi in June 2024 to develop the Magwero Industrial Park to expedite Malawi’s industrialization process.

FEDA will explore additional opportunities to support The Gambia’s Recovery Focused-National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023–2027, also known as “YIRIWAA,” a flagship five-year initiative aimed at stimulating the country’s economic growth.

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank and Chairman of both the Boards of Afreximbank and FEDA commented: “We are delighted to welcome the Republic of The Gambia as the newest member of FEDA. This accession enhances our collective efforts to drive economic growth in the country, building on the momentum created by Afreximbank’s investments in the country over the past few years. We look forward to further collaborations aimed at unlocking new opportunities for partnership and growth.”

Marlène Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, said: “We are thrilled to have The Republic of The Gambia join the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA). Our recent investment in the Gambia’s financial services sector reflects our commitment to supporting the country’s five-year development plan. We are excited to collaborate with the country’s stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and explore opportunities that align with its development goals. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.”

MIL OSI Africa –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: WTO members review latest notifications of anti-dumping actions

Source: WTO

Headline: WTO members review latest notifications of anti-dumping actions

The Committee reviewed new notifications of legislation submitted by Brazil, Cabo Verde, Solomon Islands and the United States. It continued its review of the legislative notifications of the European Union, Ghana, Liberia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
In reviewing semi-annual notifications on anti-dumping actions, delegations questioned and discussed the practices of other members including in relation to the initiation of investigations, the imposition of provisional and final anti-dumping measures, and the review of existing anti-dumping measures. Delegations questioned and discussed actions contained in the semi-annual reports submitted by Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. In presenting its semi-annual report, Ukraine expressed concerns over the war in Ukraine and the effects on its domestic industry.
In respect of the semi-annual reports covering the period 1 January – 30 June 2024, 45 members notified the Committee of anti-dumping actions taken in this period, while 15 reported no new anti-dumping actions in the same period. In addition, 51 members submitted one-time notifications indicating they have not established an authority competent to initiate and conduct an investigation and have not, to date, taken any anti-dumping actions.
In addition to the semi-annual reports, the WTO’s Anti-Dumping Agreement requires members to submit without delay – on an ad hoc basis – notifications of all preliminary and final anti-dumping actions taken. Ad hoc notifications reviewed during the meeting were received from Argentina; Armenia; Australia; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; the European Union; Georgia; India; Israel; Japan; Kazakhstan; the Republic of Korea; the Kyrgyz Republic; Mexico; Morocco; Pakistan; the Russian Federation; South Africa; Chinese Taipei; Türkiye; Ukraine; the United Kingdom; and the United States. Members raised questions and discussed actions taken by Australia, China and Morocco. Canada encouraged members to submit timely ad hoc notifications and raised concerns about the conduct of investigations it considered to be politically motivated which are not based on sufficient evidence or justification.
In the absence of the Chair of the Committee Mr Mohamed Zuhair Taous (Tunisia), the interim Chair Mr Wolfram Spelten (Germany), who was elected to preside over the October 2024 meetings of the Committee and of its subsidiary bodies, urged members that had not submitted semi-annual reports and ad hoc notifications of actions taken to do so promptly. The interim Chair welcomed members’ continued extensive use of the anti-dumping portal to submit their semi-annual reports.
The Committee adopted its 2024 annual report to the Council for Trade in Goods.
Next meetings
The Committee decided that its spring and autumn meetings for 2025 would be held in the weeks of 28 April and 27 October 2025, respectively.

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MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Workshop on the WTO Information Technology Agreement concludes in Geneva

Source: World Trade Organization

Speaking at the opening session of the workshop, the Chair of the WTO ITA Committee, Peter Ta-Lin Shih of Chinese Taipei, highlighted the Agreement’s transformative impact on global IT trade. “The Information Technology Agreement and the 2015 ITA Expansion Agreement have been the WTO’s most successful sectoral trade agreements, together helping to support and facilitate the phenomenal growth in trade in the IT sector since the agreements were signed,” he noted.

The workshop covered the ITA’s positive contribution to promoting affordable IT products, supporting digital infrastructure, and facilitating integration into the global ICT value chain. Participants benefited from lectures, case studies and presentations, gaining insights into how ITA membership can support their national digital transformation goals. They also acquired analytical and technical skills, learning how to use WTO databases and IT tools for effective policy formulation.

Reflecting on the workshop’s practical approach, Patricien Tjletrawatie Bisoen, a participant from Suriname’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, highlighted how the experience helped her grasp both the benefits and challenges of ITA participation. “The information from trainers and the national experience shared by participants throughout the week increased my insight and knowledge of the ITA,” she said.

Michael Wairoma, Assistant Director of Trade at Kenya’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the technical skills gained during the workshop: “The workshop helped enhance my knowledge of the ITA. I gained additional skills related to obtaining and interpreting ITA-related data from the WTO Tariff Analysis Online database, and understanding global value chains in the context of the ITA, trade facilitation, and policy formulation,” he noted.

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MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to the World Urban Forum [scroll down for Arabic version]

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergr…

I am pleased to take part in the World Urban Forum.

It is fitting that you are gathering in Cairo – an enormously vibrant megacity and a magnet for innovation and creativity for over a thousand years.

I thank the Government of Egypt for hosting the 12th Forum.

Dear Friends,

You represent urban areas which are home to more than half of humanity.

You are on the frontlines of shaping a more inclusive, connected and resilient world.

And you are at the heart of where lasting change happens.

As your theme rightly puts it: “It all starts at home”.

Real progress begins at the local level.

On the ground.

In communities and people’s lives.

World leaders have just adopted the Pact for the Future.

It is an important new tool to advance our vital work, accelerate the SDGs, and address inequalities.

It calls for ensuring adequate, safe and affordable housing for all — and supporting developing countries to plan and implement just, safe, healthy, accessible, resilient and sustainable cities.

We need this more than ever.

Cities generate 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. And municipal waste is set to rise by two-thirds within a generation.

Not only are cities powerful engines of social and economic development, they are also catalysts of sustainable solutions.

I see local and regional authorities as a crucial part of the answer on so many issues and at every level, including at the United Nations.

We can all benefit from your insights and ideas.

That’s why I created the UN Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments.

I know over the next five days this Forum will have the chance to delve into the complexities and opportunities of sustainable urban development.

I invite you to seek innovations and inspiration and take them back to your communities.

And to help develop infrastructure and public services for all, including women and girls.

Local actions are the building blocks for future green, just and resilient cities.

Together, let’s make sustainable urbanization a reality.

And let’s ensure that no one and nowhere is left behind.

Thank you.

*****

يسعدني أن أشارك في المنتدى الحضري العالمي.
         إنه لمِن الملائم أن تجتمعوا في القاهرة – هذه المدينة الضخمة النابضة بالحياة والمستقطبة للابتكار والإبداع على مدى أكثر من ألف عام.
         أشكر حكومة مصر على استضافتها للمنتدى الثاني عشر.
         أيها الأصدقاء الأعزاء،
         أنتم تمثلون المناطق الحضرية التي تسكنها أكثر من نصف البشرية.
         ما يعني أنكم في طليعة مَن يرسمون ملامح عالم أكثر شمولاً وترابطاً وقدرةً على التكيف.
         وأنكم موجودون في قلب المكان الذي تحدث فيه التغييرات الدائمة.
         إن الموضوع الذي اخترتموه للمنتدى يعبّر أصدق تعبير بأن ”كل الأمور تبدأ من البيت“.
         فإحراز التقدم الحقيقي يبدأ أول ما يبدأ على المستوى المحلي.
         على الأرض.
         داخل المجتمعات المحلية وفي حياة الناس.
         لقد اعتمد قادة العالم للتو ميثاق المستقبل.
         وهو أداة جديدة هامة الغرض منها هو الدفع بعملنا الحيوي والتعجيل في تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة والتصدي لأوجه عدم المساواة.
         وهو يدعو إلى ضمان توفير السكن الملائم والآمن والميسور التكلفة للجميع، وإلى دعم البلدان النامية في تخطيط وتنفيذ مدن عادلة وآمنة وصحية وميسورة التكلفة ومستدامة وقادرة على التكيف.
         ونحن اليوم أحوج ما نكون إلى ذلك أكثر من أي وقت مضى.
         فالمدن تولّد 70 في المائة من انبعاثات غازات الاحتباس الحراري. ومن المتوقع أن يزيد حجم النفايات البلدية بنسبة الثلثين خلال جيل واحد.
         بيد أن المدن ليست محركات قوية للتنمية الاجتماعية والاقتصادية فحسب، بل هي أيضا محفِّزات للحلول المستدامة.
         إنني أرى في السلطات المحلية والإقليمية جزءا أساسيا من الحل في العديد من القضايا وعلى جميع المستويات، بما في ذلك في الأمم المتحدة.
         ويمكننا جميعا الاستفادة مما تبدونه من آراء متبصّرة وتطرحونه من أفكار نيِّرة.
         ولهذا السبب أنشأتُ فريق الأمم المتحدة الاستشاري المعني بالحكومات المحلية والإقليمية.
         أنا أعلم أن هذا المنتدى سيحظى خلال الأيام الخمسة المقبلة بفرصة الخوض في ما تحمله التنمية الحضرية المستدامة من تعقيدات وما تتيحه من فرص.
         لذ، أدعوكم للسعي إلى استنباط الابتكارات وتلمُّس الأفكار الملهِمة كي تحملوها معكم إلى مجتمعاتكم المحلية.
         كما أدعوكم إلى تطوير البنى التحتية والخدمات العامة للجميع، بما في ذلك للنساء والفتيات.
         إن ما تتخذونه من إجراءات محلية سيشكل اللبِنات الأساسية لبناء مدن خضراء وعادلة وقادرة على التكيف في المستقبل.
         فلنعمل معاً كي نجعل من التحضر المستدام حقيقة واقعة.
         ولنضمن ألا يتخلف أحد، في أي مكان، عن الركب.
         شكراً لكم.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks to the Member States briefing on the outcomes of the Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals [as prepared for delivery]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you today.

