Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI: ES Bancshares, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Results; Continues Positive Trend of Net Income and Net Interest Margin Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ES Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: ESBS) (the “Company”) the holding company for Empire State Bank, (the “Bank”) today reported net income of $546 thousand, or $0.08 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to a net income of $466 thousand, or $0.07 per diluted common share for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Key Quarterly Financial Data 2025 Highlights    
    Performance Metrics 1Q25 4Q24   1Q24   • The Cost of Funds for the three months ended March 31, 2025, improved to 2.69% from 2.87% in the prior linked quarter.

    • For 3 months ended March 31, 2025, the Company’s net interest margin increased to 2.68% compared to 2.50% for the 3 months ended December 31, 2024.

    • The Company sold $3 million in SBA 7a loan during the quarter, resulting in a gain on loan sale.

    • The Company generated $236 thousand more in net interest income from the prior quarter.

    • Book value for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, totaled $6.97 per share increasing for the fourth consecutive quarter.

       
    Return on average assets (%)   0.35   0.29   (0.07 )    
    Return on average equity (%)   4.53   3.94   (0.90 )    
    Return on average tangible equity (%)   4.59   3.99   (0.91 )    
    Net interest margin (%)   2.68   2.50   2.12      
               
    Income Statement (a) 1Q25 4Q24   1Q24      
    Net interest income $        4,112 $        3,876 $         3,203      
    Non-interest income $           349 $           372 $              215      
    Net income $           546 $           466 $           (103 )    
    Earnings per diluted common share $          0.08 $          0.07 $          (0.02 )    
               
    Balance Sheet (a) 1Q25 4Q24   1Q24      
    Average total loans $    568,508 $    566,031 $    567,526      
    Average total deposits $    506,524 $    512,925 $    486,323      
    Book value per share $           6.97 $           6.89 $           6.75      
    Tangible book value per share $           6.89 $           6.81 $           6.67      
    (a) In thousands except for per share amounts          

    Phil Guarnieri, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of ES Bancshares said, “The first quarter of 2025 showed continued growth in net income, which is a result of management’s focus on interest rates and our containment of non-interest expenses. The recent turmoil in the market due to the uncertainty of tariffs is causing unforeseen challenges but our flexibility allows us to adapt to these changing economic conditions.”

    Selected Balance Sheet Information:

    March 31, 2025 vs. December 31, 2024

    As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $631.5 million, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 0.8%, as compared to total assets of $636.7 million on December 31, 2024. The decrease can be attributed to a slightly smaller loan portfolio.

    Loans receivable, net of Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans totaled $561.4 million, an increase of 0.4% from December 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans as a percentage of gross loans was 0.91%.

    Nonperforming assets, which includes nonaccrual loans and foreclosed real estate were $5.5 million or 0.86% of total assets, as of March 31, 2025, increasing from $5.3 million or 0.84% of total assets at December 31, 2024. The ratio of nonaccrual loans to loans receivable was 0.96%, as of March 31, 2025, and 0.94% for December 31, 2024. The increase from December 31, 2024, was primarily due to two commercial loans being placed on non-accrual status. One loan has a SBA guaranty and the other loan has a 50% loss sharing agreement.

    Total liabilities decreased $6.0 million to $583.2 million at March 31, 2025, from $589.2 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease can be attributed to a decrease in core deposits partially offset by overnight Federal Home Loan (FHLB) borrowings and growth in brokered deposits. The reduction in deposits was driven by a decrease in interest-bearing deposits, specifically 1031 exchange accounts as those deposits are short-term in nature.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s Tier 1 capital leverage ratio, common equity tier 1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio and total capital ratios were 9.46%, 13.81%, 13.81% and 15.06%, respectively, all in excess of the ratios required to be deemed “well-capitalized.” During the first quarter of 2025 the Company did not repurchase shares under its stock repurchase program. Book value per common share was $6.97 at March 31, 2025 compared to $6.89 at December 31, 2024. Tangible common book value per share (which represents common equity less goodwill, divided by the number of shares outstanding) was $6.89 at March 31, 2025 compared to $6.81 at December 31, 2024.

    Financial Performance Overview:

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025, vs. December 31, 2024

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company net income totaled $546 thousand compared to a net income of $466 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The increase can be attributed to higher net interest income partially offset by lower non-interest income and higher non-interest expenses, quarter over quarter.

    Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased $236 thousand, to $4.1 million from $3.9 million at three months ended December 31, 2024. The Company’s net interest margin widened by eighteen basis points to 2.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to 2.50% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The increase in margin can be attributed to a reduction of 12 basis points in the Company’s average cost for its interest-bearing liabilities.

    There was a $30 thousand reversal for credit losses taken for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a provision for credit losses of $2 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The reversal for credit losses was due to lower ACL for investments and off-balance sheet positions, partially offset by an increase in the ACL for loans.

    Non-interest income decreased $23 thousand, to $349 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared with non-interest income of $372 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The majority of the decreases can be attributed to lower service charges and fees and lower gain on loan sales.

    Non-interest expenses totaled $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $3.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The largest fluctuations quarter over quarter were due to a $88 thousand increase in professional fees, due to larger legal expenses, an increase in compensation and benefits due to additional hires, and increased advertising expenses, partially offset by $47 thousand decrease in other expenses.

    About ES Bancshares Inc.
    ES Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is incorporated under Maryland law and serves as the holding company for Empire State Bank (the “Bank”). The Company is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System while the Bank is primarily subject to regulation and supervision by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Currently, the Company does not transact any material business other than through the Bank, its subsidiary.

    The Bank was organized under federal law in 2004 as a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to legal limits by the FDIC. In March 2009, the Bank converted its charter to a New York State commercial bank charter. The Bank’s principal business is attracting commercial and retail deposits in New York and investing those deposits primarily in loans, consisting of commercial real estate loans, and other commercial loans including SBA and mortgage loans secured by one-to-four-family residences. In addition, the Bank invests in mortgage-backed securities, securities issued by the U.S. Government and agencies thereof, corporate securities and other investments permitted by applicable law and regulations.

    We operate from our five Banking Center locations, a Loan Production Office and our Corporate Headquarters located in Staten Island, New York. The Company’s website address is www.esbna.com. The Company’s annual report, quarterly earnings releases and all press releases are available free of charge through its website, as soon as reasonably practicable.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained in this release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” or “continue” or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many of which are not within ES Bancshares, Inc’s. control. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this release. We have no intention, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Contact:
    Peggy Edwards, Corporate Secretary
    (845) 451-7825

    ES Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (in thousands)
        March 31,   December 31,
    2025     2024  
        |—-(unaudited)—-|    
    Assets        
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 22,794     26,713  
    Securities, net   22,249     22,336  
    Loans receivable, net:        
    Real estate mortgage loans   542,524     545,569  
    Commercial and Lines of Credit   19,617     14,418  
    Home Equity and Consumer Loans 386     398  
    Deferred costs   3,978     4,084  
    Allowance for Loan Credit Losses (5,150 )   (5,137 )
    Total loans receivable, net   561,355     559,330  
    Accrued interest receivable   2,641     2,628  
    Investment in restricted stock, at cost   4,778     4,335  
    Goodwill   581     581  
    Bank premises and equipment, net   4,635     4,845  
    Repossessed assets        
    Right of use lease assets   5,677     5,894  
    Bank Owned Life Insurance   5,527     5,489  
    Other Assets   1,274     4,589  
    Total Assets $ 631,511     636,739  
             
    Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity        
    Non-Interest-Bearing Deposits   105,162     97,490  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits   369,660     395,593  
    Brokered Deposits   23,025     20,750  
    Total Deposits   497,847     513,833  
    Bond Issue, net of costs   11,797     11,787  
    Borrowed Money   59,898     50,083  
    Lease Liability   5,959     6,172  
    Other Liabilities   7,701     7,313  
    Total Liabilities   583,202     589,188  
    Stockholders’ equity   48,309     47,551  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 631,511     636,739  
     
      ES Bancshares, Inc.
      Consolidated Statements of Income
      (in thousands)
             
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      |————–(unaudited)————–|
    Interest income        
    Loans $ 7,478   $ 7,405   $ 7,208  
    Securities   213     224     115  
    Other interest-earning assets   243     373     263  
    Total Interest Income   7,934     8,002     7,586  
    Interest expense        
    Deposits   3,118     3,436     3,585  
    Borrowings   704     690     798  
    Total Interest Expense   3,822     4,126     4,383  
    Net Interest Income   4,112     3,876     3,203  
    (Rev)Prov for Credit Losses   (30 )   2     39  
    Net Interest Income after (Rev)Prov for Credit Losses   4,142     3,874     3,164  
    Non-interest income        
    Service charges and fees   175     192     172  
    Gain on loan sales   132     139     1  
    Gain on extinguishment of Sub-debt            
    Other   42     41     42  
    Total non-interest income   349     372     215  
    Non-interest expenses        
    Compensation and benefits   1,689     1,662     1,721  
    Occupancy and equipment   669     618     668  
    Data processing service fees   315     295     326  
    Professional fees   335     247     181  
    FDIC & NYS Banking Assessments   113     132     97  
    Advertising   89     64     75  
    Insurance   53     56     50  
    Other   471     518     337  
    Total non-interest expense   3,734     3,592     3,455  
    Income prior to tax expense   757     654     (76 )
    Income taxes   211     188     27  
    Net Income $ 546   $ 466   $ (103 )
             
      ES Bancshares, Inc.
      Average Balance Sheet Data
      For the Three Months Ended (dollars in thousands)
      March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024
      Avg Bal Interest Average Avg Bal Interest Average Avg Bal Interest Average
      Rolling Rolling Rolling Rolling Rolling Rolling
    Assets  3 Mos.  3 Mos. Yield/Cost  3 Mos.  3 Mos. Yield/Cost  3 Mos.  3 Mos. Yield/Cost
    Interest-earning assets:                  
    Loans receivable $ 568,508 $ 7,478 5.26 % $ 564,745 $ 7,405 5.24 % $ 566,031 $ 7,315 5.17 %
    Investment securities   22,839   213 3.73 %   22,898   224 3.91 %   22,480   218 3.87 %
    Other interest-earning assets   21,343   243 4.55 %   31,135   373 4.69 %   31,656   428 5.29 %
    Total interest-earning assets   612,690   7,934 5.18 %   618,778   8,002 5.17 %   620,167   7,961 5.13 %
    Non-interest earning assets   19,077       18,048       17,919    
    Total assets $ 631,767     $ 636,826     $ 638,086    
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                  
    Interest-bearing checking $ 36,869 $ 31 0.34 % $ 32,800 $ 27 0.33 % $ 33,512 $ 55 0.65 %
    Savings accounts   205,503   1,443 2.85 %   217,746   1,695 3.09 %   200,248   1,728 3.42 %
    Certificates of deposit   166,005   1,644 4.02 %   166,368   1,714 4.09 %   173,577   1,891 4.32 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   408,377   3,118 3.10 %   416,914   3,436 3.27 %   407,337   3,674 3.58 %
    Borrowings   50,124   514 4.16 %   50,189   499 3.94 %   52,984   519 3.89 %
    Subordinated debenture   11,793   190 6.44 %   11,784   191 6.43 %   13,726   201 5.81 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   470,294   3,822 3.30 %   478,887   4,126 3.42 %   474,047   4,394 3.68 %
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposits   98,147       96,011       104,782    
    Other liabilities   15,188       14,581       13,046    
    Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   113,335       110,592       117,828    
    Stockholders’ equity   48,138       47,347       46,211    
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 631,767     $ 636,826     $ 638,086    
    Net interest income   $ 4,112     $ 3,876     $ 3,567  
    Average interest rate spread     1.88 %     1.75 %     1.46 %
    Net interest margin     2.68 %     2.50 %     2.30 %
                       
                       
    Five Quarter
    Performance Ratio Highlights
    Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 June 30, 2024 March 31, 2024
    Performance Ratios (%) – annualized          
      Return(loss) on Average Assets   0.35   0.29   0.36   0.10   (0.07 )
      Return(loss) on Average Equity   4.53   3.94   4.98   1.37   (0.90 )
      Return(loss) on Average Tangible Equity   4.59   3.99   5.04   1.38   (0.91 )
      Efficiency Ratio   83.71   84.58   81.70   92.86   101.08  
    Yields / Costs (%)          
      Average Yield – Interest Earning Assets   5.18   5.17   5.13   5.16   5.03  
      Average Cost – Interest-bearing Liabilities   3.30   3.42   3.69   3.86   3.82  
      Net Interest Margin   2.68   2.50   2.30   2.21   2.12  
    Capital Ratios (%)          
      Equity / Assets   7.65   7.47   7.44   7.12   7.34  
      Tangible Equity / Assets   7.56   7.38   7.36   7.03   7.26  
      Tier I leverage ratio (a)   9.46   9.31   9.18   9.30   9.52  
      Common equity Tier I capital ratio (a)   13.81   13.68   13.67   13.81   13.63  
      Tier 1 Risk-based capital ratio (a)   13.81   13.68   13.67   13.81   13.63  
      Total Risk-based capital ratio (a)   15.06   14.93   14.92   15.06   14.88  
    Stock Valuation          
      Book Value $ 6.97 $ 6.89 $ 6.85 $ 6.74 $ 6.75  
      Tangible Book Value $ 6.89 $ 6.81 $ 6.77 $ 6.65 $ 6.67  
      Shares Outstanding (b)   6,927   6,900   6,878   6,884   6,834  
    Asset Quality (%)          
      ACL / Total Loans   0.91   0.91   0.90   0.90   0.89  
      Non Performing Loans / Total Loans   0.96   0.94   0.91   0.22   0.24  
      Non Performing Assets / Total Assets   0.86   0.84   0.81   0.19   0.21  
                 
      (a) Ratios at Bank level
    (b) Shares information presented in thousands

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Prospect Capital Corporation Announces Results of Cash Tender Offer For Any and All of its Outstanding 3.706% Notes due 2026

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (the “Company”) today announced the results of its previously announced cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase any and all of the outstanding notes listed below. The Tender Offer was made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase dated April 9, 2025 (the “Offer to Purchase”), which set forth the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, and the accompanying notice of guaranteed delivery (the “Notice of Guaranteed Delivery”).

    As of the previously announced expiration time of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 17, 2025 (the “Expiration Time”), according to information provided by D.F. King & Co., Inc., the Information and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer, a total of $142,961,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes (defined below) had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Tender Offer. This amount includes $8,732,000 tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer to Purchase and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, which remains subject to the holders’ performance of the delivery requirements under such procedures. Withdrawal rights for the Notes expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 17, 2025. The table below sets forth the aggregate principal amount and percentage of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn by the Expiration Time that will be accepted for purchase by the Company (the “Eligible Notes”).

    Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Nos. Outstanding Principal
    Amount
    Principal Amount
    Tendered
           
    3.706% Notes due 2026
    (the “Notes”)
    74348TAU6 /
    US74348TAU60
    $342,947,000 $142,961,000

    The consideration to be paid for the Eligible Notes is $990.00 for each $1,000 principal amount of Eligible Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Eligible Notes, if any, from the applicable last interest payment date up to, but not including, the settlement date, which date is expected to be April 22, 2025.

    The Company has retained RBC Capital Markets, LLC to serve as the Dealer Manager for the Tender Offer. Questions and requests for assistance regarding the Tender Offer should be directed to RBC Capital Markets, LLC at +1 (212) 618-7843 (collect) or +1 (877) 381-2099 (toll free).

    The Company has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to serve as the Information and Tender Agent for the Notes in the Tender Offer.

