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Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Amnesty International calls for the release of British father, Ahmed Al-Doush, ahead of appeal hearing on Father’s Day

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As families across the UK celebrate Father’s Day on June 15, British national Ahmed Al-Doush will have a scheduled appeal hearing to review his ten-year prison sentence in Saudi Arabia.

    Manchester-based Ahmed was sentenced to ten years in prison last month on May 10, 2025. His family and UK legal team understand that he was tried and convicted under terrorism legislation for social media posts and for associating with an individual critical of the Saudi government.

    However, the trial has been marred by a lack of transparency regarding the exact charges and evidence, even to the UK government. Information indicates that he is being tried for exercising his right to free expression and has faced multiple violations of his fair trial rights.

    Ahmed, a senior business analyst with Bank of America, was arrested while on a family holiday in August 2024. His domestic lawyer in Saudi Arabia has refused to share details of the charges and evidence nor provided a copy of the judgment and sentence to Ahmed’s family or UK legal team. At the time of arrest, his wife, Amaher, was in the late stages of pregnancy, meaning Ahmed missed the birth of his fourth child.

    Ahmed has faced numerous violations of his fair trial rights following his arrest. He has been subjected to extensive interrogation without legal representation, where he was forced to sign a statement before being informed of the charges against him. For over two and a half months after he was first detained, his family had no contact with him and received no information about his condition or the reasons for his detention. He was also denied consular access. Since then, contact with his family and UK-based legal team has been severely restricted, and he has been threatened with losing access to communication with them if he tries to disclose anything regarding his trial, proceedings, treatment, or health.

    Haydee Dijkstal, Barrister at 33 Bedford Row Chambers and counsel for Ahmed Al-Doush, stated: “The UK government must demand answers and clarity on a process that has been marked by a lack of transparency, even to the UK government regarding its own citizen. It should take a strong stand against a British national’s imprisonment for ten years for allegedly exercising his right to free expression. This is essential to fully protect a British national’s rights, as well as the rights of his wife and four British children living in the UK who have been thrown into an unexpected and incomprehensible nightmare.”

    Amaher Al-Doush, wife of Ahmed, expressed her feelings: “Frankly, I have no faith in the Saudi government to deliver justice in the appeal. I’m completely disillusioned with both the Saudi and UK governments on every level. The children have been making Father’s Day cards at school, at a time when other families are celebrating it’s incredibly painful for them, especially as we prepare to mark Eid without their father once again. They’re really struggling.

    “I’m exhausted too. The pressure is relentless, not just emotionally, but physically and mentally. Honestly, I’m so overwhelmed that I struggle to even speak about it anymore. At the heart of it all, what matters most is that my husband, the father of my children, is still not home. None of the efforts so far have brought him back.”

    Eilidh Macpherson, Campaigns Manager for Individuals at Risk at Amnesty International UK, said: “We reiterate our urgent call on the Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmed Al-Doush if he is being held solely for peacefully exercising his human rights. He must be allowed to return to his family in the UK without delay. In the meantime, Saudi authorities must uphold his fair trial rights, promptly share his court documents, and guarantee regular access to both his family and legal counsel.

    “We also urge the UK government to take all necessary steps to secure his immediate and unconditional release. The arbitrary detention of another British national abroad cannot be tolerated. Immediate and decisive action is essential.”

    ENDS

    Amnesty media contacts: 

    Out of hours: media@amnesty.org.uk / 07721 398984 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Monetary policy affects some parts of the economy differently: RBNZ Analytical Note

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    16 June 2025 – Some parts of the economy and prices for some products are more sensitive to a rise in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) than others.

    Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua research found that sectors that make or trade goods, as well as housing and real estate related sectors are among the most sensitive to changes in the Official Cash Rate.

    “When the OCR increases, these sectors tend to cool more quickly. On the other hand, sectors like primary production including dairy and meat, are less sensitive,” the Analytical Note authors say.  

    The research also looked at how monetary policy affects prices across a wide range of domestic goods and services, which do not face as much foreign competition as internationally traded goods.

    “We found that prices for accommodation are quite sensitive. So, when the OCR increases, it puts downward pressure on the cost of going on holiday or business,” the authors say.  

    An OCR increase also has a strong impact on the cost of building a home. This means when the OCR increases, there is relatively more downward pressure on these costs than for prices of other domestic goods and services in the economy. Some services, like household power prices and insurance, are slower to respond to increases in the OCR.

    We carried out this research because identifying which parts of the economy are relatively more sensitive to monetary policy allows us to better understand how various parts of the economy may react when interest rates change. It also means we can see more clearly if past policy decisions are working through to the economy as expected.

    More information:

    Read the Analytical Note
    A research paper by Magnus Astebol and Nimesh Patel: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=30c1814904&e=f3c68946f8

    Watch a short video: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f4070f8fec&e=f3c68946f8

    Other Analytical Notes: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=8a021ec357&e=f3c68946f8

    Key findings:

    We investigate the sensitivity of output and prices to monetary policy at a disaggregated level, focusing on GDP sectors and CPI non-tradables subgroups in New Zealand. Identifying which parts of the economy are relatively more responsive to monetary policy allows us to better understand how various parts of the economy may evolve in response to policy decisions and to better assess whether past policy decisions are transmitting to the economy as expected.  
    For GDP, we find that goods-producing and goods-trading sectors are the most sensitive to monetary policy, while primary production and public services are the least sensitive.
    For CPI non-tradables inflation, we find subgroups such as housing construction costs and accommodation services are more sensitive to monetary policy, while subgroups such as energy and insurance are less sensitive.
    The small sample size leads to greater variation in estimated effects across model variations. As such, this analysis aims to serve as a starting point for further work in this area.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: RBNZ How are different parts of the economy impacted by Official Cash Rate changes?

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_y7hUYSDtQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Small businesses are an innovation powerhouse. For many, it’s still too hard to raise the funds they need

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colette Southam, Associate Professor of Finance, Bond University

    The federal government wants to boost Australia’s productivity levels – as a matter of national priority. It’s impossible to have that conversation without also talking about innovation.

    We can be proud of (and perhaps a little surprised by) some of the Australian innovations that have changed the world – such as the refrigerator, the electric drill, and more recently, the CPAP machine and the technology underpinning Google Maps.

    Australia is continuing to drive advancements in machine learning, cybersecurity and green technologies. Innovation isn’t confined to the headquarters of big tech companies and university laboratories.

    Small and medium enterprises – those with fewer than 200 employees – are a powerhouse of economic growth in Australia. Collectively, they contribute 56% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employ 67% of the workforce.

    Our own Reserve Bank has recognised they also have a huge role to play in driving innovation. However, they still face many barriers to accessing funding and investment, which can hamper their ability to do so.

    Finding the funds to grow

    We all know the saying “it takes money to make money”. Those starting or scaling a business have to invest in the present to generate cash in the future. This could involve buying equipment, renting space, or even investing in needed skills and knowledge.

    A small, brand new startup might initially rely on debt (such as personal loans or credit cards) and investments from family and friends (sometimes called “love money”).

    Having exhausted these sources, it may still need more funds to grow. Bank loans for businesses are common, quick and easy. But these require regular interest payments, which could slow growth.

    Selling stakes

    Alternatively, a business may want to look for investors to take out ownership stakes.

    This investment can take the form of “private equity”, where ownership stakes are sold through private arrangement to investors. These can range from individual “angel investors” through to huge venture capital and private equity firms managing billions in investments.

    It can also take the form of “public equity”, where shares are offered and are then able to be bought and sold by anyone on a public stock exchange such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

    Unfortunately, small and medium-sized companies face hurdles to accessing both kinds.

    Companies need access to finance to turn ideas into reality.
    Kvalifik/Unsplash

    Private investors’ high bar to clear

    Research examining the gap in small-scale private equity has found 46% of small and medium-sized firms in Australia would welcome an equity investment – despite saying they were able to acquire debt elsewhere.

    They preferred private equity because they also wanted to learn from experienced investors who could help them grow their companies. However, very few small and medium-sized enterprises were able to meet private equity’s investment criteria.

    When interviewed, many chief executives and chairs of small private equity firms said their lack of interest in small and medium-sized enterprises came down to cost and difficulty of verifying information about the health and prospects of a business.

    To make it easier for investors to compare investments, all public companies are required to disclose their financial information using International Financial Reporting Standards.

    In contrast, small private companies can use a simplified set of rules and do not have to share their statements of profit and loss with the general public.

    Share markets are costly and complex

    Is it possible to list on a stock exchange instead? An initial public offering (IPO) would enable the company to raise funds by selling shares to the public.

    Unfortunately, the process of issuing shares on a stock exchange is time-consuming and costly. It requires a team of advisors (accountants, lawyers, and bankers) and filing fees are high.

    There are also ongoing costs and obligations associated with being a publicly traded company, including detailed financial reporting.

    Last week, the regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), announced new measures to encourage more listings by streamlining the IPO process.

    Despite this, many small companies do not meet the listing requirements for the ASX.

    These include meeting a profits and assets test and having at least 300 investors (not including family) each with A$2,000.

    There is one less well-known alternative – the smaller National Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX), which focuses on early-stage companies. Ideally, this should have been a great alternative for small companies, but it has had limited success. The NSX is now set to be acquired by a Canadian market operator.

    Making companies more attractive

    Our previous research has highlighted that small and medium-sized businesses should try to make themselves more attractive to private equity companies. This could include improving their financial reporting and using a reputable major auditor.

    At their end, private equity companies should cast a wider net and invest a little more time in screening and selecting high-quality smaller companies. That could pay off – if it means they avoid missing out on “the next Google Maps”.

    What we now know as Google Maps began as an Australian startup.
    Susan Quin & The Bigger Picture, CC BY

    What about the $4 trillion of superannuation?

    There are other opportunities we could explore. Australia’s pool of superannuation funds, for example, have begun growing so large they are running out of places to invest.

    That’s led to some radical proposals. Ben Thompson, chief executive of Employment Hero, last year proposed big superannuation funds be forced to invest 1% of their cash into start-ups.

    Less extreme, regulators could reassess disclosure guidelines for financial providers which may lead funds to prefer more established investments with proven track records.

    There is an ongoing debate about whether the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), which regulates banks and superannuation, is too cautious. Some believe APRA’s focus on risk management hurts innovation and may result in super funds avoiding startups (which generally have a higher likelihood of failure).

    In response, APRA has pointed out the global financial crisis reminded us to be cautious, to ensure financial stability and protect consumers.

    This article is part of The Conversation’s series, The Productivity Puzzle.

    The author would like to acknowledge her former doctoral student, the late Dr Bruce Dwyer, who made significant contributions to research discussed in this article. Bruce passed away in a tragic accident earlier this year.

    Colette Southam 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. Small businesses are an innovation powerhouse. For many, it’s still too hard to raise the funds they need – https://theconversation.com/small-businesses-are-an-innovation-powerhouse-for-many-its-still-too-hard-to-raise-the-funds-they-need-256333

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Small businesses are an innovation powerhouse. For many, it’s still too hard to raise the funds they need

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colette Southam, Associate Professor of Finance, Bond University

    The federal government wants to boost Australia’s productivity levels – as a matter of national priority. It’s impossible to have that conversation without also talking about innovation.

    We can be proud of (and perhaps a little surprised by) some of the Australian innovations that have changed the world – such as the refrigerator, the electric drill, and more recently, the CPAP machine and the technology underpinning Google Maps.

    Australia is continuing to drive advancements in machine learning, cybersecurity and green technologies. Innovation isn’t confined to the headquarters of big tech companies and university laboratories.

    Small and medium enterprises – those with fewer than 200 employees – are a powerhouse of economic growth in Australia. Collectively, they contribute 56% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employ 67% of the workforce.

    Our own Reserve Bank has recognised they also have a huge role to play in driving innovation. However, they still face many barriers to accessing funding and investment, which can hamper their ability to do so.

    Finding the funds to grow

    We all know the saying “it takes money to make money”. Those starting or scaling a business have to invest in the present to generate cash in the future. This could involve buying equipment, renting space, or even investing in needed skills and knowledge.

    A small, brand new startup might initially rely on debt (such as personal loans or credit cards) and investments from family and friends (sometimes called “love money”).

    Having exhausted these sources, it may still need more funds to grow. Bank loans for businesses are common, quick and easy. But these require regular interest payments, which could slow growth.

    Selling stakes

    Alternatively, a business may want to look for investors to take out ownership stakes.

    This investment can take the form of “private equity”, where ownership stakes are sold through private arrangement to investors. These can range from individual “angel investors” through to huge venture capital and private equity firms managing billions in investments.

    It can also take the form of “public equity”, where shares are offered and are then able to be bought and sold by anyone on a public stock exchange such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

    Unfortunately, small and medium-sized companies face hurdles to accessing both kinds.

    Companies need access to finance to turn ideas into reality.
    Kvalifik/Unsplash

    Private investors’ high bar to clear

    Research examining the gap in small-scale private equity has found 46% of small and medium-sized firms in Australia would welcome an equity investment – despite saying they were able to acquire debt elsewhere.

    They preferred private equity because they also wanted to learn from experienced investors who could help them grow their companies. However, very few small and medium-sized enterprises were able to meet private equity’s investment criteria.

    When interviewed, many chief executives and chairs of small private equity firms said their lack of interest in small and medium-sized enterprises came down to cost and difficulty of verifying information about the health and prospects of a business.

    To make it easier for investors to compare investments, all public companies are required to disclose their financial information using International Financial Reporting Standards.

    In contrast, small private companies can use a simplified set of rules and do not have to share their statements of profit and loss with the general public.

    Share markets are costly and complex

    Is it possible to list on a stock exchange instead? An initial public offering (IPO) would enable the company to raise funds by selling shares to the public.

    Unfortunately, the process of issuing shares on a stock exchange is time-consuming and costly. It requires a team of advisors (accountants, lawyers, and bankers) and filing fees are high.

    There are also ongoing costs and obligations associated with being a publicly traded company, including detailed financial reporting.

    Last week, the regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), announced new measures to encourage more listings by streamlining the IPO process.

    Despite this, many small companies do not meet the listing requirements for the ASX.

    These include meeting a profits and assets test and having at least 300 investors (not including family) each with A$2,000.

    There is one less well-known alternative – the smaller National Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX), which focuses on early-stage companies. Ideally, this should have been a great alternative for small companies, but it has had limited success. The NSX is now set to be acquired by a Canadian market operator.

    Making companies more attractive

    Our previous research has highlighted that small and medium-sized businesses should try to make themselves more attractive to private equity companies. This could include improving their financial reporting and using a reputable major auditor.

    At their end, private equity companies should cast a wider net and invest a little more time in screening and selecting high-quality smaller companies. That could pay off – if it means they avoid missing out on “the next Google Maps”.