The report from the Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals was released in September in response to a critical global challenge. The Secretary-General has asked we not only give out information but debrief Member States on this important work.

We are in the midst of a quiet revolution.

The way we power our economies and societies is changing.

Renewables have never been cheaper or more accessible, and the acceleration in their roll-out is staggering but uneven.

There is a danger that the clean energy transition could reproduce and amplify inequalities of the past:

With developing countries – rich in the renewables critical to the transition – banished to the bottom of those value chains, their people are exploited, and their environment in jeopardy as others grow wealthy on their resources. Sounds familiar.

The Secretary-General established the Panel in response to calls from developing countries for action on this issue. Lest we repeat history.

I thank all the Panel members for their work, particularly the Co-Chairs, Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko of South Africa, and Ditte Juul Jørgensen of the European Commission. I commend the Panel for breaking new ground and reaching an agreement on many complex and contested issues.

I am also grateful to the 17 UN agencies that provided a vast range of technical expertise to the Panel, led by UNEP, UNCTAD and the Secretary-General’s Climate Action Team.

The Panel’s report identifies ways governments, industry, and the United Nations can work to embed justice and equity in critical energy transition mineral value chains and ensures that they spur sustainable development, respect people, protect the environment, and power prosperity in resource-rich developing countries.

It outlines seven guiding principles that prioritize human rights, environmental protection, and inclusive development while also insisting on responsible trade and investment. This vision is supported by calls for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to multilateral cooperation—safeguarding the rights of resource-rich countries to benefit from their minerals while protecting their communities and ecosystems.

To bring these principles into action, the report sets out five Actionable Recommendations, such as forming an UN-hosted expert group to lead fair policy dialogue and drive accountability across mineral value chains. It advocates for a global transparency framework, funding mechanisms to address mining’s long-term impacts, and support for small-scale miners as partners in sustainable development. Together, these recommendations aim to empower communities, create accountability, and ensure that clean energy fuels not only our economies but also equitable and resilient growth.

Following the launch of the report, the Secretary-General asked the Panel and United Nations to socialize its findings with Member States and other stakeholders ahead of COP29 and receive feedback to help inform next steps.

We are preparing the United Nations system to support the implementation of the Panel’s work –safeguarding and advancing human rights, particularly the rights of Indigenous Peoples, across the critical minerals value chain.

UNEP, UNCTAD and the Climate Action Team will lead those efforts in the UN system. Civil society, young people and Indigenous Peoples have a seat at the table.

At COP29 in Baku later this month, the Secretary-General will convene a leader-level event to mobilize political support and establish a way forward.

Today, the Panel Co-Chairs, Ditte Juul Jørgensen and Ambassador Diskeko will brief you on the report.

We want to hear your feedback on its findings to inform the operationalization of its outcomes. We are particularly keen to hear views on two matters:

• First, are the Guiding Principles the right ones? If so, how can we mainstream them into the relevant constituencies?

• Second, the Panel developed five Actionable Recommendations to put the Principles into practice. Are these broadly supported, and if so, what is the best approach to operationalize them? What role can Member States, the UN system, and other stakeholders play in moving them forward?

I very much look forward to hearing from you today.

As we work together to ensure we generate prosperity and equality alongside clean power.

Thank you.
***

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: SWGT Launches deWork: The World’s First Zero-Commission, Gamified Work Marketplace

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SWG Global Ltd. has officially launched the MVP of deWork, a groundbreaking zero-commission decentralized work marketplace powered by the SWGT token, listed on multiple exchanges (MEXC, Gate, Bitget, Bitmart, Lbank) June 2024. The team has been working on a much anticipated product launch for over a year, and now they are delivering on their promises.

In line with the commitment to advancing a fair and accessible digital economy, deWork redefines freelance work through blockchain innovation, offering a platform where freelancers retain full control of their earnings, pay no commissions, and experience work as a gamified, rewarding journey.

Unlike traditional freelance platforms that impose up to 20% in commissions, deWork’s decentralized model ensures that workers keep 100% of their earnings, addressing a critical need for fair compensation in the global gig economy. Through the use of blockchain technology, deWork eliminates intermediaries, streamlines payments, and delivers a transparent, secure environment for professionals to connect directly with clients. Smart contracts drive the system, enabling instant, frictionless transactions and building trust through an immutable, decentralized ledger.

An Equitable Solution for Freelancers and Clients

In addition to fair pay and transparency, deWork leverages blockchain to bring a new level of equality to the freelancer-client relationship. Powered by smart contracts, deWork’s decentralized reputation system ensures that ratings are trustworthy and uninfluenced by third parties, allowing freelancers to maintain a transparent, verifiable work history. With an accessible, token-based platform that encourages professional growth, deWork empowers freelancers to achieve their goals without the limitations and challenges imposed by centralized work platforms.

The Vision of SWG Global Ltd.

SWG Global envisions a future where blockchain-enabled solutions foster a more inclusive economy. With deWork, SWG Global is driving the change towards a fair, decentralized gig economy—one that puts people first, eliminates unnecessary costs, and supports an empowered, secure, and enjoyable work experience.

Expanding the deWork Experience

Beyond its zero-commission framework, deWork plans introduce a unique GameFi experience, allowing freelancers to engage in play-to-earn games, transforming downtime into a rewarding opportunity. The gamified environment offers challenges, tasks, and quests where freelancers can earn SWGT tokens, providing an engaging experience that elevates the way freelancers interact with the platform. This new dimension merges productivity and play, allowing freelancers of all skill levels to actively earn, build reputation, and enjoy a fulfilling journey on the platform.

Join the Future of Work with deWork

Freelancers, clients, and digital enthusiasts are invited to join deWork at https://jobs.swg.io/ and experience a next-generation work marketplace where zero commissions, transparent payments, and gamification redefine freelancing for the digital age.

Contact person: Anna Kline
Email: anna@swg.io

Disclaimer: This content is provided by SWGT. 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/71366747-f16b-4cd8-b77e-36b16ed136c0

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Mosquito season in southern Africa: tonic water and vitamins won’t protect you but knowing where the hotspots are will

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Shüné Oliver, Medical scientist, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

While the emergence of colourful butterflies is a welcome sign of summer, the constant buzzing of mosquitoes is an annoying part of the season.

Mosquitoes are more than just pests. They are the world’s most dangerous animal. Their presence signals the start of the malaria season in southern Africa.

It is for this reason that the Southern African Development Community recognises the first week of November as SADC Malaria Week, with 6 November as SADC Malaria Day.

During this week the dangers of malaria are highlighted. As South Africa edges closer towards malaria elimination, this has become more important as many South Africans are unaware of the malaria risk within the country’s borders.

Read more:
The seven steps South Africa is taking to get it closer to eliminating malaria

Know your enemy

Malaria is usually spread through a bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. In rare cases, malaria can spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants or sharing contaminated needles.

There is also the possibility that mothers can pass on the disease to their babies while pregnant or during delivery.

Mosquitoes that spread malaria are usually only active between dusk and dawn. Some mosquitoes, particularly the large black and white Aedes mosquitoes,
are active during the day. These mosquitoes spread diseases like yellow fever and Zika.

Although malaria-spreading mosquitoes are active at night, they are not the mosquitoes that make the annoying buzzing sound that prevents you from getting a peaceful night’s sleep.

Instead, malaria mosquitoes are near-silent, often referred to as silent killers. Frequently, you only realise you have been bitten when it is too late.

Most malaria vectors tend to bite and rest outdoors. This means that you have to take extra care when outdoors.

Know your enemy’s whereabouts

Malaria mosquitoes require specific environmental conditions to breed and survive.