    The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, a copy of which may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (212) 269-5550 (Banks and Brokers) or (800) 967-5068 (toll free), or via psec@dfking.com.

    Copies of the Offer to Purchase and Retail Processing Fee Form are also available at the following web address: https://www.dfking.com/psec/.

    This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, with respect to any securities. The solicitation of offers to buy the Notes is only being made pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, as it may be amended or supplemented. The Tender Offer is not being made in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. None of the Company, the Dealer Manager, or the Information and Tender Agent are making any recommendation as to whether or not holders should tender their Notes in connection with the Tender Offer.

    About Prospect Capital Corporation

    Prospect Capital Corporation is a business development company that focuses on lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

    Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). Prospect is required to comply with regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act as well as applicable NASDAQ, federal and state rules and regulations. Prospect has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, whose safe harbor for forward-looking statements does not apply to business development companies. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding expectations as to the completion of the transaction contemplated by the Tender Offer. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are highly likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under our control, and that we may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from any forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement now or in the future.

    For further information, contact:

    Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer
    grier@prospectcap.com
    Telephone (212) 448-0702

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s attacks on central bank threaten its independence − and that isn’t good news for sound economic stewardship (or battling inflation)

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Cristina Bodea, Professor of Political Science, Michigan State University

    Nearly every country in the world has a central bank – a public institution that manages a country’s currency and its monetary policy. And these banks have an extraordinary amount of power. By controlling the flow of money and credit in a country, they can affect economic growth, inflation, employment and financial stability.

    These are powers that many politicians – including, currently, U.S. President Donald Trump – would seemingly like to control or at least manipulate. That’s because monetary policy can provide governments with economic boosts at key times, such as around elections or during periods of falling popularity.

    The problem is that short-lived, politically motivated moves may be detrimental to the long-term economic well-being of a nation. They may, in other words, saddle the economy with problems further down the line.

    That is why central banks across the globe tend to receive significant leeway to set interest rates independently and free from the electoral wishes of politicians.

    In fact, monetary policymaking that is data-driven and technocratic, rather than politically motivated, has since the early 1990s been seen as the gold standard of governance of national finances. By and large, this arrangement, in which central bankers keep politicians at arm’s length, has achieved its main purpose: Inflation has been relatively low and stable in countries with independent central banks, such as Switzerland or Sweden – certainly until the pandemic and war in Europe began pushing up prices globally.

    In comparison, countries such as Lebanon and Egypt, where independence was never extended, or Argentina and Turkey, where it has been curtailed, have experienced more bouts of high inflation.

    But despite independence being seen to work, central banks over the past decade have come under increased pressure from politicians. They hope to keep interest rates low and reap voter gratitude for a humming economy and cheap loans.

    Trump is one recent example. In his first term as president, he criticized his own choice to head the U.S. Federal Reserve and demanded lower interest rates. After Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned that tariffs are “highly likely” to trigger inflation, Trump lashed out on April 17, 2025, in an online post in which he accused Powell of being “TOO LATE AND WRONG” on interest rate cuts, while suggesting that the central banker’s “termination cannot come fast enough!”

    As political economists, we are not surprised to see politicians try to exert influence on central banks. Monetary policy, even with independence, has always been political. For one thing, central banks remain part of the government bureaucracy, and independence granted to them can always be reversed – either by changing laws or backtracking on established practices.

    Moreover, the reason politicians may want to interfere in monetary policy is that low interest rates remain a potent, quick method to boost an economy. And while politicians know that there are costs to besieging an independent central bank – financial markets may react negatively or inflation may flare up – short-term control of a powerful policy tool can prove irresistible.

    Legislating independence

    If monetary policy is such a coveted policy tool, how have central banks held off politicians and stayed independent? And is this independence being eroded?

    Broadly, central banks are protected by laws that offer long tenures to their leadership, allow them to focus policy primarily on inflation, and severely limit lending to the rest of the government.

    Of course, such legislation cannot anticipate all future contingencies, which may open the door for political interference or for practices that break the law. And sometimes central bankers are unceremoniously fired.

    However, laws do keep politicians in line. For example, even in authoritarian countries, laws protecting central banks from political interference have helped reduce inflation and restricted central bank lending to the government.

    In our own research, we have detailed the ways that laws have insulated central banks from the rest of the government, but also the recent trend of eroding this legal independence.

    Politicizing appointees

    Around the world, appointments to central bank leadership are political – elected politicians select candidates based on career credentials, political affiliation and, importantly, their dislike or tolerance of inflation.

    But lawmakers in different countries exercise different degrees of political control.

    A 2025 study shows that the large majority of central bank leaders – about 70% – are appointed by the head of government alone or with the intervention of other members of the executive branch. This ensures that the preferences of the central bank are closer to the government’s, which can boost the central bank’s legitimacy in democratic countries, but at the risk of permeability to political influence.

    Alternatively, appointments can involve the legislative power or even the central bank’s own board. In the U.S., while the president nominates members of the Federal Reserve Board, the Senate can and has rejected unconventional or incompetent candidates.

    Moreover, even if appointments are political, many central bankers stay in office long after the people who appointed them have been voted out. By the end of 2023, the most common length of the governors’ appointment is five years, and in 41 countries the legal mandate was six years or longer. Powell is set to stay on as Fed chair until his term expires in 2026. The Fed chair position has traditionally been protected by law, as Powell himself acknowledged in November 2024: “We’re not removable except for cause. We serve very long terms, seemingly endless terms. So we’re protected into law. Congress could change that law, but I don’t think there’s any danger of that.” But Trump’s firing of leaders of other independent federal agencies has set up a legal challenge that could affect the Fed, too.

    In the 2000s, several countries shortened the tenure of their central banks’ governors to four or five years. Sometimes, this was part of broader restrictions in central bank independence, as was the case in Iceland in 2001, Ghana in 2002 and Romania in 2004.

    The low inflation objective

    As of 2023, all but six central banks globally had low inflation as their main goal. Yet many central banks are required by law to try to achieve additional and sometimes conflicting goals, such as financial stability, full employment or support for the government’s policies.

    This is the case for 38 central banks that either have the explicit dual mandate of price stability and employment or more complex goals. In Argentina, for example, the central bank’s mandate is to provide “employment and economic development with social equity.”

    Poor monetary policy can lead to rising prices in Argentina.
    AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko

    Conflicting objectives can open central banks to politicization. In the U.S. the Federal Reserve has a dual mandate of stable prices and maximum sustainable employment. These goals are often complementary, and economists have argued that low inflation is a prerequisite for sustainable high levels of employment.

    But in times of overlapping high inflation and high unemployment, such as in the late 1970s or when the COVID-19 crisis was winding down in 2022, the Fed’s dual mandate has become active territory for political wrangling.

    Since 2000, at least 23 countries have expanded the focus of their central banks beyond just inflation.

    Limits on government lending

    The first central banks were created to help secure finance for governments fighting wars. But today, limiting lending to governments is at the core of protecting price stability from unsustainable fiscal spending.

    History is dotted with the consequences of not doing so. In the 1960s and 1970s, for example, central banks in Latin America printed money to support their governments’ spending goals. But it resulted in massive inflation while not securing growth or political stability.

    Today, limits on lending are strongly associated with lower inflation in the developing world. And central banks with high levels of independence can reject a government’s financing requests or dictate the terms of loans.

    Yet over the past two decades, almost 40 countries have made their central banks less able to limit central government funding. In the more extreme examples – such as in Belarus, Ecuador or even New Zealand – they have turned the central bank into a potential financier for the government.

    Scapegoating central bankers

    In recent years, governments have tried to influence central banks by pushing for lower interest rates, making statements criticizing bank policy or calling for meetings with central bank leadership.

    At the same time, politicians have blamed the same central bankers for a number of perceived failings: not anticipating economic shocks such as the 2007-09 financial crisis; exceeding their authority with quantitative easing; or creating massive inequality or instability while trying to save the financial sector.

    And since mid-2021, major central banks have struggled to keep inflation low, raising questions from populist and antidemocratic politicians about the merits of an arm’s-length relationship.

    But chipping away at central bank independence, as Trump appears to be doing with his open criticism of the Fed chair and implicit threats of dismissal, is a historically sure way to high inflation.

    This is an updated version of an article that was originally published by The Conversation on June 14, 2024.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Trump’s attacks on central bank threaten its independence − and that isn’t good news for sound economic stewardship (or battling inflation) – https://theconversation.com/trumps-attacks-on-central-bank-threaten-its-independence-and-that-isnt-good-news-for-sound-economic-stewardship-or-battling-inflation-254870

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR, Green Climate Fund, the West African Development Bank and Early Warning for All Partners join hands to empower Togo to strengthen climate and disaster risk management

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    From 8 to 11 April 2025, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Office for Northeast Asia and Global Education and Training Institute (ONEA & GETI), in partnership with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), hosted a technical Training of Trainers workshop on “Tools for Implementing Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Information and Early Warning Systems Projects” with national stakeholders from Togo. The workshop, held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, was organized in support of the implementation of the recently approved GCF co-funded project, ‘Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities within high climatic and disaster risk areas in Togo,’ to help build capacity and technical knowledge of key governmental stakeholders to support the project’s activities.

    Throughout the training, representatives from Togo’s key institutions involved in disaster risk reduction, climate information and early warning, including the National Agency for Civil Protection (ANPC), the Togolese Meteorological Agency (ANAMET), the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources (MERF), and other project partners including the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the African Risk Capacity (ARC), joined sessions delivered by UNDRR, GCF, as well as international partners from CREWS, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (UNCTCN), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Core themes included disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation (CCA), multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and anticipatory action, gender mainstreaming and diversity, equity and inclusion in DRR, project monitoring and evaluation, forecast-based finance, and climate investment planning. Participants explored global frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and discussed the design, coordination, and financing structure for the new GCF co-financed initiative in Togo.

    In addition to in-depth sessions on GCF’s project implementation, reporting, and results frameworks, the workshop introduced practical tools such as the Sendai Framework Monitor Custom Indicators and the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities, and its thematic annexes to support national and local level DRR planning. Technical partners presented available tools and collaborative approaches under the Early Warnings for All Initiative and shared examples from country-level implementation. Practical experience from the Republic of Korea was also shared through a presentation from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) on its integrated disaster management system and emergency communication tools, showcasing how the four pillars of early warning, including risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, dissemination and communication, and response capability, are implemented through advanced technologies and inter-agency coordination.

    The final day of the workshop included a field visit to the Incheon Metropolitan City Safety Situation Division, a core facility within Korea’s urban resilience infrastructure. Participants toured the division’s integrated monitoring and control systems, including real-time CCTV surveillance, flood sensors, wildfire alert systems, and automated detection systems for identifying unusual events and alerting operators. City officials shared how Incheon leverages digital tools and interdepartmental coordination to ensure fast, reliable disaster alert delivery across sectors. The visit served as a practical demonstration of how smart governance and technology can strengthen resilience at the local level. Participants reflected on the field visit to the Incheon Metropolitan City Safety Situation Division, sharing valuable insights and inspirations drawn from the experience:

    “The visit has given us a lot of inspiration for setting up our operations room (soon to be equipped) in coordination with the UNDRR. The Project will help to strengthen current data collection, processing and dissemination for early warning. We hope that one day we will also have an observation network similar to the one in Incheon.” – Yoma Baka (Director General of ANPC)

    “We have great enthusiasm for the tools that we observed during the visit to Incheon City Hall. This visit brought a very operational character to the workshop.” – Komi Sossou (Environmentalist Expert in Climate Change and Sustainable Development of MERF & MERF Focal Point at the National Disaster Risk Management Platform)

    The workshop concluded with reflections and action planning for the national implementation of the SAP048 project. Participants expressed their commitment to applying the lessons learned and strengthening coordination among national and international partners. The training served as an important milestone in Togo’s progress toward scaling up climate resilience and ensuring that early warnings reach all vulnerable communities. The trained trainers are expected to support a training for national stakeholders in Togo in the coming months, as part of a number of project inception activities planned by BOAD in coordination with national and international partners.

    “We now have more inspiration to better innovate in disaster management.” – Sanetienone Damorou (National Focal Point of Project SAP048 ‘Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities in high climate and disaster risk areas in Togo’ of ANPC)

    “Throughout the four days we had an opportunity to share experience and learn about disaster risk management. We learned a lot and we see that there is much be done in our country, and that the new project can greatly contribute to improving and implementing certain activities. We also heard from partners interested to support this project. It is important that we really work together.” – Méwekiwé Egbare (Engineer in Agrometeorology of ANAMET & Head of the Weather Center of GMN)

    “This training is important in terms of sharing experience and learning tools and getting a better idea of what technical partners can do. It’s a training course for trainers, so it’s essential that we can replicate it at home.” – Aissatou Diagne (Climate Projects Supervision Specialist (DSPC) of BOAD)

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Relm Insurance and Liva Insurance Obtain Central Bank Approval in the UAE for Web3 Insurance Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Through this partnership Liva and Relm aim to cater to businesses in high-growth innovative sectors often not covered by traditional insurance products and providers
    • Regulatory approval for SIGMAWEB3 reinforces commitment to digital asset innovation in the UAE and potentially setting the base for further expansion in the region
    • SIGMAWEB3 designed specifically for organisations developing or utilising blockchain technologies

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates , April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Relm Insurance – the only insurer dedicated to emerging sectors – and Liva Insurance, a leading insurance provider operating across the GCC, today announced UAE Central Bank approval for their dedicated multi-line insurance solution for WEB3 businesses – SIGMAWEB3, and its tailored version for VARA-regulated companies, SIGMAWEB3 VARA.

    This milestone follows the signing of Relm and Liva’s strategic partnership in February 2025, aimed at empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging sectors such as digital assets, biotech and AI.

    The UAE Central Bank approval reinforces Relm and Liva’s commitment to deliver tailored insurance solutions that address the unique and complex needs of tech companies in the region. These businesses often struggle to get the right insurance due to a lack of understanding of their industries’ rapidly evolving landscape.

    SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA will help create the confidence and resiliency that WEB3 innovators require to tackle complex challenges and seize new opportunities, while meeting the necessary regulatory requirements.

    Both products are designed specifically for digital asset companies, blockchain startups, crypto exchanges, and fintech innovators, addressing the unique and complex financial, professional, crime, and cyber exposures inherent in their operations.

    SIGMAWEB3 VARA is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring that crypto companies can operate with compliant insurance cover.     

    “Securing Central Bank approval for SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA is a significant step for brokers and clients in the UAE. This milestone facilitates more comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique risks of the Web3 space. By closing the insurance gap, we’re empowering businesses with the protection they need to innovate confidently in a rapidly evolving market” said Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO of Relm Insurance.

    “SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA represent a significant step in our commitment to supporting growth and evolution of innovation within the insurance industry. This approval from Central Bank affirms both Liva Group’s deep market insight and Relm’s expertise in specialised insurance as well as reinforcing the vital role that regulatory collaboration plays in fostering a secure and thriving digital economy. Together, we aim to provide customers with solutions that meet their evolving needs, while strengthening our commitment to scale and diversify our business.” Martin Rueegg, Group CEO of Liva Group.

    The approval recognises Relm and Liva’s leadership in Web3 insurance and highlights the increasing regulatory acceptance of innovative insurance solutions.