    What we now know as Google Maps began as an Australian startup.
    Susan Quin & The Bigger Picture, CC BY

    What about the $4 trillion of superannuation?

    There are other opportunities we could explore. Australia’s pool of superannuation funds, for example, have begun growing so large they are running out of places to invest.

    That’s led to some radical proposals. Ben Thompson, chief executive of Employment Hero, last year proposed big superannuation funds be forced to invest 1% of their cash into start-ups.

    Less extreme, regulators could reassess disclosure guidelines for financial providers which may lead funds to prefer more established investments with proven track records.

    There is an ongoing debate about whether the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), which regulates banks and superannuation, is too cautious. Some believe APRA’s focus on risk management hurts innovation and may result in super funds avoiding startups (which generally have a higher likelihood of failure).

    In response, APRA has pointed out the global financial crisis reminded us to be cautious, to ensure financial stability and protect consumers.

    This article is part of The Conversation’s series, The Productivity Puzzle.

    The author would like to acknowledge her former doctoral student, the late Dr Bruce Dwyer, who made significant contributions to research discussed in this article. Bruce passed away in a tragic accident earlier this year.

    Colette Southam 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. Small businesses are an innovation powerhouse. For many, it’s still too hard to raise the funds they need – https://theconversation.com/small-businesses-are-an-innovation-powerhouse-for-many-its-still-too-hard-to-raise-the-funds-they-need-256333

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Inside information, negative profit warning – Oma Savings Bank Plc lowers its earnings guidance for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 15 JUNE 2025 AT 21:55 P.M. EET, INSIDE INFORMATION


    Inside information, negative profit warning –     Oma Savings Bank Plc lowers its earnings guidance for 2025

    Oma Savings Bank Plc (OmaSp or Company) lowers its earnings guidance for 2025 as the company’s cost level is expected to remain high throughout the 2025 financial year due to investments in risk management and quality processes, increased headcount, and efforts to address the findings of the Financial Supervisory Authority’s inspection. In addition, the update to the ECL model implemented during the first quarter has increased the level of credit loss provisions more than anticipated. Furthermore, fee and commission income is expected to grow more slowly than anticipated in the prevailing economic environment. OmaSp estimates that the Group’s comparable profit before taxes is EUR 50-65 million for the financial year 2025.

    New business outlook and earnings guidance for 2025 are as follows (updated 15 June 2025):

    The outlook for the Company’s business for the financial year 2025 is affected by the decline in market interest rates and the continued high level of costs due to IT investments and system improvements required by risk management and quality processes. In addition, the Company continues to invest in customer experience on different channels. The uncertainty of the operating environment and economic situation affects the development of balance sheet items and comparable profit for the financial year 2025.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc provides earnings guidance on comparable profit before taxes for 2025. Earnings guidance is based on the forecast for the entire year, which takes into account the current market and business situation. Forecasts are based on the management’s insight into the Group’s business development.

    We estimate the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 50–65 million for the financial year 2025 (comparable profit before taxes was EUR 86.7 million in the financial year 2024).

    Previous business outlook and earnings guidance (published 5 May 2025):

    The outlook for the Company’s business for the financial year 2025 is affected by the decline in market interest rates and the continued high level of costs due to IT investments and system improvements required by risk management and quality processes. In addition, the Company continues to invest in customer experience on different channels. The uncertainty of the operating environment and economic situation affects the development of balance sheet items and comparable profit for the financial year 2025.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc provides earnings guidance on comparable profit before taxes for 2025. Earnings guidance is based on the forecast for the entire year, which takes into account the current market and business situation. Forecasts are based on the management’s insight into the Group’s business development.

    We estimate the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65–80 million for the financial year 2025, with a clarification that the figure is expected to be below the mid-point of the range (comparable profit before taxes was EUR 86.7 million in the financial year 2024).

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Karri Alameri, CEO, tel. +358 45 656 5250, karri.alameri@omasp.fi
    Sarianna Liiri, CFO, tel. +358 40 835 6712, sarianna.liiri@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION: 
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 600 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY and $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger: OPOF, PRA, SWTX and FLS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Old Point Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: OPOF), relating to the proposed merger with TowneBank. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Old Point will elect to receive $41.00 in cash or 1.1400 shares of TowneBank common stock for each share of Old Point outstanding common stock.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for July 2, 2025.
            
    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/old-point-financial-corporation-opof/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA), relating to the proposed merger with The Doctors Company. Under the terms of the agreement, ProAssurance stockholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 24, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/proassurance-corporation-pra/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWTX), relating to the proposed merger with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, SpringWorks shareholders will have the right to receive $47.00 in cash per share of SpringWorks stock held.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 26, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/springworks-therapeutics-inc-swtx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS) related to its merger with Chart Industries, Inc. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Flowserve shareholders will own approximately 46.5% of the combined company.

    Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/flowserve-corporation/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: President El-Sisi Follows Up on Martyrs and Victims Fund Activities and Initiatives

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

    Download logo

    Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Martyrs and Victims Honoring Fund, Major General El-Sayed El-Ghaly, and the Fund’s Executive Director, Major General Ahmed Al-Ashaal. The fund honors the martyrs, as well as victims, missing and the injured of military and security operations and terror attacks and their families.

    Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the President was briefed on the progress of the Fund’s activities and the services extended to beneficiaries, including the families of martyrs, victims, and those injured in military, terrorist, and security operations, in coordination with relevant state entities.

    President El-Sisi was also updated on the Fund’s upcoming initiatives. The President emphasized the need to further improve the services offered by the Fund, develop its resources, and foster its management mechanisms to strengthen its ability to respond to the needs of its beneficiaries.

    The President approved the launch of the “Egypt is with You” initiative for underage children of martyrs and victims from the Armed Forces, Police, and civilians. This initiative focuses on investing the allocated funds to ensure the highest investment return for these minor children when they reach legal age, in coordination with the Central Bank, the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, and Misr Insurance Company.

    President El-Sisi also approved the inclusion of martyrs and injured officers and other ranks from the Armed Forces in special operations, as well as civilian martyrs in the war effort during previous wars, under the umbrella of the Fund. The President stressed that Egypt will never forget the sacrifices of its loyal sons, and that fitting tributes are being offered to the martyrs and injured who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

    Furthermore, the President directed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to take the necessary measures to determine exemption and discount rates for various scholarships from public, private, and national universities, as well as private higher institutes, for the Fund’s beneficiaries, along with the method and mechanisms for implementation.

    The President affirmed that the Egyptian people hold deep respect and appreciation for all their sons, the martyrs and those injured in military, terrorist, and security operations, who paid a heavy price for the Egyptian people to live in security and prosperity.

    – on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA completes actions to exit greylist

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has confirmed that South Africa has substantially completed all 22 recommended action items outlined in the Action Plan adopted when the country was placed on the organisation’s grey list in February 2023.

    South Africa was placed on the FATF grey list due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regime.

    During its plenary session held in Strasbourg, France, the FATF made the initial determination that South Africa has substantially completed its action plan and warrants an on-site assessment. The on-site assessment will be to verify that the implementation of AML/CFT reforms has begun and is being sustained, and that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain implementation in the future. 

    According to the National Treasury, the completion of the Action Plan paves the way for the final step before the FATF can delist South Africa, which is an on-site visit to South Africa by the FATF Africa Joint Group (JG).

    A statement by FATF on (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring – 13 June 2025) noted that South Africa has undertaken a range of key reforms, including demonstrating a sustained increase in investigations and prosecutions of serious and complex money laundering and the full range of [terror financing] TF activities in line with its risk profile; and updating its TF Risk Assessment to inform the implementation of a comprehensive national counter financing of terrorism strategy.

    The National Treasury emphasised that the improvements to South Africa’s AML/CFT regime are particularly important for South Africa, given the legacy of state capture, one element of which was that law enforcement and prosecuting institutions were deliberately weakened. 

    “Improvements in these domains are critical not just for getting off the greylist, but for strengthening the fight against crime and corruption, and for contributing to the integrity of the South African financial system. Exiting the FATF greylist is a significant step forward as South Africa continues to improve and strengthen its supervisory and criminal justice systems,” National Treasury said on Friday.

    The on-site visit will take place before the next FATF Plenary, and, if the outcome of the visit is positive, the FATF will delist South Africa from the greylist at its next Plenary in October 2025. Preparations for the on-site visit have commenced.

    During this visit, the JG will confirm the country’s ongoing commitment in the implementation of the country’s fight against money laundering, terror financing and other financial crimes.

    “National Treasury commends the efforts and commitment of the law enforcement entities, especially the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) of the South African Police Service, the State Security Agency, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), for the sustained increase in investigations and prosecutions of serious and complex money laundering and terror financing activities. 

    “This made it possible for South Africa to secure the upgrades of the last two remaining action items, often considered to be the most difficult, in the current reporting cycle,” National Treasury said.

    South Africa also commended Mali and Tanzania, who were delisted from greylisting by the FATF Plenary. 

    “We also congratulate Nigeria, Mozambique and Burkina Faso, who like South Africa, were deemed to have substantially completed their action plans, and for whom on-site assessments were also approved.

    “National Treasury pays tribute to the late Advocate Rodney de Kock of the NPA, who played a leading role in preparing the groundwork for South Africa to address the action items, but sadly passed away in January 2025.” 

    The South African Reserve Bank (SARC) has welcomed the confirmation by the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) that South Africa has completed all 22 of its action items.

    “This is a significant step forward – but not the time for complacency,” the SARB said on Saturday.-SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB holds third Board meeting for 2025

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    CBB holds third Board meeting for 2025

    Published on 15 June 2025

    Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 15 June 2025 – The Central Bank of Bahrain’s (CBB) Board of Directors held its third meeting for the year 2025, chaired by Mr. Hassan Khalifa Al Jalahma on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

    The Board reviewed the topics on the agenda and was presented with key developments related to the CBB’s priorities by HE Khalid Humaidan.  In addition, the Board reviewed the CBB’s licensing activities, policies, and other achievements thus far in 2025.

    The Board also reviewed key monetary and banking indicators for the period up to April 2025 including the money supply, which increased by BD5.2 billion to reach BD 16.8 billion at the end of April 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. As for retail banks, total private deposits increased to around BD 0.5 billion at the end of April 2025, an increase of 3.5% compared to the end of April 2024. The outstanding balance of total loans and credit facilities extended to resident economic sectors increased to BD12.4 billion at the end of April 2025, an increase of 1.8% compared April 2024, with the Business Sector accounting for 43.3% and the Personal Sector at 48.9% of total loans and credit facilities.  The balance sheet of the banking system (retail banks and wholesale sector banks) increased to $244.7 billion at the end of April 2025, an increase of 2.3% compared to the end April of 2024.

    Point of Sales (POS) data for April 2025 totaled 21.5 million transactions (77.6% of which were contactless), an increase of 28.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The total value of POS transactions for April 2025 totaled BD 428.2 million (52.5% of which were contactless), an increase of 17.3% compared to the same period in 2024.

    The banking sector capital adequacy ratio reached 20.6% in Q1 2025 compared with 22.2% in Q1 2024. The capital adequacy ratio for the various banking sectors was 29.4% for conventional retail banks, 16.6% for conventional wholesale banks, 23.8% for Islamic retail banks, and 21.1% for Islamic wholesale banks in Q1 2025.

    The total number of registered Collective Investment Undertakings (CIUs) as of March 2025 stood at 1737 CIUs, compared to 1699 CIUs as of March 2024. The net asset value (NAV) of the CIUs decreased from US $11.551 billion in Q1 2024 to US $11.269 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting a decrease of 2.4%. The NAV of Bahrain domiciled CIUs decreased from US $4.586 billion in Q1 2024 to US $4.411 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting a decrease of 3.8%. The NAV of overseas domiciled CIUs decreased from US $6.965 billion in Q1 2024 to US $6.858 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting a decrease of 1.5%. Additionally, the NAV of Shari’a-compliant CIUs increased from US $1.743 billion in Q1 2024 to US $2.004 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting an increase of 15%.

    Share this

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why Israel’s shock and awe has proven its power but lost the war

    COMMENTARY: By Antony Loewenstein

    War is good for business and geopolitical posturing.

    Before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington in early February for his first visit to the US following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, he issued a bold statement on the strategic position of Israel.

    “The decisions we made in the war [since 7 October 2023] have already changed the face of the Middle East,” he said.

    “Our decisions and the courage of our soldiers have redrawn the map. But I believe that working closely with President Trump, we can redraw it even further.”

    How should this redrawn map be assessed?

    Hamas is bloodied but undefeated in Gaza. The territory lies in ruins, leaving its remaining population with barely any resources to rebuild. Death and starvation stalk everyone.

    Hezbollah in Lebanon has suffered military defeats, been infiltrated by Israeli intelligence, and now faces few viable options for projecting power in the near future. Political elites speak of disarming Hezbollah, though whether this is realistic is another question.

    Morocco, Bahrain and the UAE accounted for 12 percent of Israel’s record $14.8bn in arms sales in 2024 — up from just 3 percent the year before

    In Yemen, the Houthis continue to attack Israel, but pose no existential threat.

    Meanwhile, since the overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Israel has attacked and threatened Syria, while the new government in Damascus is flirting with Israel in a possible bid for “normalisation“.

    The Gulf states remain friendly with Israel, and little has changed in the last 20 months to alter this relationship.

    According to Israel’s newly released arms sales figures for 2024, which reached a record $14.8bn, Morocco, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates accounted for 12 percent of total weapons sales — up from just 3 percent in 2023.

    It is conceivable that Saudi Arabia will be coerced into signing a deal with Israel in the coming years, in exchange for arms and nuclear technology for the dictatorial kingdom.

    An Israeli and US-assisted war against Iran began on Friday.

    In the West Bank, Israel’s annexation plans are surging ahead with little more than weak European statements of concern. Israel’s plans for Greater Israel — vastly expanding its territorial reach — are well underway in Syria, Lebanon and beyond.

    Shifting alliances
     On paper, Israel appears to be riding high, boasting military victories and vanquished enemies. And yet, many Israelis and pro-war Jews in the diaspora do not feel confident or buoyed by success.

    Instead, there is an air of defeatism and insecurity, stemming from the belief that the war for Western public opinion has been lost — a sentiment reinforced by daily images of Israel’s campaign of deliberate mass destruction across the Gaza Strip.

    What Israel craves and desperately needs is not simply military prowess, but legitimacy in the public domain. And this is sorely lacking across virtually every demographic worldwide.

    It is why Israel is spending at least $150 million this year alone on “public diplomacy”.

    Get ready for an army of influencers, wined and dined in Tel Aviv’s restaurants and bars, to sell the virtues of Israeli democracy. Even pro-Israel journalists are beginning to question how this money is being spent, wishing Israeli PR were more responsive and effective.