They are found in low-lying tropical areas in most southern African countries, with the exception of Lesotho and the Seychelles. Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe have regions of high malaria risk.

In South Africa, malaria is restricted to the low-lying border regions of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

Before visiting any of these areas, familiarise yourself with the malaria risk map for South Africa and take the appropriate precautions.

In the southern hemisphere, the malaria risk is particularly high over the December holidays. This is due to the warm, wet weather conditions that favour mosquito growth.

Over the past few years, the non-endemic South African province of Gauteng has reported a high number of
cases. This can happen in any province: there have been incidents in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, as well as the North-West.

Most of these cases are imported from high-risk regions within
and outside South Africa.

A few rare cases are the result of odyssean malaria (also known as taxi or airport malaria).

This happens throughout Africa. It is largely associated with migration. This happens when one or more malaria-carrying mosquitoes are accidentally transported from their natural home. They can then randomly infect people outside the malaria-risk area.

When you have an unexplained fever in summer, think malaria. This is true even if you have not travelled to a malaria-risk area.

It is especially important if you stayed near a major transport route or transport hub. These include places such as taxi ranks or bus depots.

Know your enemy’s gameplan

Malaria is preventable and treatable. The odds of a complete recovery are very high if a malaria infection is detected early. This is aided by prompt treatment with effective antimalarial medication.

Symptoms of the milder version of malaria (uncomplicated malaria) are non-specific. This can include fever, headaches, sluggishness, nausea, and muscular/joint pains.

Loss of consciousness, convulsions, jaundice and kidney failure are associated with the more severe, life threatening form of malaria.

Read more:
We’re a step closer to figuring out why mosquitoes bite some people and not others

Keep yourself safe from the enemy

The easiest way to prevent yourself from getting malaria is to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito.

If outdoors during the evening, wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and socks, and use repellents that contain at least 30% of the insect repellent DEET.

Doors and windows should be screened. Where possible, sleep under a bednet or in an air-conditioned room.

In addition to these non-pharmaceutical measures, you can protect yourself by taking anti-malarial medications which you can get from a pharmacy or primary healthcare clinic.

Discuss your anti-malarial options with a healthcare professional.

Medication that prevents malaria does not mask the symptoms of the disease.

The recommended treatment in South Africa, artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem), is highly effective. This is the most widely used malaria treatment across Africa.

Know the myths about the enemy

You cannot get malaria from drinking contaminated water or eating rotten fruit.

There is limited evidence that vitamin-enriched products or home remedies containing natural products like citronella offer any protection against malaria.

In addition, tonic water contains a very low concentration of antimalarial ingredients. It is therefore not possible for one person to drink sufficient quantities to protect against malaria.

Crucially, one malaria infection will not keep you safe from future infections. You can get malaria more than once.

Finally, always be aware – although the malaria risk is higher in summer, you can also get the disease in the dry season. You could also potentially be infected in any province due to an infected travelling mosquito.

So if you have an unexplained fever, think malaria!

Shüné Oliver receives funding from the National Research Foundation of South Africa, South African Medical Research Council and Female Academic Leadership Fellowship. She is affiliated with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the Wits Research Institute for Malaria.

Jaishree Raman receives funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CHAI, the Global Fund, the National Institute for Communicable Disease, the National Research Foundation, the South African Medical Research Council, and the Research Trust. She is affiliated with the Wits Research Institute for Malaria and the University of Pretoria’s Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control.

– ref. Mosquito season in southern Africa: tonic water and vitamins won’t protect you but knowing where the hotspots are will – https://theconversation.com/mosquito-season-in-southern-africa-tonic-water-and-vitamins-wont-protect-you-but-knowing-where-the-hotspots-are-will-242620

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Scents of the Middle Ages and emo nostalgia – what you should read, watch and do this week

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Walker, Senior Arts + Culture Editor

I’ve always been a history nerd, but it wasn’t until I started working at The Conversation that I really caught the medieval bug. Inspired by our academic experts, I’ve read books, trawled online archives, and when I worked on an article about the Book of Kells earlier this year, I had to travel to Dublin to see it for myself.

And so it is that this week I found myself booking tickets to London to visit Medieval Women: In Their Own Words at the British Library, an exhibition our reviewer, expert in medieval women’s writing Diane Watt, described as “unmissable”.

I’m particularly excited to see the way that some of the earliest works by women to have been written in English are brought to life in a scent installation. Julian of Norwich’s satanic torments, for example, are conjured up by the stink of sulphur, while Margery Kempe’s angels are evoked by notes of honey, strawberry and caramel.

Read more:
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words at the British Library is unmissable

Dystopian fiction and unsettling realities

There’s been a lot of noise about Dahomey, the latest documentary film from award-winning French director Mati Diop since it picked up the coveted Golden Bear, the top prize at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. The film follows the restitution of 26 items that were looted by French troops during an invasion and subsequent colonial occupation of the kingdom of Dahomey, now the present-day Republic of Benin, in November 1892.

What makes the film particularly unique is Diop’s decision to give a literal voice to the artefacts in question. Viewers follow “object 26”, a statue of King Ghezo who ruled Dahomey from 1797 until 1818, as he narrates his journey from a storage unit in a French museum, back to his homeland. It gave our reviewer, curator of living cultures at Manchester Museum Njabulo Chipangura, much to reflect on.

Read more:
Dahomey: timely repatriation documentary gives a literal voice to Benin’s stolen objects

The trailer for Dahomey.

For my money, Ali Smith is one of the greatest living British authors. My first encounter with her work was the stunning 2014 book How to Be Both, which applied the fresco technique of visual arts to the novel. Weaving together the stories of a renaissance artist and a 16-year-old girl in contemporary Cambridge, the order in which you read the story depended on which copy you picked up.

With her latest book, Gliff, Smith continues to play with form. It tells the story of two children, Briar and Rose, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic Britain. Gliff is the first of a planned pair of novels, with the second to be called Glyph. Our reviewer found the novel’s combination of dystopian nightmare and fairy tale enchantment at once accessible and engaging, complex and subtle.

Read more:
Ali Smith’s new novel Gliff is a dystopian nightmare with flashes of fairytale enchantment

Emo nostalgia

There’s no more appropriate time to visit an exhibition on the work of Tim Burton than Halloween weekend. That is, unless you’re one of those people that insist The Nightmare Before Christmas is actually a Christmas film. Newly opened at the Design Museum, The World of Tim Burton is an exploration of the director’s design practice, and traces the complex path from his initial sketches to their realisation on screen.

Our reviewer, expert in the gothic Catherine Spooner, found much to enjoy. She described the work on show as “a riot of colour and fizzing line”, though it was the personal items she found most thrilling – teen fan art, scribbles on table napkins and university lecture notes.

Read more:
Is Tim Burton an outsider auteur or a global megastar? The Design Museum thinks it has the answer

As a teenager, I spent hours carefully curating my Myspace page. In my “profile photo” I wore black skinny jeans and doodled-on Converse. My “profile song” was almost always something by My Chemical Romance. Each generation has their defining subculture and for mine, young millennials, that subculture was emo (short for “emotional hardcore”).

In a move that seems designed to make me feel ancient, emo is now the subject of a nostalgic exhibition at London’s Barbican Music Library. The show features much of the technology that emo teens used to build a sense of community, from those Myspace profiles to flip phones and iPod shuffles. While many of these technologies are long gone, the exhibition argues that emo remains alive and kicking.

Read more:
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words at the British Library is unmissable

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

– ref. Scents of the Middle Ages and emo nostalgia – what you should read, watch and do this week – https://theconversation.com/scents-of-the-middle-ages-and-emo-nostalgia-what-you-should-read-watch-and-do-this-week-242630

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches Female-Centric Pitching Competition during DevCon 24′ with Access Up to $100K Funding Opportunities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has launched “Pitch n Slay,” a special initiative under its Blockchain4Her program organized to provide exposure for female entrepreneurs in the blockchain space. Building on Bitget’s larger $10 million Blockchain4Her project, the program extends targeted support to promising women-led startups by offering them a chance to secure up to $100,000 in funding by Foresight Ventures. This funding is accompanied by valuable mentorship from experienced professionals in the blockchain industry.

The “Pitch n Slay” program, created in partnership with organizations such as World of Women, Women in Web3, and Bitget Wallet, is structured to offer a pathway for women entrepreneurs to receive the capital, guidance, and exposure necessary to scale their projects. Additional partnerships with Foresight Ventures and Morph highlight Bitget’s emphasis on uniting resources and mentorship from leaders within the blockchain ecosystem.