    -END-

    About Relm Insurance

    Relm Insurance Ltd. (Relm) is a Bermuda-domiciled specialty insurance carrier that supports emerging industries driving innovation and next-generation technologies. Launched in 2019, Relm offers a wide range of insurance products to high-growth markets, including digital assets, blockchain, AI, biotech, and the space economy. With a Financial Stability Rating of ‘A, Exceptional’ from Demotech, Relm is widely recognised for its industry expertise and solutions-driven approach, making it a trusted risk partner for businesses operating at the frontier of technological innovation.

    About Liva Group

    Liva is an insurance group operating across the GCC, founded on the belief that insurance is a pillar that supports both personal and professional lives. As one of the pioneering insurance players in the region, Liva’s team of 1,200 employees is dedicated to offering products and services centred on customer needs, empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive. Serving more than 1.5 million customers, Liva has a strong and growing presence in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain across motor, home travel, health, life, and commercial insurance, as well owning subsidiaries such as NSSPL (India) and Inayah TPA (UAE), supporting its long-term strategy to scale and diversify the business. The word “Liva” signifies “protection” or “life”, reflecting the Group’s commitment to protecting what matters most to its people, its partners, and, most of all, its customers.

    Media Contacts

    Yasmin Oronos
    Luna PR
    yasmin.oronos@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli strikes kill at least 39 in Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People gather at a shelter after an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense.

    Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the civil defense, told Xinhua the Israeli attacks targeted several locations, including shelter tents, schools repurposed as refugee camps, and residential homes. Women and children were among the casualties, he said.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck a command and control center in Jabalia and, over the past 48 hours, had targeted more than 110 locations across Gaza.

    “Among the targets struck were terrorist cells, military compounds used by Hamas, and additional militant infrastructure,” the IDF said in a separate statement.

    Gaza’s health authorities said 40 bodies and 73 wounded individuals were brought to hospitals across the enclave in the past 24 hours. The total number of Palestinians killed since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18 has risen to 1,691, they added, bringing the overall death toll since the conflict began in October 2023 to 51,065.

    Separately, a Palestinian prisoner from the West Bank died after being transferred to an Israeli hospital, the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Commission of Prisoners’ Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club said in a joint statement.

    Musab Adili, 20, from the city of Nablus, died Wednesday night at Soroka Medical Center. The cause of death was not disclosed. Adili was arrested by Israeli authorities in March and sentenced to one year and one month in prison, the statement said.

    He is the 64th Palestinian prisoner to die in Israeli custody since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the statement, including at least 40 detainees from the Gaza Strip.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.74 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.74 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, April 18, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB250.5 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on April 18, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.50%

    RMB250.5 billion

    RMB250.5 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年04月18日

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: CONVENING NOTICE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY AND ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UNIFIEDPOST GROUP

    Public limited liability company (“naamloze vennootschap” / “société anonyme“) under Belgian law

    Registered office at Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium

    Company number 0886.277.617

    Register of Legal Entities Walloon Brabant

     www.unifiedpost.com

    CONVENING NOTICE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY AND ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

    The Board of Directors of Unifiedpost Group SA/NV (the Company) has the honour of inviting its shareholders and holders of warrants to attend the Extraordinary and Ordinary General Shareholders’ meeting (the General Meeting), which will be held at Buzzynest, Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, La Hulpe, on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 19:00 (CET) to consider and vote on the items as listed in the agenda as set out below.

    Applicable formalities are detailed at the end of this convening notice. Shareholders may, to the extent indicated, also use the ABN AMRO platform (www.abnamro.com/evoting) to complete all participation formalities and vote by proxy at the General Meeting.

    Part 1: Agenda of the Extraordinary General Meeting

    The Extraordinary General Meeting will only validly deliberate on the items of its agenda if at least half of the capital is present or represented, in accordance with article 7:153 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code. If this condition is not met, a new Extraordinary General Meeting with the same agenda will be convened for 17 June 2025. This second Extraordinary General Meeting will validly deliberate irrespective of the number of shares present or represented.

    1. Proposal to amend the Articles of Association – Change of the Company Name.

    Proposed resolution: Proposal to amend Article 1 of the Articles of Association to change the name of the Company from Unifiedpost Group to Banqup Group.

     

    Part 2: Agenda of the Ordinary General Meeting 

    1.  Communication of the Board of Directors’ annual report and the statutory auditor’s report on the statutory financial statements for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    Comment of the Board of Directors: pursuant to articles 3:5 and 3:6 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, the Board of Directors has drafted an annual report in which it accounts for its management. Furthermore, the statutory auditor has drafted a detailed report in accordance with articles 3:74 and 3:75 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations. Both reports are available for consultation on the website as from the date of this convening notice. These reports do not need to be approved by the shareholders.

    2.  Approval of the remuneration report as included in the annual report of the Board of Directors on the statutory financial statements closed on 31 December 2024.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the remuneration report for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    3.  Approval of the statutory financial statements closed on 31 December 2024 including the proposed allocation of the result.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the statutory financial statements closed on 31 December 2024 showing a profit in the amount of EUR 37.288.229,77 and of the proposed allocation of the result of EUR 72.931.775,84 as losses carried forward.

    4.  Communication of the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024 as well as the annual report of the Board of Directors and the statutory auditor’s report on those consolidated financial statements.

    Comment of the Board of Directors: pursuant to article 3:32 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, the Board of Directors has drafted a report on the 2024 consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, the statutory auditor has drafted a detailed report pursuant to article 3:80 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations. Both reports are available for consultation on the website as from the date of this convening notice. These reports do not need to be approved by the shareholders.

    5.  Ratification of the appointment and nomination of Company directors.

    Comment of the Board of Directors: in accordance with Article 7:88 of the Companies and Associations Code and Article 16 of the Company’s Articles of Association, and after advise of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors unanimously decided to accept:

    1. the co-option of Crescemus BV, with company number 0521.873.163, permanently represented by Pieter Bourgeois, as  non-executive director, following the resignation of AS Partners BV, permanently represented by Stefan Yee. The co-option took effect on 23 October 2024 and will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2026.
    2. the co-option of PDMT Investments LLC, with company number 45-2043440, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, as non- executive, independent director, following the resignation of Sopharth BV, permanently represented by Philippe De Backer. The co-option took effect on 23 October 2024 and will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2026. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, PDMT Investments LLC, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter.

    Proposed resolutions

    1. the General Meeting decides to ratify the appointment by cooptation of Crescemus BV, with company number 0521.873.163, permanently represented by Pieter Bourgeois, as non- executive director of the Company as of 23 October 2024. In accordance with article 7:88 §1 of the Companies and Associations Code, the General Meeting decides to deviate from the default rule that the mandate of a co-opted director ends when the original mandate would have ended, and instead decides to appoint Crescemus BV, with company number 0521.873.163, permanently represented by Pieter Bourgeois as non- executive director of the Company for a term that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The curriculum vitae of Mr. Pieter Bourgeois is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    2. the General Meeting decides to ratify the appointment by cooptation of PDMT Investments LLC, with company number 45-2043440, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, as non- executive and independent director of the Company as of 23 October 2024. In accordance with article 7:88 §1 of the Companies and Associations Code, the General Meeting decides to deviate from the default rule that the mandate of a co-opted director ends when the original mandate would have ended, and instead decides to appoint PDMT Investments LLC, with company number 45-2043440, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy as non- executive, independent director of the Company for a term that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, PDMT Investments LLC, permanently represented by Peter Mulroy, qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter The curriculum vitae of Mr. Peter Mulroy is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.

    6.  Nomination of Company directors.

    Proposed resolutions:

    1. the General Meeting decides to appoint Quilaudem BV, with company number 0795.086.135, permanently represented by Nathalie Van Den Haute, as non executive director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General meeting of 2029. The curriculum vitae of Mrs. Nathalie Van Den Haute is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    2. the General Meeting decides to appoint Ahok BV, with company number 0457.927.595, permanently represented by Koen Hoffman, as non- executive, independent  director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, Ahok BV, permanently represented by Koen Hoffman qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter. The curriculum vitae of Mr. Koen Hoffman is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    3. the General Meeting decides to appoint Leanne Kemp, as non- executive, independent director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The Board of Directors confirms that, based on the information available to the Company, Leanne Kemp qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the independence criteria set out in Article 7:87, §1 of the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, the 2020 Belgian Corporate Governance Code, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Charter. The curriculum vitae of Mrs. Leanne Kemp is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.
    4. the General Meeting decides to appoint Beco Global Consulting LLC, with company number 33-1666922, permanently represented by Nicolas de Beco, as executive director of the Company, for a term of 4 years, that will end immediately after the Ordinary General Meeting of 2029. The curriculum vitae of Mr. Nicolas de Beco is available for consultation on the website. The director will receive an annual remuneration in accordance with the approved remuneration policy.

    7.  Approval of the updated Remuneration Policy.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the updated Remuneration Policy which is available for consultation on the website.

    8.  Discharge to all members of the Board of Directors of the Company that were in charge for the execution of their mandate in 2024.

    Proposed resolution: approval to grant discharge to all individual members of the Board of Directors that were in charge in 2024 for the execution of their mandate for the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    9.  Discharge to the statutory auditor.

    Proposed resolution: approval to grant discharge to BDO Réviseurs D’Entreprises SCRL (CBE 0431.088.289), represented by Mrs. Ellen Lombaerts, for the execution of its mandate as statutory auditor of the Company during the financial year closed on 31 December 2024.

    10.       Approval of the re-nomination of BDO as statutory auditor of the Company from the date of this General Meeting until the General Meeting of 2028.

    Proposed resolution: approval of the re-nomination of BDO Réviseurs D’Entreprises SCRL, represented by Mrs. Ellen Lombaerts, as statutory auditor of the Company as of the date of this General Meeting until the General Meeting of 2028. The fee for this assignment amounts to EUR 400.000,00 per year (excluding VAT, expenses, and IBR contribution). This fee includes the audit of the statutory annual accounts, the consolidated annual accounts, and the review of the company’s half-year figures (statutory and consolidated).

    11.       Appointment of the commissioner responsible for the “assurance” of the CSRD sustainability report for the year 2025.

    Proposed resolution: in accordance with the recommendation by the Board of Directors and upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, the appointment of BDO Réviseurs D’Entreprises SRL (CBE 0431.088.289), represented by Mrs. Ellen Lombaerts, responsible for the “assurance” of the sustainability report of the CSRD, for a period of one year. The fee amounts to EUR 70.000,00 per year (excluding VAT, expenses, IBR contribution and any flat- rate expense allowance for technology and compliances costs) for this assignment.

    12.  Power of Attorney.

    Proposed resolution: granting of a power of attorney to Mr. Mathias Baert and Mrs. Hilde Debontridder, choosing as address Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium, as extraordinary proxy holders, with the right to act individually and with powers of sub-delegation, to whom they grant the power, to represent the Company regarding the fulfilment of the filing and disclosure obligations as set out in the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations and all other applicable legislation. This power of attorney entails that the aforementioned extraordinary proxy holders may take all necessary and useful actions and sign all documents relating to these filing and disclosure obligations, including but not limited to filing the aforementioned decisions with the competent registry of the commercial court, with a view to publication thereof in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette.

    Practical provisions

    Voting and majority

    Shareholders who have validly notified their participation in the General Meeting may vote at the meetings. Shareholders may vote (i) in advance in accordance with the instructions set down below, or (ii) where they have not voted in advance, vote during the meetings.

    Each share shall have one vote. The proposed resolution under agenda item 1 of part 1 of the agenda shall be passed if this is approved by a majority of 75% of the votes validly cast by the shareholders or their representatives. The proposed resolutions under agenda items 1 to 12 of part 2 of the agenda shall be passed if they are approved by a simple majority of 50% of the votes validly cast by the shareholders or their representatives.

    Admission conditions

    The right to attend the General Meeting and to exercise voting rights during such meeting shall be granted solely based on the administrative registration of the shares in the shareholder’s name at 23:59:59 (CET) on 6 May 2025 at the latest, after processing of all entries and deletions as of that date, either (i) through the registration of the registered shares in the Company’s shares register, or (ii) in the event of dematerialized shares, by their registration in the accounts of a certified account holder or intermediary, irrespective of the number of shares that the shareholder is holding on the actual date of the General Meeting. The time and date stated above are deemed to be the registration date.

    In the event of dematerialized shares, the registration of such shares in the accounts of the relevant certified account holder or intermediary shall be proven through a certificate from the relevant certified account holder or intermediary stating how many dematerialized shares were registered in its accounts in the shareholder’s name on the registration date.

    The shareholders shall report on 14 May 2025 at 23:59:59 (CET) at the latest if they wish to participate in the General Meeting. This must be reported via (i) www.abnamro.com/evoting, (ii) by e-mail to secretary.general@unifiedpost.com or (iii) by letter to Unifiedpost Group SA, to the attention of Mathias Baert, Company Secretary, Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium. In the case of dematerialized shares, a statement must be provided by the intervention of a financial intermediary acting on the instruction of the shareholder via www.abnamro.com/intermediary. The intermediaries concerned need to submit a declaration before 15 May 2025 by 13:00 (CET) at the latest that the number of shares held by the participant on the record date and the registration of the shares were notified to ABN AMRO. In addition, the intermediaries are also requested to include the full address details of the relevant underlying shareholders in order to be able to verify in an efficient manner their holding on the record date.

    When informing the Company of their intention to participate in the General Meeting in accordance with the previous paragraph, shareholders shall indicate the number of shares in the Company which (i) were held by the represented shareholder at 23:59:59 (CET) on 6 May 2025, after processing of all entries and deletions as of that date, and (ii) with which they intend to vote at the General Meeting, including the name of the representative or intermediary and its contact details (phone number and e-mail).

    Holders of warrants are permitted to attend the General Meeting (but not to vote) on the condition of compliance with the admission conditions applicable to shareholders.

    The shareholders or their representatives or proxy holders or warrant holders who have fulfilled the participation formalities and have indicated that they intend to physically attend the General Meeting will receive an access card via their financial intermediary in case of dematerialized shares or via ABN AMRO in case of registered shares.

    The possibility of submitting agenda items and/or proposed resolutions

    In accordance with article 7:130 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, one or more shareholders that jointly hold at least 3% of the capital shall have the right to add items on the agenda of the General Meeting and to submit proposed resolutions concerning such (added) items on the agenda. Such requests are to be submitted by e-mail to secretary.general@unifiedpost.com, no later than on 28 April 2025. More detailed information on the conditions for making use of this option is available on the Company’s website.

    On 5 May 2025 at the latest, the agenda, with any such additions, will be published in the Belgian Official Gazette, a national newspaper and a European-wide medium.

    Right to ask questions

    In accordance with article 7:139 of the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations, shareholders who complied with the above conditions for admission may submit questions in writing concerning the agenda items to the directors and/or the statutory auditor. Such questions are to be submitted by e-mail to secretary.general@unifiedpost.com or by letter to Unifiedpost Group SA, to the attention of Mathias Baert, Company Secretary, Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium and this no later than on 14 May 2025. It will also be possible for shareholders who are physically attending the General Meeting to ask questions during the General Meeting.

    These questions, as well as the questions set forth by the shareholders during the General Meeting, will be answered in the course of the General Meeting by, depending on the case, the directors or the statutory auditor. The directors or, as the case may be, the statutory auditor will foresee a reasonable amount of time to answer any questions (+/- 1 hour). Insofar as the communication of data or facts is of a nature to be detrimental to the business interests of the Company or the confidentiality to which the director or Unifiedpost Group have committed themselves, the directors may refuse to answer such questions. The statutory auditor of the Company may also refuse to answer such questions if the communication of data or facts is of a nature to be detrimental to the business interests of the Company or the confidentiality to which the statutory auditor or Unifiedpost Group have committed themselves.