    Today, Israeli Jews proudly back ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza in astoundingly high numbers. This reflects a Jewish supremacist mindset that is being fed a daily diet of extremist rhetoric in mainstream media.

    There is arguably no other Western country with such a high proportion of racist, genocidal mania permeating public discourse.

    According to a recent poll of Western European populations, Israel is viewed unfavourably in Germany, Denmark, France, Italy and Spain.

    Very few in these countries support Israeli actions. Only between 13 and 21 percent hold a positive view of Israel, compared to 63-70 percent who do not.

    The US-backed Pew Research Centre also released a global survey asking people in 24 countries about their views on Israel and Palestine. In 20 of the 24 nations, at least half of adults expressed a negative opinion of the Jewish state.

    A deeper reckoning
     Beyond Israel’s image problems lies a deeper question: can it ever expect full acceptance in the Middle East?

    Apart from kings, monarchs and elites from Dubai to Riyadh and Manama to Rabat, Israel’s vicious and genocidal actions since 7 October 2023 have rendered “normalisation” impossible with a state intent on building a Jewish theocracy that subjugates millions of Arabs indefinitely.

    While it is true that most states in the region are undemocratic, with gross human rights abuses a daily reality, Israel has long claimed to be different — “the only democracy in the Middle East”.

    But Israel’s entire political system, built with massive Western support and grounded in an unsustainable racial hierarchy, precludes it from ever being fully and formally integrated into the region.

    The American journalist Murtaza Hussain, writing for the US outlet Drop Site News, recently published a perceptive essay on this very subject.

    He argues that Israeli actions have been so vile and historically grave — comparable to other modern holocausts — that they cannot be forgotten or excused, especially as they are publicly carried out with the explicit goal of ethnically cleansing Palestine:

    “This genocide has been a political and cultural turning point beyond which we cannot continue as before. I express that with resignation rather than satisfaction, as it means that many generations of suffering are ahead on all sides.

    “Ultimately, the goal of Israel’s opponents must not be to replicate its crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, nor to indulge in nihilistic hatred for its own sake.

    “People in the region and beyond should work to build connections with those Israelis who are committed opponents of their regime, and who are ready to cooperate in the generational task of building a new political architecture.”

    The issue is not just Netanyahu and his government. All his likely successors hold similarly hardline views on Palestinian rights and self-determination.

    The monumental task ahead lies in crafting an alternative to today’s toxic Jewish theocracy.

    But this rebuilding must also take place in the West. Far too many Jews, conservatives and evangelical Christians continue to cling to the fantasy of eradicating, silencing or expelling Arabs from their land entirely.

    Pushing back against this fascism is one of the most urgent generational tasks of our time.

    Antony Loewenstein is an Australian/German independent, freelance, award-winning, investigative journalist, best-selling author and film-maker. In 2025, he released an award-winning documentary series on Al Jazeera English, The Palestine Laboratory, adapted from his global best-selling book of the same name. It won a major prize at the prestigious Telly Awards. This article is republished from Middle East Eye with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why Israel’s shock and awe has proven its power but lost the war

    COMMENTARY: By Antony Loewenstein

    War is good for business and geopolitical posturing.

    Before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington in early February for his first visit to the US following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, he issued a bold statement on the strategic position of Israel.

    “The decisions we made in the war [since 7 October 2023] have already changed the face of the Middle East,” he said.

    “Our decisions and the courage of our soldiers have redrawn the map. But I believe that working closely with President Trump, we can redraw it even further.”

    How should this redrawn map be assessed?

    Hamas is bloodied but undefeated in Gaza. The territory lies in ruins, leaving its remaining population with barely any resources to rebuild. Death and starvation stalk everyone.

    Hezbollah in Lebanon has suffered military defeats, been infiltrated by Israeli intelligence, and now faces few viable options for projecting power in the near future. Political elites speak of disarming Hezbollah, though whether this is realistic is another question.

    Morocco, Bahrain and the UAE accounted for 12 percent of Israel’s record $14.8bn in arms sales in 2024 — up from just 3 percent the year before

    In Yemen, the Houthis continue to attack Israel, but pose no existential threat.

    Meanwhile, since the overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Israel has attacked and threatened Syria, while the new government in Damascus is flirting with Israel in a possible bid for “normalisation“.

    The Gulf states remain friendly with Israel, and little has changed in the last 20 months to alter this relationship.

    According to Israel’s newly released arms sales figures for 2024, which reached a record $14.8bn, Morocco, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates accounted for 12 percent of total weapons sales — up from just 3 percent in 2023.

    It is conceivable that Saudi Arabia will be coerced into signing a deal with Israel in the coming years, in exchange for arms and nuclear technology for the dictatorial kingdom.

    An Israeli and US-assisted war against Iran began on Friday.

    In the West Bank, Israel’s annexation plans are surging ahead with little more than weak European statements of concern. Israel’s plans for Greater Israel — vastly expanding its territorial reach — are well underway in Syria, Lebanon and beyond.

    Shifting alliances
     On paper, Israel appears to be riding high, boasting military victories and vanquished enemies. And yet, many Israelis and pro-war Jews in the diaspora do not feel confident or buoyed by success.

    Instead, there is an air of defeatism and insecurity, stemming from the belief that the war for Western public opinion has been lost — a sentiment reinforced by daily images of Israel’s campaign of deliberate mass destruction across the Gaza Strip.

    What Israel craves and desperately needs is not simply military prowess, but legitimacy in the public domain. And this is sorely lacking across virtually every demographic worldwide.

    It is why Israel is spending at least $150 million this year alone on “public diplomacy”.

    Get ready for an army of influencers, wined and dined in Tel Aviv’s restaurants and bars, to sell the virtues of Israeli democracy. Even pro-Israel journalists are beginning to question how this money is being spent, wishing Israeli PR were more responsive and effective.

    Today, Israeli Jews proudly back ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza in astoundingly high numbers. This reflects a Jewish supremacist mindset that is being fed a daily diet of extremist rhetoric in mainstream media.

    There is arguably no other Western country with such a high proportion of racist, genocidal mania permeating public discourse.

    According to a recent poll of Western European populations, Israel is viewed unfavourably in Germany, Denmark, France, Italy and Spain.

    Very few in these countries support Israeli actions. Only between 13 and 21 percent hold a positive view of Israel, compared to 63-70 percent who do not.

    The US-backed Pew Research Centre also released a global survey asking people in 24 countries about their views on Israel and Palestine. In 20 of the 24 nations, at least half of adults expressed a negative opinion of the Jewish state.

    A deeper reckoning
     Beyond Israel’s image problems lies a deeper question: can it ever expect full acceptance in the Middle East?

    Apart from kings, monarchs and elites from Dubai to Riyadh and Manama to Rabat, Israel’s vicious and genocidal actions since 7 October 2023 have rendered “normalisation” impossible with a state intent on building a Jewish theocracy that subjugates millions of Arabs indefinitely.

    While it is true that most states in the region are undemocratic, with gross human rights abuses a daily reality, Israel has long claimed to be different — “the only democracy in the Middle East”.

    But Israel’s entire political system, built with massive Western support and grounded in an unsustainable racial hierarchy, precludes it from ever being fully and formally integrated into the region.

    The American journalist Murtaza Hussain, writing for the US outlet Drop Site News, recently published a perceptive essay on this very subject.

    He argues that Israeli actions have been so vile and historically grave — comparable to other modern holocausts — that they cannot be forgotten or excused, especially as they are publicly carried out with the explicit goal of ethnically cleansing Palestine:

    “This genocide has been a political and cultural turning point beyond which we cannot continue as before. I express that with resignation rather than satisfaction, as it means that many generations of suffering are ahead on all sides.

    “Ultimately, the goal of Israel’s opponents must not be to replicate its crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, nor to indulge in nihilistic hatred for its own sake.

    “People in the region and beyond should work to build connections with those Israelis who are committed opponents of their regime, and who are ready to cooperate in the generational task of building a new political architecture.”

    The issue is not just Netanyahu and his government. All his likely successors hold similarly hardline views on Palestinian rights and self-determination.

    The monumental task ahead lies in crafting an alternative to today’s toxic Jewish theocracy.

    But this rebuilding must also take place in the West. Far too many Jews, conservatives and evangelical Christians continue to cling to the fantasy of eradicating, silencing or expelling Arabs from their land entirely.

    Pushing back against this fascism is one of the most urgent generational tasks of our time.

    Antony Loewenstein is an Australian/German independent, freelance, award-winning, investigative journalist, best-selling author and film-maker. In 2025, he released an award-winning documentary series on Al Jazeera English, The Palestine Laboratory, adapted from his global best-selling book of the same name. It won a major prize at the prestigious Telly Awards. This article is republished from Middle East Eye with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joaquin Vespignani, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance, University of Tasmania

    The weekend attacks on Iran’s oil facilities – widely seen as part of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran – represent a dangerous moment for global energy security.

    While the physical damage to Iran’s production facilities is still being assessed, the broader strategic implications are already rippling through global oil markets. There is widespread concern about supply security and the inflationary consequences for both advanced and emerging economies.

    The global impact

    Iran, which holds about 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves, currently exports between 1.5 and 2 million barrels per day, primarily to China, despite long-standing United States sanctions.

    While its oil output is not as globally integrated as that of Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, any disruption to Iranian production or export routes – especially the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows – poses a systemic risk.

    Markets have already reacted. Brent crude prices rose more than US 6%, while West Texas Intermediate price increased by over US 5% immediately after the attacks.

    These price movements reflect not only short-term supply concerns but also the addition of a geopolitical risk premium due to fears of broader regional conflict.

    International oil prices may increase further as the conflict continues. Analysts expect that Australian petrol prices will increase in the next few weeks, as domestic fuel costs respond to international benchmarks with a lag.

    Escalation and strategic intentions

    There is growing concern this conflict could escalate further. In particular, Israel may intensify its targeting of Iranian oil facilities, as part of a broader strategy to weaken Iran’s economic capacity and deter further proxy activities.

    Should this occur, it would put even more upward pressure on global oil prices. Unlike isolated sabotage events, a sustained campaign against Iranian energy infrastructure would likely lead to tighter global supply conditions. This would be a near certainty if Iranian retaliatory actions disrupt shipping routes or neighbouring producers.

    Countries most affected

    Countries reliant on oil imports – especially in Asia – are the most exposed to such shocks in the short term.

    India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil and are particularly vulnerable to both supply interruptions and price increases. These economies typically have limited strategic petroleum reserves and face external balance pressures when oil prices rise.

    China, despite being Iran’s largest oil customer, has greater insulation due to its diversified suppliers and substantial reserves.

    However, sustained instability in the Persian Gulf would raise freight and insurance costs even for Chinese refiners, especially if the Strait of Hormuz becomes a contested zone. The strait, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, provides the only sea access from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.

    Australia’s exposure

    Australia does not import oil directly from Iran. Most of its crude and refined products are sourced from countries including South Korea, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

    However, because Australian fuel prices are pegged to international benchmarks such as Brent and Singapore Mogas, domestic prices will rise in response to the global increase in oil prices, regardless of whether Australian refineries process Iranian oil.

    These price increases will have flow-on effects, raising transport and freight costs across the economy. Industries such as agriculture, logistics, aviation and construction will feel the pinch, and higher operating costs are likely to be passed on to consumers.

    Broader economic impacts

    The conflict could also disrupt global shipping routes, particularly if Iran retaliates through its proxies by targeting vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, or Hormuz Strait.

    Any such disruption could drive up shipping insurance, delay delivery times, and compound existing global supply chain vulnerabilities. More broadly, this supply shock could rekindle inflationary pressures in many countries.

    For Australia, it could delay monetary easing by the Reserve Bank of Australia and reduce consumer confidence if household fuel costs rise significantly. Globally, central banks may adopt a more cautious approach to rate cuts if oil-driven inflation proves persistent.

    The attacks on Iran’s oil fields, and the likelihood of further escalation, present a renewed threat to global energy stability. Even though Australia does not import Iranian oil, it remains exposed through price transmission, supply chain effects and inflationary pressures.

    A sustained campaign targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure by Israel could amplify these risks, leading to a broader energy shock that would affect oil-importing economies worldwide.

    Strategic reserve management and diplomatic engagement will be essential to contain the fallout.

    Joaquin Vespignani is affiliated with the Centre for Australian Macroeconomic Analysis, Australian National University.

    – ref. Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen – https://theconversation.com/israels-attacks-on-iran-are-already-hurting-global-oil-prices-and-the-impact-is-set-to-worsen-259013

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Connected by Gaming: Samsung Unites Global Fans To Celebrate New Era in Gaming Monitors With Odyssey

    Source: Samsung

    Odyssey Unveiled 2025 made history for both the gaming community and Samsung, as fans, creators and tech enthusiasts gathered in-person and online for the first-ever global hybrid gathering dedicated to the Odyssey monitor lineup.
     
    Held at Samsung KX in London on June 13 and streamed to audiences worldwide on the Odyssey Twitch channel, the event combined hands-on experiences with interactive digital content. Offering participants everywhere an exclusive look at the latest Odyssey innovations and a chance to connect with gaming’s most passionate voices, the stream peaked at over 40 thousand viewers — ranking top 10 worldwide in views on Twitch during its time slot, with the highest viewership in the history of the Odyssey channel.
     
    ▲ Odyssey fans, gamers and streamers gathered for the Odyssey’s first global hybrid event at Samsung KX, London. U.K.
     
    As the doors opened, onsite attendees were greeted by a vibrant showcase featuring hands-on experiences with the latest gaming monitors — including the recently launched 27-inch Odyssey 3D (G90XF) and the 4K 240Hz Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF).
     
    ▲ Odyssey Unveiled 2025 brought the latest in gaming to viewers around the world
     
    High-profile figures such as Caedrel — one of the most recognized personalities in the League of Legends scene — and popular content creator George Clarkey joined the event to compete and be connected with fans on site and via the Odyssey Twitch stream.
     
    ▲ (From left) George Clarkey and Caedrel faced off at the Odyssey Unveiled 2025 event, which showcased the latest in the Samsung Odyssey range.
     
    The highlight of the event was the 1:1 game showdowns with the celebrated streamers. Tension mounted as they first squared off in The First Berserker: Khazan on the Odyssey 3D (G90XF).
     
    “Something about the Khazan game, when I was fighting the monsters — the immersion level was different to normal, it was levelled up,” said Caedrel about the showdown. “Especially as a creator, when you’re deep in a game for hours on end, you become so focused on your character and what’s happening around it, so you really appreciate the quality upgrades.”
     

     
    ▲ Caedrel and George Clarkey experienced the Odyssey 3D (G90XF), which breaks down barriers between imagination and reality with innovative technologies.
     