Throughout the program, selected participants will undergo a rigorous mentorship and development journey. After an initial pitching round, finalists will receive support in market strategy, scaling, and technology, led by industry experts including Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, Taya A, CEO of World of Women, Min Xue, Partner of Foresight Ventures, Tess Hau, Founder of Tess Ventures, and other prominent Web3 leaders. Hosted on 15th November, in Bangkok, Thailand the “Pitch n Slay” program finalists will present their refined projects to a panel of investors and judges. Out of the shortlisted women-run startups top 3 winners will get grants to further their startup journey. The first winner takes home $5000, the second place will be rewarded with $3000 and the third will get $2000 subsequently. All three will be qualified for further pitching to Foresight Ventures, if the deal goes through each can receive funding up to $100K in pre-seed.

Bitget’s constant focus on supporting women in Web3 is part of its strategy of creating accessible pathways for funding and growth for women entrepreneurs led by the company’s CEO, Gracy Chen “Bitget is a proudly gender-inclusive organization, with over 45% of our management roles held by women. Through Blockchain4Her, it’s our honor to support women founders with opportunities for exposure, mentorship, and funding. We’ll continue to expand this platform, creating pathways for growth and amplifying women-led startups in Web3,” said Chen.

The Pitch n’ Slay initiative directly addresses the underrepresentation of female entrepreneurs in blockchain, providing both the financial and professional support essential for success in a competitive landscape.

Applications are open for eligible women-led startups. For more details, visit the application page here

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

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

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience volatility. Investments should only be made with funds that can be afforded to lose. The value of investments may be impacted, and there is a possibility of not achieving financial goals or recovering the principal investment. Independent financial advice should be sought, and personal financial experience and standing should be carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any losses incurred. This information is not intended as financial advice.

Contact

PR team

media@bitget.com

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget lists BitSmiley (SMILE) on Innovation, BTC Ecosystem and DeFi Zone for Spot Trading

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has listed BitSmiley (SMILE) in the Innovation, BTC Ecosystem, and DeFi Zone, with trading set to commence on 6 November 2024. This listing aligns with Bitget’s ongoing mission to broaden market accessibility to pioneering blockchain projects, offering users exposure to emerging DeFi protocols on the Bitcoin network. With this development, Bitget is expanding its range of supported assets in a space traditionally dominated by Ethereum-based tokens.

BitSmiley represents a unique integration of lending and stablecoin functionality built directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, a first in the realm of decentralized finance. The platform’s proprietary technology, Fintegra, provides a seamless ecosystem that leverages the security and resilience of Bitcoin while introducing users to a new form of decentralized lending. The BitSmiley protocol addresses scalability and liquidity, allowing users to participate in DeFi with reduced friction. The listing of BitSmiley at Bitget provides enhanced opportunities for traders interested in Bitcoin-based financial products that blend stability with lending capabilities.

Following this listing, deposits for BitSmiley have already been activated, providing users time to prepare for trading, which will officially launch at 10:00 (UTC) on 6 November. Withdrawals will be enabled on 7 November at 11:00 (UTC), facilitating seamless movement of assets. This early access and preparation phase allows Bitget’s users to familiarize themselves with the platform’s trading dynamics and further engage with decentralized finance innovations.

The BitSmiley initiative contributes to reshaping financial inclusion and decentralization on Bitcoin. With its focus on a robust financial infrastructure, BitSmiley’s unique stablecoin-lending framework seeks to expand the functionality and versatility of Bitcoin as an asset class. Through its listing on Bitget, users can explore new avenues for portfolio diversification within the security of a Bitcoin-based ecosystem, reflecting a growing market appetite for diversified DeFi options beyond Ethereum.

As Bitget continues to explore and support pioneering assets across blockchain networks, the addition of BitSmiley emphasizes its commitment to building an inclusive, cross-chain ecosystem where users can engage with the forefront of decentralized financial technology.

Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of SMILE into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem, allowing users to access new tools and opportunities in the evolving DeFi landscape.

For more information on SMILE tokens listing on Bitget, please visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

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

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60e6db26-e892-426a-978e-f3c7dfe3ec95

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Expands GameFi Offerings with Legend of Arcadia (ARCA) Listing and Airdrop Events

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company has listed Legend of Arcadia (ARCA) in its Innovation and GameFi Zone, offering users an opportunity to participate in ARCA-related activities and share a pool of 2,375,000 ARCA tokens. As a unique addition to the gaming ecosystem, Legend of Arcadia brings an engaging blend of casual gameplay with blockchain-driven rewards, attracting both traditional gamers and Web3 enthusiasts alike. The listing marks a significant expansion in Bitget’s GameFi offerings, inviting users to explore new avenues in the evolving digital economy.

ARCA token’s deposits, withdrawals and trading are currently open. This listing introduces a new asset to Bitget’s platform and provides an interactive way for users to earn ARCA through a series of airdrop activities. By locking ETH on PoolX, participants can secure a portion of 1,500,000 ARCA tokens. The allocation formula ensures a fair distribution based on each participant’s locked ETH proportion within the pool, fostering a competitive yet equitable system for acquiring tokens.

Another airdrop opportunity awaits through the CandyBomb promotion, where users can gain access to 875,000 ARCA tokens by engaging in ARCA spot and futures trading. This initiative incentivizes both new spot and futures users, with 437,500 ARCA tokens reserved for each trading category. Participation is streamlined through the CandyBomb page, where users simply need to join the activity to start accumulating rewards based on their net deposits and trading volumes, enhancing user engagement with the ARCA ecosystem.
Legend of Arcadia offers a captivating gameplay experience by merging traditional gaming elements with blockchain-based incentives, presenting a novel approach to the gaming sector. Set in a multi-chain universe, Legend of Arcadia is both free-to-play and play-to-earn, allowing players to immerse themselves in a strategic, card-based environment where they can earn rewards through staking, battling, and mining. The game introduces users to the whimsical world of “toy heroes,” collectible NFT characters that are central to the gameplay. With eight classes and six factions of these toy-like characters, players can build diverse teams, compete strategically, and earn in-game assets, creating a dynamic ecosystem that merges the entertainment of gaming with the financial opportunities of Web3.

As Bitget continues to broaden its GameFi portfolio, the listing of ARCA shows the platform’s dedication to fostering accessible, rewarding digital experiences for its global user base. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of ARCA into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem, allowing users to access new opportunities in the evolving DeFi landscape.

For more information on ARCA tokens listing on Bitget, please visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

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

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/929aede6-1e17-4464-99b7-d407fcf59b31

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Leadership for Peace Means ‘Living Up to UN Charter’, Says Secretary-General at Security Council Debate

Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council’s high-level debate on “Leadership for peace: united in respect of the UN Charter, in search of a secure future”, in New York today:

I thank the Government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace.

The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic. Peace demands action. And peace demands leadership.

Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust. Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter. Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier. All regions are affected.

And civilians are paying the steepest price. From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined.

Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.

First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.

Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.

It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace.

It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks. And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.

The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms. But we will need strong political will to implement them and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council. Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.

Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.

Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions. A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace. A divided Council cannot. It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground. And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.

From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…

To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…

To the landmark resolution 2719 (2023), which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…

To the groundbreaking resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…

To this Council’s growing ties to regional and subregional organizations to foster consensus and peace. These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.

When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.

But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. Peace in Ukraine is possible. By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law.

Peace in Gaza is possible. By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

Peace in Sudan is possible. By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.

The situations on this Council’s agenda are complex and do not have quick fixes. But the scale of the challenge should not deter us. Our only hope for progress on peace is active collaboration and unity among Council Members.

Today, I call on all Members to live up to this great responsibility, and to the promise of the UN Charter. Contribute to this Council’s success — not its diminishment. Let’s ensure that this Council serves as an effective and representative forum for peace — today and in the years to come.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Liberia
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 22 November 2022, 14:57 NZDT
- Still current at: 5 November 2024
Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to the unpredictable security situation and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Liberia

Violent Crime
Violent crime occurs throughout Liberia, and there is a high incidence of armed robbery, sexual assault, mugging and residential burglary. Most crime is opportunistic but there are also organised criminal groups. Criminals are often armed, typically with a knife or a machete. The level of crime is much higher after dark.

As foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery. Walking alone or travelling after dark should be avoided. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or mugging, as this could lead to an escalation in violence. Avoid travelling alone or after dark.

Liberian police and authorities have a very limited capacity to respond and provide effective protective services, particularly outside the capital Monrovia.

Terrorism
There is no history of terrorism in Liberia; however, terrorist groups remain active across West Africa and attacks in other countries have targeted beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners.

New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Local travel
New Zealanders considering travel to Liberia are advised to make adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival.

You should avoid local public transport. Pre-arrange transport for the duration of your stay, including to and from the airport, which is located some distance from downtown Monrovia. Taxis should be booked using a reputable company via a trusted friend or through your hotel. When travelling by road, keep doors locked and windows up at all times, as taxis have been occasionally targeted for robbery. Secure tourist facilities and accommodation are very limited and poorly maintained. Stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding. Photo identification should be carried at all times.

The security situation in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, which border Cote D’Ivoire, can be unstable. There are armed groups near the border and occasional cross-border attacks have occurred in the past.