    More detailed information on the right to ask questions is available on the Company website (www.unifiedpost.com).

    Proxies and voting instructions

    Shareholders who wish to be represented by a different person at the General Meeting can indicate this via www.abnamro.com/evoting or via their financial intermediary in case of dematerialized shares no later than 14 May 2025 at 17:00 (CET). In addition, shareholders can make use of the proxy form as prepared by the Board of Directors. This proxy form is available via the website of the Company and  the Company’s registered office. This proxy must be filed at the Company’s registered office, for the attention of the Board of Directors, or sent by email to ava@nl.abnamro.com, in either case no later than at 17:00 (CET) on 14 May 2025.

    In the event of any discrepancy between the different language versions of this convening notice and the other documents relating to the General Meeting, the French version will prevail.

    Availability of documents

    All documents relating to the General Meeting (including this convening notice and the aforementioned proxy form) which the law requires to make available to shareholders are accessible on the Company’s website as from 18 April 2025 in French and English.

    Privacy notice

    The Company is responsible for the processing of the personal data it receives from shareholders, holders of other securities issued by the Company (if any) and proxy holders in the context of the General Meeting of the shareholders in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation. The processing of such personal data will in particular take place for the organization, analysis and management of the participation and voting procedure in relation to the General Meeting, in accordance with the applicable legislation and the Company’s Privacy Policy available at https://www.unifiedpost.com/. These personal data will be transferred to third parties for the purpose of providing assistance in the management of participation and voting procedures, and for analyzing the composition of the shareholder base of the Company. The personal data will not be stored any longer than necessary in light of the aforementioned objectives. Shareholders, holders of other securities issued by the Company and proxy holders can find the Company’s Privacy Policy on the Company’s website. This Privacy Policy contains detailed information regarding the processing of the personal data of, among others, shareholders, holders of other securities issued by the Company and proxy holders, including the rights that they can assert towards the Company in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation. The aforementioned can exercise their rights with regard to their personal data provided to the Company by contacting the Company’s Data Protection Officer via gdpr@unifiedpost.com.

    Contact details Unifiedpost Group SA/NV

    Public limited liability company (“naamloze vennootschap” / “société anonyme“) under Belgian law with registered office at Avenue Reine Astrid 92A, 1310 La Hulpe, Belgium and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0886.277.617.

    E-mail: secretary.general@unifiedpost.com

    Website: www.unifiedpost.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: IMF chief warns of ‘costly’ uncertainty amid recent tariff increases

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday warned that uncertainty is “costly” amid recent tariff increases, noting that rising trade barriers have an immediate impact on growth.

    “Putting together all the recent tariff increases, pauses, escalations, and exemptions, it seems clear that the U.S. effective tariff rate has jumped to levels last seen several lifetimes ago,” Georgieva said in a speech before the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings scheduled for next week.

    “The complexity of modern supply chains means imported inputs feed into a broad range of domestic products. The cost of one item can be affected by tariffs in dozens of countries. In a world of bilateral tariff rates, each of which may be moving up or down, planning becomes difficult,” Georgieva said.

    “The result? Ships at sea not knowing which port to sail to; investment decisions postponed; financial markets volatile; precautionary savings up. The longer uncertainty persists, the larger the cost,” she continued.

    The IMF chief noted that rising trade barriers hit growth “upfront,” and protectionism erodes productivity over the long run, especially in smaller economies.

    The IMF will quantify these costs in its new World Economic Outlook, to be released early next week.

    “In it, our new growth projections will include notable markdowns, but not recession. We will also see markups to the inflation forecasts for some countries,” Georgieva said.

    The IMF chief urged policymakers to redouble efforts to “put their own houses in order,” noting that most countries must “take resolute fiscal action to rebuild policy space,” setting out gradual adjustment paths that respect fiscal frameworks.

    She also called for “agile and credible” monetary policy, along with strong financial regulation and supervision.

    Highlighting the importance of “cooperation in a multi-polar world,” the IMF chief emphasized that trade policy must aim for a settlement among the largest players that preserves openness and delivers a more-level playing field – “to restart a global trend toward lower tariff rates while also reducing nontariff barriers and distortions.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: RBB Bancorp Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.16 Per Common Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ: RBB) and its subsidiaries, Royal Business Bank (“the Bank”) and RBB Asset Management Company (“RAM”), collectively referred to herein as “the Company”, announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share. The dividend is payable on May 12, 2025 to common shareholders of record as of April 30, 2025.

    Corporate Overview

    RBB Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of $4.0 billion. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Business Bank, is a full service commercial bank, which provides consumer and business banking services predominantly to the Asian-centric communities in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Ventura County in California, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York, in Edison, New Jersey, in the Chicago neighborhoods of Chinatown and Bridgeport, Illinois, and on Oahu, Hawaii. Bank services include remote deposit, E-banking, mobile banking, commercial and investor real estate loans, business loans and lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, SBA 7A and 504 loans, 1-4 single family residential loans, trade finance, a full range of depository account products and wealth management services. The Bank has nine branches in Los Angeles County, two branches in Ventura County, one branch in Orange County, California, one branch in Las Vegas, Nevada, three branches and one loan operation center in Brooklyn, three branches in Queens, one branch in Manhattan in New York, one branch in Edison, New Jersey, two branches in Chicago, Illinois, and one branch in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Company’s administrative and lending center is located at 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90017, and its finance and operations center is located at 7025 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, California 90621. The Company’s website address is www.royalbusinessbankusa.com.

    Contacts

    Lynn Hopkins, EVP/Chief Financial Officer, (657) 255-3282

    Safe Harbor

    Certain matters set forth herein (including the exhibits hereto) constitute forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations and our future financial position and operating results. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; the potential for additional material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting or other potential control deficiencies of which the Company is not currently aware or which have not been detected; business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, nationally and within our current and future geographic markets, including the tight labor market, ineffective management of the U.S. federal budget or debt or turbulence or uncertainly in domestic of foreign financial markets; the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity and regulatory responses to these developments; our ability to attract and retain deposits and access other sources of liquidity; possible additional provisions for credit losses and charge-offs; credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality; extensive laws and regulations and supervision that we are subject to, including potential supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities; increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation, including any amendments to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; fluctuations in interest rates; risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets; inflation and deflation; real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral; the effects of having concentrations in our loan portfolio, including commercial real estate and the risks of geographic and industry concentrations; environmental liabilities; our ability to compete with larger competitors; our ability to retain key personnel; successful management of reputational risk; severe weather, natural disasters, earthquakes, fires, such as the recent California wildfires; or other adverse external events could harm our business; geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East and increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, which could impact business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad; public health crises and pandemics, and their effects on the economic and business environments in which we operate, including our credit quality and business operations, as well as the impact on general economic and financial market conditions; general economic or business conditions in Asia, and other regions where the Bank has operations; failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems; climate change, including any enhanced regulatory, compliance, credit and reputational risks and costs; cybersecurity threats and the cost of defending against them; our ability to adapt our systems to the expanding use of technology in banking; risk management processes and strategies; adverse results in legal proceedings; the impact of regulatory enforcement actions, if any; certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company; changes in tax laws and regulations; the impact of governmental efforts to restructure the U.S. financial regulatory system; the impact of future or recent changes in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance assessment rate of the rules and regulations related to the calculation of the FDIC insurance assessment amount; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standards setters, including Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 (Topic 326, “Measurement of Current Losses on Financial Instruments, commonly referenced as the Current Expected Credit Losses Model, which changed how we estimate credit losses and may further increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses in future periods; market disruption and volatility; fluctuations in the Company’s stock price; restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure; issuances of preferred stock; our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, and the potential resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; the soundness of other financial institutions; our ongoing relations with our various federal and state regulators, including the SEC, FDIC, FRB and California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (“DFPI”); our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items and all other factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report as filed under Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law. Any statements about future operating results, such as those concerning accretion and dilution to the Company’s earnings or shareholders, are for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts, and actual results may differ.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: China improves cross-border flow of financial data

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has issued a guideline to facilitate and regulate cross-border flow of financial data amid efforts to boost high-standard opening up of the financial sector, the central bank said Thursday.

    The guideline, released by six departments, including the People’s Bank of China and the National Financial Regulatory Administration, aims to improve efficiency and compliance of cross-border flow of financial data.

    It further clarifies the conditions for data export and specifies the list of data items permitted for cross-border transfer to facilitate smoother data flow.

    Regarding areas such as cross-border payments, remittances, account openings, and shopping, the guideline specifies scenarios where data export is exempt from security assessments for outbound data transfers, where personal information export standard contracts can be signed, or where data export is permitted through personal information protection certification.

    For cases where data cross-border compliance obligations cannot be exempted but practical needs require data export, the guideline has categorized over 60 common financial business scenarios.

    Financial institutions should adopt effective data security protection efforts and technical measures to safeguard data security, according to the guideline.

    Industry experts believe that providing financial institutions with clear regulatory guidance will facilitate safer, more orderly, and efficient cross-border data flow in the financial sector. This will help create a more business-friendly and inclusive environment, further enhancing international competitiveness, as well as influence in rule-making.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jordan — IMF Staff Reach Staff Level Agreement on the Third Review under the Extended Fund Facility and Make Progress Toward a Program Supported under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    April 17, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Jordan’s economic program supported by an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement is firmly on track despite considerable external headwinds. The authorities continue to demonstrate strong commitment to sound macro-economic policies and structural reforms to strengthen Jordan’s resilience, confront uncertainty, and accelerate growth.
    • After a slowdown in 2024, affected by the spillovers from the conflicts in the region, domestic demand and tourism show signs of recovery. This combined with steadfast implementation of structural reforms to create a more dynamic private sector is expected to bring growth to 2.7 percent in 2025. Inflation is expected to remain around 2 percent, as the CBJ continues to successfully safeguard monetary stability and the peg to the US dollar.
    • Substantial progress was made toward agreement on an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility to address Jordan’s long-term vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and to enhance its ability to address health emergencies, including future pandemics. Discussions are expected to be continued with the aim to reach agreement soon.

    Amman: A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Ron van Rooden, visited Amman during April 6–17, 2025, for discussions on the third review under the arrangement under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which was approved by the IMF’s Executive Board on January 10, 2024 (Press Release). Discussions were also held on an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. van Rooden issued the following statement:

    “We are pleased to announce that the IMF team and the Jordanian authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the third review of the authorities’ economic reform program supported by the EFF arrangement, approved in January 2024. Program performance continues to be strong, despite a challenging external environment. All quantitative performance criteria for the third review were met and steady progress is being made toward achieving the program’s overall objectives, including strong progress toward meeting the structural benchmarks for this and future reviews. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s management and the Executive Board. The completion of this review will make SDR 97.784 million (about US$130 million) available, out of the approved program size of SDR 926.370 million (about US$1.2 billion).  

    “Jordan’s economy continues to show resilience and macro-economic stability has been maintained, despite considerable external headwinds from the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and heightened uncertainty, thanks to authorities’ steady pursuit of sound macro-economic policies and international support. Growth slowed somewhat, but still reached 2.5 percent and inflation remained low, at less than 2 percent in 2024. The budget deficit target was met, as strong measures offset the loss in revenues due to lower domestic demand and lower prices of key export commodities. The current account deficit widened somewhat to 5.9 percent of GDP, in part reflecting lower tourism receipts.

    “Despite increased global uncertainty, including as a result of higher trade tensions and continued conflicts in the region, growth in Jordan has started to pick up pace and is projected to reach 2.7 percent in 2025, as domestic activity and tourism are recovering and investment inflows have increased. The current account deficit is expected to be contained at 5.5 percent of GDP, with higher tourism receipts offsetting higher imports and possible adverse effects on exports from higher trade barriers. Inflation is expected to remain low, at just over 2 percent, reflecting the CBJ’s unwavering commitment to maintaining monetary stability. The CBJ remains firmly committed to the exchange rate peg to the U.S. dollar, which is supported by strong international reserves. Meanwhile, the banking sector continues to demonstrate resilience, with strong capitalization and sound financial health. Barring additional shocks, growth is expected to pick up pace further in the coming years, to over 3 percent, fueled by several large investment projects, including the Aqaba Amman Conveyor project, while deeper regional economic integration, notably with Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, could further enhance growth prospects.

    “The authorities remain committed to their fiscal policy anchor of placing public debt on a steady downward path, while protecting priority social and development spending. To achieve this, and to cement the progress made in the last few years, the authorities are committed to continuing efforts at mobilizing revenues, improving spending efficiency, and ensuring the financial viability and efficiency of public utilities and the social security corporation (SSC). Steady fiscal consolidation will continue in 2025–28, aiming to bring public debt to 80 percent of GDP by 2028.

    “The authorities are determined to step up the pace of structural reforms to achieve stronger growth and generate more jobs, which is particularly important given that unemployment remains high, particularly among the youth and women. Reforms will focus on improving the business environment, to attract more investment, by enhancing competition and labor market flexibility, while further strengthening the social safety net. Efforts will also focus on streamlining regulation and digitalization of government services, including tax and customs administration.  

    “Substantial progress was made in discussing policies to address Jordan’s long-term vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and to enhance its ability to address health emergencies, including future pandemics, and which could be supported by an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Discussions are expected to be continued in the coming days aiming to be concluded in Washington DC.

    “The staff team is grateful to the authorities for the candid and constructive discussions. The team met with Prime Minister Hassan, Minister of Finance Shibli, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Toukan, Minister of Economic Affairs Shehadeh, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan Al-Sharkas; and other Ministers and senior government and CBJ officials.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/04/17/pr25113-jordan-imf-staff-reach-sla-3rd-rev-under-eff-make-prog-toward-program-supp-under-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Self-prohibition on concluding consumer credit agreements (loans): user profile

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    March 1, 2025 successfully launched new mechanismcombating fraud, which allows citizens to establish in their credit history a self-prohibition on banks and microfinance organizations concluding consumer credit (loan) agreements with them.

    Number of citizens who have established self-prohibition

    more than 8.1 million citizens

    used the service to establish a self-prohibition for the first month

    Every citizen with a TIN is given the opportunity to set (remove) a self-prohibition free of charge and any number of times, and to obtain information about whether he has a self-prohibition by submitting an application to qualified credit history bureaus through State Services.

    The most popular type of self-prohibition

    Total ban

    92% of citizens who established a self-prohibition chose a complete ban

    By type of prohibition

    Age of citizens who showed the greatest interest in self-prohibition

    over 40 years old

    age of 70% of citizens who have established self-prohibition

     

    By age

    Credit obligations of citizens who have established a self-prohibition

    74%

    citizens who have established self-prohibition have or had credit obligations

    By type of obligations

    By type of prohibition (there are no and were no obligations)

    By type of prohibition (having/had obligations)

    It should be noted that 44% of citizens who set a self-prohibition did not have any current credit obligations at the time of its setting.

    26% of citizens who set up a self-prohibition never had any credit obligations. Mostly, such citizens set up a complete self-prohibition.

    Clients who only have active loans in microfinance organizations practically did not use the new instrument (less than 1% of citizens who set a self-prohibition).

    90% of citizens who previously had microloans and took advantage of the new mechanism have established a complete ban.

    Credit activity of citizens who have established self-prohibition (taking into account repaid obligations)

    Among citizens who have established self-prohibition, 31% had or currently have from 2 to 5 obligations, 27% have more than 6 obligations.