    Excitement continued to build with a tightly fought Rocket League face-off on the new Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF), in which the both the live and online audience were on their toes as the competition peaked.
     

     
    ▲ Attendees participated in Rocket League matches with the streamers, Caedrel and George Clarkey, on Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF).
     
    George Clarkey said: “Streaming Rocket League was definitely a highlight — I don’t think I’ve been that animated and happy playing a game in a long time. When it got to the winner takes all stage during the final match, it was competitive, silly and really good fun.”
     
    ▲ Broadcast to a global audience via the Odyssey Twitch channel, the event blended immersive, hands-on experiences with engaging interactive digital content.
     
    The energy was palpable throughout the event as the professional gamers demonstrated the power of Odyssey monitors in the series of competitive matches and creator challenges. Fans, whether on-site or remote, engaged in gaming competitions, social media activities, and giveaways, ensuring that enthusiasm remained high throughout the day.
     
    Community panels offered insights into trends shaping the future of gaming, with creators sharing firsthand how Odyssey monitors elevate their content and gameplay. At the same time, online participants joined real-time Q&As, polls and virtual tours, experiencing the event from every angle.
     

     
    ▲ Odyssey Unveiled 2025 saw creators engage with audiences throughout the day.
     
    Attendees, including Odyssey fans and gaming influencers, also enjoyed the immersive 3D gaming experience. Quadrant streamer Ria Bish (@riabish) commented on the Odyssey 3D gameplay in The First Berserker: Khazan, saying: “It feels as though I’m literally part of the game! Particularly the way everything comes to life around me — the trees and their branches passing by. It’s the best 3D experience I’ve had.”
     
    ▲ Ria Bish played The First Berserker: Khazan on Odyssey 3D (G90XF), a monitor with the industry’s leading 3D picture quality.
     
    Gamer Victoria Clay (@victoria_clay) was another of the gaming personalities who experienced the new monitors. “I feel much more immersed in the gameplay. It feels like the depth of perception you would have in the real world! Even simple things like the physics of when I’m walking — the character definitely feels more alive. And finer details like the footprints in the snow, it’s amazing.”
     
    ▲ Victoria Clay playing on Odyssey 3D (G90XF) with eye-tracking technology and view mapping algorithms.
     
    Visitors could also play the Rocket League on the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF), which has 166 pixels-per-inch — the industry’s highest pixel density for a screen of that size — and is the industry’s first 27-inch 4K monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate.
     
    “Everything feels so smooth and dynamic,” said Mohammed Ataya, an Odyssey fan. “The graphics are so crisp. All the details, the signs, and the lighting! It seems sharper and more real than anything I’ve experienced.”
     
    ▲ Gaming fans playing Rocket League on Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF), testing its 240Hz refresh rate & 0.03ms response time.
     
    The presence of streamers went beyond just competition; it became an opportunity to engage with the gaming community. After the event, Caedrel and George Clarkey discussed their impressions of the new Odyssey monitors, the importance of in-person gaming events, and what excites them most about the future of immersive gameplay. Their insights gave fans a closer look at how Samsung’s latest technology is redefining the gaming experience for both players and creators.
     
    Commenting on the Odyssey monitors, George Clarkey remarked: “With Odyssey 3D, it doesn’t feel like you’re just looking at a monitor, it feels as though you’re looking into one. A lot of gaming developments recently seem to focus on how to make gaming more efficient, so this is a nice alternative branch which is more about having fun and being immersed. It allows me to feel inside of the game, and I think that shows.”
     
    Caedrel said: “The best way to describe this is taking the next tech leap in gaming. Everything felt very seamless and natural — it makes me excited for where immersive gaming could go in the future.”
     

     
    ▲ The Odyssey Unveiled 2025 event offered viewers the opportunity to engage with some of gaming’s biggest personalities.
     
    Gaming continues to evolve in exciting and innovative ways. Samsung’s Odyssey event brought fans together to celebrate the future of gaming through its immersive monitors and groundbreaking features, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to reshaping how games are experienced by fans globally.
     
    Odyssey Unveiled 2025 created memorable experiences for participants both onsite and for those watching on the Odyssey Twitch channel. Fans will have a chance to relive the event with highlight reels and behind-the-scenes footage available on Samsung’s social media accounts, bringing the global community closer to Odyssey than ever before.
     
    To catch up on the action or see the best moments, visit the official Samsung Odyssey Twitch channel at https://www.twitch.tv/samsungodyssey.
     
    ▲ Held at Samsung KX in London, the Odyssey Unveiled 2025 event was streamed to viewers worldwide.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Galaxy S25+ Powers Van Gogh Museum’s New Audio Tour

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a three-year partnership with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, forging a bold new convergence of artistic expression and cutting-edge technology. As part of this collaboration, the museum’s renewed audio tour — powered by Galaxy S25+ — offers visitors innovative ways to engage with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s artwork.
     
    “We believe technology should open doors to inspiration and connection,” said Sean Yun, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Benelux. “Our partnership with the Van Gogh Museum is a powerful example of how mobile innovation can bring cultural experiences to life in more intuitive and personal ways for people everywhere.”
     

     
    Officially launched on June 10, the Van Gogh Museum’s redesigned audio tour uses 1,600 Galaxy S25+ smartphones to deliver an upgraded storytelling experience, replacing the previous audio tour hardware with a more compact, lightweight and user-friendly interface. Visitors also benefit from clearer voice audio and enhanced display quality — which enable rich, detailed visuals.
     
    As part of the long-term vision for this partnership, Samsung and the Van Gogh Museum are working on further upgrades to the audio tour that will integrate Samsung’s renowned Galaxy AI features for a more personalised visitor experience.
     

     
    To commemorate this multi-year collaboration, Samsung will launch Van Gogh Museum branded cases created exclusively for Galaxy smartphones. The designs are inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s famous paintings including the Sunflowers and his self-portrait. These promotional items will be available for purchase at Samsung Experience Stores and the Samsung Online Store in the Netherlands, as well as at the Van Gogh Museum store and its online store.
     
    “At the Van Gogh Museum, we aim to be at the top of our game and in response to our own times, and to do so in our own innovative way,” said Emilie Gordenker, Director of the Van Gogh Museum. “We are delighted to collaborate with Samsung as a technology partner to make the museum experience even more engaging.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Several Michigan Counties

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in Charlevoix, Emmet, Otsego and Presque Isle counties to assist small businesses, private nonprofits and residents affected by the severe winter storms occurring March 28-30.

    Beginning Monday, June 16, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOCs hours of operation are listed below:

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Charlevoix County

    Charlevoix County Sheriff’s office

    1000 Grant Street

    Charlevoix, MI 49720

    Opening:     Monday, June 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours:    Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

                     Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
    Closed:         Sunday

    Closed: Thursday, June 19 in Observance of the Juneteenth Holiday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Emmet County  

    Little Traverse Township

    8288 S. Pleasantview Road    

    Harbor Springs, MI 49740

    Opening:     Monday, June 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours:    Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

                     Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
    Closed:         Sunday

    Closed: Thursday, June 19 in Observance of the Juneteenth Holiday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Otsego County

    United Way of Otsego County

    116 E. 5th Street

    Gaylord, MI 49735

    Opening:     Monday, June 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours:    Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

                     Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
    Closed:         Sunday

    Closed: Thursday, June 19 in Observance of the Juneteenth Holiday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Presque Isle County

    Huron State Bank Annex Building

    192 N. 2nd Street

    Rogers City, MI 49779

    Opening:     Monday, June 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours:    Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

                     Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
    Closed:         Sunday

    Closed: Thursday, June 19 in Observance of the Juneteenth Holiday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 8, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Mar. 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Central Bank of Mongolia keeps key rate at 12 percent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) — The Central Bank of Mongolia kept its key rate at 12 percent, local media reported on Saturday, citing the regulator following a regular meeting of the Monetary Policy Council.

    “This decision was made taking into account the assessment of the current state of the Mongolian economy and the prospects of the external and internal environment,” the official statement said.

    According to the President of the Central Bank, Byadrangiin Lkhagvasuren, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Mongolia will take subsequent measures on a case-by-case basis depending on changes in the external and internal economic environment, as well as the inflation dynamics and economic conditions in the country.

    According to the National Statistics Committee, Mongolia’s GDP grew by 2.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Twyford condemns weak action by NZ over Israel’s ‘ruthless’ apartheid

    Asia Pacific Report

    Labour MP for Te Atatu Phil Twyford criticsed the New Zealand government today for failing to take stronger action against Israel over its genocide and starvation strategy in Gaza, saying that at the very least the ambassador should be expelled.

    Speaking at a rally in Henderson organised by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa in West Auckland suburbs for the first time in the 88th week of protest, Twyford said: “The Israeli government is operating in an apartheid state.

    “They subject the Palestinian people under their military.

    “People who are under international law they are obliged to protect,” he told about 500 protesters.

    “They are subjecting them to the most ruthless, most brutal system of apartheid.”

    It was a story of “ethnic cleansing, dispossesion, terror routinely visited upon Palestinian people on a daily basis in their land”, said Twyford, who is Labour Party spokesperson on immigration, disarmament and foreign affairs.

    “And it is being done, not only by the forces of Zionism, but by the Western world complicit, knowing, understanding and actively conniving in that dispossession and repression.”

    Widely condemned move
    Twyford referred to the government’s move this week alongside four other countries to impose sanctions on two far-right ministers in the the Israeli cabinet, illegal settlers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, which has been widely condemned as too little and too late.

    Labour MP Phil Twyford speaking at the Henderson pro-Palestinian humanitarian rally today . . . Palestinians are subjected by Israel to “the most ruthless, most brutal, system of apartheid.” Image: Asia Pacific Report

    Leading British journalist Jonathan Cook this week criticised Britain, Australia, Canada and Norway along with New Zealand, saying they may have been “seeking strength in numbers” to withstand retaliation from Israel and the United States.

    “But in truth, they have selected the most limited and symbolic of all the possible sanctions they could have imposed on the Israeli government.”

    Israel was also condemned by speakers at the rally for its “unprovoked attack” on Iran and its strategy of forced starvation on the Palestinian people in Gaza and the repression in occupied West Bank.

    The death toll in Gaza was almost 62,000 Palestinians — more than 17,000 of them children — and Israel had also killed at least 78 people in the first waves of attacks on Iran.

    Meanwhile, in a statement today, the PSNA said it was appalled at the deportation of a Palestinian New Zealander from Egypt.

    PSNA said it had conveyed to the Egyptian government its “shock and anger” at the deportation of Rana Hamida who had travelled to Egypt to take part in the Global March to Gaza.

    “This Jew stands for Palestine” and “Sanction Israel now” placards at today’s Henderson rally. Image: APR

    Egyptian deportations over ‘global march’
    Egyptian authorities have deported dozens of people, including Spanish, Swedish, Finnish, Moroccan, Greek and US citizens.

    The Global March to Gaza is due to start this weekend in Egypt with thousands of people from throughout the world taking part.

    PSNA co-chair John Minto said the march was to “express humanity’s outrage” at the ongoing Gaza-wide bombing and starving of the Palestinian population by Israel.

    “Egypt’s action in deporting activists can only be seen as assisting Israel’s attacks against the Palestinian population,” he said.

    “Unfortunately, Egypt has a long history of collaboration with the US and Israel to stifle the Palestine liberation struggle. This is in sharp contrast to the Egyptian people who are as appalled and angry as the rest of humanity at Israel’s horrendous war crimes.”

    Minto said the following message from Rana as she returned to New Zealand — she was due at Auckland International Airport this afternoon:

    ‘The more we will roar’
    “The Egyptian authorities, along with other governments, think that blocking humanity from this act of solidarity will stop because of them blocking people from being there and doing the job that they continue failing to do.

    “They are so mistaken — the more complicit and enabling they get in their inaction and in this case their active participation, the more we will rise, and roar.

    “We are escalating as you awaken the dragons within us.

    “We will sing louder and we will walk longer — with our hiking shoes in the Sinai desert, or barefoot towards your embassies.

    “We will disrupt your meetings, we will crowd your phone with calls and emails, and we will be the light that blinds your robotic heart and melts it alongside the lies you stand for.

    “This is not about us, it is about HUMANITY within us that is dying and being oppressed in various forms, it is about the humans enduring hell in Gaza, West Bank and Falastine as a whole.

    “Muslims, Jews and Christians together.

    “It is about NEVER AGAIN.

    “Boycott, divest — we will not stop we will not rest.”

    Pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide protesters at the Henderson rally today with Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford speaking. Image: APR

    Expel Israeli ambassador call
    In an earlier statement in the wake of Israel’s attack on Iran, PSNA called on the government to immediately expel the Israeli ambassador from New Zealand.

    Minto said Israel’s strikes on Iran were “unprovoked, unilateral and a massive threat to humanity everywhere”.

    “This is such a dangerous action, that diplomatic weasel words about Israel are not acceptable. Israel is an out-of-control rogue state playing with the future of humanity. We must send it the strongest possible message.”

    “Israel’s using its often repeated lies and misinformation to attempt to justify it’s unconscionable violence and aggression.”

    Minto pointed to Iran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

    “Even US intelligence officials have made is clear very recently that Iran is NOT on the way to produce a nuclear weapon.”

    “And neither is Iran committed to the ‘annihilation’ of Israel.

    ‘Liberation for Palestine’
    “Iran does not support Israel as a racist, apartheid state and wants to see liberation for Palestine.

    “In this, Iran has, along with the overwhelming majority of countries in the world, called for an end to Israel’s military occupation of Palestine, the end of its apartheid policies directed against Palestinians and the return of Palestinian refugees.”

    New Zealand had the same policies, Minto said.

    However, he condemned NZ’s “appeasement of this apartheid state, as our government and other Western countries have done over 20 months”.

    A “Save the world from evil Zionism” placard at the Henderson rally today. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde: Interview with Xinhua News Agency

    Source: European Central Bank

    Interview with Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, conducted by Su Liang on 12 June 2025

    14 June 2025

    I was in the audience in 2018 at the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai. You said in a speech there that China built a bridge to the world, built a bridge to prosperity and is building a bridge to the future – the three bridges, which is famous in China. Has anything changed in your mind – is China building new bridges?

    I haven’t been back to China for six years – that was my last visit, six years ago. From what I have seen so far, I can tell you that this bridge to the future is clearly an enterprise that China is working hard on. The combination of robotic artificial intelligence, hard work by the Chinese people and the strategic approach to it are contributing a lot to that bridge to the future. Development will occur fast on a threefold basis: robotic artificial intelligence, hard work and all of that focused on the industries of the future, which are going to change the Chinese economy even faster and better.