Civil Unrest
The security situation in Liberia remains fragile. Sporadic demonstrations and local disturbances can turn violent and there is ongoing potential for unrest. Police may use tear gas and/or water cannons to disperse demonstrations. New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to avoid all large crowds, political rallies and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is common in Liberia. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams.

Ebola Virus Disease
Following an Ebola outbreak in 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Liberia free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission in June 2016. For more information on Ebola, please see the Ministry of Health’s website and the WHO website.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Liberia, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Liberia should consider.

Modern medical services in Liberia are very limited, so we advise New Zealanders travelling or living in Liberia to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments or officials, is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Authorities may ask for proof of your identity, so carry a colour photocopy of your passport and visa for Liberia at all times. Checkpoints operate throughout the country.

New Zealanders in Liberia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

Top of page

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Clean Energy Shift Risks Widening Inequalities – UN Vice Chief | Briefing | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed today (4 Nov) said, “there is a danger that the clean energy transition could reproduce and amplify inequalities of the past: With developing countries – rich in the renewables critical to the transition – banished to the bottom of those value chains, their people are exploited, and their environment in jeopardy as others grow wealthy on their resources.”

Presenting the report of the Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, Mohammed said, “we are in the midst of a quiet revolution. The way we power our economies and societies is changing. Renewables have never been cheaper or more accessible, and the acceleration in their roll-out is staggering but uneven.”

Mohammed said, “the Panel’s report identifies ways governments, industry, and the United Nations can work to embed justice and equity in critical energy transition mineral value chains and ensures that they spur sustainable development, respect people, protect the environment, and power prosperity in resource-rich developing countries.”

She said the report, “outlines seven guiding principles that prioritize human rights, environmental protection, and inclusive development while also insisting on responsible trade and investment.”

One of the Panel’s Co-chairs, Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko of South Africa, said, “these minerals are so essential to the transition of the world to a low carbon economy, that it’s important that there’s understanding amongst member states, there’s understanding among countries that are producing and endowed with these minerals and countries that consume these minerals that tend to be very strong.”

Above all, Mxakato-Diseko said, there is need for cooperation and understanding and trust between big powers.”

The South African Ambassador said, “this is an area where one country cannot benefit alone to the detriment of other countries. We either all do something to address climate change together or we don’t, and we sink together. We either act together to save the world and address climate change, or we don’t together, and we perish. And history will not be kind on us.”

The report indicates that effective climate action and the global deployment of renewable energy technologies relies on the sufficient, reliable and affordable supply of critical energy transition minerals (CETMs). For the energy transition to be just, these minerals must be extracted, processed, transformed and recycled sustainably and equitably.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), reaching net-zero globally by 2050 would require the demand for CETMs to increase three and a half times by 2030, with even steeper demand for key commodities such as lithium (8 times), graphite (7 times), and nickel (7 times).

The report states that countries with large reserves of CETMs could, with careful action-orientated planning, have an opportunity to transform economies, create green jobs, and foster sustainable local, regional and global development, especially for developing countries and communities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80-fMeKTZF0

MIL OSI Video –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Lebanon & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (4 Nov 2024)

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Lebanon/Israel
-Lebanon/Humanitarian
-Ukraine
-Ukraine/Humanitarian
-Security Council
-Rosemary DiCarlo/Japan
-West and Central Africa
-Democratic Republic of the Congo
-Deputy Secretary-General
-World Urban Forum
-Counter-Terrorism
-Resident Coordinator – Honduras
-NY marathon
-Briefings today

Occupied Palestinian Territory
In Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is deeply concerned about persistent reports of mounting casualties, with the number of Palestinians being killed and injured especially high in North Gaza Governorate, where the Israeli military operations are continuing.
In a statement on Saturday, Catherine Russell, the UNICEF, Children’s Fund head, said that more than 50 children had reportedly been killed in Jabalya over the previous two days alone, after strikes leveled two residential buildings sheltering hundreds of people.
Meanwhile, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that, for the past month, Israeli authorities have only allowed humanitarian access to Jabalya, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun on an exceptional basis, leaving us unable to confirm the conditions of people inside and we worry for their safety.
OCHA warns that the already limited humanitarian supplies entering Gaza have dwindled even further since October. Private imports are virtually banned, and Israeli authorities are only allowing the use of three entry points – Kerem Shalom, Gate 96, which is near Deir Al-Balah and Erez West. Furthermore, humanitarian colleagues can only access these border areas by highly dangerous routes. The use of most roads leading to these entry points has either been banned by the Israeli authorities or rendered unsafe due to the ongoing hostilities.
The routes available are often in poor condition and prone to armed looting fueled by the breakdown in public order and safety.
Our humanitarian colleagues note that supplies reaching the northern crossing at Erez West can only be sent to Gaza city, as requests to deliver them to besieged areas in North Gaza governorate are being consistently denied and rejected.
For its part, the World Food Programme warns that as winter approaches, the lack of food and other vital humanitarian supplies entering the Gaza Strip could soon escalate into famine unless immediate action is taken. In October, the World Food Programme has only been able to reach 42 per cent of the 1.1 million people targeted for food assistance in Gaza, with reduced rations due to dropping aid levels.

Lebanon/Israel
An update from UNIFIL, who is noting with continued concern the airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces across Lebanon over the weekend, including in the South, in Sidon, Baalbek and Beirut, resulting in several casualties. In southern Lebanon, the peacekeepers report that IDF operations have continued, involving clashes with Hizbullah. Meanwhile, they also report that Hizbullah has continued to launch drones and dozens of rockets South, into Israel.
The increasing impact on civilians is of grave concern and we condemn the loss of civilian lives. All actors must adhere to international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. UNIFIL premises also continue to be impacted. On 2 November, a UN position near Markaba, in Sector East, sustained damage to its prefabricated containers and perimeters caused by demolition operations being undertaken by the IDF.
A nearby explosion also damaged a UN vehicle at the [UNIFIL] Naqoura Headquarters, with no injuries reported. We once again remind all actors of the inviolability of the UN premises and their responsibility to protect UN peacekeepers.
We urge the parties to halt the violence immediately. The United Nations continues to support efforts towards a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=04%20November%202024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHC60gr1Lo8

MIL OSI Video –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UN Chief on World Urban Forum 12th Session | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

I am pleased to take part in the World Urban Forum.
It is fitting that you are gathering in Cairo – an enormously vibrant megacity and a magnet for
innovation and creativity for over a thousand years.
I thank the Government of Egypt for hosting the 12th Forum.
Dear Friends,
You represent urban areas which are home to more than half of humanity.
You are on the frontlines of shaping a more inclusive, connected and resilient world.
And you are at the heart of where lasting change happens.
As your theme rightly puts it: “It all starts at home”.
Real progress begins at the local level.
On the ground.
In communities and people’s lives.
World leaders have just adopted the Pact for the Future.
It is an important new tool to advance our vital work, accelerate the SDGs, and address
inequalities.
It calls for ensuring adequate, safe and affordable housing for all — and supporting developing
countries to plan and implement just, safe, healthy, accessible, resilient and sustainable cities.
We need this more than ever.
Cities generate 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. And municipal waste is set to rise by
two-thirds within a generation.

2

Not only are cities powerful engines of social and economic development, they are also catalysts
of sustainable solutions.
I see local and regional authorities as a crucial part of the answer on so many issues and at every
level, including at the United Nations.
We can all benefit from your insights and ideas.
That’s why I created the UN Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments.
I know over the next five days this Forum will have the chance to delve into the complexities and
opportunities of sustainable urban development.
I invite you to seek innovations and inspiration and take them back to your communities.
And to help develop infrastructure and public services for all, including women and girls.
Local actions are the building blocks for future green, just and resilient cities.
Together, let’s make sustainable urbanization a reality.
And let’s ensure that no one and nowhere is left behind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCMY9xtiPak

MIL OSI Video –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan concludes his four day visit to Algeria

Source: Government of India (2)

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan concludes his four day visit to Algeria

Both Countries ink milestone memorandum in defence Cooperation

Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan led a high-ranking Indian military delegation on an official visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria from 31 Oct – 03 Nov 2024. The visit was part of a broader endeavour to strengthen India-Algeria relations which have seen increasing cooperation in recent years, particularly in the areas of trade, education, technology and defence.

          In a significant step, Gen Anil Chauhan and his counterpart, General of Army Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of Algerian People’s National Army signed a milestone Memorandum in Defence cooperation between India and Algeria. This Memorandum represents not only a step forward in bilateral military cooperation but also lays down the foundation for long-term collaboration across a variety of sectors.

          The CDS complimented General Said Chanegriha, on the high standards of the military parade and commemorative events of 01 Nov 2024, marking the 70^th Anniversary of Algeria’s Glorious Revolution, a pivotal moment in Algeria’s history.