    Popularity of self-prohibition in the subjects of the Russian Federation

    19%

    citizens who have established self-prohibition live in Moscow and the Moscow region

    The leaders in the number of self-prohibitions established in the Russian Federation in the first month of the launch of the self-prohibition mechanism were residents of:

    * In each of the subjects of the Russian Federation.

    Moscow and Moscow region more than 19%
    Saint Petersburg more than 5%
    Rostov region, Sverdlovsk region, Republic of Bashkortostan and Krasnodar region* more than 3%

    Subjects of the Russian Federation in which the service of establishing a self-prohibition, based on the results of the first month of operation of such a mechanism, became the most in demand by citizens (more than 7% of the total population of each of the specified subjects of the Russian Federation):

    Nenets Autonomous Okrug; Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug; Komi Republic; Saint Petersburg; Republic of Karelia; Moscow Region; Kamchatka Krai; Moscow; Murmansk Region; Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Self-prohibition of credits and loans: user profile

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    About 92% of citizens who set a self-prohibition in the first month of the service’s operation chose the option of a complete self-prohibition – a refusal to receive loans and credits from banks and microfinance organizations (MFOs) remotely and in person. This is evidenced by information from the Bank of Russia, based on data from credit history bureaus.

    44% of people who took advantage of the self-prohibition have no current credit obligations, including 26% who have never had such obligations.

    Citizens who only have active loans from microfinance organizations practically did not use the new instrument (less than 1% of citizens who set a self-prohibition).

    The leaders in the number of self-prohibitions established were residents of Moscow and the Moscow region (more than 19% of the number of citizens who established self-prohibitions in Russia), St. Petersburg (more than 5%), Rostov and Sverdlovsk regions, the Republic of Bashkortostan and Krasnodar Krai (more than 3% in each region).

    Over the first month, more than 8.1 million people used the self-prohibition service, which indicates a high demand for the new tool to combat fraud.

    More details about the portrait of a citizen who established a self-prohibition during the first month of its operation, read on the website of the Bank of Russia.

    Preview photo: Suri_Studio / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23560

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Exports and Imports Decline Moderately in Q1

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Exports in the first quarter of 2025 decreased compared to the same period last year due to lower world prices for oil and coal, a reduction in oil production, and the termination of gas transit to the EU. Demand for imports decreased in the context of an increase in the recycling fee and higher rates in the economy.

    At the same time, the value of imports decreased less than exports. As a result, the current account surplus decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

    Read more in the quarterly issue of the information and analytical commentary “Balance of Payments of the Russian Federation”.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23561

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Waterstone Financial Announces Director Retirement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUWATOSA, Wis., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Company”), announced today that Michael Hansen has decided to retire as a Director of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary WaterStone Bank SSB.

    Mr. Hansen has been a director of the Company since 2003.  Mr. Hansen serves as a member and the chair of the Company’s Audit Committee and as a member of the Company’s Board Executive Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Hansen will remain a Director of the Company and WaterStone Bank, and continue to serve as chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Board Executive Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee until a successor has been elected to the Company’s Board of Directors.

    During this period of transition, Mr. Hansen will be selling shares of Company stock as part of his broader retirement and estate planning objectives.

    “I thank Mike for his 22 years of service and valued leadership for our company,” said Patrick Lawton, Chairman of the Company. “Mike has been vital member of our board and a strong leader of the Audit Committee and we are grateful for Mike’s commitment to continue to serve the Company as we work to identify a successor.”

    About Waterstone Financial, Inc:

    Waterstone Financial, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for WaterStone Bank, a community-focused financial institution established in 1921. WaterStone Bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products and operates 14 branch locations across southeastern Wisconsin. WaterStone Bank is also the parent company of WaterStone Mortgage Corporation, a national lender licensed in 48 states.

    With a long-standing commitment to innovation, integrity, and community service, Waterstone Financial, Inc. supports the financial and homeownership goals of customers nationwide.

    For more information about WaterStone Bank, visit wsbonline.com.

    Contact:
    Mark R. Gerke
    Chief Financial Officer
    414.459.4012
    markgerke@wsbonline.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Commercial Banking Officer Hiring

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OAKDALE, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp (NASDAQ: OVLY), announced that Emma Brandstad has joined the bank as a Commercial Banking Officer. She will be based in the Stockton Office located at 2935 West March Lane.

    Brandstad has nearly three years of experience in commercial lending and portfolio lending. In her new role, she will focus on business development, managing loan portfolios, and fostering strong client relationships.

    Brandstad earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from CSU Fresno, graduating Magna Cum Laude and holds a California Real Estate License. She is a member of Young Farmers and Ranchers. Outside of work, she is a Crossfit trainer at LindenFit, enjoys gardening, camping, wine tasting, and spending time with her family and dogs Lexy and Lucy.

    “We are excited to welcome Emma to Oak Valley,” stated Gary Stephens, Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking Group. “Her deep roots in Stockton and the surrounding communities, combined with her lending experience and relationship-focused approach, make her a valuable asset to our team.”

    Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank & their Eastern Sierra Community Bank division, through which it offers a variety of loan and deposit products to individuals and small businesses. They currently operate through 18 conveniently located branches: Oakdale, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, Manteca, Tracy, Sacramento, Roseville, two branches in Sonora, three branches in Modesto, and three branches in their Eastern Sierra division, which includes Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop. The company will open its 19th branch location in Lodi later this year.

    For more information, call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com.

    Contact: Chris Courtney/Rick McCarty
    Phone: (209) 848-BANK (2265)
      Toll Free (866) 8447500
      www.ovcb.com 

         
                 
            

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Promotions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OAKDALE, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp (NASDAQ: OVLY), announced the promotions of Greg Mulder to Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer and John Westberg to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer. Mulder is based out of the Escalon Office and Westberg is based in Oakdale.

    Mulder joined the bank nearly 11 years ago and had advanced from Credit Analyst to AVP Commercial Credit Officer prior to this promotion. He’s known for managing some of the bank’s largest and most complex C&I relationships and consistently reflects the bank’s core values through customer service and collaboration. In his new role, Mulder will oversee a significant C&I loan portfolio and continue delivering tailored lending solutions. He is an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Ripon and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Dordt University. Mulder lives in Ripon with his wife, Janelle, and their two children. He enjoys outdoor activities, running, sports, and traveling with his family.

    Westberg joined the bank seven years ago, progressing from Credit Analyst to Commercial Credit Officer. He has played key roles in initiatives like the Paycheck Protection Program and regularly contributes across departments. In his new role, Westberg will focus on portfolio management, client growth, and strategic projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from CSU Stanislaus and an MBA in finance from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Outside of work, he attends Heritage Church in Escalon, farms almonds, plays brass instruments, enjoys golfing, and loves traveling with his family. He lives in Oakdale with his wife, Sarah, and their two children.

    “We’re excited for Greg and John to step into their new roles,” said Gary Stephens, Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking Group. “Their expertise, leadership, and dedication make them invaluable to our team. We’re confident they’ll continue to thrive and contribute to the bank’s success.”

    Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank & their Eastern Sierra Community Bank division, through which it offers a variety of loan and deposit products to individuals and small businesses. They currently operate through 18 conveniently located branches: Oakdale, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, Manteca, Tracy, Sacramento, Roseville, two branches in Sonora, three branches in Modesto, and three branches in their Eastern Sierra division, which includes Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop. The company will open its 19th branch location in Lodi later this year.

    For more information, call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com.

    Contact: Chris Courtney/Rick McCarty
    Phone: (209) 848-BANK (2265)
      Toll Free (866) 8447500
      www.ovcb.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. Announces First Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOWELL, Mass., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (“Enterprise”) (NASDAQ: EBTC), parent of Enterprise Bank, announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net income amounted to $10.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $10.7 million, or $0.86 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $8.5 million, or $0.69 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    On December 9, 2024, Enterprise announced its intention to merge with Rockland Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ: INDB). The proposed merger is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. As previously announced, Enterprise shareholders approved of the proposed merger on April 3, 2025. No vote of Independent Bank Corp. shareholders is required.

    Selected financial results at or for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024, were as follows:

    • The returns on average assets and average equity were 0.87% and 11.45%, respectively.
    • Tax-equivalent net interest margin (non-GAAP) (“net interest margin”) was 3.32%.
    • Total loans amounted to $4.05 billion, an increase of 1.7%.
    • Total customer deposits (non-GAAP) amounted to $4.15 billion, a decrease of 0.9%.
    • Wealth assets under management and administration amounted to $1.51 billion, a decrease of 1.6%.

    Chief Executive Officer Steven Larochelle commented, “As we continue to work toward the upcoming merger with Rockland Trust, I am pleased to announce our team delivered strong results in the first quarter. Loan growth was solid at 1.7% for the quarter and 11% for the last twelve months. Operating results compared to the prior year quarter were positively impacted by net interest income growth of 10% resulting from strong loan growth and an increase in net interest margin.”

    Executive Chairman & Founder George Duncan stated, “Our anticipated merger with Rockland Trust has been well received by our shareholders, customers and communities with shareholders approving the merger on April 3rd. The planning for our integration into Rockland Trust is going well and the anticipated synergies and cultural alignment of our two banks remains attractive.”

    Net Interest Income
    Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $38.7 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 10%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to an increase in loan interest income of $6.6 million, partially offset by increases in deposit interest expense of $1.0 million and borrowings interest expense of $1.0 million as well as a decrease in income on other interest-earning assets of $637 thousand.

    Net Interest Margin
    Net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, amounted to 3.32%, 3.29% and 3.20%, respectively.

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company sold non-performing loans with a net book value of $956 thousand, resulting in net recoveries of $461 thousand and loan interest income of $486 thousand. The sale of non-performing loans impacted both loan yields and net interest margin favorably by 5 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Three months ended – March 31, 2025, compared to March 31, 2024

    The increase in net interest margin was due to loan growth and, to a lesser extent, an increase in loan yields, partially offset by increases in the average balance of funding liabilities and funding costs.

    The increase in interest-earning asset yields of 21 basis points was due primarily to loan repricing and originations at higher interest rates, partially offset by an increase in funding costs of 9 basis points driven by higher market rates and increases in certificate of deposits and borrowed funds.

    Provision for Credit Losses
    The provision for credit losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, are presented below:

        Three months ended   Increase / (Decrease)
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,
    2025
      March 31,
    2024
    Provision for credit losses on loans – collectively evaluated   $                         685     $                         417     $                         268  
    Provision for credit losses on loans – individually evaluated                             (565 )                            1,451                            (2,016 )
    Provision for credit losses on loans                               120                              1,868                            (1,748 )
                 
    Provision for unfunded commitments                               211                            (1,246 )                            1,457  
                 
    Provision for credit losses   $                         331     $                         622     $                       (291 )

    The provision for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans of $685 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, resulted mainly from loan growth, partially offset by net recoveries, which were primarily from the sale of non-performing loans noted above.

    The decrease in the provision for credit losses of $291 thousand, compared to the prior year quarter, was due primarily to a net decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans of $2.0 million, partially offset by an increase in reserves for unfunded commitments of $1.5 million.

    The decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans was due primarily to two commercial relationships that experienced improvement in their collateral valuation compared to the prior year period, while the increase in reserves for unfunded commitments resulted primarily from an increase in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.

    Non-Interest Income
    Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $5.2 million, a decrease of $307 thousand, or 6%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in gains on equity securities of $766 thousand, partially offset by an increase in wealth management fees of $247 thousand.

    Non-Interest Expense
    Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $29.9 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 4%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense of $760 thousand and merger-related expenses of $290 thousand.

    Income Taxes
    The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to 23.3%, compared to 23.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Balance Sheet
    Total assets amounted to $4.90 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $4.83 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%.

    Total investment securities at fair value amounted to $603.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $593.6 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was largely attributable to a decrease in unrealized losses on debt securities resulting from decreases in market interest rates during the period, partially offset by principal pay-downs, calls and maturities. Unrealized losses on debt securities amounted to $79.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $101.8 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of 22%.

    Total loans amounted to $4.05 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $3.98 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in commercial real estate loans of $70.2 million.

    Total deposits amounted to $4.30 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $4.19 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 3%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in brokered deposits of $150.0 million. Excluding brokered deposits, total deposits decreased $37.0 million during the first quarter of 2025.

    Total borrowed funds amounted to $94.5 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $153.1 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of 38%. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2025, resulted primarily from the increase in brokered deposits during the period.

    Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $385.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $360.7 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of 7%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $17.0 million and an increase in retained earnings of $7.3 million.

    Credit Quality

    Selected credit quality metrics at March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024, were as follows:

    • The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans amounted to $64.0 million, or 1.58% of total loans, compared to $63.5 million, or 1.59% of total loans. The decrease in the ACL for loans to total loan ratio was due primarily to a decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans.
    • The reserve for unfunded commitments (included in other liabilities) amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $4.4 million. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.
    • Non-performing loans amounted to $28.5 million, or 0.70% of total loans, compared to $26.7 million, or 0.67% of total loans.

    Net recoveries for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $424 thousand, or 0.04% of average total loans, which included $461 thousand in recoveries from the sale of non-performing loans noted above. Net charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $122 thousand, or 0.01% of average total loans.

    Wealth Management
    Wealth assets under management and administration, which are not carried as assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, amounted to $1.51 billion at March 31, 2025, a decrease of $24.7 million, or 2%, compared to December 31, 2024, resulting primarily from a decrease in market values.

    ABOUT ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation that conducts substantially all its operations through Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, commonly referred to as Enterprise Bank, and has reported 142 consecutive profitable quarters. Enterprise Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and investing in commercial loans and investment securities. Through Enterprise Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial, residential and consumer loan products, deposit products and cash management services, electronic and digital banking options, as well as wealth management, and trust services. The Company’s headquarters and Enterprise Bank’s main office are located at 222 Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary market area is the Northern Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Northern Worcester counties of Massachusetts and the Southern Hillsborough and Southern Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Enterprise Bank has 27 full-service branches located in the Massachusetts communities of Acton, Andover, Billerica (2), Chelmsford (2), Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell (2), Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury (2), Tyngsborough and Westford and in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Londonderry, Nashua (2), Pelham, Salem and Windham.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This earnings release contains statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by references to a future period or periods or by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “upcoming,” “estimate,” “assume,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” and other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements should not be relied on because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, (i) disruption from the proposed merger with Independent; (ii) the risk that the proposed merger with Independent may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed merger with Independent; (iv) the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed merger with Independent; (v) the ability to successfully integrate the combined business; (vi) the possibility that the amount of the costs, fees, expenses, and charges related to the proposed merger with Independent may be greater than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected or unknown factors, events, or liabilities; (vii) the failure of the conditions to the proposed merger with Independent to be satisfied; (viii) reputational risk and the reaction of the parties’ customers to the proposed merger with Independent; (xi) the risk of potential litigation or regulatory action related to the proposed merger with Independent; (x) the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; (xi) potential recession in the United States and our market areas; (xii) the impacts related to or resulting from uncertainty in the banking industry as a whole; (xiii) increased competition for deposits and related changes in deposit customer behavior; (xiv) the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to a continuation of the elevated interest rate environment or further reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; (xv) the lingering inflationary pressures, and the risk of the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation, in the United States and our market areas; (xvi) the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (xvii) increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; (xviii) adverse changes in customer spending and savings habits; (xix) declines in commercial real estate values and prices; (xx) a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt or uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; (xxi) cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks; (xxii) severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events, including as a result of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade and tariff policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers; (xxiii) the effect of volatility in the capital markets on our fee income from our wealth management business; (xxiv) competition and market expansion opportunities; (xxv) changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; (xxvi) changes in tax laws; (xxvii) the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; (xxviii) potential increased costs related to the impacts of climate change; and (xxix) current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For more information about these factors, please see our reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty, and specifically disclaim any duty, to update or revise any such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
    This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    In connection with the proposed transaction between Independent and Enterprise, Independent has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that includes a proxy statement for a special meeting of Enterprise’s shareholders to approve the proposed transaction and that also constitutes a prospectus for the Independent common stock that will be issued in the proposed transaction, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF INDEPENDENT AND ENTERPRISE ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT INDEPENDENT, ENTERPRISE AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Copies of the Registration Statement and of the proxy statement/prospectus and other filings incorporated by reference therein, as well as other filings containing information about Independent and Enterprise, can be obtained, free of charge, as they become available at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Independent Investor Relations, 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370, telephone (774) 363-9872 or to Enterprise Bancorp, Inc., 222 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, Attention: Corporate Secretary, telephone (978) 656-5578.