    How does the ECB see China’s role in the global economic recovery, especially amid this increasing fragmentation in global supply chains? What kind of dialogue or cooperation would you like to see between the ECB and Chinese financial institutions?

    The main cooperation and dialogue that we have at the ECB with China is with the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), because we are both central banks for a large region. We share some of the same concerns, some of the same challenges and we have a strong and deep dialogue on those issues. We are both very attached to the regulatory framework and supervision that will sustain financial stability. Our primary responsibility at the ECB is price stability, and this is clearly defined in our strategy. We are within reach of the 2% medium-term inflation target that we have defined as price stability. But we cannot have price stability if we do not have financial stability. And that’s the reason why we – and I think the PBOC is on the same page – are very attached to a solid regulatory environment and strong supervision so that our financial sector is stable and solid, because it is in the interest of the people that we serve.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, the then European Economic Community. As President of the ECB and previously a politician in Europe, how do you see the cooperation between China and the EU over the past 50 years?

    The cooperation between the European Union and China has been beneficial to both sides. We have increased the level of trade between our two regions, and we have seen increased direct investment over the course of the last few decades.

    And what will that cooperation look like in the future?

    I very much hope, in the interest of financial stability and price stability, that China and the European Union will continue to cooperate, will continue their dialogue, will be candid with each other and will play by the rules that they both agree to. I’m thinking of the WTO rules, for instance, as rules that both regions have agreed to support and have signed up to. I think that determination for dialogue, cooperation and working on win-win solutions is something that will continue to be shared.

    You talked about stability and about the rules. Do you think what the United States government is doing now is kind of a risk to stability and the rules? They are raising tariffs and creating uncertainty in the world economy.

    I would focus on your last point. The level of uncertainty caused by the announcements or the threats of decisions is dampening investment. It is leading all institutions to reduce their growth projections for the global economy, for the United States, for China and for Europe. It’s really a lose-lose situation that we have at the moment. The sooner the uncertainty can be removed and agreements can be found between the parties – on tariffs in particular, but on other issues as well, such as non-tariff barriers – the better off we will all be. Economic players, investors and employers have great difficulty dealing with uncertainty. The same applies to us as central banks because when we need to forecast, anticipate the evolution of the economy and project the level of prices, if we have this great uncertainty, it makes our lives really difficult.

    So when the delegations of China and the United States in London said they had made progress, that’s good news.

    I hope progress goes in the direction of removing as much uncertainty as possible. If it reaches a new equilibrium, which is beneficial for all countries, then it’s a positive.

    It is impossible to talk about China-EU relations without talking about China-US relations. You worked both in Washington and Europe. How do you see current China-US relations and how do you think China-US relations will impact China-EU relations?

    I don’t want to make any projections or anticipate what the outcome of the discussions will be between the Chinese authorities and the US authorities. This is for political leaders, for trade and commerce secretaries to discuss and to take forward. But what I observe is that all our countries – European Union Member States, China, the United States and many other countries – are intrinsically bound by supply chains. When you start dissecting a product and you realise what the origin of the product is, where the spare parts are coming from, what journey it takes to travel from one place to the other, it is amazing how countries are linked to each other. What will impact one will impact others, and if the situation is not resolved satisfactorily and the uncertainty is not removed, the corporate world will rethink their supply chains. They will rethink their supply and their sourcing, and that will cause more fragility and a period of uncertainty, during which growth will probably be impaired, during which we could have inflationary pressure as a result. And I think this is not in the interest of any country. As I said, it’s not just the United States, China and Europe, it’s many other countries as well.

    I remember you once said you stand by Adam Smith, you stand by liberalism. Do you think what we are witnessing in the world is a kind of failure of liberalism, the rules of free trade?

    We have to acknowledge what the benefits have been and where there have been downsides. The benefits have been incredible when you look at how much additional activity has prospered, how much growth has increased, how many people have been taken out of poverty, particularly in this country, in China, how the well-being of people has improved. There have been many benefits as a result of international open trade and free markets, but there have also been some negative consequences. There are areas in the world where industrial activity has died, where people have lost jobs and where measures have not been taken to deal with that. So we have to be mindful of that. We have to look at that very honestly and decide how we want to remedy those situations. It has a lot to do with reducing the disequilibrium, reducing the imbalances that we see both on an international but also on a domestic basis.

    Like you said, China has had a lot of benefits from globalisation, and China is now the second-largest economy in the world, and we have heard some concepts like de-risking from China in Europe. What is your opinion on this concept?

    The principle of de-risking is not surprising, and I think it has been accentuated by the COVID-19 period. You know, during the pandemic, countries and regions suddenly realised that they no longer had manufacturing facilities to produce some pharmaceutical goods (e.g. masks) that were needed, and they were dependent and vulnerable as a result. This desire not to be vulnerable, not to be exclusively dependent on one single source of supply, is completely legitimate to the extent that those products – not necessarily masks – are considered strategic. It’s completely normal that countries think they need to have alternative sources of supply. We need to have a degree of security of supply so that we are not at the mercy of a failure, or a unilateral decision that would expose the security of our people. So I don’t find anything surprising about it. It is legitimate, but it does not stop cooperation. It does not stop international trade.

    When it comes to financial innovation, people always focus on digital financing and green financing. The ECB is actively exploring a digital euro. How will this influence the future of finance from the perspective of European bankers? And on green innovation in financing, how can the ECB and the PBOC cooperate in the future?

    Firstly, both the PBOC and the ECB are working on a digital currency. China was ahead, it started earlier. We started six years ago, and we are getting to the point where, if the legislature supports the proposal, we should be ready to launch. Why are we doing that? Simply because of client demand, to put it very simply. Because many Europeans – not all, but many – like to pay electronically, digitally, without cash. Many Europeans still like cash. I like cash. So we will continue to have cash, and we will be issuing new banknotes in a few years’ time. But we need, as a sovereign expression on the financial stage, to be able to respond to the demand of our customers, Europeans. If they want cash, we should be able to print secure banknotes. If they want digital cash, we should be able to offer a digital euro. We want to make sure that we have a European offer that is available, so that within the entire euro area there is a means of payment and a solid currency that can help you transact both online, peer-to-peer, business-to-business, and that’s the purpose of the digital euro.

    And what about green financing?

    Green financing is an activity that is conducted by commercial banks or international institutions. The European Investment Bank, which is a public institution, also has a role. And as you know, Europe has approved a green bond framework that is available, which I think China has observed very carefully in order to issue its own framework. But it’s a matter for commercial banks.

    My final question is the following: you were the second most powerful woman in the world according to Forbes in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024. You have a life experience envied by women around the world. Do you have any advice for them on how to be successful?

    Women have inside them the potential to thrive in whichever domain they choose. And I think that they should always draw on that confidence and energy without which things do not happen, and they should cultivate that and never be intimidated or refrain from achieving what they can. They have to believe in themselves. I hope they get the support that I was lucky to receive from family members and friends, as that is extremely helpful to continue doing what you want to do.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Cambodia: Digital Solutions Improve Solid Waste Service

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    With Cambodia’s rapid urban growth, solid waste has become a major hazard, polluting Lake Tonle Sap. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is financing sanitary landfills and a digital platform to improve solid waste management in five towns in the Tonle Sap Basin.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warnock, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Georgians from Payment Scams

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Warnock, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Georgians from Payment Scams

    The Task Force for Recognizing and Averting Payments Scams (TRAPS) Act, would create a task force to combat the growing issue of payment scams

    A champion of consumer protections, Senator Reverend Warnock has a long history of combating payment scams, including fighting to protect students and seniors

    Senators Reverend Warnock: “Scams and financial schemes continue to target Georgians’ bank accounts, especially our seniors who work their entire lives to build savings”

    Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mike Crapo (R-ID) Mark Warner (D-VA), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the bipartisan Task Force for Recognizing and Averting Payments Scams (TRAPS) Act. The legislation would create a task force to combat the growing issue of payment scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that losses to fraud have soared 25 percent over the last year to $12.5 billion nationwide.

    “Scams and financial schemes continue to target Georgians’ bank accounts, especially our seniors who work their entire lives to build savings,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The Task Force for Recognizing and Averting Payments Scams (TRAPS) Act better equips law enforcement and regulators to fight back and provide much-needed protection for fraud victims, and helps prevent scams before they happen.”

    Payment scams occur when a scammer induces a victim, usually under false pretenses to voluntarily send them money. The Senators’ legislation would bring together industry, law enforcement, financial regulators and telecommunication regulators to decide best practices for identifying and preventing future scams.

    Specifically, the TRAPS Act would:

    1.    Create a task force, chaired by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and composed of the prudential regulators, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Justice and representatives from industry. 

    2.    Direct the task force to examine the payments landscape and compile a report to recommend legislative and regulatory changes, including best practices to coordinate state, local and federal efforts.

    3.    Require the task force to update the report annually for three years.

    The TRAPS Act is supported by AARP, Early Warning Services, Electronic Transactions Association, GoWest Credit Union Association, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, National Bankers Association, the Defense Credit Union Council and America’s Credit Unions.

    “Criminals continue to target vulnerable Americans through creative ways to trick them out of their hard-earned money,” said Senator Crapo.  “We can–and should–better equip law enforcement and regulators with the tools to go after scammers and prevent scams before they happen.”

    “The evolving sophistication of financial scams emphasizes the urgent need for unified and proactive defense,” said Senator Warner. “The TRAPS Act will bridge the gap between law enforcement, regulators and the financial industry in order to better protect Americans’ financial welfare and hold those who prey on hard-working individuals accountable.”


    “Combatting the global rise in fraud starts with making certain federal regulators and law enforcement agencies are coordinating effectively to address these threats,”     said Senator Moran.  “Establishing a task force to promote inter-agency cooperation on preventing payment scams and other fraud is yet another step in protecting the financial security of Kansans.”

    Senator Warnock has long been a champion of consumer protections and ensuring our nation’s seniors aren’t taken advantage of financially. During a Senate Again Committee hearing, Senator Warnock highlighted the need for government agencies to increase efforts to better protect seniors from Artificial Intelligence (AI) scams. Senator Warnock also introduced a consumer protection bill aiming to restore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) longstanding authority to return money to consumers victimized by illegal scams, fraud, and other deceptive practices.

    The bill text for the TRAPS Act is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – PSNA appalled at deportation of Palestinian New Zealander from Egypt

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    PSNA has conveyed to the Egyptian government its shock and anger at the deportation of a Palestinian New Zealander from Egypt yesterday (Thurs eds).

    PSNA says Rana Hamida was deported because she planned to take part in the Global March to Gaza. Others deported include Spanish, Swedish, Finnish, Moroccan, Greek and US citizens.

     

    The Global March to Gaza is due to start today in Egypt with thousands of people from throughout the world taking part.

     

    “PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says the march is to express humanity’s outrage at the ongoing Gaza-wide bombing and starving of the Palestinian population by Israel in Occupied Gaza.

     

    “Egypt’s action in deporting activists can only be seen as assisting Israel’s attacks against the Palestinian population.”

     

    “Unfortunately, Egypt has a long history of collaboration with the US and Israel to stifle the Palestine liberation struggle. This is in sharp contrast to the Egyptian people who are as appalled and angry as the rest of humanity at Israel’s horrendous war crimes.”

     

    “We received this message from Rana as she makes her way home:

     

    “They Egyptian authorities along with other governments think that blocking humanity from this act of solidarity will stop because of them blocking people from being there and doing the job that they continue failing to do !!! 

    They are so mistaken – the more complicit and enabling they get in their inactions and in this case their active participation, the more we will rise, and roar. 

    We are escalating as you awaken the dragons within us. 

    We will sing louder and we will walk longer — with our hiking shoes in the Sinai desert, or barefoot towards your embassies. We will disrupt your meetings, we will crowd your phone with calls and emails, and we will be the light that blinds your robotic heart and melts it alongside the lies you stand for. 

    This is not about us, it is about HUMANITY within us that is dying and being oppressed in various forms, it is about the humans enduring hell in Gaza, West Bank and Falastine as a whole. 

    Muslims, Jews and Christians together.

    It is about NEVER AGAIN !!!

    Boycott, divest — We will not stop we will not rest.

     

    John Minto

    Co-Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Assault and threat to federal agents among 331 cases filed in SDTX in support of Operation Take Back America

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A total of 332 individuals have been charged in cases filed from June 6-12 in border-security related matters, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    The cases include 10 that involve human smuggling. A total of 205 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 109 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. Other relevant cases include those involving other immigration crimes as well as an assault and threat to federal officers.

    One of those is Maria Isabel Cruz-Salas, a Mexican national who lives in San Benito. The criminal complaint alleges that while authorities were conducting a lawful immigration enforcement action at a local establishment, they encountered Cruz-Salas. When they attempted to detain Cruz-Salas, she allegedly kicked a federal agent in the face. If convicted, she faces up to eight years in prison.

    Another woman facing charges this week is Michelle Lee Varela, who allegedly threatened to shoot a federal agent in the course of his duties. Law enforcement had been requesting information regarding the status of her husband in the United States. She used profanity and threatened to shoot if they tried to take him into custody. The charges allege law enforcement advised her to consider her remarks as she had just threatened a federal agent, but she continued in an elevated voice and a threatening tone.  

    “The Southern District of Texas takes allegations of threatened violence against law enforcement very seriously,” said Ganjei. “Immigration authorities must be able to carry out their lawful duties free from violence or threats, and those that attempt to obstruct or harm such agents will be held accountable.”

    Among those also charged this week are Paulina Lopez-Bello and Juan Eliud Calva-Lopez, both Mexican nationals. According to court documents, authorities discovered fraudulent lawful permanent resident cards and Social Security documents at their residence in South Texas. According to the charges, both individuals used the counterfeit materials to secure employment in the United States. They allegedly paid $300 for the fake identification. If convicted of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents, they face up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Roberto Carlos Moncada-Pena, a Mexican national living in Mission, faces charges of human smuggling. The criminal complaint alleges authorities encountered Moncada-Pena during a traffic stop where they discovered three illegal aliens in the vehicle. Upon searching his apartment, law enforcement discovered 10 additional illegal aliens. If convicted, Moncada-Pena faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 possible fine.

    In addition to the new cases, also announced this week was the sentencing of four Mexican nationals, all of whom have been previously convicted of illegal reentry into the United States, among other crimes. Josue Rodriguez-Rodriguez has been removed 10 times. He now faces another 69-month federal prison sentence.  

    Jose Manuel Cruz-Diaz, Adrian Villa-Morales and Jose De Jesus Soto-Gonzalez have been removed at least twice before and have various felony convictions such as evading arrest with a motor vehicle, methamphetamine distribution, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aggravated assault family violence. Sentences in federal court this week ranged from 21-57 months. 