Gen Chauhan interacted with the Director of the Higher War College and addressed senior officers of the of the People’s National Army. He underscored the shared history of both nations, fostering a bond based on similar values and principles. CDS highlighted the dividends of geography of both Algeria and India in their global aspirations, stating, “the core strategic outlook of a nation is shaped by its geography and historical experience”.

          CDS called for peaceful resolution of global conflicts. He said, “India always supports peaceful resolution to global conflicts. India has re-established its Defence Wing in Algeria and welcomes the re-opening of Defence Wing of Algeria in India”.

Giving an overview of India’s National Security Strategy, CDS said, “In today’s complex geopolitical construct, India understands her responsibilities and desires to engage as a ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’ – a reliable partner for the world”. He highlighted the agreement in the field of space sciences and the major strides taken by India in technology development.

             Gen Chauhan added that the Indian Armed Forces are undergoing transformation and are ready to share their experiences with the People’s National Army of Algeria. He emphasised upon India’s increasing defence production capability under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ programmes.

      India and Algeria share a commitment to self-determination, respect for sovereignty, and mutual support in multilateral domains. As regional leaders in South Asia and North Africa, both countries bring unique strategic advantages to the partnership, contributing to a more balanced and multipolar global order. The high level visit complements the recently concluded visit by the President of India to Algeria, underscoring the strong political will on both sides to deepen diplomatic, military and strategic cooperation.

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SR/Anand

(Release ID: 2070684) Visitor Counter : 7

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Address by Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi on Seventh General Assembly of ISA
Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

Hon’ble Ministers, Vice Presidents of the ISA Assembly

Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Honorary Consuls, Director General, Other Excellencies and Esteemed Delegates

It is a pleasure to stand before you today at the 7th General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance. Today, we are at a crucial point in our mission to reshape the global energy future.

Today we also celebrate the Power of the Sun. It is amazing to reflect on how harnessing solar energy has been a vital part of cultures globally for centuries.

In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was worshipped, symbolising life and energy. In the early 13th century in South America, the sun god, Inti was considered the ancestor of the Inca people.

Whether it be the Aztec civilisation, or the African traditions, Sun is personified and worshipped through dances and offerings.

Just like the Olympics, the Pythian Games were also part of ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of sun and light. He was worshipped through various festivals, including the Pythian Games.

Similarly, in India, the sun has held a sacred place in our culture, with the worship of Surya, deeply embedded in our traditions. To this day, we continue to pay our respect to the Sun God, through festivals like Makar Sankrant, or by reciting Gayatri Mantra or by practising Surya Namaskar every morning.

Our ancestors utilised solar energy in various forms, from solar heating techniques to architecture designed to capture sunlight effectively. Throughout India, you will find temples dedicated to Surya God anywhere and everywhere you go.

As we move forward, let us draw inspiration from these rich traditions and continue to promote solar energy, embracing its potential to transform lives and protect our planet. Together, we can harness the sun’s energy, furthering the wisdom of our ancestors while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Solar energy, once just a vision, is now a powerful reality, leading the world toward a cleaner and more sustainable path. The progress we have made together is undeniable, and the true potential of solar energy is unfolding, showing us just how transformative it can be.

In 2024, the global solar sector is set to reach approximately 2 terawatt of installed solar photovoltaic capacity. This marks an extraordinary leap from just a decade ago when solar was still considered a small segment within global energy markets. In 2023, solar energy contributed 5.5% of the global power, with its role in the energy mix expanding rapidly.

This rapid growth is fuelled by record-breaking investments. Global solar investments have grown from $144 billion in 2018 to $393 billion in 2023 and are expected to reach $500 billion by the end of 2024.

These investments are not only adding new capacity but are also driving down the cost of energy from solar worldwide. Today solar power has become the most affordable source of electricity in many regions, even surpassing coal and gas.

This cost-effectiveness is fuelling a global surge in solar ambitions, with several countries emerging as frontrunners in the field. Countries like the United States with more than 130 GW of installed solar capacity, and regions like the European Union (Germany and Spain collectively contribute over 250 GW of solar capacity) are also making good progress.

It gives me immense pride that India is also swiftly advancing its renewable energy capabilities. India’s journey is one of bold vision and relentless progress.

Under India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, and achieved remarkable milestones along the way. Last month, India reached an impressive 90 GW of installed solar capacity, moving steadily forward towards its broader goal of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

India is also setting its sights on new horizons, with a target to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. We have approved 50 solar parks with a total capacity of nearly 37.5 GW and identified potential offshore wind energy sites to reach our 30 GW goal by 2030.

India’s Union Budget for 2024-25 reflects this commitment, with a 110% increase in funding for solar power projects and targeted support for initiatives like the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This, along with exemptions on critical mineral imports, underscores our resolve to lead in solar innovation.

India has one of the best schemes globally for Solar rooftop installation. We are empowering communities to generate their own renewable energy.

In fact, the PM-KUSUM scheme is already transforming rural landscapes, enabling farmers to irrigate with solar power and sell surplus energy, advancing both livelihoods and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, our Production Linked Incentive scheme is strengthening India’s solar manufacturing sector, fostering a self-reliant supply chain.

With these initiatives, India is not just contributing to a global energy transition but is setting a benchmark for sustainable growth. I am proud to say that we are making a tangible impact on the ground. This commitment to progress aligns seamlessly with the goals of the International Solar Alliance.

As a coalition of 120 Member and Signatory countries, ISA has been at the forefront of mobilising resources and facilitating the deployment of solar projects worldwide, particularly in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.

I am also pleased to share that ISA has successfully completed 21 out of 27 demonstration projects. This showcases our collective ability to make significant strides in solar energy deployment and support sustainable development across the globe.

I congratulate ISA and dedicate to the world 11 demonstration projects and the 7 STAR C centres launched today. It will help us expand the strong network of institutional capacities within ISA member states.

One of our innovative flagship initiatives in 2024 has been the launch of the Solar Data Portal. This platform delivers real-time data on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities across countries. It is providing transparent and actionable insights, thereby transforming how governments, investors, and developers engage with solar projects.

Another flagship initiative of ISA is the establishment of the Global Solar Facility. This facility aims to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved regions, especially in Africa. With a pilot project already underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and commitments of $39 million from India, ISA, Bloomberg, and CIFF, we are on track to operationalise this initiative by COP29.

In addition to this, the SolarX Startup Challenge has successfully identified and supported innovative, scalable solutions for the solar sector. In September, we announced 30 winners from the Asia and Pacific edition, and preparations are underway to host the 3rd Edition of the challenge for the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Besides these initiatives, ISA continues to expand knowledge-sharing. Our monthly ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, launched at the G20 Ministerial, are advancing solar energy research and development.

Our efforts have been brought to life through global events organised by ISA, like the International Solar Festival and CEO Caucus. At the upcoming COP29, we will host a pavilion called the Solar Hub where we shall be organising numerous high-level sessions to encourage global participation.

The ISA is guided by the Towards 1000 strategy which aims to mobilise $1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030. This is our strategy to:
- Deliver energy access to 1,000 million people
- Installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity
- Mitigate emissions to the tune of 1,000 MT of carbon dioxide every year.
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, the path ahead is clear, and the time for action is now. As we look to the future, I urge all of us – governments, international organisations, private sectors, and civil society – to continue working hand in hand to accelerate the solar revolution.

Our nations come in all shapes and sizes, much like the diverse fingers of a hand. Yet, when we join together, we form a fist that represents strength and unity. ISA is your partner, and together, we have the power to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

As President of the International Solar Alliance, I take immense pride in the progress we have made together. The achievements of 2024 have set the stage for even greater advancements in the years to come. With your continued support, I am confident that ISA will continue to lead the world in making solar energy the foundation of our clean energy future.

With these words, I thank you, and look forward to the fruitful discussions ahead as we embark on this next chapter of our shared solar journey.

Thank you.

******

Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2070668) Visitor Counter : 58

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Announces New Office Bearers for 2024 – 2026

Source: Government of India (2)

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Announces New Office Bearers for 2024 – 2026

Republic of India and Republic of France retain the Presidency and Co-Presidency of the ISA Assembly

Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

The seventh session of the ISA Assembly in progress at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today elected its President and Co-president for a period of two years from 2024 to 2026. While the Republic of India was the sole contender for the post of President, the Co-Presidency was contested between the Republic of France and Grenada, with the Republic of France emerging victorious.

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the International Solar Alliance provide for the election of the President, Co-President, and Vice Presidents.

The Assembly elects the President and Co-President, with due regard to equitable geographical representation. The four regional groups of the ISA Members include Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Europe and Others; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Eight Vice Presidents of the Standing Committee, two from each of the four ISA geographical regions, are selected based on seniority in terms of submitting the instrument of ratification to the depositary on a rotation basis from the ISA Member Countries in the specific region.

The Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Seychelles will hold office as Vice Presidents for the Africa region; the Commonwealth of Australia and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for Asia and the Pacific region; the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Italy for Europe and the Others region; Grenada and Republic of Suriname from the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

As the apex decision-making body of ISA, the Assembly holds significant authority and responsibility. It represents each Member Country and makes crucial decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective.

The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat, underscoring the regularity and importance of these gatherings. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance.

The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly is currently deliberating on the ISA’s key initiatives, focusing on three critical issues: energy access, energy security, and energy transition. These discussions aim to address and find solutions to these pressing global concerns.

The ISA’s governance bodies, the Assembly, the Standing Committee, and the Regional Committees, offer an integrated approach to governance and decision-making within the Alliance. These Meetings extend the ISA Secretariat the opportunity to enhance cooperation with ISA Member Countries, as well as provide Member Countries with the ability to improve collaboration among themselves and mutually identify avenues of cooperation and partnership.

About the International Solar Alliance

The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. ISA’s mission is to unlock US$1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors.

ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments. Through this work, ISA has identified, designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries; and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers. With advocacy for solar-powered solutions, ISA aims to transform lives, bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide, fuel sustainable growth, and improve quality of life.

With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries on 6 December 2017, ISA became the first international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2070661) Visitor Counter : 23

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The International Solar Alliance Announces the Selection of its third Director General
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

The seventh session of the ISA Assembly in progress in New Delhi today selected Mr Ashish Khanna from the Republic of India as its third Director General. The other office candidates included Mr Wisdom Ahiataku —Togobo from Ghana and Mr Gosaye Mengistie Abayneh from Ethiopia.

The Director General of ISA plays a crucial role in supporting the Assembly in advancing the International Solar Alliance mandate. This includes supporting to Member Countries in addressing common challenges and engaging in coordinated action to scale up the deployment of solar energy globally.

The outgoing Director General, Dr Ajay Mathur, wishing his successor luck, said, “As I step down from my role, I want to take a moment to welcome Mr Ashish Khanna to this incredible journey ahead warmly. Serving in this position has been an honour, and I am confident you will bring unique energy, vision, and passion to this office and role. Your leadership will undoubtedly steer this Alliance to new heights, building on the progress achieved while carving your legacy. The challenges ahead are great, but so are the opportunities. My simple advice is to trust your intuition, lean on the support around you, and know that you have the skills to make a lasting impact. I wish you the very best as you begin this new chapter.”

As part of the selection process, the three candidates presented to the ISA Member Country representatives, focusing on their vision for a solar energy-dominant world and the role of the Alliance.

Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General – Designate, ISA, expounding on his plans for expanding ISA’s reach and impact, said the focus has to shift from ‘what’ to ‘how’ as most countries are aware of what needs to be done, but require assistance in reaching those goals. He added that the Alliance will benefit from participating in international fora, where the motivation should be twofold: to explore collaborations, work together, and learn from each other’s experiences. Moving forward, he said he looks forward to building on what is working well and grooming existing partnerships, and he stressed purity of intent and passion for results.”

Dr Ajay Mathur, who has led the Alliance since 2021, will conclude his tenure on 14 March 2025. Under his leadership, the Alliance has achieved significant milestones, including a monumental rise in Member & Signatory Countries tallying at 103 and 17, respectively, the completion and launch of demonstration projects, and the successful identification of 50 start-ups with potential to dynamise their countries’ journey towards solar energy. His contributions have laid strong foundations to equal challenges that global solar deployment presents under the broad ambits of investments – via the Global Solar Facility, infrastructure through setting up of solar demonstration projects, and indigenisation – via the STAR-Centres and other ISA programme-related trainings.

Across the three priority areas of work: advocacy and analytics, capacity building, and programmatic support, drawing a spotlight on the Alliance’s accomplishments under his leadership.
- He steered the aggregation of 9.5 GW of project proposals, including notable projects like a 360 MW solar PV bid in Cuba and a 400 MW approval in Ethiopia. Guided the preparation of feasibility studies for ground-mounted projects and solar rooftop DPRs in Comoros, Sao Tome & Principe, and Bangladesh. Pilot projects are advancing in Ethiopia, and assessments are ongoing in nine countries. Mini-grid assessments in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Guinea, as well as solar water pumping studies, were completed in 10 countries.
- The STAR-C initiative, the stellar capacity-building ISA offering, has trained over 900 professionals through six centres, with 10 new centres planned. Regulatory workshops in eight countries have trained over 265 policymakers. ISA also drives knowledge management through its Knowledge Series, Solar Data Portals, and Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre. Flagship reports Easing of Doing Solar and World Solar Reports on Technology, Investment and Finance have been published annually since 2020 and 2022, respectively. The latest addition to this repertoire, ‘Unleashing the Role of Solar: In Advancing Economic, Social, And Environmental Equity’ report, focuses on exploring the global adoption of solar (and renewables) through the lens of socio-economic and developmental priorities for each archetype, utilising a diverse set of indicators across finance, technology, and policy enablers.
- Among the innovative financial tools, ISA’s Global Solar Facility, launched at COP27, aims to unlock $50M in commercial capital for underserved regions, with its first project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the SolarX Startup Challenge, launched at COP27, mentors 50 scalable solar solutions from Africa and Asia-Pacific, supporting the creation of a project pipeline. ISA continues to lead global collaboration on solar energy through events at the Conference of Parties. Since COP27, ISA has been hosting a solar-focussed space, The Solar Hub, and took its advocacy efforts a notch up with the launch of the first International Solar Festival in September 2024, further cementing its role in the global solar transition.
Speaking of his legacy, Dr Mathur noted, “I would like to be remembered as the Director General who provided some degree of direction for the globalisation of solar energies while in office at the Alliance.”

About the International Solar Alliance

The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. ISA’s mission is to unlock US$1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors.

ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments. Through this work, ISA has identified, designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries; and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers. With advocacy for solar-powered solutions, ISA aims to transform lives, bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide, fuel sustainable growth, and improve quality of life.

With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries on 6 December 2017, ISA became the first international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2070660) Visitor Counter : 23

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The International Solar Alliance Hosts the Seventh Session of its Annual Assembly with representatives from 103 Member & 17 Signatory Countries
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 5:54PM by PIB Delhi

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is hosting the seventh session of its Assembly here in the Indian capital with ministers from 29 countries.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Hon’ble Minister for New and Renewable Energy, India, in his capacity as the President of the ISA Assembly, Shri Pralhad Joshi said: “It is my great honour to stand before you today at the Seventh Session of the Assembly of the ISA. Today, we find ourselves at a key turning point in our mission to reshape the global energy future. Solar energy, once just a vision, is now a powerful reality, leading the world toward a cleaner and more sustainable path. The progress we’ve made together is undeniable, and the true potential of solar energy is unfolding, showing us just how transformative it can be.” He further added, “As a coalition of 120 Member and Signatory countries, ISA has been at the forefront of mobilising resources and facilitating the deployment of solar projects worldwide, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). I’m proud to state that ISA has successfully completed 21 out of 27 demonstration projects, showcasing our collective ability to make significant strides in solar energy deployment and support sustainable development across the globe. These successful projects are a testament to our shared commitment and dedication. I congratulate and dedicate the eleven demonstration projects and the seven STAR- Centres launched today to the people of these countries.”

The Hon’ble President also highlighted key interventions of ISA, which are globally pushing the solar agenda. The Solar Data Portal, a platform that delivers real-time data on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities across countries, transforms how governments, investors, and developers engage with solar projects by providing transparent and actionable insights. The Global Solar Facility aims to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved regions, especially Africa. A pilot project is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and commitments of USD 39 million from India, ISA, Bloomberg, and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation are on track to be operationalised by COP29.

In addition, the SolarX Startup Challenge has successfully identified and supported innovative, scalable solutions for the solar sector. The 2024 edition announced 30 winners from the Asia and Pacific region, including India, and preparations are underway to host the Third Edition of the challenge for the Latin America and Caribbean region.

The monthly ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, launched at the G20 Ministerial, are advancing solar energy research and development to expand knowledge-sharing and advocacy. Global events like the International Solar Festival, CEO Caucus, and the ISA pavilion ‘Solar Hub’ at the Conference of Parties since COP27 have encouraged global participation and advocacy for solar as a preferred energy source.

The Co-President of the ISA Assembly, H.E. Mr H.E. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, France’s Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, via a video message, said:

“I would like to thank the Secretariat of the International Solar Alliance for its significant work in developing the organisation and setting out ambitious programmes year after year. France has honoured its pledge at the outset of the International Solar Alliance to contribute €1.5 billion to finance solar projects in the organisation’s Member Countries. That is why we renewed our financial support for the Alliance in 2024, which is based on three priorities: First, support for the STAR-C programme which plays a key role in local capacity building. Second, France wishes to facilitate access to financing for developing economies which are transitioning towards sustainable development. Third, France wants to step up the ISA Secretariat’s internationalisation process to increase its outreach. France will continue to support the International Solar Alliance, to enhance collaboration and speed up the development of solar energy. It will thus encourage new partner countries to join the Alliance and will synergise with the initiatives and organisations in developing renewable energies.”

In his welcome address, Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, said, “We are pleased to have honourable ministers from our member, signatory, and prospective countries present here today. Our collective presence symbolises our intention—to explore groundbreaking solutions, exchange expertise, and strengthen partnerships that will drive a new era of solar transformation. In this spirit of global cooperation, we find the collective strength to confront the critical challenges of our time. Over the past years, the Assembly has helped shape the ISA into a global leader in the international arena as the definitive voice on driving energy transition through the deployment of solar energy solutions. This year, too, the Assembly shall be taking up some major initiatives and programmes into consideration that will be laying the foundation for the future.”

The Assembly will also consider the budgets and work plans for the coming year and include updates on ISA’s priority areas of work, programmes, and projects. An important topic of discussion will be the guidelines for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, which provides for 10% to 35 % of the total solar project cost to be given as a grant for developing solar projects in LDCs and SIDS identified by the countries themselves, provided 90% of the project cost is locked in. Proposals from countries will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual budget provisions of ISA USD 1.5 million per year are available. The VGF can be availed for solar projects set up by government/government institutions or independent developers/beneficiaries selected through a process per the respective country policies.

This year’s proceedings will also consist of the election of the president and co-president, who will take over office immediately after the Assembly for the period: 2024 – 2026. The selection of the new Director General, who will assume office in March of 2025, will also be announced.

The Assembly will be followed by a day-long High-Level Technology Conference on Clean Technologies, which will witness the launch of the third edition of ISA’s flagship report series on technology, investment, and market—the World Solar Reports. The Assembly proceedings will culminate on 6 November 2024 with delegates marking a visit to a farm site in NCT of Delhi to witness first-hand the practical implementation of agrivoltaic system, which entails using the same land for solar energy production and agriculture.

About the ISA Assembly:

The Assembly is ISA’s yearly apex decision-making body, representing each Member Country. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance. The Sixth Assembly of the ISA is deliberating on the key initiatives of ISA on three critical issues: energy access, energy security, and energy transition.

About the Demonstration Projects:

In May 2020, ISA initiated Demonstration Projects to meet the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Development States (SIDS). The aim was to exhibit solar technology applications that can be scaled up and build the capacity of Member Countries to replicate these solar-powered solutions.
1. Bhutan: Solar cold storage at the National Post Harvest Centre in Paro
2. Burkina Faso: Solarisation of two primary healthcare centres in the rural communes of Louda and Korsimoro in the north centre region
3. Cambodia: Solarisation of primary and secondary schools in Koh Rong city
4. Cuba: Solar water pumping system at the Hatuey Indian Experimental Station (EEIH) in Perico, Matanzas
5. Djibouti: Installation of two off-grid solar-powered cold storage units in Omar Jaga’a in the Arta region and Dougoum village in the Tadjourah region
6. Ethiopia: Solar-powered water pumps in Gedeo Zone, Irgachefe Woreda community
7. Mauritius: Solarisation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle
8. Samoa: Solar streetlights implemented across 46 locations
9. Senegal: Solar cold storage in the Borough of Ndande, within the Municipality of Theippe in the Kebemer Department
10. The Gambia: Solar water pumping systems in Wassadou and Julangel
11. Tonga: Solar water pumping project in four villages on Tongatapu
About the STAR-Centre Initiative:

Solar Technology Application Resource-Centre (STAR-C)are equipped with specialised training facilities, tools, and structured learning modules designed to cultivate a highly skilled solar workforce. To date, ISA has successfully established and operationalised STAR Centers in seven countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Kiribati, Ghana, and Bangladesh. Since their launch, these centres have trained professionals in various aspects of solar energy, preparing them to contribute effectively to the sector’s rapid expansion.

About the International Solar Alliance

The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. ISA’s mission is to unlock US$1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors.

ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments. Through this work, ISA has identified, designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries; and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers. With advocacy for solar-powered solutions, ISA aims to transform lives, bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide, fuel sustainable growth, and improve quality of life.

With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries on 6 December 2017, ISA became the first international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The ISA is guided by the Towards 1000 strategy which aims to mobilise $1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030. This is our strategy to:
* Deliver energy access to 1,000 million people
* ⁠Installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity
* ⁠Mitigate… pic.twitter.com/6VqFDAAWpG

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) November 4, 2024

In India’s Union Budget for 2024-25, there is a 110% increase in funding for solar power projects and targeted support for initiatives like the @PMSuryaGhar Yojana. This, along with exemptions on critical mineral imports, underscores our resolve to lead in solar innovation. pic.twitter.com/koHSoHAeso

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) November 4, 2024

Under India’s Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ’s leadership, India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, and achieved remarkable milestones along the way. Last month, India reached an impressive 90 GW of installed solar capacity, moving steadily
forward towards its… pic.twitter.com/5DUhf9Od5C

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) November 4, 2024

Navin Sreejith

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis County Woman Accused of Three Different Frauds

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

ST. LOUIS – A woman from St. Louis County, Missouri was indicted Wednesday and accused of aiding a romance fraud conspiracy and committing a nearly $40,000 pandemic relief loan fraud as well as a separate mortgage fraud.

Shirley Waller, 42, was indicted on three counts of wire fraud, two counts of mortgage fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and use of an assumed name to commit mail fraud.

The indictment accuses Waller of applying for and receiving a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $19,235 for a Michigan business in 2021, as well as a second loan for a St. Louis resale shop. Waller used the proceeds of the first loan on personal flights to Ghana, Germany and Jamaica instead of approved business purposes, the indictment says.

On May 14, 2022, Waller applied for a home loan of more than $196,000 by lying about her marital status, salary and job and by submitting counterfeit W-2 forms and paystubs, the indictment says.

Finally, the indictment accuses Waller of aiding scammers who tricked a 71-year-old St. Louis County woman into believing that she was in an online relationship with a U.S. military surgeon deployed overseas. Scammers told the victim to send $30,000 in cash to Waller’s address, the indictment says. The shipment was tracked on its journey by several IP addresses in Nigeria. In a two-week period, at least 35 Express Mail shipments sent to Waller’s address by other victims were also tracked by Nigerian IP addresses, the indictment says. Waller would open the packages and forward the cash to others via cryptocurrency transactions and other means, it says.

Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others in order to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims, including the multiple individual consumer and business victims in this investigation,” said Inspector in Charge, Ruth Mendonça, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.

Each mail theft charge carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Town and Country Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Nigerian National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Alex Ogunshakin, age 41, a Nigerian citizen, was sentenced on October 31, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Senior United States District John M. Gerrard sentenced Ogunshakin to a total of 45 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ogunshakin’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release and is subject to removal from the United States.

From sometime no later than January 2015, continuing to the September 2016, Ogunshakin participated in a scheme to defraud U.S. based businesses. As a part of the scheme, Ogunshakin and other individuals participated in a business e-mail compromise scheme in which co-conspirators used compromised e-mail accounts to send spoofed e-mails to thousands of business employees who handled accounting, to include authorizing and sending wire transfers. A spoofed e-mail is one in which the e-mail appears to be originating from a sender other than who is truly the sender. Co-conspirators spoofed e-mail addressed to pose as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or other business executives and would direct recipients of the e-mail to complete wire transfers. The business employee, thinking the wire transfer request was legitimate, would comply with the wire transfer and send money to a location providing in wiring instructions. Ogunshakin and other co-conspirators provided bank account information to the co-conspirators who sent the spoofed e-mails to the business executives.

In February 2015 and May 2015, two Nebraska based businesses were targeted by the scheme. The investigation into the scheme revealed over 70 U.S. based business were victimized and the loss amount exceed $6 million, with attempted losses exceeding $30 million.

Ogunshakin and the co-conspirators committed the offense from outside the United States, mostly from Nigeria. At the request of the United States, Nigerian authorities arrested Ogunshakin for the purpose of his extradition in October 2020, a court in Nigeria found him extraditable in July 2023, and Nigerian authorities extradited him to the United States in September 2023. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Ogunshakin in coordination with the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Abuja, Nigeria’s Office of the Attorney General and Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Ogunshakin’s co-conspirator, Adewale Akinloye, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment in February 2019. Co-conspirators Richard Uzuh, Felix Okpoh, and Nnamdi Benson all remain at large. Co-conspirator Abiola Kayode’s extradition proceedings are ongoing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lecia E. Wright for the District of Nebraska.

MIL Security OSI –

January 26, 2025

Category: Africa

Direct and indirect impacts

Developed countries need to pay up

1. Welcome Remarks

2. Motivation and context

3. Drivers behind the trends in interest rates

4. Conference contents

5. Acknowledgements

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