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (unaudited)
     
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents:            
    Cash and due from banks   $       52,194     $       42,689     $       41,443  
    Interest-earning deposits with banks             34,543               41,152             106,391  
    Total cash and cash equivalents             86,737               83,841             147,834  
    Investments:            
    Debt securities at fair value (amortized cost of $674,601, $685,766 and $749,561 respectively)           594,691             583,930             643,924  
    Equity securities at fair value               9,242                 9,665                 8,102  
    Total investment securities at fair value           603,933             593,595             652,026  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock               4,932                 7,093                 2,482  
    Loans held for sale               1,069                    520                    400  
    Loans:            
    Total loans        4,049,642          3,982,898          3,654,322  
    Allowance for credit losses           (64,042 )           (63,498 )           (60,741 )
    Net loans        3,985,600          3,919,400          3,593,581  
    Premises and equipment, net             41,464               42,444               44,671  
    Lease right-of-use asset             23,946               24,126               24,645  
    Accrued interest receivable             21,782               20,553               20,501  
    Deferred income taxes, net             42,338               49,096               47,903  
    Bank-owned life insurance             67,927               67,421               65,878  
    Prepaid income taxes               4,099                 2,583                 5,771  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets             11,006               11,398               12,667  
    Goodwill               5,656                 5,656                 5,656  
    Total assets   $ 4,900,489     $ 4,827,726     $ 4,624,015  
    Liabilities and Shareholders Equity            
    Liabilities            
    Deposits:            
    Customer deposits   $ 4,150,668     $ 4,187,698     $ 4,106,119  
    Brokered deposits           149,975                      —                      —  
    Total deposits        4,300,643          4,187,698          4,106,119  
    Borrowed funds             94,493             153,136               63,246  
    Subordinated debt             59,894               59,815               59,577  
    Lease liability             23,699               23,849               24,303  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities             29,422               33,425               30,945  
    Accrued interest payable               6,983                 9,055                 6,386  
    Total liabilities        4,515,134          4,466,978          4,290,576  
    Commitments and Contingencies            
    Shareholders Equity            
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued                    —                      —                      —  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 12,510,019, 12,447,308 and 12,376,562 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.                  125                    124                    124  
    Additional paid-in capital           111,621             111,295             108,246  
    Retained earnings           335,568             328,243             306,943  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss           (61,959 )           (78,914 )           (81,874 )
    Total shareholders’ equity           385,355             360,748             333,439  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 4,900,489     $ 4,827,726     $ 4,624,015  
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (unaudited)
     
        Three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Interest and dividend income:            
    Other interest-earning assets   $               535     $               833     $            1,172
    Investment securities                  3,608                    3,881                    4,034
    Loans and loans held for sale                55,408                  54,528                  48,817
    Total interest and dividend income                59,551                  59,242                  54,023
    Interest expense:            
    Deposits                18,288                  19,488                  17,272
    Borrowed funds                  1,706                       394                       694
    Subordinated debt                     867                       867                       867
    Total interest expense                20,861                  20,749                  18,833
    Net interest income                38,690                  38,493                  35,190
    Provision for credit losses                     331                     (106 )                     622
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses                38,359                  38,599                  34,568
    Non-interest income:            
    Wealth management fees                  2,097                    2,043                    1,850
    Deposit and interchange fees                  2,157                    2,240                    2,069
    Income on bank-owned life insurance, net                     506                       522                       458
    Net gains on sales of loans                       47                         33                         22
    Net (losses) gains on equity securities                   (301 )                     (30 )                     465
    Other income                     682                       808                       631
    Total non-interest income                  5,188                    5,616                    5,495
    Non-interest expense:            
    Salaries and employee benefits                19,936                  19,276                  19,176
    Occupancy and equipment expenses                  2,582                    2,364                    2,459
    Technology and telecommunications expenses                  2,709                    2,687                    2,745
    Advertising and public relations expenses                     752                       609                       743
    Audit, legal and other professional fees                     541                       460                       734
    Deposit insurance premiums                     878                       950                       859
    Supplies and postage expenses                     229                       242                       237
    Merger-related expenses                     290                    1,137                         —
    Other operating expenses                  2,032                    2,117                    1,955
    Total non-interest expense                29,949                  29,842                  28,908
    Income before income taxes                13,598                  14,373                  11,155
    Provision for income taxes                  3,163                    3,646                    2,648
    Net income   $          10,435     $          10,727     $            8,507
                 
    Basic earnings per common share   $              0.84     $              0.86     $              0.69
    Diluted earnings per common share   $              0.84     $              0.86     $              0.69
                 
    Basic weighted average common shares outstanding         12,464,721           12,433,895           12,292,417
    Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding         12,495,458           12,460,063           12,304,203
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Ratios
    (unaudited)
         
        At or for the three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Balance Sheet Data                    
    Total cash and cash equivalents   $        86,737     $        83,841     $        88,632     $      199,719     $      147,834  
    Total investment securities at fair value            603,933              593,595              631,975              636,838              652,026  
    Total loans         4,049,642           3,982,898           3,858,940           3,768,649           3,654,322  
    Allowance for credit losses           (64,042 )           (63,498 )           (63,654 )           (61,999 )           (60,741 )
    Total assets         4,900,489           4,827,726           4,742,809           4,773,681           4,624,015  
    Customer deposits         4,150,668           4,187,698           4,189,461           4,248,801           4,106,119  
    Brokered deposits            149,975                       —                       —                       —                       —  
    Borrowed funds              94,493              153,136                59,949                61,785                63,246  
    Subordinated debt              59,894                59,815                59,736                59,657                59,577  
    Total shareholders’ equity            385,355              360,748              368,109              340,441              333,439  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity         4,900,489           4,827,726           4,742,809           4,773,681           4,624,015  
                         
    Wealth Management                    
    Wealth assets under management   $   1,214,050     $   1,230,014     $   1,212,076     $   1,129,147     $   1,105,036  
    Wealth assets under administration   $      297,233     $      305,930     $      302,891     $      267,529     $      268,074  
                         
    Shareholders’ Equity Ratios                    
    Book value per common share   $          30.80     $          28.98     $          29.62     $          27.40     $          26.94  
    Dividends paid per common share   $            0.25     $            0.24     $            0.24     $            0.24     $            0.24  
                         
    Regulatory Capital Ratios                    
    Total capital to risk weighted assets     13.06 %     13.06 %     13.07 %     13.07 %     13.20 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets(1)     10.39 %     10.38 %     10.36 %     10.34 %     10.43 %
    Tier 1 capital to average assets     8.98 %     8.94 %     8.68 %     8.76 %     8.85 %
                         
    Credit Quality Data                    
    Non-performing loans   $        28,479     $        26,687     $        25,946     $        17,731     $        18,527  
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.70 %     0.67 %     0.67 %     0.47 %     0.51 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.58 %     0.55 %     0.55 %     0.37 %     0.40 %
    ACL for loans to total loans     1.58 %     1.59 %     1.65 %     1.65 %     1.66 %
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs   $          (424 )   $             221     $              (7 )   $          (130 )   $             122  
                         
    Income Statement Data                    
    Net interest income   $        38,690     $        38,493     $        38,020     $        36,161     $        35,190  
    Provision for credit losses                   331                  (106 )                1,332                     137                     622  
    Total non-interest income                5,188                  5,616                  6,140                  5,628                  5,495  
    Total non-interest expense              29,949                29,842                29,353                29,029                28,908  
    Income before income taxes              13,598                14,373                13,475                12,623                11,155  
    Provision for income taxes                3,163                  3,646                  3,488                  3,111                  2,648  
    Net income   $        10,435     $        10,727     $          9,987     $          9,512     $          8,507  
                         
    Income Statement Ratios                    
    Diluted earnings per common share   $            0.84     $            0.86     $            0.80     $            0.77     $            0.69  
    Return on average total assets     0.87 %     0.89 %     0.82 %     0.82 %     0.75 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity     11.45 %     11.82 %     11.20 %     11.55 %     10.47 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)(2)     3.32 %     3.29 %     3.22 %     3.19 %     3.20 %
    (1) Ratio also represents common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets as of the periods presented.
    (2) Tax-equivalent net interest margin is net interest income adjusted for the tax-equivalent effect associated with tax-exempt loan and investment income, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Loan and Deposit Data
    (unaudited)
     
    Major classifications of loans at the dates indicated were as follows:
     
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Commercial real estate owner-occupied   $      708,645     $      704,634     $      660,063     $      660,478     $      635,420  
    Commercial real estate non owner-occupied         1,629,394           1,563,201           1,579,827           1,544,386           1,524,174  
    Commercial and industrial            483,165              479,821              415,642              426,976              417,604  
    Commercial construction            664,936              679,969              674,434              622,094              583,711  
    Total commercial loans         3,486,140           3,427,625           3,329,966           3,253,934           3,160,909  
                         
    Residential mortgages            450,456              443,096              424,030              413,323              400,093  
    Home equity loans and lines            105,779              103,858                95,982                93,220                85,144  
    Consumer                7,267                  8,319                  8,962                  8,172                  8,176  
    Total retail loans            563,502              555,273              528,974              514,715              493,413  
    Total loans         4,049,642           3,982,898           3,858,940           3,768,649           3,654,322  
                         
    ACL for loans           (64,042 )           (63,498 )           (63,654 )           (61,999 )           (60,741 )
    Net loans   $   3,985,600     $   3,919,400     $   3,795,286     $   3,706,650     $   3,593,581  
    Deposits are summarized at the periods indicated were as follows:
     
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Non-interest checking   $     1,028,326   $     1,077,998   $     1,064,424   $     1,041,771   $     1,038,887
    Interest-bearing checking              715,517              699,671              682,050              788,822              730,819
    Savings              284,960              270,367              279,824              294,566              285,090
    Money market           1,437,907           1,454,443           1,488,437           1,504,551           1,469,181
    CDs $250,000 or less              393,890              377,958              375,055              358,149              337,367
    CDs greater than $250,000              290,068              307,261              299,671              260,942              244,775
    Total customer deposits           4,150,668           4,187,698           4,189,461           4,248,801           4,106,119
    Brokered deposits              149,975                       —                       —                       —                       —
     Deposits   $     4,300,643   $     4,187,698   $     4,189,461   $     4,248,801   $     4,106,119
    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Yields (tax-equivalent basis)
    (unaudited)
     
    The following table presents the Company’s average balance sheets, net interest income and average rates for the periods indicated:
     
        Three months ended March 31, 2025   Three months ended December 31, 2024   Three months ended March 31, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average
    Balance
      Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
    Assets:                                    
    Other interest-earning assets(2)   $            44,673   $           535   4.86 %   $            68,224   $           833   4.85 %   $            86,078   $         1,172   5.48 %
    Investment securities(3) (tax-equivalent)                689,138               3,705   2.15 %                704,629               3,985   2.26 %                763,692               4,157   2.18 %
    Loans and loans held for sale(4) (tax-equivalent)              4,015,667             55,555   5.60 %              3,911,386             54,673   5.56 %              3,608,157             48,960   5.46 %
    Total interest-earnings assets (tax-equivalent)              4,749,478             59,795   5.10 %              4,684,239             59,491   5.06 %              4,457,927             54,289   4.89 %
    Other assets                  98,003                        101,952                          91,794        
    Total assets   $        4,847,481           $        4,786,191           $        4,549,721        
                                         
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                                    
    Non-interest checking   $        1,034,122                   —       $        1,106,823                   —       $        1,069,145                   —    
    Interest checking, savings and money market              2,405,722             10,332   1.74 %              2,471,854             11,728   1.89 %              2,418,947             11,356   1.89 %
    CDs                686,689               7,121   4.21 %                683,248               7,760   4.52 %                549,097               5,916   4.33 %
    Brokered deposits                  76,647                 835   4.42 %                        —                   —   %                        —                   —   %
    Total deposits              4,203,180             18,288   1.68 %              4,261,925             19,488   1.82 %              4,037,189             17,272   1.72 %
    Borrowed funds                154,911               1,706   4.47 %                  37,812                 394   4.15 %                  63,627                 694   4.38 %
    Subordinated debt(5)                  59,847                 867   5.79 %                  59,768                 867   5.80 %                  59,530                 867   5.82 %
    Total funding liabilities              4,417,938             20,861   1.91 %              4,359,505             20,749   1.89 %              4,160,346             18,833   1.82 %
    Other liabilities                  59,976                          65,720                          62,500        
    Total liabilities              4,477,914                      4,425,225                      4,222,846        
    Stockholders’ equity                369,567                        360,966                        326,875        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $        4,847,481           $        4,786,191           $        4,549,721        
                                         
    Net interest-rate spread (tax-equivalent)           3.19 %           3.17 %           3.07 %
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent)                 38,934                     38,742                     35,456    
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)           3.32 %           3.29 %           3.20 %
    Less tax-equivalent adjustment                     244                         249                         266    
    Net interest income       $       38,690           $       38,493           $       35,190    
    Net interest margin           3.29 %           3.27 %           3.17 %
    (1) Average yields and interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, calculated using a U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for each period presented, based on tax-equivalent adjustments associated with tax-exempt loans and investments interest income.
    (2) Average other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (3) Average investment securities are presented at average amortized cost.
    (4) Average loans and loans held for sale are presented at average amortized cost and include non-accrual loans.
    (5) Subordinated debt is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.

    Contact Info: Joseph R. Lussier, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (978) 656-5578

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Navicore Solutions Sees a Rising Need for Debt Management Services as Credit Card Usage Increases Despite Associated High Interest Rates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANALAPAN, N.J., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Navicore Solutions, a leading nonprofit credit counseling organization, has found a significant increase in Americans seeking debt management assistance in the first quarter of 2025. As credit card balances continue to increase despite soaring interest rates, Navicore offers more consumer education and support to consumers nationwide.

    Americans now collectively owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with credit card balances jumping by $45 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024—a 7.3% increase from the previous year. This surge comes at a time when credit card interest rates average an astounding 23%, far exceeding rates on any other major type of loan or bond.

    “Credit card interest rates are at historic highs, yet consumers continue to rely heavily on this expensive form of credit. The result can be a dangerous cycle of debt that’s increasingly difficult for households to escape without assistance,” said Diane Gray, Chief Operating Officer at Navicore.

    The percentage of credit cardholders carrying debt from month to month has increased to 48%, up from 44% at the start of 2024, with 53% of those individuals having been in debt for at least a year. Even more concerning is that the average credit card balance per consumer has climbed to approximately $6,580, reflecting a 3.5% increase year over year.

    “With annual percentage rates exceeding 20%, consumers making only minimum payments on the average credit card balance face an 18-year journey to debt freedom, accumulating a large amount of interest over that period,” explained Gray. “This mathematical reality may be shocking to many consumers when they review their financial situations.”

    Adding to these concerns, the share of credit card holders making only minimum payments reached 10.75% in the third quarter of 2024, the highest level recorded in the last 12 years. Simultaneously, delinquency rates have climbed, with 7.18% of balances transitioning to delinquency over the last year and the share of balances more than 30 days past due rising to 3.52%, up from 3.21% as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

    In response to these trends, Navicore Solutions has continued to provide quality counseling services, debt management programs and financial education initiatives. “Our debt management plans help consumers pay down their credit card debt, often at lower interest rates, typically reducing monthly their payments to a manageable level” said Gray, “but beyond immediate relief, we’re focused on providing financial education and budgeting skills that empower consumers to break the cycle of debt dependence altogether.”

    About Navicore Solutions

    Founded in 1991, Navicore Solutions is a national leader in the field of nonprofit financial counseling with a mission to strengthen the well-being of individuals and families through education, guidance, advocacy, and support.

    Navicore counselors provide a wide range of services including credit counseling to consumers in need; education programs through workshops, courses and written material; debt management plan to provide relief for applicable consumers; student loan counseling for those struggling with student loan debt; and housing counseling services in the areas of rental, pre-purchase, default and reverse mortgage. The agency is an advocate of financial education helping communities achieve and maintain financial stability.

    Contact:
    Lori Stratford
    Digital Marketing Manager
    Navicore Solutions
    lstratford@navicoresolutions.org
    navicoresolutions.org

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. Announces Date of First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release, Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HARRISBURG, Pa., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORRF), the holding company of Orrstown Bank, announced today that it will report first quarter 2025 earnings at the close of business on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 and that management will host a conference call and webcast to review the Company’s quarterly results on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 9:00 am ET. The conference call and webcast details are below:

    Earnings Release: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, After Market Close

    Conference Call and Webcast: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 9:00 a.m. ET

    Webcast:

    Interested parties may listen to the call and view a copy of the Company’s earnings presentation by joining via webcast at:

    https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/260296507

    Telephone:

    To listen to the call without access to the slides, interested parties may participate by telephone by dialing:

    USA Toll-Free: (800) 715-9871
    USA/International Toll: +1 (646) 307-1963
    Canada Toll-Free: (800) 715-9871
    Conference ID: 7533105

    Recorded Playback:

    An audio recording of the conference call will be available by telephone until April 30, 2025 by dialing one of the numbers listed below:

    US & Canada Toll-Free: (800) 770-2030
    US Toll: (609) 800-9909
    Canada Toll: (647) 362-9199
    Playback ID: 7533105#

    The audio recording of the conference call will also be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.orrstown.com.

    About Orrstown

    With $5.4 billion in assets, Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Orrstown Bank, provide a wide range of consumer and business financial services in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York Counties, Pennsylvania and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Washington Counties, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, Maryland. The Company’s lending area also includes adjacent counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as Loudon County, Virginia and Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan Counties, West Virginia. Orrstown Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the FDIC. Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.’s common stock is traded on Nasdaq (ORRF). For more information about Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and Orrstown Bank, visit www.orrstown.com.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Neil Kalani
    EVP, Chief Financial Officer
    717-510-7097
    nkalani@orrstown.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Dime Announces Plans to Enter Lakewood, New Jersey

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: DCOM) (the “Company” or “Dime”), the parent company of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a plan to expand into Lakewood, New Jersey. 

    A location for a full-service, free-standing branch has been identified. Management expects construction of the branch to take place in the second half of 2025, simultaneous with the regulatory approval process. The current plan is for a branch opening in early 2026.

    Stuart H. Lubow, President and CEO, commented, “Our planned expansion into Lakewood builds upon and solidifies Dime’s long-standing familiarity and commitment to the Orthodox Jewish community. It continues the tremendous growth of our Private and Commercial Bank and will allow us to service clients with operations in the area.”

    ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1).

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Avinash Reddy
    Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: 718-782-6200; Ext. 5909
    Email: avinash.reddy@dime.com

    ¹ Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Conclude the 2025 Article IV Discussions and Reach Staff-Level Agreement with Tanzania on the Fifth Review of the Extended Credit Facility and the Second Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility

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

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, April 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • The IMF and Tanzanian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Once approved by the IMF Executive Board, Tanzania will gain access to US$441 million in financing.
    • Tanzania’s economic outlook is favorable, with robust growth, low inflation, an improved current account, and increased foreign exchange liquidity. In FY25/26, well-balanced public revenue measures are expected to maintain fiscal and debt sustainability, while safeguarding priority social spending.
    • Continuing implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation policies, supported by the RSF, will help strengthen resilience to climate-related risks.

    A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Mr. Nicolas Blancher, visited Tanzania during April 2-17, 2025, and held discussions on the 2025 Article IV consultation, the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, the reviews will make available SDR 326.47 million (about US$440.8 million), bringing the total IMF financial support under the ECF arrangement to SDR 682.21 million (about US$907.4 million), and SDR 255.72 million (about US$343.6 million) under the RSF.

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Blancher issued the following statement:

    “I am pleased to announce that the IMF team and the Tanzanian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the fifth review under Tanzania’s ECF-supported program, and the second review of the RSF arrangement. The IMF’s Executive Board will discuss these reviews in the coming weeks.

    “Tanzania’s economic activity has been strong, with real GDP growth reaching 5.5 percent in 2024 and projected to increase to 6 percent in 2025. Inflation, at 3.3 percent in March (yoy), has remained subdued and below the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) target of 5 percent. While the economic outlook is favorable, risks are tilted to the downside. The external environment is uncertain, with risks from a slowdown in the global economy and trade, geoeconomic fragmentation, further intensification of the conflict in the DR Congo, and reduced foreign development assistance. On the domestic front, the upcoming national elections may increase risks of fiscal pressures or, more broadly, reform slowdown.

    “Fiscal consolidation is expected to pause in FY24/25 with the adoption of a supplementary budget in February 2025 aimed at increasing public spending by about 0.4 percent of GDP relative to the initial budget, through higher expenditures on education and health, clearance of domestic arrears, and other priority areas. It will be essential to resume growth-friendly fiscal consolidation in FY25/26 to preserve debt sustainability and rebuild fiscal space, especially in light of pressing social spending needs. To this effect, the authorities are committed to reducing the domestic primary deficit by 0.4 percentage points of GDP to 0.8 percent in FY25/26 through revenue measures yielding 0.9 percent of GDP, while safeguarding priority social spending at 7.1 percent of GDP.

    “With inflation remaining below the BoT’s 5 percent target maintaining the CBR at 6 percent, a level which the mission considers to be neutral or mildly stimulatory, will help preserve price stability in the period ahead. It will also be important to continue allowing exchange rate flexibility and conducting FX interventions in line with the BoT’s FX intervention policy. Increased tolerance for exchange rate flexibility, together with reforms to improve the functioning of the foreign exchange market, have been successful in bringing back FX flows into the formal market, increasing its liquidity and reducing the parallel market premium.

    “The current account deficit is estimated to have narrowed to 2.6 percent of GDP in CY2024, from 3.8 percent of GDP in CY2023. This was driven by strong exports of minerals and agricultural products, as well as record tourist arrivals, against a moderate increase in imports of capital goods and declining oil imports. In 2025, high gold prices are expected to support the export momentum and help further reduce the current account deficit. Gross international reserves stood at an adequate level of US$5.7 billion (about 3.8 months of imports) in March 2025.”

    “In the context of the Article IV consultation, the mission was also an opportunity to discuss longer-term prospects for the Tanzanian economy with a range of government and other counterparts. To meet the ambitious goals laid out in the Tanzania Vision 2050, it will be critical to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to the education and health of a young and rapidly growing population, and to create an enabling environment for private sector-led growth and job creation. In particular, further efforts to improve the availability and access to finance, streamline business regulations, and strengthen judicial and anti-corruption institutions, are key structural reform priorities.

    “Continuing the implementation of climate reforms, supported by the RSF, will enhance climate resilience and sustainability. The government has already started to strengthen the institutional framework for climate policies and public investment management in line with climate risks. Accelerating implementation of RSF reforms with technical and financial assistance from the IMF, the World Bank and other development partners, will help build resilience and catalyze support for the climate agenda in Tanzania.

    “The mission met with Minister of Finance, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, Bank of Tanzania Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Tutuba, other senior officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations. The IMF team would like to thank the Tanzanian authorities and other counterparts for their hospitality, and the candid and productive discussions.”

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Training course on trade in services concludes in Geneva for WTO acceding governments

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Training course on trade in services concludes in Geneva for WTO acceding governments

    The governments represented were Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Curaçao, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Participants received training on the  GATS disciplines, including how to create schedules of commitments, and how to view services from a sectoral perspective. They also learned how to develop market access offers in services in the context of bilateral market access negotiations.
    The course also covered current trends in services trade, and provided participants with an overview of the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, launched in 2017 by a group of WTO members to streamline regulations and reduce unnecessary barriers to services trade. In addition, the course looked into cross-cutting topics, such as e-commerce and investment facilitation. Experience-sharing roundtables were also organized with selected WTO members active in accessions and with former services negotiators.
    Speaking at the closing session of the course, WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang emphasized the transformative potential of the WTO accession process and the importance of trade in services in this process. He noted that services negotiations can drive domestic reform and attract foreign direct investment. DDG Zhang encouraged participants to continue advancing their governments’ accession negotiations while actively engaging across all areas of the WTO’s work.
    In a fireside chat with Hamid Mamdouh, former Director of the Trade in Services and Investment Division, on the last day of the course, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill emphasized the dynamism and resilience of services trade. She noted that many recently acceded members have been outperforming most WTO members in services trade growth, GDP growth and domestic investments.
    At the opening session on 7 April, Maika Oshikawa, Director of the WTO’s Accessions Division, highlighted the value of specialized training courses the WTO Secretariat has been regularly providing since 2016 on key pillars of accession negotiations. She said that “understanding WTO disciplines and practices on trade in services is essential for preparing market access offers and conducting bilateral market access negotiations.”
    Markus Jelitto, Officer in Charge of the WTO Trade in Services and Investment Division, said: “Negotiating services in the context of WTO accession is a complex challenge — but one that holds significant potential. Services trade offers exceptional opportunities for developing economies, including those in the process of WTO accession.”
    Mondher Mimouni, Director of ITC’s Division of Market Development, stressed the importance of mastering WTO rules on services trade, especially for acceding governments. He said: “This training is a critical step toward maximizing the benefits of WTO membership.”
    Ylham Yarashov, a participant from Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, said the course provided useful guidance  to support his government’s accession efforts. He stated: “The knowledge gained from this training will be applied directly because we will be beginning to build Turkmenistan’s position and preparing our offers and requests in a way that responds to both our economic interests and development priorities.”
    Another course participant, Sonam Tshering Dorji from Bhutan’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, said: “The course provided me with deeper insights into the world of services, which are highly relevant to the work of my Ministry. It has also strengthened my ability to read and draft schedules of commitments, while offering valuable opportunities to expand my network with fellow negotiators from various acceding governments.”
    Carol Young from The Bahamas Investment Authority who also participated in the course, said: “The training highlighted the need to better align my country’s National Investment Policy with WTO principles to prepare for its accession to the Organization.”

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    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Members discuss impact of AI and emerging technologies on e-commerce

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The WTO Secretariat presented to members the key findings of a report launched in November 2024 entitled “Trading with intelligence: How AI shapes and is shaped by international trade”. The report discusses how AI may shape the future of international trade by reducing trade costs, improving productivity and expanding economies’ comparative advantages.

    WTO members underscored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on global trade and acknowledged the need to examine its impact on trade policies and development. Members highlighted that the WTO has a role to play in this area by fostering regulatory coherence and building capacity regarding AI, especially for developing economies.

    Members also spoke about the importance of AI in enhancing trade facilitation measures aimed at reducing costs and increasing efficiency in cross-border trade by streamlining customs procedures and adopting digital technologies.

    Members also highlighted the role of the WTO as a forum for discussion, exchange of best practices and collaboration with other stakeholders, including international organizations and experts, on the intersection between international trade and AI.

    The next meeting is scheduled for 15 May. It will focus on the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Verizon announces Rescue 42 as latest “Verizon Frontline Verified” partner

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon announces Rescue 42 as latest “Verizon Frontline Verified” partner

    BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Frontline today announced Rescue 42 as the latest partner to earn “Verizon Frontline Verified” status.

    For nearly three decades, Rescue 42 has been a leading manufacturer of fire and rescue equipment, including telecom devices. Rescue 42 joins a growing list of vendors whose products meet the high standards required to attain the prestigious “Verizon Frontline Verified” designation.

    “This is a tremendous achievement for our company,” said Amy Velazquez, President and Chief Operations Officer at Rescue 42. “Obtaining ‘Verizon Frontline Verified’ status demonstrates Rescue 42’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, mission-critical communications solutions proven to perform on high-quality networks like Verizon’s.”

    Rescue 42’s products, like the miniNSD AiO, are used by public safety agencies across the nation. The miniNSD AiO, or Network System Deployable All-in-One, is a portable cell tower and satellite backhaul solution that is ruggedized for austere weather conditions, can connect up to 64 devices, and has a Wi-Fi hotspot range of 500 feet. The miniNSD AiO is small enough to be carried by hand or rolled in its case.

    The “Verizon Frontline Verified” program offers a special designation to vendors whose products have been tested and meet the high standards required for public safety use on the Verizon network. The products eligible for this status are specifically designed to assist public safety officials and first responders during all types of hazards and emergencies.

    Vendors looking to earn the “Verizon Frontline Verified” designation must first be part of the Verizon Frontline Innovation Program. Vendors in this program can request to have specific products, like the miniNSD AiO, go through the verification process. More information on the program can be found here.

    Since 1995, Rescue 42 has manufactured innovative fire and rescue products in the U.S. at its facility in Chico, California. With a solid reputation for quality and reliability, Rescue 42 products have become a fixture in modern public safety operations. Learn more at www.rescue42.com.

    Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over three decades of partnership with public safety officials and agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs. Learn more at our site.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FIU-IND and RBI sign MoU for enhanced coordination and information exchange

    Source: Government of India

    FIU-IND and RBI sign MoU for enhanced coordination and information exchange

    The MoU will facilitate coordinated efforts towards effective compliance with Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules framed thereunder

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 6:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The Financial Intelligence Unit- India (FIU-IND) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at New Delhi, today, as part of continued coordinated efforts in effective implementation of requirements of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules framed thereunder.

    The MoU was signed by Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Director, FIU-IND and Shri R.L.K. Rao, Executive Director, Department of Regulation, Reserve Bank of India.

    According to the MoU, FIU-IND and RBI will cooperate with each other in the areas of mutual interest including the following:

    1. Each Party to the MoU will appoint a nodal officer and an alternate nodal officer to interact with the other party.
    2. Sharing of relevant intelligence and information, available in their respective databases.
    3. Laying down procedure and manner in which the regulated entities/ reporting entities report to FIU-IND under the PML Rules.
    4. Conducting outreach and training for regulated entities /reporting entities.
    5. Upgradation of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) skills in the regulated entities / reporting entities regulated by RBI.
    6. Assessment of Money Laundering/Terror Financing (ML/TF) risks and vulnerabilities in the relevant financial sub-sectors.
    7. Identification of red flag indicators for Suspicious Transactions.
    8. Supervising and monitoring the compliance of reporting entities regulated by RBI with their obligations under PMLA, PML Rules and RBI instructions.
    9. Compliance with the relevant international standards.
    10. Conduct of quarterly meeting to discuss and share information on issues of mutual interest.

    Mr. Bedobani Chaudhuri, Additional Director, FIU-IND, Ms. Veena Srivastava, Chief General Manager, Department of Regulation, RBI; Mr. Avinash Kumar, Deputy Director, FIU-IND and Mr. Sanjoy Ghosh, FSE, FIU-IND, were also present on the occasion.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Leads Call for IG Probe into Pulte’s Mismanagement & Warns Trump-led Turmoil at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Could Weaken U.S. Real Estate Market & Put U.S. Taxpayers at Risk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – As the Trump Administration continues to take hasty, unjustified steps that could weaken the U.S. real estate market and make it harder and more expensive for responsible, credit-worthy Americans to secure an affordable 30-year fixed mortgage, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, are calling for an independent watchdog to investigate potentially unlawful administrative actions of President Trump’s newly confirmed head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Bill Pulte.
    “We write to urge you to open an investigation into FHFA’s apparent noncompliance with Federal laws and regulations in connection with recent corporate governance changes that Director Pulte has made at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” the three U.S. Senators wrote to FHFA Inspector General Brian Tomney, whose office oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s regulator.
    Senator Reed helped create the FHFA, which was established under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, to oversee and manage two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) known as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), which guarantee mortgages to facilitate financing for single-family homes and for apartment buildings.  FHFA is both the conservator and regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both of which were at imminent risk of failing during the 2008 financial crisis, and sets affordable housing goals for the two companies while also overseeing a system of 11 federal home loan banks.
    The Senators are sounding the alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent partisan and potentially unlawful administrative actions at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  They warn that the Trump Administration could negatively impact lending and risk management, driving up mortgage rates and making it more difficult for families to buy a home, putting taxpayers at risk, and setting the stage for a chaotic and disorderly exit for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship.
    After becoming FHFA Director a few weeks ago, Mr. Pulte ousted a majority of the nonpartisan directors of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, installing himself, business associates, and partisan loyalists in their place.  Director Pulte also removed critical financial expertise from the boards and stripped independent voices from overseeing these companies, which are two of the largest companies in both the United States and the entire world.  Strong and effective corporate governance arrangements at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are essential because taxpayers both stand behind these companies and could face higher mortgage rates if either entity is mismanaged.
    In calling for independent oversight of Mr. Pulte’s actions, the Senators wrote: “Director Pulte is prohibited by law from holding any position at either company and Federal statute requires at least one board member to represent the public’s interest. The Director has no authority to waive the law. Under FHFA regulations, a majority of directors must be independent, the chairmen of the boards must be independent, the companies must have audit committees comprised of independent directors, and if there is no financial expert on an audit committee then the public is owed an explanation of why. The nominating and corporate governance committee must be composed entirely of independent directors, including an independent chair. While the Director has authority to waive regulations, he may do so only “in connection with a particular transaction or activity”—not for corporate governance matters that apply to all transactions and activities.”
    The Senators’ request for a IG probe into Mr. Pulte’s questionable actions at FHFA come after the Senators sent a previous letter directly to Mr. Pulte on March 31 asking for an explanation of his governance changes to date—and asking him to reverse course for the benefit of taxpayers.  The Senators were so dissatisfied with Mr. Pulte’s response, that they quickly asked for the IG probe, noting: “Although Mr. Pulte responded in a letter dated April 8 that “U.S. Federal Housing FHFA [sic] remains committed to complying with all applicable federal laws and regulations,” he offered no evidence to show that the agency he runs, and the companies he oversees, are in actual compliance with these statutory and regulatory requirements nor did he dispute the portion of our letter noting his recent governance changes at Fannie and Freddie violate the law. If an ordinary public company had put in place such poor governance arrangements, it would be at serious risk of being delisted from a major stock exchange.”
    The Senators are also asking the Inspector General to publicly announce its investigation in order to discourage any potential future noncompliance and violations of the law.
    Full text of the letter follows:
    Hon. Brian M. Tomney
    Inspector General for the Federal Housing Finance Agency
    400 7th Street SW
    Washington, DC 20219
    Dear Inspector General Tomney:
    We write to urge you to open an investigation into FHFA’s apparent noncompliance with Federal laws and regulations in connection with recent corporate governance changes that Director Pulte has made at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
    Director Pulte is prohibited by law from holding any position at either company and Federal statute requires at least one board member to represent the public’s interest. The Director has no authority to waive the law. Under FHFA regulations, a majority of directors must be independent, the chairmen of the boards must be independent, the companies must have audit committees comprised of independent directors, and if there is no financial expert on an audit committee then the public is owed an explanation of why. The nominating and corporate governance committee must be composed entirely of independent directors, including an independent chair. While the Director has authority to waive regulations, he may do so only “in connection with a particular transaction or activity”—not for corporate governance matters that apply to all transactions and activities.
    Director Pulte has taken actions that do not appear to be consistent with these Federal laws and regulations. Within a week of taking office, he removed a majority of the directors of Fannie and Freddie, installing himself, his business associates, and partisan loyalists in their place. He also removed Fannie’s entire audit committee. After these actions, the boards appear to lack anyone from an organization that has represented consumer or community interests, or has shown a career commitment to low-income housing. They also appear to lack a financial expert. Director Pulte has also installed himself as the chair of both companies’ boards of directors and the boards’ nominating and corporate governance committees.
    On March 31, we wrote to Director Pulte to urge him to correct these apparent violations. Although Mr. Pulte responded in a letter dated April 8 that “U.S. Federal Housing FHFA [sic] remains committed to complying with all applicable federal laws and regulations,” he offered no evidence to show that the agency he runs, and the companies he oversees, are in actual compliance with these statutory and regulatory requirements nor did he dispute the portion of our letter noting his recent governance changes at Fannie and Freddie violate the law. If an ordinary public company had put in place such poor governance arrangements, it would be at serious risk of being delisted from a major stock exchange.
    In light of this apparent pattern of noncompliance and inability to attest to compliance, we ask that you open an investigation into whether FHFA is in fact following Federal laws and regulations regarding the management and governance of Fannie and Freddie. To the extent permissible, we also ask you publicly announce this investigation in order to discourage any potential violations.
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Sánchez, Chu Lead Democrats in Raising Concerns about Corruption Risks from Trump Chaotic Tariff Scheme

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 17, 2025

    Over 45 lawmakers sound alarms about possible illicit payments, influence-peddling, insider trading

    Text of Letter (PDF) 

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, along with Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, and Judy Chu (D-Calif.), led a group of 44 Congressional Democrats in writing to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer with concerns over  the potential for corruption in the implementation of the administration’s tariff policy. 

    The Trump administration’s tariffs rollout is rife with opportunities to unduly influence President Trump and other administration officials. The chaotic nature of the tariffs, including announcing them and pausing them shortly after they went into effect, provides ample opportunity for private sector corporations or sovereign nationals to corruptly seek exemptions. 

    “Corporations and sovereign nations facing existentially high stakes, and knowing tariffs are controlled by a small circle in the White House, can petition officials not to apply tariffs to them after the 90-day pause, to grant them exemptions, to decrease tariffs, or to impose tariffs on competitors — and can quietly offer something in return,” wrote the lawmakers

    President Trump’s record on tariffs in his first term illustrates his willingness to give preference to donors and allies while punishing enemies. Politically loyal companies that donated to Republican candidates, as well as companies with financial or political ties to President Trump, were more likely to be granted tariff exemptions after President Trump imposed them in his first administration. After auditing the Trump Administration’s tariff exclusion practices in 2018 and 2019, the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General found evidence of “off-record communications” and an “appearance of improper influence in decisionmaking for tariff exclusion requests.”

    “We fear the Administration is once again turning its tariffs policy into an underground market of exemptions in exchange for financial and political favors,” said the lawmakers

    President Trump has said he will consider exemptions and make decisions “instinctively,” while bragging about global leaders calling him in search of exemptions. 

    Trump’s ad-hoc process has started to bear fruit for special interests. Last week, the White House exempted smartphones and certain other high-end electronics from tariffs targeting China. Within hours, Big Tech stock prices soared — particularly the value of Apple, which makes the vast majority of its iPhones in China. Apple CEO Tim Cook donated to President Trump’s inauguration and cultivated a strong relationship with him in recent months, as he did during Trump’s first term to win tariff exemptions.  

    The on-and-off nature of President Trump’s tariffs also opens the door to rampant insider trading. Administration officials — and their families and friends — with early knowledge of changes in tariff policy can buy positions they expect will rise and sell those that will fall. On April 9, 2025, minutes before the administration announced a pause on most tariffs, the trading market began to skyrocket — suggesting that insiders acted on non-public information about the coming pause. President Trump then posted on social media “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!,” still before any official announcement, causing stocks to further spike.

    Members of Congress, including Senator Warren, have asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and ethics officials to investigate whether any securities laws were violated with this announcement.

    At the same time, the top ethics watchdog who can hold the administration accountable appears poorly positioned to tackle tariff-related corruption. In late March 2025, USTR Ambassador Greer was named Acting Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and now serves in both roles simultaneously. Therefore, a top tariff policy official is responsible for ensuring that tariff policy decisions are made free of financial conflicts.

    “This dual appointment raises blatant conflicts that risk undermining OGE’s ability to independently monitor trade officials’ conduct and recommend investigations into misconduct when necessary,” concluded the lawmakers

    The lawmakers asked the officials to provide clarity on the Trump administration’s exemption policy, if any official exemption request processes exist, where exemptions will be reported, whether an appeals process exists, the administration’s plans to ensure tariff exemptions are not corrupted, and more, by April 29, 2025.

    Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined in signing the letter. 

    The following Representatives joined in signing the letter: Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Greg Casar (D-T.X.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Summer Lee, (D-Pa.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.). 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Castor & Wittman Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Strengthen U.S. Role in Mapping Global Critical Mineral Resources

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Rob Wittman (VA-1) introduced the Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

    Critical minerals are essential to producing technologies for the defense, semiconductor, automotive, and energy sectors—industries that will determine America’s economic future and global influence. Although we have an abundance of domestic mineral resources, demand already outstrips this supply – we must work with allies and partners to achieve mineral security.  Additionally, the U.S. is heavily dependent on China for the production and processing of many key critical minerals.  This bill would leverage the strengths of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in geological mapping of critical mineral reserves while giving U.S. firms a leg up in responsibly developing global mineral resources around the world with strong environmental and labor standards.

    This bill builds upon the bipartisan legislation of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Critical Minerals Working Group, which Reps. Castor and Wittman co-chaired in the 118th Congress.

    “America’s dependence on adversarial nations for critical minerals poses a significant threat to our national security and our clean energy future,” said Representative Castor. “The Finding ORE Act leverages our expertise in geologic mapping to promote the sustainable development of critical mineral supply chains through international partnerships. This legislation will make our nation safer and stronger while supporting our strategic alliances. I’m grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for working together to enhance U.S. leadership in the clean energy transition.”

    “Critical minerals and rare earth elements are the building blocks of our modern economy and our national security,” said Representative Wittman. “This bill ensures that the United States can work hand-in-hand with like-minded nations to identify and responsibly develop these essential resources, while strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting American leadership in mineral exploration. Through this bill, we are reinforcing our alliances, building technical capacity, and supporting global standards in responsible mineral development. I’m proud to introduce the Finding ORE Act as a forward-looking solution to this pressing global challenge.” 

    “From the technology that powers the cell phones in our pockets to the systems that keep us safe, Americans depend on critical minerals for our economic strength and national security,” said Senator Coons. “The Finding ORE Act makes sure that our nation will have access to the essential materials we need to keep innovating, growing our economy, and deterring our enemies. I’m grateful for the bipartisan and industry support this bill has received and look forward to pushing for its enactment.”

    “Many countries are unmapped or reliant on outdated geological surveys. Our bill would create opportunities for collaboration between the United States and these countries to update geological mapping with the goal of locating critical mineral deposits. These partnerships would be mutually beneficial and provide the United States access to more critical minerals, reducing our dependence on China,” said Senator Todd Young.

    “We can’t solve climate change or strengthen national security without harnessing the power of critical minerals,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Better and more accurate maps will help us and our allies safely and ethically explore untapped critical mineral deposits.”

    “Access to a reliable supply chain of critical minerals is essential to meet our nation’s defense, manufacturing, and energy needs,” said Senator Cornyn. “By shoring up alliances with trusted allies and promoting geological mapping of critical mineral reserves, this legislation would ensure America has the resources needed to keep up with global demand and bolster both our mineral security and national security in the years ahead.”

    “The United States has too often watched from the sidelines as our adversaries explored, invested in, and secured the world’s most promising mineral deposits,” said Abigail Hunter, Executive Director of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy“This bill changes that. It positions the United States—our geological experts and industry—to help identify and potentially develop the next generation of great deposits. It ensures we show up in resource-rich nations, rather than leaving them to deepen their ties with China.” 

    “The American Critical Minerals Association welcomes the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Finding ORE Act by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Representatives Wittman and Castor,” said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of ACMA.  “Expanding our knowledge base of global minerals resources and growing partnerships with our allies will ensure the United States is a leading force in resourcing critical minerals in a responsible way.” 

    “Colorado School of Mines commends Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor for their bipartisan efforts to leverage U.S. expertise in mineral mapping to support safe, secure, and responsible mineral supply chains,” said Dr. John Bradford, Vice President for Global Initiatives at Colorado School of Mines. “When called upon to contribute, institutions with strong partnerships with USGS, like Colorado School of Mines, seek to support America’s government and industry partners to advance the technology, knowledge, and workforce required to responsibly identify, assess, and produce mineral resources in the U.S. and around the world.”

    “BPC Action applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Finding ORE Act. The bill will strengthen U.S. supply chain security by enhancing coordination with allies on critical mineral development, helping secure new critical minerals sources free from adversary control,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

    “Terra AI celebrates this forward-thinking, bi-partisan critical minerals exploration legislation introduced by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor,” said John Mern, CEO of Terra AI. “The Finding ORE Act would empower America’s agencies and private firms to explore and claim the next major deposits of critical minerals which will supply our industries for decades to come; supporting manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence. We support this act’s unique approach to winning the critical minerals race by leveraging America and Her Allies’ relative advantages — strong diplomatic relations, world-leading technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This act is the essential early stage first step to establishing US global mineral dominance and winning this generational opportunity.  As a mineral exploration AI company, we see huge value in collaboration between the private sector and our nation’s diplomatic, geologic and financial agencies abroad. It is a winning playbook, and we look forward to seeing more legislation in this area.” 

    The Finding ORE Act would authorize the Director of USGS to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with foreign partner countries related to the mapping of critical minerals. The bill identifies four objectives for these MOUs:

    • Committing USGS to assist the partner country with a range of critical mineral mapping activities;
    • Committing the partner country to offer a right of first refusal to private companies based in the United States or an allied country in the further development of mapped critical minerals;
    • Facilitating investment in the development of critical minerals in the partner country, including by leveraging financing from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank;
    • Ensuring that mapping data created through a partnership with USGS is not disclosed to governmental or private entities in non-allied countries. 

    The bill requires USGS to collaborate with both the State Department and the private sector in identifying which countries to prioritize for the negotiation of an MOU, and would involve the State Department in the negotiation and implementation process.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    The full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News