    Also of note was the sentencing of a Nigerian man who had illegally resided in Houston. Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade and co-conspirators schemed to steal U.S. mail containing new credit cards and bank statements intended for account holders. They contacted financial institutions to activate the stolen cards, increased credit limits and altered account information. They then used the cards to purchase goods, services, gift cards, cash and merchandise at retail stores. In total, they fraudulently activated at least 120 stolen credit cards, causing an estimated $1 million in losses to Chase Bank. He is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes Fourth Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Arrangements, First Review of an Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Papua New Guinea

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 13, 2025

    • The Executive Board completed the Fourth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements for Papua New Guinea, providing the country with immediate access to about US$172 million.
    • The IMF Executive Board also completed the First Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, making available about US$28 million to support the authorities’ policies to address longer-term structural balance of payments vulnerabilities associated with climate change. Papua New Guinea is the first Pacific Island country to access the RSF.
    • The IMF-supported programs will continue to support Papua New Guinea’s homegrown reform agenda, focusing on strengthening debt sustainability, alleviating FX shortages, fostering good governance, and building climate resilience, while protecting the vulnerable and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Washington, DC: On June 13, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth Reviews of Papua New Guinea’s ECF/EFF arrangements and the First Review under the RSF arrangement.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2] The completion of these reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 121.07 million (about US$172 million) under the ECF/EFF and SDR 19.74 million (about US$28 million) under the RSF, bringing total disbursements under the programs so far to SDR 461.93 million (about US$655 million). The Executive Board also concluded the Article IV consultation with Papua New Guinea.

    The ECF/EFF arrangements with Papua New Guinea were approved by the Executive Board on March 22, 2023, in an overall amount equivalent to SDR 684.32 million (260 percent of quota) to help address a protracted balance of payments need—manifested in foreign exchange shortages—and to support the authorities’ reforms to address longstanding structural impediments to inclusive growth. The 24-month RSF arrangement, which was approved by the Executive Board on December 11, 2024, in an overall amount of SDR 197.4 million (75 percent of quota), aims to help address risks to prospective balance of payments stability associated with longer-term structural challenges posed by climate change.

    Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook remains positive as structural reforms continue to bear fruit. Notwithstanding a weakening external environment, growth is expected to increase to 4.7 percent in 2025, driven by strong growth in the resource sector and resilient growth in the non-resource sector in part thanks to improvements in access to foreign exchange. Headline inflation is expected to rise to 4.8 percent from a very low base in 2024 and core inflation is expected to edge up to 4 percent. Over the medium term, growth is expected to moderate and stabilize at just above 3 percent, supported by the non-resource sector growth, with inflation remaining anchored at around 4.5 percent.

    The outlook is subject to significant downside risks, as Papua New Guinea is vulnerable to both domestic and external shocks. These risks are exacerbated by considerable capacity constraints and socio-political fragility that limit the government’s ability to design and implement policies aimed at economic stabilization, development, and climate adaptation. Commodity price volatility, as well as other global risks arising from geopolitical conflicts, geoeconomic fragmentation, trade barriers, and supply disruptions may create additional pressure on growth and inflation. On the upside, the kickoff of major resource projects, which are not yet in the baseline scenario, could boost economic growth in the medium run, with significant gains in exports and fiscal revenues once they begin operations.

    Program performance has remained satisfactory, with the authorities displaying a sustained commitment to reforms. All but one end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets under the ECF-EFF arrangements were met, and six out of eight structural benchmarks due were fully or partially implemented. One reform measure under the RSF arrangement was implemented.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “The Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities have continued implementing their multipronged reform agenda under the Fund-supported programs, with the reforms continuing to bear fruit. Sustained commitment to these homegrown reforms will help achieve more resilient, inclusive, and greener economic growth.

    “The authorities have been successfully reducing the fiscal deficit and adopted important amendments to the Income Tax Act—a major milestone in the simplification of tax policies. Going forward, further fiscal adjustment, guided by the implementation of the authorities’ medium-term revenue strategy and supported by efforts to limit the growth of current spending and strengthen expenditure efficiency, would help to durably reduce debt vulnerabilities. Securing fiscal space for social and capital spending, engaging in prudent borrowing, and strengthening debt management capacity, including to avoid incurrence of arrears, are also essential.

    “Foreign exchange shortages continued to ease, supported by central banking reforms, increased flexibility of the Kina, and favorable external conditions. The current crawl-like arrangement remains appropriate to bring the Kina to its market-clearing rate and facilitate the return to Kina convertibility. A tighter monetary policy stance, through timely adjustments in the KFR, is needed to ensure consistency between monetary policy and the exchange rate regime. Further efforts to modernize monetary policy operations, strengthen the Bank of PNG’s liquidity management capacity, develop the interbank market, and operationalize its lender of last resort function would help to support financial sector development.

    “Further strengthening governance and addressing the remaining gaps in the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism regime are critical. Meanwhile, macro-structural reforms should focus on improving PNG’s external competitiveness and attracting foreign investment, including by removing barriers to trade, enhancing export capacity, and further diversifying the economy.

    “Reforms under the new RSF arrangement will help the authorities build resilience against climate-related risks and address structural balance of payments vulnerabilities. The recent climate finance roundtable event, which provided several concrete and innovative climate finance options, will support the authorities’ efforts to effectively scale up resources for climate action.

    “The ECF/EFF and RSF arrangements will continue to support the authorities’ homegrown reform agenda, helping address balance of payment needs and rebuild buffers, while avoiding disruptive adjustment and catalyzing support from other international partners. Timely technical assistance and advice from the IMF and other development partners will continue to underpin reform implementation.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities for their commitment to keep program performance on track in a fragile socio‑political environment and welcomed positive developments in macroeconomic and fiscal indicators. Given significant downside risks and elevated external uncertainty, they stressed the importance of building buffers to preserve macroeconomic stability. They encouraged the authorities to continue to advance critical structural reforms with the support of capacity development activities.

    Directors supported the authorities’ fiscal consolidation strategy and stressed the need for continued efforts to durably reduce public debt risks, including by enhancing the rules‑based fiscal framework, strengthening debt management capacity, and maintaining a prudent borrowing strategy. They called for a continued reduction of the fiscal deficit while securing space for development spending by combining revenue mobilization efforts with improvements in expenditure efficiency and cash management. They called for a timely adoption of the amendments to the Internal Revenue Commission Act to reinforce accountability in revenue collection.

    Directors commended the progress achieved in implementing central banking reforms. They supported efforts to depreciate the Kina to its market‑clearing rate and gradually eliminate foreign exchange restrictions. They broadly concurred that a tighter monetary policy stance would help anchor inflation expectations and support the exchange rate regime, and emphasized the importance of liquidity management reforms to strengthen monetary policy transmission. They encouraged further development of the financial sector while containing financial stability risks.

    Directors encouraged the authorities to further promote good governance, law and order, proactively enhance their AML/CFT framework, allocate sufficient budget resources to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and swiftly appoint its oversight committee members. They also emphasized the need for enhancing transparency in the financial dealings of state‑owned enterprises. 

    Directors encouraged the authorities to expedite reforms to enhance external competitiveness and help attract foreign investment, including by improving the business environment, removing barriers to trade, enhancing export capacity, reducing gender imbalances, and further diversifying the economy. Directors commended efforts to scale up climate finance and called for maintaining focus on strengthening disaster risk management, setting up fiscal incentives for fuel efficiency and forest protection, and integrating climate considerations in infrastructure governance.

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Papua New Guinea will be held in accordance with the Executive Board decision on consultation cycles for members with Fund arrangements.

    Papua New Guinea: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2021–2026

    		  
     

    Nominal GDP (2021):      

    US$26.3 billion 1/

    		    

    Population (2021):         

    11.8 million

    		    

    GDP per capita (2021):    

    US$2,217

    		    

    Quota:

    SDR 263.2 million

    		    
     
     

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    		  

    Actual

    Actual

    Actual

    Est.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    		  
     

    (Percentage change)

    		  

    Real sector

     

    		  

    Real GDP growth

    -0.5

    5.7

    3.8

    3.8

    4.7

    3.5

    		  

    Resource 2/

    -11.6

    5.1

    1.3

    1.7

    4.7

    1.4

    		  

    Non-resource

    4.2

    5.9

    4.7

    4.5

    4.8

    4.2

    		  

    Mining and quarrying (percent of GDP)

    8.2

    8.2

    8.5

    9.9

    12.2

    13.4

    		  

    Oil and gas extraction (percent of GDP)

    17.1

    23.7

    18.9

    18.3

    16.4

    16.2

    		  

    CPI (annual average)

    4.5

    5.3

    2.3

    0.6

    4.8

    4.6

    		  

    CPI (end-period)

    5.7

    3.4

    3.9

    0.7

    4.0

    4.3

    		  
     

    (In percent of GDP)

    		  

    Central government operations

    		  

    Revenue and grants

    15.1

    16.6

    17.9

    17.0

    17.9

    18.6

    		  

    Of which: Resource revenue

    1.1

    3.9

    3.9

    3.5

    4.2

    4.5

    		  

    Expenditure and net lending

    22.0

    21.9

    22.3

    20.4

    20.5

    19.7

    		  

    Net lending(+)/borrowing(-)

    -6.8

    -5.3

    -4.3

    -3.4

    -2.6

    -1.2

    		  

    Non-resource net lending(+)/borrowing(-)

    -8.0

    -9.1

    -8.2

    -6.9

    -6.8

    -5.7

    		  
     

    (Percentage change)

    		  

    Money and credit

     

    		  

    Domestic credit

    15.9

    1.5

    12.1

    1.6

    3.6

    2.3

    		  

    Credit to the private sector

    2.5

    6.9

    14.9

    3.2

    13.4

    10.8

    		  

    Broad money

    13.4

    14.7

    9.9

    -6.4

    -8.5

    7.7

    		  
     

    (In billions of U.S. dollars)

    		  

    Balance of payments

     

    		  

    Exports, f.o.b.

    10.8

    14.6

    12.8

    13.4

    14.9

    15.1

    		  

    Imports, c.i.f.

    -4.4

    -5.9

    -5.4

    -4.6

    -6.1

    -6.8

    		  

    Current account (including grants)

    3.3

    4.6

    2.8

    5.0

    3.5

    4.2

    		  

    (In percent of GDP)

    12.6

    14.4

    9.1

    15.8

    10.8

    12.7

    		  

    Gross official international reserves

    3.2

    4.0

    3.9

    3.7

    3.0

    3.5

    		  

    (In months of goods and services imports)

    4.5

    5.9

    6.7

    5.6

    3.7

    4.3

    		  
     

    (In percent of GDP)

    		  

    Government debt

     

    		  

    Government gross debt

    52.6

    48.2

    53.9

    52.1

    50.5

    48.9

    		  

    External debt-to-GDP ratio (in percent) 3/

    25.0

    23.5

    27.0

    27.4

    29.7

    30.5

    		  

    External debt-service ratio (percent of exports)

    4.3

    2.2

    2.7

    3.4

    4.5

    5.4

    		  
     

    Memo Items

    		  

    US$/kina (end-period)

    0.2850

    0.2840

    0.2683

    0.2500

    …

    …

    		  

    NEER (2005=100, fourth quarter)

    91.2

    100.3

    95.3

    89.3

    …

    …

    		  

    REER (2005=100, fourth quarter)

    125.3

    134.6

    129.0

    119.5

    …

    …

    		  

    Terms of trade (2010=100, end-period)

    48.3

    70.4

    64.0

    62.7

    67.7

    66.8

    		  
     

    Nominal GDP (in billions of kina)

    91.6

    111.4

    110.6

    121.5

    134.9

    144.2

    		  

    Non-resource nominal GDP (in billions of kina)

    68.4

    75.9

    80.3

    87.3

    96.3

    101.6

    		  
     

    Sources: Papua New Guinea authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    		  

    1/ Based on period average exchange rate.

    		  

    2/ Resource sector includes production of mineral, petroleum, and gas and directly-related activities such as

    		  

    mining and quarrying, but excludes indirectly-related activities such as transportation and construction.

    		  

    3/ Public external debt includes external debt of the central government, the central bank, and guarantees to other entities.

    		  

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/en/Countries/PNG page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/13/pr-25197-papua-new-guinea-imf-completes-4th-rev-under-ecf-eff-1st-rev-of-arrang-under-rsf-art-iv

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Safe Harbor Financial CEO Terry Mendez to Serve as “Shark” during Conscious Capitalist Sessions at Psychedelic Science 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a Safe Harbor Financial (Nasdaq: SHFS) (“Safe Harbor” or the “Company”), a fintech leader facilitating financial services and credit facilities for the regulated cannabis industry, announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Terry Mendez, will serve as a featured “Conscious Capitalist” at Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025). The Conscious Capitalism Workshop will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

    Hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), PS2025 is the world’s largest psychedelic conference, convening entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, healers, policymakers, and Indigenous knowledge-keepers from around the globe.

    The Conscious Capitalism Workshop—informally dubbed the “Shark Tank” of PS2025—prioritizes mentorship over competition, offering an interactive platform where mission-driven startups pitch visionary ideas to a panel of impact investors and advisors. As one of the featured “Sharks,” Mendez will offer real-time feedback to participants, sharing insight on values-based business building in complex, regulated sectors.

    “As someone who’s spent a career working to build trust-based financial systems in challenging markets, I’m honored to participate in this movement,” said Mendez. “This event isn’t about judging ideas—it’s about uplifting bold entrepreneurs and giving them an opportunity to turn transformative visions into sustainable business models.”

    Mendez became CEO in early 2025, bringing deep experience in cannabis, finance, and business transformation. Since then, Safe Harbor has started to evolve beyond banking to provide cannabis businesses nationwide with the financial guidance, services, and support they need to succeed.

    Mendez added, “Our goal is simple: to give operators access to focused expertise and solutions at a cost they can afford — eliminating unnecessary overhead while improving clarity, cost control, and operational efficiency.”

    About Safe Harbor: 
    Safe Harbor is among the first service providers to offer compliance, monitoring and validation services to financial institutions that provide traditional banking services to cannabis, hemp, CBD and ancillary operators, making communities safer, driving growth in local economies and fostering long-term partnerships. Safe Harbor, through its financial institution clients, implements high standards of accountability, transparency, monitoring, reporting and risk mitigation measures while meeting Bank Secrecy Act obligations in line with FinCEN guidance on cannabis-related businesses. Over the past decade, Safe Harbor has facilitated more than $25 billion in deposit transactions for businesses with operations spanning more than 41 states and US territories with regulated cannabis markets. For more information, visit https://shfinancial.org/.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
    Certain information contained in this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to trends in the cannabis industry, including proposed changes in U.S and state laws, rules, regulations and guidance relating to Safe Harbor’s services; Safe Harbor’s growth prospects and Safe Harbor’s market size; Safe Harbor’s projected financial and operational performance, including relative to its competitors and historical performance; success or viability of new product and service offerings Safe Harbor may introduce in the future; the impact volatility in the capital markets, which may adversely affect the price of Safe Harbor’s securities; the outcome of any legal proceedings that have been or may be brought by or against Safe Harbor; and other statements regarding Safe Harbor’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “outlook,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Safe Harbor’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Safe Harbor undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Investor Relations Contact: 
    ir@SHFinancial.org

    Safe Harbor Media Relations Contact:
    Ellen Mellody
    570-209-2947
    safeharbor@kcsa.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wintrust Financial Corporation Announces Redemption of All Outstanding Series D and Series E Preferred Stock and Related Depositary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROSEMONT, Ill., June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wintrust Financial Corporation (“Wintrust”) (Nasdaq: WTFC) today announced that on July 15, 2025 it will redeem (i) all of the 5,000,000 issued and outstanding shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D (the “Series D Preferred Stock”) (Nasdaq: WTFCM), for a redemption price of $25.00 per share, and (ii) all of the 11,500 issued and outstanding shares of its 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E (the “Series E Preferred Stock”), and all of the related 11,500,000 issued and outstanding depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”) (Nasdaq: WTFCP), each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Series E Preferred Stock, for a redemption price of $25,000 per share of Series E Preferred Stock (or $25.00 per Depositary Share). The redemptions will be funded with a portion of the net proceeds from Wintrust’s previously disclosed public offering of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of its 7.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, which was completed on May 22, 2025.

    The Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock (and related Depositary Shares) will be redeemed on the upcoming dividend payment date of July 15, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”). On and after the Redemption Date, no shares of Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares will remain outstanding, and trading of the Series D Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares on the NASDAQ Stock Market will also cease.

    The regular quarterly dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock and the Series E Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares will be paid separately on the Redemption Date to holders of record on July 1, 2025 for such dividend payment in the customary manner. Accordingly, the redemption price will not include any accrued and unpaid dividends. On and after the Redemption Date, all dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock (and related Depositary Shares) will cease to accrue.

    The Series D Preferred Stock and the Depositary Shares are held only in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and will be redeemed in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC. Payment to DTC for the Series D Preferred Stock will be made by Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as redemption agent for the Series D Preferred Stock (the “Redemption Agent”). The address for the Redemption Agent is as follows:

    Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
    28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor
    New York, NY 10005

    Payment to DTC for the Depositary Shares will be made by U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as depositary (the “Depositary”), in accordance with the deposit agreement governing the Depositary Shares. The address for the Depositary is as follows:

    U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust
    111 Fillmore Ave E
    St. Paul, MN 55107

    Investors in the Series D Preferred Stock and the Depositary Shares should contact the bank or broker through which they hold a beneficial interest in the Series D Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as applicable, for information about obtaining the redemption price payment for the shares of Series D Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, as applicable, in which they have a beneficial interest.

    About Wintrust

    Wintrust is a financial holding company whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and certain assumptions made by our management. Investors are cautioned that such statements are predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Wintrust’s expected financial results or other plans, including Wintrust’s intention to redeem the outstanding shares of the Series D Preferred Stock, the Series E Preferred Stock and the Depositary Shares, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Wintrust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and any of Wintrust’s subsequent SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, except as required by law, Wintrust undertakes no duty to update the information.

    For more information contact:
    Timothy S. Crane, President & Chief Executive Officer
    David A. Dykstra, Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer
    (847) 939-9000

    Source: Wintrust Financial Corporation

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Payday Ventures is Leading as the Best No Credit Check Loans Platform with No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Searching for the best no credit check loans online in 2025? You’re in the right place. When urgent expenses strike and your credit score isn’t where it should be, traditional banks often shut the door. That’s why more Americans are turning to no credit check loans with guaranteed approval alternatives — fast, flexible, and tailored for those with poor or limited credit history.

    Payday Ventures acts as a reliable online platform that connects borrowers with trusted lending partners across the U.S. With a simple, secure process, Payday Ventures helps you find loan offers that require no hard credit checks, offering quick access to funds when you need them most.

    We’ve done the digging and rounded up the top 5 no credit check loans online for 2025 — all accessible through trusted platforms like Payday Ventures. Let’s break them down.

    How Payday Ventures Stands Out As a Leading Marketplace in Providing Emergency Loans Guaranteed Approval & No Credit Check Required

    When bills stack up and traditional lenders shut the door, getting fast cash can seem impossible—especially if your credit score isn’t perfect. That’s why no credit check loans online in 2025 are gaining popularity, offering quick, hassle-free access to funds. Payday Ventures plays a crucial role as a trusted loan marketplace, connecting borrowers across the U.S. with reliable lenders who provide emergency loans with guaranteed approval and no credit check required.

    Unlike direct lenders that often reject applicants based on credit history, Payday Ventures doesn’t perform hard credit checks or issue loans themselves. Instead, it offers a streamlined way to compare multiple loan offers through a secure platform, making it easier to find no credit check loans with fast approval and minimal paperwork.

    Here’s why Payday Ventures stands out:

    • No hard credit checks – Soft inquiries only, so your credit score stays protected 
    • High approval rates – Even borrowers with poor or no credit can receive real offers 
    • Fast application process – Complete the online form in minutes and get matched instantly
    • Trusted network of lenders – Access a broad range of options in one place 
    • 24/7 availability – Apply anytime, from anywhere in the U.S. 

    From urgent car repairs to unexpected medical bills, Payday Ventures connects you to emergency loans that cut through the usual red tape. In 2025, it remains one of the best platforms for fast, flexible funding without credit score barriers.

    Skip the credit check, snag your cash quick>>

    Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit with Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    Big Buck Loans – Best for No Credit Check Loans Alternatives for Bad Credit Borrowers

    Why is It Tough to Get a Loan with Bad Credit?

    Getting approved for a loan when you have bad credit can feel like an uphill battle. This is because lenders use your credit score as a primary measure of your creditworthiness. A low credit score or negative credit history signals higher risk, making lenders cautious about approving your loan application.
    Traditional banks and direct lenders typically prefer borrowers with strong credit histories because they indicate a higher likelihood of timely repayments. If your credit report shows missed payments, defaults, or a high debt-to-income ratio, lenders often view you as a high-risk borrower. Consequently, they may reject your application outright or offer loans with steep interest rates and unfavorable terms.

    Moreover, many lenders rely on automated credit scoring systems that automatically filter out applications below a specific credit score threshold. This limits access to conventional loans for people with bad credit, forcing them to look for alternatives.

    That’s where bad credit loans and no credit check loans come into play. These loan options often don’t require a detailed credit check, allowing borrowers with poor credit histories to secure fast funding. Many lenders offering emergency loans with guaranteed approval focus more on your current income and ability to repay rather than your past credit mistakes.

    Platforms like Payday Ventures help borrowers explore these alternatives by connecting them with lenders specializing in loans for bad credit. This increases the chance of quick loan approval without the usual credit score barriers.

    Bad credit? No stress — get your loan fast>>

    Best No Credit Check Loan Lender that Provides Loan to Applicants with Bad Credit Scores by Payday Ventures

    Big Buck Loans

    Big Buck Loans is an online loan-matching service designed to help individuals quickly access short-term loans ranging from $100 to $5000, even with less-than-perfect credit. The platform offers a simple, 100% online application process with no paperwork, allowing users to receive funds in as little as 15 minutes to 24 hours after approval. With interest rates between 5.99% and 35.99% and repayment terms from 3 to 24 months, Big Buck Loans provides flexible options tailored to various financial needs. 
    The service is free to use, with no fees for applying or matching with lenders. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or residents, at least 18 years old, have a bank account, earn a minimum of $1000 per month, and be able to afford the loan. The site emphasizes transparency, quick processing, and accessibility, positioning itself as a viable alternative to limited lending apps like Cash App. Additionally, Viva Payday Loans is mentioned as an alternative for those seeking payday or personal loans with similar loan ranges and terms.
    Pros:

    • Loans from $100 to $5,000
    • Fast online application with same-day approvals
    • Accepts applicants with poor credit
    • Funds can be deposited within 24 hours
    • No collateral required
    • Operates 24/7 for urgent financial needs

    Cons:

    • Only available in select states
    • Loan terms vary by lender, not standardized

    How is Payday Ventures Making it Possible to Provide Instant Payday Loans Online Guaranteed Approval Alternatives?

    When urgent cash needs arise, access to quick funds becomes crucial. However, traditional lenders often impose strict credit requirements and lengthy approval processes, leaving many borrowers stranded—especially those with poor credit. This is where Payday Ventures steps in, revolutionizing the way borrowers find instant payday loans online with guaranteed approval alternatives.

    Payday Ventures acts as a trusted loan marketplace rather than a direct lender. By partnering with a broad network of vetted lenders, it connects borrowers with multiple lending options tailored to their financial needs. This unique approach enables borrowers to bypass traditional credit checks and complicated paperwork, which are common roadblocks in securing fast loans.

    Here’s how Payday Ventures makes it possible:

    • Access to No Credit Check Loans: Payday Ventures specializes in linking borrowers to lenders who offer no credit check payday loans. This means applicants don’t have to worry about their credit history impacting approval, making it an ideal solution for people with bad or no credit.
    • Guaranteed Approval Alternatives: While no lender can guarantee approval outright, Payday Ventures improves your chances by presenting multiple loan offers instantly. This competitive selection increases the likelihood of finding a loan that fits your situation without the usual credit score barriers.
    • Instant Online Application: The platform’s streamlined online application process can be completed in minutes from any device, offering borrowers immediate access to loan offers without lengthy waits or in-person visits.
    • Wide Range of Loan Options: Whether you need a small payday advance or a larger emergency loan, Payday Ventures connects you with lenders offering flexible loan amounts, repayment terms, and competitive rates—all designed to meet diverse borrower needs.
    • Secure & Confidential Platform: Payday Ventures prioritizes user security and privacy, ensuring that your personal information is protected throughout the loan matching process.

    By focusing on speed, convenience, and inclusivity, Payday Ventures empowers borrowers across the U.S. to access instant payday loans online and other guaranteed approval loan alternatives—even when traditional banks say no.

    In 2025, Payday Ventures continues to be a leading marketplace for fast, reliable, and accessible payday loan solutions, making financial emergencies easier to manage with minimal hassle.

    No credit check required! Whether your credit’s good, bad, or somewhere in between, grab your loan today and breathe easy knowing cash is on the way!

    How to Apply for No Credit Check Loans Online for Bad Credit with Payday Ventures?

    Applying for no credit check loans online when you have bad credit can feel overwhelming—but Payday Ventures makes the process simple, fast, and secure. Here’s how you can get started and increase your chances of quick approval for loans designed for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

    Step 1: Visit Payday Ventures’ Website

    Start by heading to the Payday Ventures platform, a trusted marketplace that connects you with multiple lenders offering no credit check loans and loans for bad credit. The site is user-friendly and available 24/7, so you can apply whenever it’s convenient.

    Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

    Fill out the short application form with basic personal and financial information. Payday Ventures uses this data to match you with lenders who specialize in bad credit loans and emergency loans with guaranteed approval. The process is quick—usually taking just a few minutes.

    Step 3: Review Loan Offers

    Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive multiple loan offers tailored to your profile. These offers often include instant payday loans online with flexible terms and no credit check requirements. Take your time to review interest rates, repayment periods, and loan amounts before making a decision.

    Step 4: Select the Best Loan Option

    Choose the loan that best fits your financial needs. Payday Ventures connects you directly to the lender, so you can finalize the loan agreement with confidence. Because the platform partners with a wide network of lenders, your chances of finding a suitable loan increase significantly—even with bad credit.

    Step 5: Get Funds Quickly

    After approval, funds are typically deposited into your bank account within 24 hours or less, depending on the lender. This fast turnaround makes Payday Ventures a reliable solution for urgent cash needs.

    Bad credit dragging you down? Forget the hassle of credit checks and get approved fast with funds sent right to your account>>

    Benefits of Using Payday Ventures for No Credit Check Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    When fast cash is a must, finding reliable no credit check loans with same day guaranteed approval can make all the difference. Payday Ventures stands out as a premier online loan marketplace, helping borrowers across the U.S. access quick funding without the hassle of traditional credit checks. Here are the key benefits of using Payday Ventures in 2025:

    Fast Access to Emergency Cash

    Payday Ventures connects you to lenders offering same day payday loans online, so you can receive funds quickly—often within 24 hours. This speed is crucial when facing urgent expenses or financial emergencies.

    No Credit Check Required

    Unlike banks and direct lenders that perform hard credit inquiries, Payday Ventures specializes in linking you with lenders who offer no credit check loans. This means your credit history won’t hold you back, making it easier for borrowers with bad or no credit to get approved.

    Guaranteed Approval Alternatives

    While no lender can promise 100% approval, Payday Ventures increases your chances by presenting multiple loan options tailored to your financial profile. This marketplace approach offers guaranteed approval alternatives by matching you with lenders most likely to approve your application.

    Variety of Loan Options

    Whether you need a small payday loan or a larger emergency cash advance, Payday Ventures provides access to a broad range of loan amounts and terms. This flexibility lets you choose the best loan suited to your immediate financial needs.

    Simple and Secure Online Process

    Applying through Payday Ventures is quick, with a streamlined online application that takes just minutes to complete. The platform uses advanced security measures to keep your personal and financial information safe throughout the process.

    No Hidden Fees or Surprises

    Transparency is a priority—Payday Ventures ensures you can review loan terms clearly before accepting any offer. This helps avoid unexpected fees and gives you peace of mind.

    24/7 Availability

    Financial emergencies don’t follow a schedule. Payday Ventures allows you to apply for no credit check loans same day anytime, anywhere in the U.S., making it convenient and accessible.

    Don’t let bad credit stand between you and your goals. No credit checks here — just quick, easy loans ready when you are>>

    Eligibility Criteria for No Credit Check loans Same day Guaranteed Approval 

    Getting approved for no credit check loans same day guaranteed approval requires meeting certain basic eligibility criteria. While these loans are designed to be accessible—even for borrowers with bad or no credit—lenders and loan marketplaces like Payday Ventures still set minimum standards to ensure responsible lending. Here’s what you typically need to qualify in 2025:

    1. Age Requirement

    You must be at least 18 years old to apply for no credit check payday loans or any form of instant emergency loans online. Some lenders may require applicants to be 21 or older depending on state laws.

    2. Proof of Income

    Lenders need to verify that you have a stable source of income to ensure you can repay the loan. This can include regular employment, self-employment, government benefits, or other consistent income sources.

    3. Active Bank Account

    An active checking or savings account in your name is essential. Funds for your loan will typically be deposited directly into this account, and repayments are usually withdrawn automatically.

    4. U.S. Residency

    Most lenders require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Some may also accept those with valid work permits or other legal documentation.

    5. Valid Contact Information

    You must provide a working phone number and email address to facilitate communication during the application and loan approval process.

    6. Minimal Documentation

    Unlike traditional loans, no credit check loans usually require minimal paperwork. Basic identification (like a driver’s license or state ID) and proof of income are generally sufficient.

    Forget credit checks and long waits. Apply now, even with bad credit, and get a fast loan tailored to your budget and timeline>>

    Real Borrower Stories: How Payday Ventures Helped People Get No Credit Check Loans in 2025

    Payday Ventures isn’t just another online loan marketplace—it’s a platform that has helped thousands of real people across the U.S. secure emergency funding when traditional options failed them. Below are a few real-world examples and user testimonials that highlight how no credit check loans with same day approval through Payday Ventures made a difference.

    Case Study 1: Sarah – Freelance Designer from Arizona

    Sarah had just wrapped up a slow month with freelance clients when her car suddenly broke down. With bad credit and no savings to spare, she turned to Payday Ventures for help. Within minutes of submitting the simple online form, she was matched with multiple lenders offering instant payday loan alternatives with no credit check required.

    Loan Amount: $600
    Approval Time: Under 2 hours
    Credit Score: 510
    Outcome: Funds deposited same day

    “I didn’t think I’d qualify for anything with my credit, but Payday Ventures helped me find a lender fast—and no one even asked about my score.” – Sarah

    Case Study 2: Jason – Warehouse Worker in Georgia

    Jason was hit with an unexpected utility bill just days before payday. His credit history had taken a hit during the pandemic, so traditional loans were off the table. After searching online, he landed on Payday Ventures, known for connecting users with no credit check same-day loans. He completed the application on his phone during a break and had approval by the time he got home.

    Loan Amount: $350
    Approval Time: 1 hour
    Credit Score: 476
    Outcome: Bills paid, lights stayed on

    “It was easier than ordering pizza. Zero paperwork, no calls, just fast help when I needed it.” – Jason, GA

    Case Study 3: Mia – Part-Time Student in Illinois

    Mia needed to cover textbook costs and rent for the month. With limited income and no credit history, she struggled to find any loan options. A friend recommended Payday Ventures, which specializes in bad credit and no credit loan options with guaranteed approval alternatives. She was matched with a lender offering flexible repayment and a quick turnaround.

    Loan Amount: $500
    Approval Time: Same day
    Credit History: None
    Outcome: Covered expenses without parental help

    “It was my first time applying for a loan, and I was nervous. But it was simple and quick. No pressure, no surprises.” – Mia, IL

    Who needs credit checks when you’ve got No credit check loans? Bad credit is no barrier here — just quick, easy cash to keep you moving forward>>

    Important Considerations: Risks, Legal Notes & Responsible Borrowing Practices

    While no credit check loans with guaranteed approval can offer fast financial relief, it’s important to understand the risks and responsibilities involved before applying through platforms

    Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

    • Higher Interest Rates: Many bad credit loan alternatives come with higher APRs due to the lack of credit checks. Always review the total repayment amount before agreeing to any terms.
    • Short Repayment Windows: Most same day payday loan alternatives have shorter repayment periods, which can create additional stress if not managed properly.
    • Debt Cycle Risk: Repeated borrowing can lead to a cycle of debt. These loans are best used for genuine emergencies, not ongoing expenses.

    Legal Disclaimers You Should Know

    • Payday Ventures is not a lender: It does not issue loans or perform credit decisions. It simply connects users with a network of vetted third-party lenders.
    • Loan terms vary: Lenders in the Payday Ventures network may operate under different state regulations. Always read their terms, privacy policies, and legal notices before accepting an offer.
    • Availability may differ by state: Not all loan types or features are available in every U.S. state due to lending laws and caps on interest rates.

    Ethical Borrowing Guidelines

    • Borrow only what you need: Just because you qualify for a loan doesn’t mean you should take the full amount. Keep repayment manageable.
    • Be honest on your application: Providing accurate information ensures a smoother experience and helps avoid delays or denials.
    • Understand the full cost: Before accepting a loan offer, make sure you understand the APR, fees, and payment schedule.
    • Explore alternatives if possible: If you have access to community support, side gigs, or budget adjustments, consider those options before taking out a high-interest loan.

    Need cash but hate credit checks? Same here. That’s why we made loans that skip the fuss and deliver the funds fast>>

    Payday Ventures vs. Traditional Lenders: Why Same-Day No Credit Check Loans Are a Smarter Choice in 2025

    When comparing Payday Ventures to traditional banks or credit unions, the differences are clear—especially for borrowers with bad credit or no credit history who need fast, same-day loan alternatives without going through a credit check.

    1. Credit Check Requirements

    • Traditional Lenders: Always perform hard credit checks, which can impact your score and lead to rejections if you have poor credit.
    • Payday Ventures: Connects you with lenders who don’t require hard credit checks. Only soft inquiries are made, which do not affect your credit score.

    2. Speed & Accessibility

    • Traditional Lenders: Long application processes, in-person paperwork, and days of waiting.
    • Payday Ventures: Entirely online with a fast, secure form. Get matched with offers and funds deposited as soon as the same day.

    3. Approval Rates

    • Traditional Lenders: Strict approval criteria focused on credit score, employment history, and banking relationships.
    • Payday Ventures: Designed for high approval odds, even for those with bad credit or limited credit background.

    4. Application Process

    • Traditional Lenders: Involve multiple steps—appointments, documentation, and credit reports.
    • Payday Ventures: Just a few minutes to complete one form. No faxing, no paperwork, 100% online.

    5. Flexibility & Loan Variety

    • Traditional Lenders: May not offer small-dollar or short-term loans, especially to riskier applicants.
    • Payday Ventures: Gives you access to a network of lenders offering no credit check, same-day payday loan alternatives in various amounts and terms.

    Credit hurdles? Forget them! Step up, apply now, and watch your cash worries disappear — no credit check, no stress. Your loan, your way>>

    Conclusion: Why Payday Ventures is the Top Choice for No Credit Check, Same Day Loans in 2025

    In 2025, when fast access to cash matters more than ever and credit scores can still hold borrowers back, Payday Ventures stands out as a trusted solution for no credit check loans with same-day guaranteed approval alternatives.

    Unlike traditional lenders that rely heavily on rigid credit assessments, Payday Ventures connects users with a broad network of vetted lenders willing to offer emergency loans without requiring hard credit checks. Its 100% online platform is fast, secure, and built for convenience, allowing borrowers to submit one quick form and receive multiple loan offers, often within minutes.

    Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected expense, temporary cash shortfall, or simply need bad credit payday loan alternatives, Payday Ventures makes the process simple, transparent, and judgment-free. With high approval odds, flexible loan options, and same-day funding possibilities, it remains one of the most reliable choices for no credit check loans online in the U.S. today.

    If you’re looking for fast, flexible, and credit-friendly financing, Payday Ventures is the go-to marketplace to explore your options — without the wait, stress, or score penalties.

    FAQs Regarding No Credit Check Loans with Same-Day Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    Does it cost anything to apply through Payday Ventures?

    No, applying through Payday Ventures is completely free. There are no hidden fees or application charges to use the platform. You simply fill out one secure online form, and Payday Ventures connects you with multiple no credit check loan options instantly.

    How fast can I get money from a no-credit-check loan?

    With Payday Ventures, borrowers can receive funds as soon as the same day if approved. The application process is quick—usually under 5 minutes—and once you accept an offer from a lender, the money is typically deposited within 24 hours.

    What are the best loan providers for bad credit with guaranteed approval?

    Payday Ventures works with a trusted network of lenders (Big Buck Loans) who specialize in bad credit loans, no credit check payday loan alternatives, and guaranteed approval options. Instead of searching lender by lender, Payday Ventures lets you compare multiple offers in one place—increasing your chances of getting approved quickly.

    How fast can I get a bad credit loan through Payday Ventures?

    Very fast. Most users receive loan offers within minutes of submitting their application. Once approved, funds are commonly transferred on the same business day, depending on the lender and your bank’s processing speed.

    Are these no credit check loans safe and legitimate?

    Yes. Payday Ventures partners only with vetted, reputable lenders in the U.S like Big Buck Loans. The site uses bank-level encryption to keep your personal information secure and ensures that you are only connected with legal and compliant lenders offering no credit check loan alternatives.

    Can I use a loan from Payday Ventures to pay off other debt?

    Absolutely. Borrowers often use these loans for debt consolidation, overdue bills, or other personal expenses. While Payday Ventures doesn’t dictate how you use the funds, many choose it to bridge gaps in cash flow or reduce high-interest debt.

    What’s the typical APR on bad-credit personal loans?

    APR can vary based on the lender, loan amount, and repayment term. However, by using Payday Ventures, you can easily compare multiple loan offers side-by-side and choose the one with the most favorable rates—even if you have bad or no credit.

    Who qualifies for no-credit-check loans?

    Most U.S. adults qualify as long as they are 18+, have a steady income, and possess an active checking account. Payday Ventures doesn’t require a credit score, making it one of the best platforms for those seeking no credit check loans online in 2025.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Warns of Dangers of Israeli Violations on International Peace and Security

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Vienna, June 13

    The State of Qatar has reiterated its strong condemnation and deep denunciation of the Israeli attack that targeted the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security at a time when countries around the world are striving to reach diplomatic solutions to restore peace to the Middle East.

    This came in Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna Jassim Yaqoub Al Hammadi before the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during discussions on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the Israeli nuclear file.

    His Excellency called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities to urgently stop Israeli violations before it is too late, warning of their grave consequences for the region, particularly the destruction of prospects for peace and the endangerment of the people of the region as well as regional and global security.

    He further urged the international community and its organizations to pressure Israel, the occupying power, to immediately end its campaign of genocide against unarmed civilians in the Gaza Strip, its use of food as a weapon, and its ongoing military operations and settlement projects in the occupied West Bank.

    His Excellency reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s firm and unwavering position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also noted that Qatar continues its mediation efforts alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America to reach a permanent ceasefire and create conditions conducive to launching serious negotiations toward achieving a two-state solution.

    Regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities, His Excellency emphasized the need for the international community and its institutions to fulfill their commitments under United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as IAEA decisions and the 1995 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference resolution, all of which call on Israel to subject its entire nuclear program to the Agency’s comprehensive safeguards system and to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Finland commits EUR 2.5 million to new phase of EIF support for sustainable trade in LDCs

    Source: World Trade Organization

    In May, the EIF Steering Committee endorsed a recommendation by the EIF Taskforce for a third phase of the initiative, to run up to 2031 in support of the UN Doha Programme of Action for LDCs.

    Designed to provide catalytic and transformative support to LDCs, the EIF’s Phase Three will also be presented at a high-level side event on 30 June co-organized by Finland, Djibouti and the EIF Executive Secretariat as part of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, Spain.

    H.E. Mr Ville Tavio, Finland`s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, said: “Finland sees the next phase of the EIF as an investment in the potential of the world’s least-developed countries to harness trade for sustainable growth. As preparations for Phase Three advance, we hope this contribution will help generate momentum and encourage continued international support for this important initiative — by old and new donors. We look forward to co-hosting discussions in Seville that will help shape a more inclusive and resilient global trading system.”

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the announcement, saying: “Finland`s early support for Phase Three of the EIF comes at a critical juncture for trade, aid, and development. LDCs need stable and predictable support to strengthen their trade capacities and navigate today`s uncertainties and opportunities. Finland’s leadership will help lay the foundation for an even more impactful phase of EIF work. We deeply value Finland`s continued commitment to inclusive development through trade and encourage other partners to join this initiative.”

    EIF Executive Director Ratnakar Adhikari said: “Finland’s generous and timely pledge of EUR 2.5 million marks an important step toward launching the next phase of the EIF. This contribution reflects Finland’s continued engagement with the EIF and underscores the kind of partnership that has been central to the programme’s success. It strengthens our ability to deliver targeted support as we move into Phase Three.”

    Since its inception, the EIF has been the only global Aid for Trade programme exclusively dedicated to helping least-developed countries use trade as a tool for economic transformation. Phase Three will build on the previous phases, continuing efforts to support LDCs in their integration into the global trading system.

    More information on the EIF is available here.

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  • MIL-OSI Banking: The WTO welcomes students to 23rd John H. Jackson Moot Court Finals

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition is a simulated hearing under the rules of the WTO dispute settlement system involving exchanges of written submissions and adversarial hearings before panelists on international trade law issues. The competition is organized by the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA). The WTO has been a technical supporter of the competition since its inception in 2002.

    This year, 65 student teams from 35 WTO members competed in the Regional Rounds, including South and West Asia, East Asia and Oceania, Africa, the Americas (North, South, and the Caribbean), and Europe. Nineteen teams competed in the South and West Asia Round, 12 teams were represented in the East Asia and Oceania Round, 11 teams participated in the African Round, eight teams competed in the All-American Round, and 18 teams took part in the two European Regional Rounds. From these 65 teams, 24 qualified for the Final Oral Round, representing a wide global participation from 15 WTO members: Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, Germany, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, the United Kingdom, and the United States.  

    DDG Ellard opened the Final Oral Round and welcomed the students to the WTO on 10 June. In her opening remarks, DDG Ellard emphasized the importance of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition to capacity building by training students in international trade law, legal writing, and oral advocacy skills. DDG Ellard noted that her own experience participating in moot court as a law student showed her “the immense value of the experience you have embarked on in the development of knowledge, skills, and life-long friendships and connections.” DDG Ellard noted that Jackson Moot alumni can be found working in governments, academia, think tanks, law firms, and the WTO Secretariat.

    DDG Ellard congratulated Mr Marios Tokas of the Geneva Graduate Institute and Mr Panagiotis Kyriakou of the law firm Archipel, authors of this year’s moot problem. She noted that the topic of the case the students have been debating “demonstrates our challenge in addressing modern day problems — such as digital transfer of data, protection of consumer privacy, and regulation of competition (or anti-trust).” She drew the students’ attention to the ongoing work in the WTO on digital technologies and trade and e-commerce-related issues. “These efforts underscore the vision that even as trade evolves the rules-based approach with the WTO at its centre must continue to be the way forward with the economic rule of law,” she said.

    Noting that the international trade community supports the competition, DDG Ellard thanked all the sponsors and WTO staff members who contributed to the organization of the competition and wished teams the best of luck.

    The students also had the opportunity to meet DG Okonjo-Iweala on 13 June and heard from her how much the WTO looks forward to welcoming the students each year not only to the competition, but to the community of international trade law.

    During this week, teams are competing against each other before panels of WTO law experts. The grand final of the competition will take place on Saturday, 14 June, and will be livestreamed here.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –