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Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Christine Lagarde: The transformative power of AI

    Source: European Central Bank

    Welcome address by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the ECB conference on “The transformative power of AI: economic implications and challenges” in Frankfurt, Germany.

    Frankfurt, 1 April 2025

    It is a pleasure to welcome you to our conference on the transformative power of AI.

    In the early stages of a new technological breakthrough, it is often hard to discern fact from fiction. We struggle to imagine the ways in which the new technology will be used. And even if we predict the direction of technological change correctly, we rarely get the timeline or the size of the impacts right.

    Today, we sometimes hear claims that AI is improving so fast that we are only a few years away from the nature of work being radically reformed. But we also hear arguments that the same barriers that slowed down the adoption of all past technologies will also delay AI adoption.

    I cannot claim to know which vision will prove to be correct. But the early evidence is promising and, in my view, we must act on the basis that we are facing an economic revolution. This attitude will be particularly important here in Europe.

    On this side of the Atlantic, we are still paying the price for having been too slow to capitalise on the last major digital revolution, the internet. The tech sector explains around two-thirds of the productivity gap between the EU and the United States since the turn of the century.

    And now we are faced with a technology that can improve its own performance through self-learning mechanisms and feedback loops, enabling even more rapid advances and innovations. The risks of underestimating the potential of AI, and falling behind again, are simply too great to be ignored.

    What’s more, we are facing a new geopolitical environment in which we can no longer be sure that we will have frictionless access to new technologies developed overseas. This new reality strengthens the case for Europe to establish itself at the technological frontier.

    There are two main areas where we should expect, and prepare for, major changes in the economy.

    The first is productivity.

    We can already see the productivity effects of AI in sectors like the US tech sector, where output is expanding while employment is falling.[1] But we are still in the early phase of the “productivity J-curve”, where new technologies diffuse to the wider economy and are reflected in GDP.

    As such, estimates about the productivity gains of AI vary widely – but even at the lower end they would be a game changer for Europe.

    One widely accepted methodology estimates that the euro area could see a boost to total factor productivity (TFP) of around 0.3 percentage points per year over the next ten years.[2] Compare that with the past decade, when annual TFP growth averaged just 0.5%.

    Other estimates point to much larger gains, with productivity expected to grow 1.5 percentage points faster annually if AI is widely adopted over the next decade.[3]

    Whether Europe can achieve such productivity gains will depend on whether we can improve the environment for AI innovation and diffusion.

    This comes down to funding, regulation and energy.

    As I have been arguing for some time, Europe’s relatively small venture capital ecosystem is a major hindrance to building foundational models in the EU.[4] Between 2018 and 2023, around €33 billion was invested in AI companies in the EU, compared with more than €120 billion in their US peers.[5]

    Building and developing this technology also requires considerable investment in data centres, and the EU currently has around 4 times fewer dedicated sites than the US.[6]

    At the same time, ECB research finds that regulation and a lack of institutional quality are particularly detrimental to the expansion of high-tech sectors relative to more mature technologies. Investing in radical technologies is highly risky and needs a different set of framework conditions.[7]

    The adoption of AI, for example, depends on access to data pools to train models, which requires smart regulation to avoid data fragmentation while ensuring data protection. It also requires good institutions as, for instance, effective legal systems are needed to defend a non-patentable asset like a set of AI prompts.

    Our research shows that if the EU’s average institutional delivery were raised to the level of best practice, AI-intensive sectors would see their share in investment rise by more than 10 percentage points.[8]

    Finally, unless we see major breakthroughs in efficiency, Europe’s energy supply constraints could pose a challenge to the diffusion of AI through the economy in the future.

    The power consumption of data centres is expected to triple in Europe by the end of the decade.[9] AI training and inference is extremely energy-intensive.[10] And this surge in demand comes at a time when the green transition is also increasing the demand for electricity, for example for charging battery electric vehicles.

    There is now a clear policy agenda in Europe to address these barriers. It is widely recognised that we need to build a savings and investment union to jump-start European venture capital, that we must simplify complex digital regulations and improve permitting speeds, and that we have to massively increase investment in data centres, fibre-optic networks and electricity grids.

    But for Europe to make the most of the AI revolution, how the productivity gains from AI are harnessed also matters. Labour productivity can be increased either by reducing labour inputs relative to outputs, or by raising outputs relative to inputs. The employment implications of each route are vastly different.

    This brings me to the second area of major change: the effect of AI on labour markets.

    According to ECB research, between 23% and 29% of workers in Europe are highly exposed to AI.[11] This does not necessarily herald a “job apocalypse”. It is reasonable to expect that AI will follow historical patterns by displacing some jobs while creating new one.[12]

    But there are two new questions that this technology poses.

    First, will the pace of technological change be faster than in previous transitions? This question is critical for Europe, as our social model and traditionally high levels of job protection make it hard to see how a transition that leads to massive job reallocations could avoid a major backlash.

    The key factor will be whether AI leans more towards job displacement via its “automation potential”, or towards changes in the nature of work via its “augmentation potential”. In the augmentation scenario, workers will still need to adapt to changing roles and tasks, but the transition will likely be easier.

    Recent research by the ILO finds that only a small share of jobs – around 5% in advanced economies – meet the criteria for high automation. But a much larger share – over 13% – meet the criteria for high augmentation.[13]

    The second question is about the distribution of gains.

    Early studies suggested that AI could increase the productivity of lower-skilled workers the most.[14] But newer studies looking at more complex tasks – like scientific research[15], running a business[16]and investing[17]– tell a different story. High performers benefit disproportionately and, in some cases, less productive workers see no improvements at all.

    So even if AI augments more than it automates, we are likely to see an increase in labour market inequality. Demand for higher-skilled workers who can use AI most effectively will rise, while those less able to learn new skills could suffer.

    All told, I do see a path for Europe to adopt AI without fracturing its social model. But it will require massive complementary investments in skills to prevent a rise in inequality.

    Crucially, this will not require everyone to become coders, which would probably set the bar too high. According to the OECD, most workers who will be exposed to AI will not need specialised AI skills to get ahead in their careers.

    In fact, the most sought-after skills in highly exposed jobs will be linked to management and business – skills that many people have the capacity to learn.[18]

    The CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, has described the potential capabilities of AI as being like “a country of geniuses in a data centre”.[19] If this proves to be correct, it is both an awesome prospect for humanity and a daunting one for individual workers.

    I believe we must act today, and especially in Europe, with the mindset that this future will likely come to pass. We must remove all the barriers that will prevent us from being at the forefront of this revolution.

    But we must also prepare for the human and climate impacts of this transition, and we need to start now.

    I trust that this conference will generate the ideas we need to move forwards.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Muralidhar Mohol today replied to the discussion on the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Muralidhar Mohol today replied to the discussion on the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha

    After the discussion, the House passed the Bill. The Lok Sabha had passed this Bill on 26 March, 2025

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, where rural economy will have an important contribution in making India the third largest economy in the world by the year 2027

    Shri Amit Shah ji became the first Minister of Cooperation of this country, with vast experience in PACS and market committee, President of the District Cooperative Bank and Director of the State Cooperative Bank

    Cooperative sector will need about 17 lakh trained youth in the next five years and in view of this, the initiative to establish Tribhuvan Sahkari University has been taken

    An institutionalised system is necessary to bring dynamism in the cooperative sector and its expansion and Tribhuvan Sahkari University has been established for the same purpose

    Under the leadership of Shri Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation took 60 new initiatives to give a new direction to the cooperative sector

    In 2013-14, a budget of Rs 122 crore was allocated for the Department of Cooperation, which has increased 10 times to Rs 1190 crore today

    Bye-laws of PACS were amended to make them and multipurpose and these bye-laws have been adopted by 32 states and UTs

    Today, 43 thousand PACSs are running Common Service Centers, 36 thousand PACSs running PM Kisan Samridhi Kendra and 4 thousand PACSs running Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra

    Only when PACSs will be economically strong, the farmer will be empowered and the villages will also become prosperous

    National Cooperative Policy is being formulated under leadership of PM Modi and guidance of Union Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah and it is our resolve to announce this policy

    This year NCDC has given financial assistance of about Rs 10 thousand crore to the sugar mills of the country

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 10:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Muralidhar Mohol today replied to the discussion on the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha. After the discussion, the House passed the Bill. The Lok Sabha had passed this Bill on 26 March, 2025.

    Replying to the discussion, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Muralidhar Mohol said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has resolved to make India the third largest economy in the world by the year 2027, where rural economy will have an important contribution. He said that today more than 50 percent of the country’s population is associated with the agriculture sector. There are about 8 lakh cooperatives in the country with over 30 crore members. Shri Mohol said that one person from every farmer family is associated with the cooperative sector.

    Minister of State for Cooperation said that in 2013-14, a budget of Rs 122 crore was allocated for the Department of Cooperation, which has increased 10 times to Rs 1190 crore today. Earlier, the work related to cooperatives of the whole country was being handled by a joint secretary-level officer, but Prime Minister Modi ji established an independent Ministry of Cooperation for the welfare of farmers. He said that taking a visionary decision, PM Modi ji formed the Ministry of Cooperation for the development and expansion of cooperative societies like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy, Sugar Mills, Cooperative Bank, Textile Mills across the country and strengthen the cooperative movement.

    Shri Muralidhar Mohol said that it is a matter of pride for all of us that Shri Amit Shah ji became the first Minister of Cooperation of this country, who worked in the PACS and market committee of the village, as the President of the District Cooperative Bank, also as the Director of the State Cooperative Bank and who has made a great contribution and has vast experience in the cooperative sector.

    Minister of State for Cooperation said that under the leadership of Shri Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation took 60 new initiatives to give a new direction to the cooperative sector. These include the first step of strengthening the PACS. He said that PACS is the most important link in the cooperative sector, so the bye-laws of PACS were amended and PACS were made multipurpose and these bye-laws have been adopted by 32 states and union territories.

    Shri Muralidhar Mohol said that today in the country, 43 thousand PACSs are running Common Service Centers, 36 thousand PACSs are running Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendra and 4 thousand PACSs are running Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Many PACSs are also running petrol pumps. He said that only when PACSs will be economically strong, the farmer will be empowered and the villages will also become prosperous.

    Minister of State for Cooperation said that to strengthen cooperative sector in the states, computerization of about 66 thousand PACS is being done by the Union Ministry of Cooperation, on which the Government of India is spending Rs 2516 crore. He said that the government is trying to make every village of the country prosperous through cooperation. For this, the Ministry has set a target of creating 2 lakh PACSs, out of which 14 thousand PACSs have already been created. Shri Mohol said that in the next five years, the number of PACSs in the country will increase to 3 lakh.

    Shri Muralidhar Mohol said that while forming PACSs, we have kept in mind the social structure of the country and decided to give representation to all sections of the society including women in cooperatives. He said that under the new bye-laws, the government has made it mandatory to have members of SC, ST category and a woman member in the Board of Directors of PACS. Through this, we are working to provide social justice in the cooperative sector. Shri Mohol said that a National Cooperative Database has been created by taking all the states together. Now, information about all cooperatives can be obtained with one click.

    Union Minister of State for Cooperation said that the National Cooperative Policy of the country is also being formulated under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji and guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah. It is our resolve to announce this policy in the next few days. He said that for the first time in 2023, under the leadership of Shri Amit Shah ji, three new cooperative societies – Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) – were established at the national level to provide facilities to the farmers of the country from seed to market. 34 thousand cooperative institutions have been made members by these three societies. This will increase the income of farmers.

    Shri Muralidhar Mohol said that the Ministry of Cooperation has created the world’s largest food storage scheme for farmers. The work of food storage scheme has started through PACSs. This will reduce transportation costs, protect the crop and farmers will get storage facilities at a place near them and they will also get financial benefits. He said that in 2013-14, only Rs 5300 crore was given to the cooperative institutions of the country through National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), which the Modi government increased to Rs 1 lakh 28 thousand crores. This year NCDC has given financial assistance of about Rs 10 thousand crore to the sugar mills of the country.

    Union Minister of State for Cooperation said that an institutional system is necessary to bring dynamism in the cooperative sector and its expansion. The university has been established for this purpose. He said that many cooperatives have challenges like lack of efficiency, irregularities in management and limited use of technical resources, which affect their performance. Through this university, the scope and effectiveness of the cooperative sector will definitely increase, which will also create new opportunities for self-employment and innovation.

    Shri Muralidhar Mohol said that today there is a need for proper training for efficiency and discipline at all levels, from the secretary of PACS to the MD of Apex Bank. According to an estimate, the cooperative sector will need about 17 lakh trained youth in the next five years. In view of this need, the initiative to establish a university has been taken. He said that at present the system of teaching and training in the cooperative sector is not adequate and it is also scattered. Keeping this in mind, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home and Cooperative Minister Shri Amit Shah, it was decided to establish Tribhuvan Sahkari University. This university will fulfill the need of trained human resources in the cooperative sector and develop cooperative spirit in the youth of the country and inspire them to make a career in this field.

     

    *****

    RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2117567) Visitor Counter : 186

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bank OZK Announces Increase to Quarterly Common Stock Dividend and Announces Preferred Stock Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bank OZK (the “Bank”) (Nasdaq: OZK) announced its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on the Bank’s common stock of $0.43 per share, up $0.01, or 2.38% from the prior quarter. The common stock dividend is payable on April 21, 2025 to shareholders of record as of April 14, 2025. Bank OZK has increased its quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in each of the last fifty-nine quarters.

    The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.28906 per share on the Bank’s 4.625% Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) (Nasdaq: OZKAP) for the period covering February 15, 2025 through, but excluding May 15, 2025. The Series A Preferred Stock dividend is payable on May 15, 2025, to the holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on May 1, 2025.

    Bank OZK’s consistent track record of increasing its common stock dividend has led to it being included in the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats® index (Ticker: SPHYDA) since January 2018. The index consists of members of the S&P Composite 1500® that have followed a managed-dividends policy of consistently increasing common stock dividends every year for at least 20 years, and that meet minimum float-adjusted market capitalization and liquidity requirements. For more information on the index, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji.

    GENERAL INFORMATION
    Bank OZK (Nasdaq: OZK) is a regional bank providing innovative financial solutions delivered by expert bankers with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Established in 1903, Bank OZK conducts banking operations in more than 240 offices in nine states including Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, New York, California and Mississippi and had $38.26 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2024.   For more information, visit www.ozk.com.

    The Bank files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy materials, and other information required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), copies of which are available electronically at the FDIC’s website at https://efr.fdic.gov/fcxweb/efr/index.html and are also available on the Bank’s investor relations website at ir.ozk.com. To receive automated email alerts for these materials please visit https://ir.ozk.com/other/email-alerts to sign up.

       
    Investor Relations Contact: Jay Staley (501) 906-7842
    Media Contact: Michelle Rossow (501) 906-3922
       

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Global announces digitalisation grant for Montenegrin schools

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Provided under the EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative Fund, the grant will enable the purchase of digital equipment for schools, supporting the Montenegro Education Programme.
    • The project will promote digital education and skills development to enhance youth employability and digital transformation, leading to higher productivity.
    • To date, EIB Global has invested €29 million in the Montenegrin education sector.

    At a ceremony held today at the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) headquarters in Luxemburg, EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot and Montenegro’s Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović have signed a grant agreement for €2 million. The funding is earmarked for the purchase of digital equipment for Montenegrin schools, to improve learning conditions and digital literacy among students and teachers.

    Provided under the EIB’s donor-funded Economic Resilience Initiative Fund, the grant builds on previous investments by EIB Global in the Montenegro Education Programme to upgrade education infrastructure and services across the country. These include an €18 million EIB loan, an €11 million EU grant channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, as well as a €2.5 million technical assistance grant under the Economic Resilience Initiative. The new digital equipment, coupled with teacher training and upskilling, is expected to promote the integration of digital tools in education and equitable access to digital learning resources for all pupils.

    EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot, who is responsible for operations in Montenegro, said: “As a long-standing partner of the Montenegrin Ministry of Education, we are pleased to be part of this latest initiative and to further support digitalization in schools. The new ICT equipment funded by this grant will increase digital usage and skills, broaden access to learning, and improve the overall learning environment. It will enhance access to quality education, contribute to youth employability, and lead to a future-ready workforce that meets market demands.”

    Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation of Montenegro Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović underlined that the acquisition of additional computer equipment creates a strong foundation for the digitalization of the educational process and enables young people to acquire the digital skills and competencies for the 21st century.

    “This agreement marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Montenegrin education system, greatly contributing to better learning conditions and the advancement of our students. Education is one of the pillars of every society, and the continuous improvement of its quality should be a priority at all levels.”, Minister Jakšić-Stojanović said.

    The grant will be used to purchase additional digital equipment for Montenegrin schools, including tablets, laptops, desktop computers, projectors and interactive whiteboards, as well as printers, scanners and servers. To date, EIB Global has invested €29 million in Montenegro’s education sector.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About the Economic Resilience Initiative Fund

    The Economic Resilience Initiative Fund, which backs this grant, was established by the EIB in 2017 to channel donors’ resources to impactful projects in the Southern Neighbourhood and Western Balkans to help meet the challenges posed by forced displacement and migration. The fund donors are Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland and the United Kingdom.

    About the EIB in Montenegro

    The EU bank has been an active partner of Montenegro, providing almost €1.1 billion in loans to the country, mostly in support of SMEs, education and transport infrastructure. For more information on EIB projects in Montenegro, visit https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/enlargement/the-western-balkans/montenegro/index.htm.

    About the EIB in the Western Balkans

    The EIB is one of the leading international financiers in the Western Balkans. For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in this region, visit www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: William Wordsworth’s last home is up for sale – returning it to a private residence would be a loss for the UK’s cultural heritage

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Wilcockson, Research assistant, University of Glasgow

    Until recently, fans of William Wordsworth could visit his final home, Rydal Mount and Gardens, nestled in the heart of England’s green and beautiful Lake District. Renowned as one of the most prominent British poets, the works of Wordsworth (1770-1850) include what is widely regarded as the most famous poem in the English language, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.

    So it’s not surprising that his immaculately maintained house and gardens, with breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and Rydal Water, once attracted 45,000 visitors a year.

    However, rising costs, a fall in visitor numbers to 20,000 or fewer per year, and the residual effects of the pandemic have placed the future of the museum in question.

    The current owners have put Rydal Mount on the market for the first time since 1969 for £2.5 million – meaning this important piece of literary heritage, depending on who buys it, could become closed to the public.

    The house was bought by Mary Henderson, Wordsworth’s great-great-granddaughter, in 1969 and opened as a writer’s house museum a year later.

    Rydal Mount was originally a small 16th-century cottage. By 1813, there was enough room for Wordsworth, his wife Mary and three surviving children, plus Wordsworth’s sister-in-law Sara and sister Dorothy – author of the Grasmere Journal, which detailed the household’s life.

    Leaving the cramped conditions of the more famous Dove Cottage behind them, it was at Rydal Mount that Wordsworth truly settled, building a “writing hut” and extensively landscaping the grounds to his own design.


    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.


    Next to Rydal Mount is Dora’s Field, which also has literary significance. Here, the poet is believed to have planted 1,847 daffodils to mark his daughter Dora’s memory, following her death from tuberculosis aged 42. These daffodils still bloom every spring.

    While living at Rydal Mount, Wordsworth revised his epic “The Prelude” and wrote many other popular poems. This too is the house where he died in 1850. It was only when Mary died in 1859 that the family’s tenancy of the house came to an end.

    Visitors get to step into the house where all this happened and see a wealth of rare objects, including a rare portrait of Dorothy and Wordsworth’s letter to Queen Victoria refusing the job of Poet Laureate (which he later accepted).

    Owning England’s heritage

    Visitors go to literary museums to experience the “spirit of the place”, to “encounter” the author and absorb some of their creativity. One recent visitor to Rydal Mount was so disappointed not to meet Wordsworth personally that they wrote a disparaging review, telling of their confusion that the poet “wasn’t in” and “when [they] asked when he would be home, all [they] got was blank stares.”

    Wordworth is so closely connected to the Lake District that marketing strategies have used him to promote the area since the 1800s. Rydal Mount has had an integral role in maintaining these traditions. The estate agent’s advert is keen to stress the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of England’s heritage” and the “superb gardens … designed by Wordsworth himself”.

    In selling the museum as it is, there is a real risk that Rydal Mount could become a private home lost to the public eye – much like Greta Hall, the home of Wordsworth’s fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which has long been privately owned.

    Prospective closure is not uncommon for smaller museums in 2025. A recent report noted that three in five small museums fear closure because of declining revenue and footfall. 2020 was the 250th anniversary of Wordsworth’s birth and should have been a bumper year of events and tourism for the Lake District. Instead, the pandemic ravaged the celebrations and left tourist attractions in financial peril that many have not recovered from.

    William Wordsworth lived at Rydal Mount for 37 years and died there.
    Wikimedia, CC BY

    Critics will argue that even if Rydal Mount does close, there are still three more Wordsworth homes open to visitors (Dove Cottage, the favourite of tourist guides, Wordsworth House and Garden, and Allan Bank). Even Wordsworth’s old school is a museum.

    The closure of Rydal Mount would inevitably boost these other sites’ visitor numbers – particularly Dove Cottage, which is on the same (albeit long) road as Rydal Mount. And the condition of Wordsworth’s last home could potentially be improved by a private owner with ample funds to upkeep the house.

    However, it is also true that public appreciation of museums remains high, with 89% of adults in a 2024 YouGov survey advocating for their importance to UK culture, and 54% registering disappointment if their local museum were to close.

    While the British Museum has experienced its highest visitor numbers since 2015, more needs to be done to save regional museums and writer’s house museums from closure. The sale of Rydal Mount into private hands may prove a severe loss to literary history, leaving the Lake District much the poorer for it.

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

    – ref. William Wordsworth’s last home is up for sale – returning it to a private residence would be a loss for the UK’s cultural heritage – https://theconversation.com/william-wordsworths-last-home-is-up-for-sale-returning-it-to-a-private-residence-would-be-a-loss-for-the-uks-cultural-heritage-253561

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo, New York Man Charged with Transporting a Minor Victim Across State Lines with Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 22, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ian Blochwitz, 33, of Buffalo, New York, with transporting a minor victim from Vermont to New York with intent to engage in sexual activity for which Blochwitz could be charged with a criminal offense in New York.

    Blochwitz entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on March 20, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. United States Magistrate Judge Jerome Niedermeier held a detention hearing on March 26, 2025, and ordered that Blochwitz be detained during the pendency of this matter.

    According to court records, Blochwitz met his twelve-year-old victim on an anonymous chat platform. In February 2023, Blochwitz drove a rental car from Buffalo, New York, to Vermont to meet the minor victim. He then took the minor victim to a short-term rental location in Whitehall, New York, where he engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim. He then drove the minor victim back to Vermont before returning to Buffalo.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Blochwitz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Blochwitz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment and up to a lifetime of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Blochwitz is represented by Attorney Robert Singer, of Williamsville, New York.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: First Bank Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, N.J., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Bank (Nasdaq Global Market: FRBA) invites participation in a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating performance during its first quarter ending on March 31, 2025.

    Event: Earnings Conference Call – First Quarter 2025
       
    When: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time
       
    Access: Conference Call Dial-In:             (800) 715-9871  (toll free)
       
      Conference Call Access Code:  3909613
       

    Patrick L. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew L. Hibshman, Chief Financial Officer, Peter J. Cahill, Chief Lending Officer, and Darleen Gillespie, Chief Retail Banking Officer will provide an overview of first quarter 2025 results. The management presentation typically lasts approximately fifteen to thirty minutes, followed by investor questions and discussion. The Company’s first quarter results will be released after the market closes on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 and will also be available in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website. Conference replay information is also available on the Company’s website, www.firstbanknj.com.

    About First Bank
    First Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered bank with 26 full-service branches in Cinnaminson, Delanco, Denville, Ewing, Fairfield, Flemington, Hamilton, Lawrence, Monroe, Pennington, Randolph, Somerset, Trenton, Williamstown, and Morristown, New Jersey, Doylestown, Trevose, Warminster, West Chester, Paoli, Malvern, Coventry, Devon, Lionville, Media, Pennsylvania, and Palm Beach, Florida. With $3.78 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024, First Bank offers a traditional range of deposit and loan products to individuals and businesses mainly throughout the New York City to Philadelphia corridor. First Bank’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market exchange under the symbol “FRBA”.

    Contact
    Andrew L. Hibshman, Executive Vice President and CFO
    (609) 643-0058, andrew.hibshman@firstbanknj.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Isabel Doverty appointed as the interim Chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Isabel Doverty appointed as the interim Chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

    Isabel Doverty has been appointed as the interim Chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACoBA).

    Isabel Doverty has been appointed as the interim Chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACoBA). Isabel will take up the role on 1 April 2025 and will serve as interim Chair until 31 December 2025.

    Isabel was appointed as  an independent member of  the Committee in January 2021 after an open competition. She was formerly Global Head of Human Resources, Wholesale Banking, at Standard Chartered Bank. She is also an independent member of the State Honours Committee. Throughout her private sector career she has held senior HR roles in the energy and financial services sectors, specialising in employee relations, organisational change, and executive level recruitment. Isabel also served as an independent Civil Service Commissioner from 2015 – 2020. 

    The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is an independent advisory Non Departmental Public Body sponsored and funded by the Cabinet Office. It is responsible for providing independent advice on applications submitted under the government’s Business Appointment Rules from former ministers, the most senior civil servants and other Crown servants. In doing so it advises on the conditions that should apply to new appointments or employment after individuals have left public office.

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    Published 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: William Wordsworth’s last home is up for sale – returning it to a private residence would be a loss for the UK’s cultural heritage

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amy Wilcockson, Research assistant, University of Glasgow

    Until recently, fans of William Wordsworth could visit his final home, Rydal Mount and Gardens, nestled in the heart of England’s green and beautiful Lake District. Renowned as one of the most prominent British poets, the works of Wordsworth (1770-1850) include what is widely regarded as the most famous poem in the English language, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.

    So it’s not surprising that his immaculately maintained house and gardens, with breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and Rydal Water, once attracted 45,000 visitors a year.

    However, rising costs, a fall in visitor numbers to 20,000 or fewer per year, and the residual effects of the pandemic have placed the future of the museum in question.

    The current owners have put Rydal Mount on the market for the first time since 1969 for £2.5 million – meaning this important piece of literary heritage, depending on who buys it, could become closed to the public.

    The house was bought by Mary Henderson, Wordsworth’s great-great-granddaughter, in 1969 and opened as a writer’s house museum a year later.

    Rydal Mount was originally a small 16th-century cottage. By 1813, there was enough room for Wordsworth, his wife Mary and three surviving children, plus Wordsworth’s sister-in-law Sara and sister Dorothy – author of the Grasmere Journal, which detailed the household’s life.

    Leaving the cramped conditions of the more famous Dove Cottage behind them, it was at Rydal Mount that Wordsworth truly settled, building a “writing hut” and extensively landscaping the grounds to his own design.


    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.


    Next to Rydal Mount is Dora’s Field, which also has literary significance. Here, the poet is believed to have planted 1,847 daffodils to mark his daughter Dora’s memory, following her death from tuberculosis aged 42. These daffodils still bloom every spring.

    While living at Rydal Mount, Wordsworth revised his epic “The Prelude” and wrote many other popular poems. This too is the house where he died in 1850. It was only when Mary died in 1859 that the family’s tenancy of the house came to an end.

    Visitors get to step into the house where all this happened and see a wealth of rare objects, including a rare portrait of Dorothy and Wordsworth’s letter to Queen Victoria refusing the job of Poet Laureate (which he later accepted).

    Owning England’s heritage

    Visitors go to literary museums to experience the “spirit of the place”, to “encounter” the author and absorb some of their creativity. One recent visitor to Rydal Mount was so disappointed not to meet Wordsworth personally that they wrote a disparaging review, telling of their confusion that the poet “wasn’t in” and “when [they] asked when he would be home, all [they] got was blank stares.”

    Wordworth is so closely connected to the Lake District that marketing strategies have used him to promote the area since the 1800s. Rydal Mount has had an integral role in maintaining these traditions. The estate agent’s advert is keen to stress the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of England’s heritage” and the “superb gardens … designed by Wordsworth himself”.

    In selling the museum as it is, there is a real risk that Rydal Mount could become a private home lost to the public eye – much like Greta Hall, the home of Wordsworth’s fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which has long been privately owned.

    Prospective closure is not uncommon for smaller museums in 2025. A recent report noted that three in five small museums fear closure because of declining revenue and footfall. 2020 was the 250th anniversary of Wordsworth’s birth and should have been a bumper year of events and tourism for the Lake District. Instead, the pandemic ravaged the celebrations and left tourist attractions in financial peril that many have not recovered from.

    William Wordsworth lived at Rydal Mount for 37 years and died there.
    Wikimedia, CC BY

    Critics will argue that even if Rydal Mount does close, there are still three more Wordsworth homes open to visitors (Dove Cottage, the favourite of tourist guides, Wordsworth House and Garden, and Allan Bank). Even Wordsworth’s old school is a museum.

    The closure of Rydal Mount would inevitably boost these other sites’ visitor numbers – particularly Dove Cottage, which is on the same (albeit long) road as Rydal Mount. And the condition of Wordsworth’s last home could potentially be improved by a private owner with ample funds to upkeep the house.

    However, it is also true that public appreciation of museums remains high, with 89% of adults in a 2024 YouGov survey advocating for their importance to UK culture, and 54% registering disappointment if their local museum were to close.

    While the British Museum has experienced its highest visitor numbers since 2015, more needs to be done to save regional museums and writer’s house museums from closure. The sale of Rydal Mount into private hands may prove a severe loss to literary history, leaving the Lake District much the poorer for it.

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

    – ref. William Wordsworth’s last home is up for sale – returning it to a private residence would be a loss for the UK’s cultural heritage – https://theconversation.com/william-wordsworths-last-home-is-up-for-sale-returning-it-to-a-private-residence-would-be-a-loss-for-the-uks-cultural-heritage-253561

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: BFCM – ISIN Code: FR0010128835 – Issuer Call Notice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Issuer Call Notice

    1 April, 2025

    To :
    1. Société Générale Bank & Trust S.A., as (the “Fiscal Agent and Principal Paying Agent’’);
    2. Société Générale., as (the “Paris Paying Agent and Calculation Agent’’);
    3. The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    4. Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

    Dear Sirs,

    Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel
    € 150,000,000 Deeply Subordinated Fixed to Floating Rate Notes ((originally issued by Caisse Fédérale du Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe)(the “Notes”))

    (ISIN Code: FR0010128835)

    Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to call the Notes pursuant to the Issuer General Call Option under Conditions 6.2 (a) of the Prospectus (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    We, the Issuer, instruct you as Fiscal Agent, to authorise the Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 18 May, 2025 (“Optional Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 18 May, 2025; and
    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount: EUR 1,000 per Denomination.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Prospectus dated 16 November, 2004, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel

    By: Eric CUZZUCOLI

    Duly authorised

    Attachment

    • BFCM Call Notices_FR0010128835 vdef

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: East Asia is challenging Silicon Valley – by being like Silicon Valley used to be

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Robyn Klingler-Vidra, Vice Dean, Global Engagement | Associate Professor in Political Economy and Entrepreneurship, King’s College London

    East Asia’s tech scene is enjoying considerable success. imtmphoto / Shutterstock

    Silicon Valley has been a universal symbol of innovation for decades. Because of its reputation, governments around the world have tried to foster their own versions by investing heavily in tech hubs.

    These efforts, which include Silicon Beach in Los Angeles, Silicon Island in Malaysia and Silicon Roundabout in the UK, have not always worked. But some places, particularly parts of east Asia, have seen their own Silicon Valleys flourish.

    China has the world’s second-largest venture capital market, scores of startups, and cutting-edge tech to challenge Silicon Valley. Japan and Korea have also become some of the most active corporate venture capital investors in the world.

    At the same time, these challenger ecosystems possess some of the attributes of Silicon Valley in its heyday. More, in some ways, than Silicon Valley itself does these days.

    The scale of Silicon Valley remains unparalleled, at least for now. In 2024, the region’s market capitalisation (the value of companies’ publicly traded shares) had reached US$14.3 trillion (£11 trillion). This is comparable to the entire GDP of China, the world’s second-largest economy.

    But Silicon Valley is no longer a counter-cultural world of startups in garages, where small, disruptive organisations build world-changing products on a shoestring. It has morphed into a land of Goliaths, not Davids.

    Cups of instant noodles have, for many, been replaced by açaí bowls, and office all-nighters with wellbeing workshops and digital detox retreats. Stalwart investors, such as Sequoia’s Mike Moritz, have complained that Silicon Valley tech workers have become “lazy and entitled”.

    Silicon Valley is a region in northern California that is a global centre for technology and innovation.
    Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock

    Meanwhile, the work ethic and laser focus of tech workers elsewhere has advanced. About ten years ago, Chinese tech’s working hours were described as “996” – working from 9am to 9pm six days a week. They are now referred to as “007”, a schedule where employees work from midnight to midnight, seven days a week.

    ‘Good artists copy, great artists steal’

    The history of Silicon Valley is one of hungry challengers disrobing the big, boring incumbents. Apple raised equity investment from Xerox, then a leading print production corporation, and used the access to Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center to take inspiration from the company’s plans for a computer that had a graphical user interface. Apple later refined the software for the Macintosh, giving it its edge.

    In 1996, Jobs famously said: “Picasso had a saying – ‘Good artists copy; great artists steal’ – and we have always been shameless about stealing great ideas.”

    Today, the Goliaths leading Silicon Valley have huge intellectual property portfolios to defend. And they are outraged when their tech is taken. OpenAI, the American company that made ChatGPT, has even asked the US government to declare Chinese AI firm DeepSeek “state controlled” and to outlaw its use in the US. Huawei and Bytedance’s TikTok have faced similar calls in the past.

    In western media, much of the focus on the moment DeepSeek disrupted the AI landscape has been about how it rattled Silicon Valley. But there has been less coverage on how it has instigated instant rivals within China.

    Days after Deepseek’s release, Chinese tech company Alibaba announced that its AI model was superior. And China recently launched Manus, a fully autonomous AI agent that fully replaces rather than assists humans.

    China’s answer to Silicon Valley is what Taiwanese businessman, Kai-fu Lee, calls “gladiatorial entrepreneurship”. This is where founders constantly innovate because as soon as their product is released, they know it will be copied and reverse engineered. The system as a whole benefits from the intense competition, the way Silicon Valley did in its ascent.

    The students have become the teacher

    Silicon Valley used to be known for its counter culture and its outsized vision of how tech can transform the globe. This is epitomised by Masayoshi Son, a former student of Silicon Valley from east Asia who is the founder and CEO of Japanese firm SoftBank.

    He first came to Silicon Valley in the early 1980s and quickly integrated into the Silicon Valley way of business. Son launched his own startup when he returned to Japan, modelled on what he experienced in the few years he lived in California. With this, Softbank was born as a software distributor.

    SoftBank’s Vision Fund is now the largest venture capital fund in the world, with over US$100 billion (£77.5 billion) in capital. Son’s giant fund and impatient style of investing have contributed to change in Silicon Valley. Ballooning valuations and the use of exploding term sheets (investment offers that expire within a matter of days) are increasingly the norm.

    Son is stylised as a classic outsider. Gambling Man, a recently published book from the former editor of the Financial Times, Lionel Barber, details how Son is not “really Japanese” (he’s ethnically Korean) and has long touted this challenger narrative.

    Now as one of the biggest investors in Silicon Valley, he is pushy, confrontational and has a huge vision for how technologies such as AI can change the world. He is the purveyor of that grand vision and an advocate for the risk-taking that is synonymous with “classic” Silicon Valley.

    Meanwhile, China’s AI gladiators innovate constantly in their bid to overtake the once hungry American behemoths who are now forced to call on the state to help shore-up their position. The contrasting trajectories raise questions about who should now become more like whom if they are to win the global technology race.

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

    – ref. East Asia is challenging Silicon Valley – by being like Silicon Valley used to be – https://theconversation.com/east-asia-is-challenging-silicon-valley-by-being-like-silicon-valley-used-to-be-251854

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: WithSecure Corporation: SHARE REPURCHASE 1.4.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WithSecure Corporation, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 1 April 2025 at 6.30 PM (EET)
           
           
    WithSecure Corporation: SHARE REPURCHASE 1.4.2025  
           
    In the Helsinki Stock Exchange      
           
    Trade date           1.4.2025    
    Bourse trade         Buy    
    Share                  WITH    
    Amount             15 000 Shares  
    Average price/ share    0,9180 EUR  
    Total cost            13 770,00 EUR  
           
           
    WithSecure Corporation now holds a total of 311 890 shares  
    including the shares repurchased on 1.4.2025    
           
    The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation   
    No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5
    and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.  
           
           
    On behalf of Withsecure Corporation    
           
    Nordea Bank Oyj      
           
    Janne Sarvikivi           Sami Huttunen    
           
           
    Contact information:      
    Laura Viita      
    Vice President Controlling, Investor relations and Sustainability
    WithSecure Corporation      
    Tel. +358 50 4871044      
    Investor-relations@withsecure.com      

    Attachment

    • WithSecure 1.4.2025

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: CNB ends the first phase of its monetary policy review with an international workshop and will now start work on developing a new forecasting model

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The first phase of the review of the CNB’s monetary policy analytical and modelling framework has been completed successfully. The CNB brought this phase to a close today with an international workshop attended by top foreign economists led by Claudio Borio, the former Head of the Monetary and Economic Department at the Bank for International Settlements. In the next step, the central bank will develop a new forecasting model to supplement its existing tools. It will also put into practice other recommendations made by domestic and foreign experts who have evaluated the CNB’s past monetary policy. The aim is to enhance the CNB’s analytical and modelling framework so that, among other things, it can better withstand the current environment of unexpected economic shocks.

    The CNB is now entering the second phase of its monetary policy review. This will build on the first phase, which the CNB began by having its analytical and modelling framework assessed independently for the first time ever. Based on the experts’ recommendations, it then strengthened the role of research in the Research and Statistics Department and made other organisational changes to prepare the CNB for the key period ahead. At an international workshop in Prague today, CNB representatives presented the steps taken so far and the outlook for the future. They also discussed the way forward with leading foreign economists with experience of monetary policy reviews in other countries.

    “Looking ahead, the toughest challenges for monetary policy regimes may well be still to come. For one, the political environment is becoming less conducive to a stability-oriented monetary policy. Over time, a dangerous expectations gap has been developing between what monetary policy can deliver and what it is expected to deliver. But inflation targeting regimes cannot afford to stay still,” said Claudio Borio, the former Head of the Monetary and Economic Department at the Bank for International Settlements, who also attended the CNB workshop.

    In the second phase, the CNB will put into practice the recommendations contained in the assessments prepared by expert teams led by Professor John Muellbauer from the University of Oxford, Roman Šustek from Queen Mary University of London and Professor Martin Mandel and Associate Professor Karel Brůna from the Prague University of Economics and Business. These assessments identified deficiencies in the CNB’s current modelling framework and emphasised the need to strengthen the role of economic research at the central bank and to increase the emphasis on the use of available data sources. “Theories and models are valuable to a central bank only to the extent that they facilitate an informed and sufficiently comprehensive debate – one that helps us understand the evolving economic story in the short, medium and long run,” said CNB Deputy Governor Jan Frait. In his opinion, the reviews have shown that the CNB’s current tools cannot fulfil this role to the full.

    “We need analyses that are not only technically accurate, but also sensitive to economic, social and political realities – analyses that reflect emotions as well as facts and figures. To achieve this, we should be open to different points of view, be prepared to reassess our positions when major changes occur, and invest in people who are able to come up with new approaches and ideas based on knowledge of cutting-edge economic research,” added Deputy Governor Frait.

    The main innovation will be an alternative macroeconomic forecasting model to be developed by the Research and Statistics Department at the CNB. The Department was established on 1 January 2025 through the merger of the Economic Research Division of the Monetary Department and the Financial Research Division of the Financial Stability Department with the then Statistics and Data Support Department. “The CNB is currently an outlier internationally. Most other central banks rely on two or more models for monetary policy purposes, whereas we currently use only one central DSGE model. Where a central bank does have a single model, with few exceptions, it is not a DSGE one,” said CNB Deputy Governor Eva Zamrazilová, giving one of the reasons for supplementing the central DSGE model with another powerful forecasting tool.

    The Czech National Bank expects the initial results of the development of the alternative model to emerge before the end of this year. However, according to Eva Zamrazilová, it could take two to three years to complete the entire process, including testing and validation of the proper functioning of the new tool. “We don’t want to rush anything. We will put the emphasis on top quality, not speed, because this is a major step as regards Czech monetary policy,” added Deputy Governor Zamrazilová.

    In addition to the development of an alternative model, the monetary policy review will be reflected in practice on other levels, such as research. According to Bank Board member Jan Kubíček, the expert assessments have not only identified problem areas in the existing modelling framework, but are also an illuminating source of inspiration for the future development of the CNB. “Major advancements have been made around the world in the field of analytical instruments. The monetary policy review gives us an opportunity to take them and use them to our advantage,” said Jan Kubíček, adding that via the CNB, all individuals and companies in the Czech Republic stand to benefit from the results of the monetary policy review in the future.

    Jakub Holas
    Director, Communications Division


    Programme

    9.00 Opening Remarks
    Aleš Michl, Governor, Czech National Bank
    9.05 Keynote Speech: Adjusting Inflation Targeting Frameworks
    Claudio Borio, former Head of Monetary and Economic Department, Bank for International Settlements
    10.05 Panel Discussion: Analytical and Forecasting Frameworks for Inflation Targeting: Lessons Learned
    Chair: Eva Zamrazilová, Deputy Governor, Czech National Bank
    Panellists:
    Óscar Arce, Director General Economics, European Central Bank
    Huw Pill, Chief Economist, Bank of England
    Jan Kubíček, Board Member, Czech National Bank
    11.45 Panel Discussion: Chair: Jan Frait, Deputy Governor, Czech National Bank
    Panellists:
    John Muellbauer, Nuffield College, Oxford University & INET, Oxford
    Roman Šustek, Queen Mary University of London & Centre for Macroeconomics (LSE)
    Jakub Matějů, Deputy Executive Director, Monetary Department, Czech National Bank

    Related links

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: FS Bancorp, Inc. and 1st Security Bank Announce the Promotion of Phillip Whittington to Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FS Bancorp, Inc. (“Company”) (NASDAQ: FSBW), the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington (“1st Security Bank” or “Bank”) announced today that it has named Phillip Whittington as Chief Financial Officer of both the Bank and the Company effective May 1, 2025. Matthew D. Mullet, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer and President will continue to serve as the President for both the Company and the Bank.

    “We are delighted to announce Phil’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer,” said Joe Adams the Bank’s CEO. “I am confident his knowledge of the Bank’s accounting, treasury management and financial reporting requirements makes him the ideal person for this position.”

    Phillip Whittington has served as the Controller of the Bank since January 2020. Prior to joining 1st Security Bank, he was as a manager at the accounting firm of Elliott Davis located in Columbia, South Carolina. Mr. Whittington, a Certified Public Accountant, received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the College of Charleston and his Master of Accountancy from the University of South Carolina.

    About 1st Security Bank of Washington

    1st Security Bank offers a range of loan and deposit services primarily to small- and middle-market businesses and individuals in Washington and Oregon. It operates through twenty-seven Bank branches, and one headquarters office that provide loan and deposit services, and loan production offices in various suburban communities in the greater Puget Sound area, the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland metropolitan area of Washington, also known as the Tri-Cities, and in Vancouver, Washington. Additionally, the Bank services home mortgage customers throughout the Northwest predominantly in Washington State including Puget Sound, Tri-Cities and Vancouver.

    Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which can be identified by words such as “may,” “expected,” “anticipate”, “continue,” or other comparable words. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities that 1st Security expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Readers are encouraged to read the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of FS Bancorp, particularly its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, for meaningful cautionary language discussing why actual results may vary materially from those anticipated by management.

    Contacts:

    Joseph C. Adams
    Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew D. Mullet
    President and Chief Financial Officer
    (425) 771-5299
    www.FSBWA.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wolverhampton to mark VE/VJ Day 80 with city wide celebrations

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    To enable people to get involved across the city, the council has waived its standard road closure fees and is inviting residents to celebrate this historic milestone in their own unique way between Bank Holiday Monday 5 May and Sunday 11 May, 2025.

    This year’s celebrations honour the momentous announcement made by Prime Minister Winston Churchill at 3pm on 8 May, 1945, signalling the end of the Second World War in Europe after nearly 6 years of brutal conflict. 2025 will also mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August, 1945, which signified the Allies’ defeat of Japan.

    Residents are encouraged to find their own way to mark this occasion including:

    • Community gatherings, by organising events in local parks, green spaces, or community buildings.
    • Street parties, by applying for free road closures to host vibrant street parties.
    • Neighbourhood celebrations, by connecting with neighbours in driveways, front gardens or shared parking areas.

    To further support community led initiatives, the council has allocated grants of up to £250 per event, thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Applications are now open at Stepway.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the council’s Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: “VE/VJ Day 80 is a powerful reminder of our shared history and the enduring spirit of community.

    “We want to see Wolverhampton come alive with celebrations, from intimate neighbourhood gatherings to grand street parties.

    “By waiving road closure fees and providing grant support, we’re making it easier than ever for residents to honour this significant anniversary together. Let’s create lasting memories and pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much.”

    For more details of the celebrations, visit the VE/VJ Day 80 website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Greenbacker delivers 2024 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Takeaways

    • Amid challenging market conditions, including inflationary pressures and macro uncertainty, Greenbacker announces decrease in NAV.
    • Charles Wheeler retires as CEO; Dan de Boer assumes position of interim CEO; Robert Brennan appointed Chairman of the Board.
    • Company institutes additional cost saving measures, including 10% reduction in workforce; operating expenses expected to reduce by $12 million, or 20%, by 2026.
    • Board of Directors authorizes review of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.
    • Total operating revenue in 2024 increased by 16% year-over-year, to $210 million.
    • Operating fleet grew by 8%, with 22 new solar energy assets in operation representing 117 MW of additional power production capacity.
    • Annual power production increase of 23% driven by new solar assets combined with Company’s milestone wind repowers.
    • Greenbacker’s fleet of clean energy assets generated 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of power, enough to power 250,000 US homes.

    NEW YORK, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC (“Greenbacker,” “GREC,” or the “Company”), an energy transition-focused investment manager and independent power producer, has announced financial results for 2024, including year-over-year increases in annual revenue, operating capacity, and clean energy generation.¹

    Market conditions, inflationary pressures, and re-underwriting process determined adjusted NAV

    With the renewable energy sector at a critical juncture, during 2024 Greenbacker initiated a detailed, multi-quarter re-underwriting process prior to releasing its December 31, 2024 net asset value (“NAV”), in which the Company evaluated the expected future performance of the assets in its portfolio relative to their historical performance, while also taking into account the impact of current market conditions. As a result, GREC adjusted its aggregate NAV as of December 31, 2024 to $5.03 per share, a 35.5% decrease relative to the September 30, 2024 NAV of $7.81 per share.

    Several factors contributed to the Company’s NAV revision. Inflationary pressures, supply chain imbalances, and increasing insurance costs due to heightened climate risk contributed to a significant increase in operating costs. New clean energy generation projections from independent engineers based on recent industry data have provided additional insight, replacing earlier projections that had been obtained during a period with limited historical data available and diverged relative to actual production. Additionally, there continues to be uncertainty around potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act and the threat of additional tariffs, both of which are impacting the near-term outlook for renewables.

    These headwinds contributed to a challenging market environment and downward pressure in renewable energy asset pricing across the sector, which Greenbacker saw reflected through both market sale processes and a comprehensive asset-by asset-review.

    At the project level, the Company continues to maintain financial stability, resulting in strong financial coverage ratios. Additionally, at the firm level, Greenbacker continues to maintain sufficient overall liquidity and receive ongoing support from its leading project financing partners.

    Organizational restructuring executed to increase operational efficiencies

    Greenbacker is announcing an organizational restructuring designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and better position the Company to capitalize on future market opportunities and deliver value to shareholders.

    As part of these changes, Charles Wheeler is retiring from his role as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chairman of the Greenbacker Board of Directors (“Board”), effective April 1, 2025. Chief Investment Officer and Head of Infrastructure Dan de Boer has been named interim CEO, effective April 1, 2025, and Director Robert Brennan has been appointed Chairman of the Board. The Greenbacker Board is considering both external and internal candidates for the role of a permanent CEO, which is expected to be confirmed no later than the end of Q2 2025. Wheeler will continue to serve as a member of the Board until the earlier of December 31, 2025 and the date on which a permanent replacement CEO has been appointed.

    Wheeler, who is also one of Greenbacker’s Co-Founders, spoke about his retirement and Greenbacker’s future:

    “14 years ago, with a group of like-minded individuals, I created Greenbacker with the goal of providing an investment vehicle that would enable ordinary American investors to participate in the renewable energy revolution. We’ve built Greenbacker into a business that is contributing to the transition to clean energy with hundreds of projects representing more than 3.6 gigawatts² of clean power generation capacity across the country.

    Given current market conditions, changes are needed to best position Greenbacker to benefit from future market opportunities. I believe that Dan and Greenbacker’s other leaders are the right team to guide us through this period while promoting our mission to empower a sustainable world.”

    De Boer has been with Greenbacker since 2023 and brings nearly two decades of experience in private equity and renewable energy investing, with prior leadership roles and positions at Allianz Capital Partners, Onyx Renewable Partners within Blackstone Energy Partners, and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments.

    In addition to restructuring the leadership team, the Company has progressed several cost savings initiatives, including a reduction of approximately 10% of its workforce, effective March 31, 2025. Greenbacker anticipates that the reduction in force and other operational efficiency efforts that began in mid-2024 will reduce overhead expenses by $12 million, or 20%, by 2026.

    “We want to recognize the impact that this decision has on the careers and lives of the individuals at Greenbacker,” said interim CEO, Dan de Boer. “We value our people and employed care and thoughtfulness as we attempted to balance our business requirements with any adverse impact to our team. While difficult, we believe that taking these measures will better position the firm to achieve long-term growth.”

    Additionally, the Company has identified opportunities to recycle capital within the portfolio by pursuing targeted non-core asset sales.

    Annual total operating revenue topped $210 million, as Company continued to move assets into operation, contributing to year-over-year production increase of 23%

    During 2024, Greenbacker increased total operating revenue³ by $29 million, or 16% year-over-year, to over $210 million.

    Revenue from the sale of clean energy within Greenbacker’s independent power producer (“IPP”) business segment totaled $185.2 million in 2024, of which $155.0 million, or approximately 84%, came from the Company’s long-term power purchase agreements (“PPAs”).

    For 2024, the net loss attributable to Greenbacker was $(242.3) million and Adjusted EBTIDA⁴ was $59.8 million, representing year-over-year changes of (205)% and 88%, respectively. The net loss was primarily the result of goodwill impairment charges, driven by a deterioration in macroeconomic conditions, as well as by depreciation, amortization, and other impairment charges in the period.

    GREC increased its operating fleet size by 8% in 2024, which included placing 22 new solar energy assets into operation, accounting for 117 MW of additional power production.⁵ Additionally, the three wind assets strategically taken offline during portions of 2023 for repowering (i.e., retrofitting with new, more efficient equipment) had all returned to full operation producing power by early 2024.

    In total, GREC’s new operating solar assets and repowered wind portfolio drove an annual power production increase of 23% year-over-year,⁶ as the Company’s fleet of clean energy assets generated 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of power, enough to power over 250,000 US homes.⁷

    GREC Operating Fleet 2024 2023 YoY Increase
    (total)
    YoY Increase
    (%)
    Clean power produced by solar assets (MWh) 1,504,580 1,256,183 248,397 20%
    PPA revenue generated by solar assets ($M) $ 87.8 $ 74.1 $ 13.6 18%
    Clean power produced by wind assets (MWh) 1,236,431 978,236 258,195 26%
    PPA revenue generated by wind assets ($M) $ 65.8 $ 53.9 $ 11.9 22%
    Total clean power generated by wind and solar assets (MWh) 2,741,011 2,234,419 506,592 23%
    Total PPA operating revenue generated by wind and solar assets ($M) $ 153.5 $ 128.0 $ 25.5 20%

    Some figures may not add to stated totals due to rounding. Total clean power generated does not include power generated from biomass facility during 2023 and a portion of 2024, nor does it include assets in which the Company holds a preferred equity position.

    Greenbacker secures nearly $1 billion financing for largest solar farm in New York State; completes $437 million financing for milestone wind repowers; and completes targeted non-core asset sale

    Throughout 2024, Greenbacker made substantial progress on one of its core objectives: securing the capital necessary for the construction of its remaining pre-operating assets—and converting those projects into revenue-generating operating assets selling electricity. The Company also continued to receive robust support from its project finance partners, enabling it to reach significant milestones over the year.

    In particular, Greenbacker secured nearly $1 billion in financing for the acquisition, construction and operation of its 674 MW Cider solar farm, the largest solar energy project in the state of New York to date. Cider also represents both Greenbacker’s largest clean energy asset to date and the largest project financing in Company history (for which it was awarded Proximo Infrastructure’s 2024 Solar Deal of the Year).

    The construction financing represented $869 million from six of the world’s top financial institutions, including ongoing Greenbacker partners MUFG, KeyBanc Capital Markets and Wells Fargo, as well as first-time partnerships with ING Capital LLC, Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., New York Branch and Societe Generale. The Company also closed on an $81 million development loan with Voya Investment Management, its first partnership with the global investment manager.

    Greenbacker additionally completed $437 million in financing for its wind repower portfolio. GREC was able to create additional value from existing assets by updating the turbine blades, hubs, and nacelles at three wind projects in its Midwestern fleet. To finance the repowering, the Company collaborated with lending partner Bayerische Landesbank to secure $81.5 million in construction bridge loan facilities, as well as long-term debt and tax equity financing from Huntington National Bank, via sales leasebacks totaling $355.7 million.

    Also in 2024, Greenbacker completed the sale of its 54 MW Panther Creek pre-operating wind asset to an affiliated sustainable infrastructure-focused platform. The asset sale illustrated GREC’s ability to develop large clean energy assets through late-stage development, a key component of its go-forward strategy, while its affiliate platform viewed the project as an opportunity to add a fully developed, high cash-yielding asset, in line with its investment mandate.

    Long-term contracted cash flows with investment-grade counterparties

    As of December 31, 2024, the Greenbacker operating fleet represented approximately 1.6 gigawatts of total clean power generation and storage capacity, spanning over 30 states, territories, districts and provinces. Due to its size and geographic footprint, GREC’s operating fleet was listed among Solarplaza’s 2025 Top 50 Operating Solar Portfolios in North America.

    At the end of 2024, over 93% of Greenbacker’s entire portfolio of operating and pre-operating clean energy projects were currently, or will be when completed, selling power to investment-grade counterparties, including utilities, municipalities, and corporations, under long-term power purchase agreements (“PPAs”). The portfolio had approximately 17.4 years of contracted cash flows associated with these PPAs.

    Review of strategic alternatives

    In addition to the other measures to reduce costs, operate more efficiently, and promote a path to better outcomes for its investors, the Greenbacker Board has authorized the Company to conduct a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives.

    In regard to this review, the Board will consider a full range of operational and financial alternatives. A strategic review may result in Greenbacker securing additional capital to continue executing on its business plan: acquiring, owning, and operating a fleet of sustainable infrastructure assets that the Company efficiently manages to create both value and potential liquidity options for its shareholders.

    “During 2024, Greenbacker closed on the Cider deal, completed our milestone wind repowers, and brought 117 MW of additional capacity online, showcasing how we can utilize additional capital while continuing to deliver on our core focus,” de Boer said. “We believe current valuations in the renewables sector do not align with the supportive fundamentals driving the energy transition, leading to a compelling inflection point for renewable infrastructure investment. In short: we believe this is one of the better times to be investing in the energy transition.”

    Company’s investments produce power, abate carbon emissions, conserve water, and support green jobs

    As of December 31, 2024, Greenbacker’s clean energy assets had cumulatively produced more than 11 million MWh of clean power since January 2016, abating over 7 million metric tons of carbon⁸ and saving nearly 8 billion gallons of water.⁹ Greenbacker’s fleet of operating and pre-operating projects currently support, or are expected to support, thousands of green jobs.¹⁰

    Additional information regarding the Company’s impact can also be found in Greenbacker’s latest impact report.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those that relate to our search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer, our strategy and initiatives and our expectations for growth, within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ from the predicted results, performance or achievements include, among others, difficulties or delays we encounter in identifying a permanent Chief Executive Officer; our ability to execute on, and achieve the expected benefits from, our operational and strategic initiatives; our inability to realize the expected reduction in overhead expenses as a result of our reduction in force; volatility of the global financial markets and uncertain economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, inflationary pressures, recessionary concerns or global supply chain issues; public response to and changes in the local, state and federal regulatory framework affecting renewable energy projects; risks associated with changes in the fair value of our investments and the methods we use to estimate the fair value of our assets; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the SEC. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    In addition to evaluating the Company’s performance on a U.S. GAAP basis, the Company utilizes certain non-GAAP financial measures to analyze the operating performance of our segments as well as our consolidated business. Each of these measures should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for other financial measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, such as net income (loss) or operating income (loss). The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to supplement its U.S. GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting its operations.

    Adjusted EBITDA
    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure, as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis, as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative on the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure used by management that is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    Funds From Operations (FFO)
    FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure to analyze net earnings from operations without the effects of certain non-recurring items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business. FFO is calculated using Adjusted EBITDA less the impact of interest expense (excluding the non-cash component) and distributions to tax equity investors under the financing facilities associated with our IPP segment. 

    The Company believes that the analysis and presentation of FFO will enhance our investor’s understanding of the ongoing performance of our operating business. The Company considers FFO, in addition to other GAAP and non-GAAP measures, in assessing operating performance and as a proxy for growth in distribution coverage over the long term.

    FFO should not be considered in isolation from or as a superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    General Disclosure
    This information has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, or to participate in any trading or investment strategy. The information presented herein may involve Greenbacker’s views, estimates, assumptions, facts, and information from other sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable and are, as of the date this information is presented, subject to change without notice.

     
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
             
    Assets        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 120,057     $ 96,872  
    Restricted cash, current     38,403       85,235  
    Accounts receivable, net     27,103       23,310  
    Derivative assets, current     17,632       24,062  
    Other current assets     28,586       62,429  
    Total current assets     231,781       291,908  
    Noncurrent assets:        
    Restricted cash     3,128       5,568  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     2,232,486       2,133,877  
    Intangible assets, net     362,352       453,214  
    Goodwill     —       221,314  
    Investments, at fair value     74,136       94,878  
    Derivative assets     98,495       118,106  
    Other noncurrent assets     242,667       140,740  
    Total noncurrent assets     3,013,264       3,167,697  
    Total assets   $ 3,245,045     $ 3,459,605  
    Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 69,464     $ 79,288  
    Shareholder distributions payable     —       7,606  
    Contingent consideration, current     15,293       16,546  
    Current portion of long-term debt     88,901       82,855  
    Current portion of failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain     45,868       69,436  
    Other current liabilities     8,767       7,997  
    Total current liabilities     228,293       263,728  
    Noncurrent liabilities:        
    Long-term debt, net of current portion     1,001,654       935,397  
    Failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain, net of current portion     201,601       169,829  
    Contingent consideration, net of current portion     300       42,307  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net     35,316       58,696  
    Operating lease liabilities     196,911       108,406  
    Out-of-market contracts, net     180,640       194,785  
    Other noncurrent liabilities     59,261       53,492  
    Total noncurrent liabilities     1,675,683       1,562,912  
    Total liabilities   $ 1,903,976     $ 1,826,640  
    Redeemable noncontrolling interests   $ 1,851     $ 2,179  
    Redeemable common shares, par value, $0.001 per share, nil and 873 outstanding as of 2024 and 2023, respectively     —       1  
    Redeemable common shares, additional paid-in capital     —       7,245  
    Equity:        
    Preferred shares, par value, $0.001 per share, 50,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding     —       —  
    Common shares, par value, $0.001 per share, 350,000 authorized, 199,326 and 197,749 outstanding as of 2024 and 2023, respectively     199       198  
    Additional paid-in capital     1,773,758       1,770,060  
    Accumulated deficit     (584,733 )     (306,525 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     34,937       45,932  
    Noncontrolling interests     115,057       113,875  
    Total equity     1,339,218       1,623,540  
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity   $ 3,245,045     $ 3,459,605  
             
             
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
        Year ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
    Revenue        
    Energy revenue   $ 185,225     $ 159,301  
    Investment Management revenue     18,757       13,490  
    Other revenue     6,085       8,434  
    Contract amortization, net     (14,301 )     (8,060 )
    Total net revenue   $ 195,766     $ 173,165  
             
    Operating expenses        
    Direct operating costs     124,681       105,586  
    General and administrative     52,552       60,617  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     (39,348 )     (603 )
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion     81,953       125,743  
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     (5,622 )     —  
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314       —  
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs     88,410       59,294  
    Total operating expenses     523,940       350,637  
             
    Operating loss     (328,174 )     (177,472 )
             
    Interest expense, net     (7,612 )     (20,328 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net     (14,701 )     932  
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     22,764       —  
    Other income (expense), net     2,436       (267 )
             
    Loss before income taxes     (325,287 )     (197,135 )
    Benefit (expense) from income taxes     19,378       21,548  
    Net loss   $ (305,909 )   $ (175,587 )
    Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (63,609 )     (96,116 )
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC   $ (242,300 )   $ (79,471 )
             
    Earnings per share        
    Basic   $ (1.22 )   $ (0.40 )
    Diluted   $ (1.22 )   $ (0.40 )
             
    Weighted average shares outstanding        
    Basic     199,313       199,293  
    Diluted     199,313       199,293  
             
             
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (in thousands)
        Year ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities        
    Net loss   $ (305,909 )   $ (175,587 )
    Adjustments to reconcile Net loss to Net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion     96,254       133,803  
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     (5,622 )     —  
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314       —  
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net     74,782       59,294  
    Loss on sale of Illinois Winds LLC     12,656       —  
    Share-based compensation expense     378       11,248  
    Changes in fair value of contingent consideration     (39,348 )     (603 )
    Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts     6,261       6,711  
    Amortization of interest rate swap contracts     (1,055 )     6,750  
    Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net     (44,748 )     (17,763 )
    Gain on interest rate swaps, net     (1,356 )     (2,428 )
    Change in fair value of investments     14,701       (932 )
    Deferred income taxes     (19,378 )     (21,548 )
    Interest expense on failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain     7,549       —  
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     (22,764 )     —  
    Other     3,565       5,743  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Accounts receivable     (4,864 )     (2,959 )
    Current and noncurrent derivative assets     52,602       56,696  
    Other current and noncurrent assets     9,416       (10,661 )
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     14,164       14,891  
    Operating lease liabilities     (1,543 )     (1,290 )
    Other current and noncurrent liabilities     420       1,036  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     67,475       62,401  
             
    Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (287,822 )     (360,650 )
    Net deposits returned (paid) for property, plant and equipment     8,155       8,138  
    Proceeds from sale of Illinois Winds LLC     36,563       —  
    Purchases of investments     (734 )     (5,298 )
    Return of capital on investments     6,775       3,906  
    Loans made to other parties     (19,742 )     —  
    Receipts from notes receivable     46,204       30,725  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (210,601 )     (323,179 )
             
    Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
    Shareholder distributions     (37,196 )     (87,597 )
    Return of collateral paid for swap contract     —       1,735  
    Repurchases of common shares     (6,428 )     (82,719 )
    Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards     (1,880 )     —  
    Deferred shareholder servicing fees     (3,150 )     (3,486 )
    Contributions from noncontrolling interests     110,216       144,895  
    Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (17,850 )     (17,498 )
    Proceeds from borrowings     404,580       425,532  
    Payments on borrowings     (320,174 )     (351,764 )
    Proceeds from failed sale-leaseback     111,453       240,969  
    Payments on failed sale-leaseback     (87,089 )     —  
    Payments for loan origination costs     (34,698 )     (11,447 )
    Other capital activity     (745 )     (865 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities     117,039       257,755  
    Net decrease in Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash     (26,087 )     (3,023 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period*     187,675       190,698  
    Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period   $ 161,588     $ 187,675  
             
    *Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash as of May 18, 2022 includes all consolidated subsidiaries of the Company upon the change in status.


    Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before: (i) interest expense; (ii) income taxes; (iii) depreciation expense; (iv) amortization expense (including contract amortization); (v) accretion; (vi) impairment of long-lived assets; (vii) amounts attributable to our redeemable and non-redeemable noncontrolling interests; (viii) unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments; (ix) gains and losses for asset dispositions; (x) other income (loss); and (xi) foreign currency gain (loss). Additionally, the Company further adjusts for the following items described below:

    • Share-based compensation is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA as it is different from other forms of compensation as it is a non-cash expense and is highly variable. For example, a cash salary generally has a fixed and unvarying cash cost. In contrast, the expense associated with an equity-based award is generally unrelated to the amount of cash ultimately received by the employee, and the cost to the Company is based on a share-based compensation valuation methodology and underlying assumptions that may vary over time;
    • The change in fair value of contingent consideration, which is related to the Acquisition, is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, if any such change occurs during the period. The non-cash, mark-to-market adjustments are based on the expected achievement of revenue targets that are difficult to forecast and can be variable, making comparisons across historical and future quarters difficult to evaluate;
    • Beginning 2024, start-up costs associated with new investment strategies is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. The Company evaluates new investment strategies on a regular basis and excludes start-up cost from Adjusted EBITDA until such time as a new strategy is determined to form part of the Company’s core investment management business.
    • Beginning 2024, placement fees, including internal sales commissions, related to fundraising efforts based on the capital raised, are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. By excluding these fundraising-related fees from Adjusted EBITDA, we focus on core operational performance, separate from capital raising efforts, which might vary significantly from period to period.
    • Other costs that are not consistently occurring, not reflective of expected future operating expense and provide no insight into the fundamentals of current or past operations of our business are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. This includes costs such as professional services and legal fees, and other non-recurring costs unrelated to the ongoing operations of the Company.

    Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure used by management that is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    FFO

    FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure to analyze net earnings from operations without the effects of certain non-recurring items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    FFO is calculated using Adjusted EBITDA less the impact of interest expense (excluding the non-cash component) and distributions to Tax Equity Investors under the financing facilities associated with our IPP segment. The Company excludes these distributions as these are not recorded within Adjusted EBITDA and is therefore not a component of our earnings from operations.

    The Company believes that the analysis and presentation of FFO will enhance our investors’ understanding of the ongoing performance of our operating business. The Company considers FFO, in addition to other GAAP and non-GAAP measures, in assessing operating performance and as a proxy for growth in distribution coverage over the long-term.

    Adjusted EBITDA and FFO should not be considered in isolation from or as a superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    The following table reconciles Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC to Adjusted EBITDA and FFO:

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC   $ (176,623 )   $ (15,822 )   $ (242,300 )   $ (79,471 )
    Add back or deduct the following:                
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (14,635 )     (30,307 )     (63,609 )     (96,116 )
    Benefit (expense) from income taxes     (16,799 )     (7,393 )     (19,378 )     (21,548 )
    Interest expense, net     (27,546 )     28,240       7,612       20,328  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion(1)     25,310       15,589       97,056       134,647  
    EBITDA   $ (210,293 )   $ (9,693 )   $ (220,619 )   $ (42,160 )
    Share-based compensation expense     (12,602 )     1,255       378       11,248  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     (35,584 )     3,500       (39,348 )     (603 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net     15,357       (2,200 )     14,701       (932 )
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     (22,764 )     —       (22,764 )     —  
    Other income (expense), net     (1,808 )     512       (2,436 )     267  
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     100       —       (5,622 )     —  
    Loss on asset disposition     12,932       —       12,932       —  
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314       —       221,314       —  
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs     55,700       8,632       88,410       59,294  
    Non-recurring professional services and legal fees     1,560       468       8,654       3,388  
    Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses(2)     2,491       —       4,150       1,250  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 26,403     $ 2,474     $ 59,750     $ 31,752  
    Cash portion of interest expense     (7,828 )     (7,869 )     (30,217 )     (27,473 )
    Distributions to tax equity investors     (4,327 )     (2,449 )     (18,848 )     (15,748 )
    FFO   $ 14,248     $ (7,844 )   $ 10,685     $ (11,469 )
                     
    (1) Includes contract amortization, net in the amount of $4.9 million, $5.8 million, $14.3 million, and $8.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are included in Contract amortization, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations; also includes certain other amortization costs included in Direct operating costs and General and administrative on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
                     
    (2) Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 include start-up costs which primarily include salaries and personnel related expenses of incremental employees hired in advance to launch new investment strategy initiatives. Given the nature and scale of the related costs and activities, management does not view these as normal, recurring operating expenses, but rather as non-recurring investments to initially develop our new funds. Therefore, we believe it is useful and necessary for investors to understand our core operating performance in current and future periods by excluding the impact of these start-up costs as incurred. Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 also include placement fees, including internal sales commission.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 has not been adjusted for the charges of $16.6 million incurred as part of a settlement agreement with a third-party vendor due to the termination of the existing purchase contract in order to acquire the solar panels needed for our development and construction pipeline from a different vendor with significantly better economic proposition due to reduced expected cash outlays.

    The following table reconciles total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC: 

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Segment Adjusted EBITDA:                
    IPP Adjusted EBITDA   $ 26,532     $ 6,721     $ 81,197     $ 62,180  
    IM Adjusted EBITDA     3,033       1,601       2,051       (2,674 )
    Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA   $ 29,565     $ 8,322     $ 83,248     $ 59,506  
                     
    Reconciliation:                
    Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA   $ 29,565     $ 8,322     $ 83,248     $ 59,506  
    Unallocated corporate expenses     (3,162 )     (5,848 )     (23,498 )     (27,754 )
    Total Adjusted EBITDA     26,403       2,474       59,750       31,752  
                     
    Less:                
    Share-based compensation expense     (12,602 )     1,255       378       11,248  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     (35,584 )     3,500       (39,348 )     (603 )
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     100       —       (5,622 )     —  
    Loss on asset disposition     12,932       —       12,932       —  
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314       —       221,314       —  
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs     55,700       8,632       88,410       59,294  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion(1)     25,310       15,589       97,056       134,647  
    Non-recurring professional services and legal fees     1,560       468       8,654       3,388  
    Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses(2)     2,491       —       4,150       1,250  
    Operating loss   $ (244,818 )   $ (26,970 )   $ (328,174 )   $ (177,472 )
                     
    Interest expense, net     27,546       (28,240 )     (7,612 )     (20,328 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net     (15,357 )     2,200       (14,701 )     932  
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     22,764       —       22,764       —  
    Other income (expense), net     1,808       (512 )     2,436       (267 )
    Loss before income taxes   $ (208,057 )   $ (53,522 )   $ (325,287 )   $ (197,135 )
                     
    Benefit from income taxes     16,799       7,393       19,378       21,548  
    Net loss   $ (191,258 )   $ (46,129 )   $ (305,909 )   $ (175,587 )
                     
    Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (14,635 )     (30,307 )     (63,609 )     (96,116 )
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC   $ (176,623 )   $ (15,822 )   $ (242,300 )   $ (79,471 )
                     
    (1) Includes contract amortization, net in the amount of $4.9 million, $5.8 million, $14.3 million, and $8.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are included in Contract amortization, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations; also includes certain other amortization costs included in Direct operating costs and General and administrative on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
                     
    (2) Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 include start-up costs which primarily include salaries and personnel related expenses of incremental employees hired in advance to launch new investment strategy initiatives. Given the nature and scale of the related costs and activities, management does not view these as normal, recurring operating expenses, but rather as non-recurring investments to initially develop our new funds. Therefore, we believe it is useful and necessary for investors to understand our core operating performance in current and future periods by excluding the impact of these start-up costs as incurred. Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 also include placement fees, including internal sales commission.


    About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company

    Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides investment management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its investment management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

    About Greenbacker Capital Management
    Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit www.greenbackercapital.com.

    Greenbacker media contact
    Chris Larson
    Media Communications
    646.569.9532
    c.larson@greenbackercapital.com

    ____________________________________________
    ¹ The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change. Data as of December 31, 2024. Total assets and megawatts statistics include those projects where we have contracted for the acquisition of the project pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“MIPA”).
    ² Includes pre-operating and operating assets across combined GREC and GREC II portfolios. Data as of December 31, 2024.
    ³ Total operating revenue excludes non-cash contract amortization, net.
    ⁴ Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure, as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis, as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative on the ongoing operating performance of the business. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional discussion. Adjusted EBITDA is unaudited. See the Company’s 10-K filed with the SEC for additional financial information and important related disclosures.
    ⁵ Data as of December 31, 2024. Total assets and megawatts statistics include those projects where we have contracted for the acquisition of the project pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“MIPA”). The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change
    ⁶ Does not include power generated from biomass facility during 2023 and a portion of 2024, and also does not include assets in which the Company holds a preferred equity position
    ⁷ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    ⁸ Data is as of December 31, 2024. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO2 marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.

    ⁹ Data is as of December 31, 2024. Water saved by Greenbacker’s clean energy projects is compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.
    ¹⁰ Data is as of December 31, 2024. Green jobs calculated using The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) State Clean Energy Employment Projection Support, nrel.gov.

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ​EBA’s platform contributes to successful execution of the NBSG crisis simulation exercise

    Source: European Banking Authority

    ​The European Banking Authority (EBA) contributed to the successful execution of the Nordic-Baltic Stability Group’s (NBSG) crisis simulation exercise. This is according to a report published today by the authorities involved in the NBSG, following their joint autumn 2024 exercise. 

    ​Over a period of five days in the autumn of 2024, the Nordic-Baltic Stability Group (NBSG1) conducted a financial crisis simulation exercise across its 8 member countries. The goal of the exercise was to test collaboration and coordination across authorities in the region during a fictitious financial crisis, in order to further improve the resiliency of crisis management frameworks in the Nordic Baltic region. 

    ​In line with the EBA work programme for 2024-2026, the EBA maintains a high focus on crisis simulation exercises. During this exercise, the EBA supported the NBSG through its platform that enabled the secure and efficient sharing of confidential documents and information in a secured way. The platform performed well, with no downtime or issues and was praised by the exercise participants for its effectiveness and reliability. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Solomon Partners Hires Jon Pritti as a Partner in the Healthcare Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solomon Partners, a leading financial advisory firm and independent affiliate of Natixis, today announced the appointment of Jon Pritti as a new Partner in its Healthcare Group, where he will lead the firm’s expansion into the fast-growing Healthcare Technology sub-sector.

    “Jon’s experience and industry expertise will be invaluable to our growing Healthcare team and expand Solomon’s coverage in the Healthcare Technology space,” said Solomon Partners’ CEO Marc Cooper.

    Mr. Pritti joins Solomon with over two decades of investment banking experience, most recently serving as a Senior Managing Director in the Private Equity Advisory group at Guggenheim Securities. Prior to that role, he served as Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Banking practice and Head of Healthcare Technology at Houlihan Lokey. Mr. Pritti earned a BBA from Emory University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

    “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome a banker with Jon’s background and extensive network. Jon will be a critical addition to the team as we continue to expand our capabilities to deliver exceptional service to our clients,” said Jon Hammack, a Partner and Head of Solomon’s Healthcare Group.

    “I have been impressed by Solomon’s collaborative, client-centric approach,” Mr. Pritti said. “This is an exciting era for Healthcare Technology, and I look forward to working with my new partners to help Solomon expand its services in this part of the healthcare ecosystem.”

    About Solomon Partners

    Founded in 1989, Solomon Partners is a leading financial advisory firm with a legacy as one of the oldest independent investment banks. Our difference is unmatched industry knowledge in the sectors we cover, creating superior value with unrivaled wisdom for our clients. We advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, recapitalizations, capital markets solutions and activism defense across a range of verticals. These include Business Services, Consumer Retail, Distribution, Financial Institutions, FinTech, Financial Sponsors, Healthcare, Grocery, Pharmacy & Restaurants, Healthcare, Industrials, Infrastructure, Power & Renewables, Media and Technology. Solomon Partners is an independently operated affiliate of Natixis, part of Groupe BPCE. For further information, visit solomonpartners.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97f1532a-940b-4b92-ac42-dc71d170c0a4

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: NBT Bancorp Inc. Announces Date of First Quarter Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    NORWICH, N.Y., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NBT Bancorp Inc. (“NBT” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NBTB) will release details of its financial results for the first quarter 2025 on Thursday, April 24, 2025, following the market close. The Company will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) Friday, April 25, 2025, to review these results.

    The audio webcast link, along with the corresponding presentation slides, will be available on the Company’s Event Calendar page at www.nbtbancorp.com/bn/presentations-events.html#events prior to the beginning of the conference call. The call will also be archived on the Company’s website for twelve months and can be accessed at any time and at no cost during this period.

    Corporate Overview

    NBT Bancorp Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Norwich, NY, with total assets of $13.79 billion at December 31, 2024. The Company primarily operates through NBT Bank, N.A., a full-service community bank, and through two financial services companies. NBT Bank, N.A. has 157 banking locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. EPIC Retirement Plan Services, based in Rochester, NY, is a national benefits administration firm. NBT Insurance Agency, LLC, based in Norwich, NY, is a full-service insurance agency. More information about NBT and its divisions is available online at: www.nbtbancorp.com, www.nbtbank.com, www.epicrps.com and www.nbtbank.com/Insurance.

       
    Contact: Scott A. Kingsley, President and CEO
    Annette L. Burns, Executive Vice President and CFO
    NBT Bancorp Inc.
    52 South Broad Street
    Norwich, NY 13815
    607-337-6589

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: ECN Capital Announces Closing of C$8 Million Offering of 6.50% Convertible Senior Unsecured Debentures Pursuant to Over-Allotment Option

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    TORONTO, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) (“ECN Capital”) today announced that, further to its previously announced closing of the offering (the “Offering”) of C$75 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior unsecured debentures due April 30, 2030 (the “Debentures”), the syndicate of underwriters co-led by CIBC Capital Markets, National Bank Financial Markets, BMO Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets, and including Raymond James Ltd., TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Cormark Securities Inc. have exercised their over-allotment option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) in part and have purchased an additional C$8 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures on the same terms and conditions as the Offering. The additional gross proceeds of C$8 million from the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option brings the total gross proceeds raised from the Offering to C$83 million.

    Further details concerning the Offering are set out in ECN Capital’s prospectus supplement dated March 14, 2025, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    About ECN Capital Corp.

    With managed assets of US$6.9 billion, ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) is a leading provider of business services to North American-based banks, institutional investors, insurance company, pension plan, bank and credit union partners (collectively, its “Partners”). ECN Capital originates, manages and advises on credit assets on behalf of its Partners, specifically consumer (manufactured housing and recreational vehicle and marine) loans and commercial (floorplan and rental) loans. Its Partners are seeking high-quality assets to match with their deposits, term insurance or other liabilities. These services are offered through two operating segments: (i) Manufactured Housing Finance, and (ii) Recreational Vehicle and Marine Finance.

    Contact

    Katherine Moradiellos
    561-631-8739
    kmoradiellos@ecncapitalcorp.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale offer to purchase certain of its debt securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOCIETE GENERALE OFFER TO PURCHASE CERTAIN OF ITS DEBT SECURITIES

    Press release

    Paris, April 1, 2025

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE OR TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

    Societe Generale announces today the launch of an offer to purchase for cash (the “Offer”) any and all of its outstanding Undated Deeply Subordinated Resettable Interest Rate Notes (the “Notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offer to purchase dated April 1, 2025 (the “Offer to Purchase”) and the related notice of guaranteed delivery.

    The following table sets forth the Notes subject to the Offer and the key economic terms of the Offer:

    CUSIP No. ISIN Title of Security Principal Amount Outstanding Amount to be Accepted Tender Offer Consideration
    83368J FA3 F43628 B41 US83368JFA34 USF43628B413 Undated Deeply Subordinated Resettable Interest Rate Notes (the “Notes”) $1,250,000,000 Any and all $1,007 (1)

     (1)   The amount to be paid for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase, excluding accrued and unpaid interest.

    The Offer will commence on April 1, 2025 and will expire at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on April 7, 2025 unless it is extended or terminated by Societe Generale. The expected guaranteed delivery date is 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on April 9, 2025. The deadlines set by any intermediary may be earlier than the above deadline.

    Consideration for Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer is $1,007 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. In addition, Societe Generale will pay all accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes purchased pursuant to the Offer up to, but not including, the settlement date.

    The purpose of the Offer is to efficiently manage Societe Generale’s regulatory capital while providing liquidity to Holders.

    The Notes are governed by English law, which, following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, has become a third country law. Because the Notes do not include a contractual recognition of bail-in clause, the Notes will cease to qualify as Additional Tier 1 on June 28, 2025.

    If any Notes remain outstanding after the consummation of the Offer, Societe Generale intends to consider future optional redemption rights in respect of the Notes in accordance with their terms and conditions, including pursuant to condition 8.3 “Redemption upon the occurrence of a Capital Event” for which it has received the European Central Bank’s permission. Any future decision by Societe Generale to redeem the Notes then outstanding will be made on an economic basis, considering current and future regulatory value, relative funding cost, rating agency considerations, and having regard to the prevailing circumstances at the relevant time.

    With respect to the other notes issued by Societe Generale and governed by English law listed below, which will cease to qualify as Tier 2 on June 28, 2025, Societe Generale intends to consider future optional redemption rights in accordance with their terms and conditions, including pursuant to condition 7.2 “Redemption upon the occurrence of a Capital Event” and condition 6(c) “Redemption upon the occurrence of a Capital Event with respect to Subordinated Notes”, as the case may be:

    • USD 1,000,000,000 Subordinated 4.750% Notes due November 24, 2025 (144A ISIN: US83367TBR95, RegS ISIN: USF8586CBS01)
    • AUD 150,000,000 4.875% Subordinated Tier 2 Notes due October 13, 2026 (ISIN: XS1503159219)
    • EUR 70,000,000 fixed rate resettable callable Subordinated Tier 2 Notes due October 21, 2026 (ISIN: XS1308623658)

    Societe Generale and SG Americas Securities, LLC are acting as Dealer Managers for the Offer, and D.F. King Ltd. is acting as Tender and Information Agent. For detailed terms of the Offer, please refer to the Offer to Purchase which, subject to offer and distribution restrictions, can be obtained from the Dealer Managers and the Tender and Information Agent. Questions regarding the Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers and the Tender and Information Agent at the contact details set forth below:

    D.F. King Ltd.
    Email: SGCIB@dfkingltd.com
    Offer Website: https://clients.dfkingltd.com/sgcib

    In New York

    48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
    New York, New York 10005
    United States of America

    Banks and Brokers, Call Collect: (212) 269 5550

    All others, Call Toll-Free: (800) 848-2998

    In London

    51 Lime Street
    London EC3M 7DQ
    United Kingdom

    Tel: +44 20 7920 9700

     
    Societe Generale

    17, cours Valmy

    BP 18236

    92987 Paris la Défense Cedex

    France

    Tel: +33 (0)1 42 13 32 40

    Email: liability.management@sgcib.com

    SG Americas Securities, LLC

    245 Park Avenue

    New York, New York 10167

    United States

    Tel: + 1 (212) 278-7631

    Toll-Free: 1 (855) 881 2108

    Press contacts:
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com

    Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such statements can be understood through words and expressions like “will,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “estimate,” “future,” “commitment,” “commit,” “focus,” “pledge” and similar expressions. They include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the conduct and completion of the Offers. However, risks, uncertainties and other important factors may lead to developments and results that differ materially from those anticipated, expected, projected or assumed in forward-looking statements, including those discussed in the Offer to Purchase under the heading “Risk Factors” and under similar headings in other documents that are incorporated by reference into the Offer to Purchase. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release, and Societe Generale undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, regardless of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    Offer Restrictions
    This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Notes, and tenders of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer will not be accepted from Holders in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful, including under applicable securities or “blue sky” laws.

    United Kingdom
    The communication of the press release and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. This electronic transmission is made only to, or directed only at (1) those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Financial Promotion Order”)), (2) those persons falling within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order, including existing members and creditors of the Societe Generale, or (3) any other persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully made under the Financial Promotion Order (together being referred to as “relevant persons”), and must not be acted on or relied upon by persons other than relevant persons. Any investment activity referred to in this communication is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

    Republic of Italy
    None of the Offer, this press release or any other documents or materials relating to the Offer have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedure of the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB) pursuant to Italian laws and regulations and therefore the Offer may only be made or promoted, directly or indirectly, in or into the Republic of Italy as exempted Offer pursuant to Article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of Legislative Decree no. 58 of February 24, 1998, as amended (the “Financial Services Act”) and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of May 14, 1999, as amended.
    Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are resident and/or located in the Republic of Italy can tender Notes for purchase in the Offer through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB, the Bank of Italy or any other Italian authority.
    Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-à-vis its clients in connection with the Notes or Societe Generale or this press release or any other documents or materials relating to the Offer.

    European Economic Area
    This press release does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, as amended (the “Prospectus Regulation”) and has not been approved, filed or reviewed by the Commission de surveillance du secteur financier (“CSSF”) in Luxembourg, nor has the CSSF issued any report regarding the accuracy or adequacy of this press release.
    In any European Economic Area Member State (each, a “Relevant State”), this press release is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Relevant State within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation.
    This press release has been prepared on the basis that the Offer in any Relevant State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to produce a prospectus.
    Each person in a Relevant State who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in this press release will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each Dealer Manager and Societe Generale that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation.

    Attachment

    • 20250401-Press-Release-Societe-Generale_USD-Launch-purchase-debts-securities

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI Commemorates Completion of its 90th year

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) celebrated its 90th anniversary today. To recognize this important milestone, an event was organised by the Reserve Bank of India today with the Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar also graced the event.

    In his welcome address, Governor, RBI expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India for her participation in the event. He emphasized the Reserve Bank’s commitment to improving the financial system and contributing proactively and vigorously to India’s economic progress.

    The Union Minister of Communications in his address acknowledged RBI’s contributions over the decades in ensuring financial sector resilience and supporting economic growth. He highlighted that RBI’s collaborative approach in striking a balance between regulation and innovation was a beacon of hope not just for the Global South but also developed economies especially in areas such as digital payments.

    The Hon’ble President, in her address, emphasized the important role of RBI in India’s journey and its economic and financial transformation. She highlighted that RBI has earned the trust of people by its commitment to maintaining price stability, growth and financial stability over the last nine decades. While underlining several important initiatives of the Reserve Bank in the areas of institution building, financial inclusion, consumer protection, digital payments, financial awareness and sustainable finance, the Hon’ble President also expressed confidence that RBI will continue to play a critical role in steering India towards a future of prosperity and global leadership.

    To mark this momentous occasion, a commemorative postage stamp was released by the Hon’ble President.

    The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries from the Government, financial sector regulatory institutions, industry, academia, the directors of the Central board of the Reserve Bank, heads of banks and other financial institutions and senior executives, both past and present, of the Reserve Bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/8

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: François-Louis Michaud’s term as EBA Executive Director renewed by the Board of Supervisors

    Source: European Banking Authority

    On 25 March 2025, the Board of Supervisors of the European Banking Authority (EBA) renewed the mandate of François-Louis Michaud as EBA’s Executive Director for a second five-year term, until end-August 2030. The decision was based on the evaluation of his work during his first term of office, as well as on the Authority’s duties and requirements over the next five years.

    Jose Manuel Campa, the Chairperson of the EBA, stated:

    “I would like to congratulate François-Louis on this extension which is the result of an impressive first mandate where he ensured that the EBA was able to deliver consistently on its work programme whilst driving the EBA transformation into a modern organisation, ready to face its future challenges. I am convinced that François-Louis will continue to lead the EBA with the commitment, dedication and vision he has shown in the last four years and a half.”

    François-Louis Michaud stated:

    “I am honoured by the continued trust from EBA’s Board of Supervisors. I look forward to building upon recent years’ efforts to enhance our organisation so that it can tackle its evolving responsibilities and promote efficient and effective regulation and risk assessments.”

    Note to the Editors

    The Executive Director is in charge of the management of the EBA. He is responsible for preparing and implementing its work programme and budget, and manages staff matters.

    François-Louis Michaud previously held senior positions at the European Central Bank, the Bank for International Settlements and Banque de France. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde: The transformative power of AI

    Source: European Central Bank

    Welcome address by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the ECB conference on “The transformative power of AI: economic implications and challenges” in Frankfurt, Germany.

    Frankfurt, 1 April 2025

    It is a pleasure to welcome you to our conference on the transformative power of AI.

    In the early stages of a new technological breakthrough, it is often hard to discern fact from fiction. We struggle to imagine the ways in which the new technology will be used. And even if we predict the direction of technological change correctly, we rarely get the timeline or the size of the impacts right.

    Today, we sometimes hear claims that AI is improving so fast that we are only a few years away from the nature of work being radically reformed. But we also hear arguments that the same barriers that slowed down the adoption of all past technologies will also delay AI adoption.

    I cannot claim to know which vision will prove to be correct. But the early evidence is promising and, in my view, we must act on the basis that we are facing an economic revolution. This attitude will be particularly important here in Europe.

    On this side of the Atlantic, we are still paying the price for having been too slow to capitalise on the last major digital revolution, the internet. The tech sector explains around two-thirds of the productivity gap between the EU and the United States since the turn of the century.

    And now we are faced with a technology that can improve its own performance through self-learning mechanisms and feedback loops, enabling even more rapid advances and innovations. The risks of underestimating the potential of AI, and falling behind again, are simply too great to be ignored.

    What’s more, we are facing a new geopolitical environment in which we can no longer be sure that we will have frictionless access to new technologies developed overseas. This new reality strengthens the case for Europe to establish itself at the technological frontier.

    There are two main areas where we should expect, and prepare for, major changes in the economy.

    The first is productivity.

    We can already see the productivity effects of AI in sectors like the US tech sector, where output is expanding while employment is falling.[1] But we are still in the early phase of the “productivity J-curve”, where new technologies diffuse to the wider economy and are reflected in GDP.

    As such, estimates about the productivity gains of AI vary widely – but even at the lower end they would be a game changer for Europe.

    One widely accepted methodology estimates that the euro area could see a boost to total factor productivity (TFP) of around 0.3 percentage points per year over the next ten years.[2] Compare that with the past decade, when annual TFP growth averaged just 0.5%.

    Other estimates point to much larger gains, with productivity expected to grow 1.5 percentage points faster annually if AI is widely adopted over the next decade.[3]

    Whether Europe can achieve such productivity gains will depend on whether we can improve the environment for AI innovation and diffusion.

    This comes down to funding, regulation and energy.

    As I have been arguing for some time, Europe’s relatively small venture capital ecosystem is a major hindrance to building foundational models in the EU.[4] Between 2018 and 2023, around €33 billion was invested in AI companies in the EU, compared with more than €120 billion in their US peers.[5]

    Building and developing this technology also requires considerable investment in data centres, and the EU currently has around 4 times fewer dedicated sites than the US.[6]

    At the same time, ECB research finds that regulation and a lack of institutional quality are particularly detrimental to the expansion of high-tech sectors relative to more mature technologies. Investing in radical technologies is highly risky and needs a different set of framework conditions.[7]

    The adoption of AI, for example, depends on access to data pools to train models, which requires smart regulation to avoid data fragmentation while ensuring data protection. It also requires good institutions as, for instance, effective legal systems are needed to defend a non-patentable asset like a set of AI prompts.

    Our research shows that if the EU’s average institutional delivery were raised to the level of best practice, AI-intensive sectors would see their share in investment rise by more than 10 percentage points.[8]

    Finally, unless we see major breakthroughs in efficiency, Europe’s energy supply constraints could pose a challenge to the diffusion of AI through the economy in the future.

    The power consumption of data centres is expected to triple in Europe by the end of the decade.[9] AI training and inference is extremely energy-intensive.[10] And this surge in demand comes at a time when the green transition is also increasing the demand for electricity, for example for charging battery electric vehicles.

    There is now a clear policy agenda in Europe to address these barriers. It is widely recognised that we need to build a savings and investment union to jump-start European venture capital, that we must simplify complex digital regulations and improve permitting speeds, and that we have to massively increase investment in data centres, fibre-optic networks and electricity grids.

    But for Europe to make the most of the AI revolution, how the productivity gains from AI are harnessed also matters. Labour productivity can be increased either by reducing labour inputs relative to outputs, or by raising outputs relative to inputs. The employment implications of each route are vastly different.

    This brings me to the second area of major change: the effect of AI on labour markets.

    According to ECB research, between 23% and 29% of workers in Europe are highly exposed to AI.[11] This does not necessarily herald a “job apocalypse”. It is reasonable to expect that AI will follow historical patterns by displacing some jobs while creating new one.[12]

    But there are two new questions that this technology poses.

    First, will the pace of technological change be faster than in previous transitions? This question is critical for Europe, as our social model and traditionally high levels of job protection make it hard to see how a transition that leads to massive job reallocations could avoid a major backlash.

    The key factor will be whether AI leans more towards job displacement via its “automation potential”, or towards changes in the nature of work via its “augmentation potential”. In the augmentation scenario, workers will still need to adapt to changing roles and tasks, but the transition will likely be easier.

    Recent research by the ILO finds that only a small share of jobs – around 5% in advanced economies – meet the criteria for high automation. But a much larger share – over 13% – meet the criteria for high augmentation.[13]

    The second question is about the distribution of gains.

    Early studies suggested that AI could increase the productivity of lower-skilled workers the most.[14] But newer studies looking at more complex tasks – like scientific research[15], running a business[16]and investing[17]– tell a different story. High performers benefit disproportionately and, in some cases, less productive workers see no improvements at all.

    So even if AI augments more than it automates, we are likely to see an increase in labour market inequality. Demand for higher-skilled workers who can use AI most effectively will rise, while those less able to learn new skills could suffer.

    All told, I do see a path for Europe to adopt AI without fracturing its social model. But it will require massive complementary investments in skills to prevent a rise in inequality.

    Crucially, this will not require everyone to become coders, which would probably set the bar too high. According to the OECD, most workers who will be exposed to AI will not need specialised AI skills to get ahead in their careers.

    In fact, the most sought-after skills in highly exposed jobs will be linked to management and business – skills that many people have the capacity to learn.[18]

    The CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, has described the potential capabilities of AI as being like “a country of geniuses in a data centre”.[19] If this proves to be correct, it is both an awesome prospect for humanity and a daunting one for individual workers.

    I believe we must act today, and especially in Europe, with the mindset that this future will likely come to pass. We must remove all the barriers that will prevent us from being at the forefront of this revolution.

    But we must also prepare for the human and climate impacts of this transition, and we need to start now.

    I trust that this conference will generate the ideas we need to move forwards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Safe Harbor Financial Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    — Adjusted EBITDA(1)is positive for each of the last 3 years; Adjusted Working Capital(2)is approximately positive $2 million

    — Loan Interest Income increased 82% and 123% year-over-year for the three months and full-year ended December 31, 2024, respectively

    — Revenue for the Q4 2024 increased 5% compared to the Q3 2024, led by a 35% sequential increase in loan interest income

    — Loan Loss Reserve of approximately $1.4 million reserved as a result of a modified Commercial Alliance Agreement (CAA) with Partner Colorado Credit Union (PCCU)

    — Modifications of PCCU Commercial Alliance Agreement and Note enable new CEO Terry Mendez to implement growth strategy offering broader solutions for clients

    GOLDEN, Colo., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a/ Safe Harbor Financial (“Safe Harbor” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SHFS), a leader in facilitating financial services and credit facilities to the regulated cannabis industry, announced today its unaudited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Summary

    ●   Revenue was approximately $3.7 million, compared to approximately $4.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2024.
    ●   Loan Interest Income increased 82% to approximately $1.8 million from approximately $1.0 million the fourth quarter of 2023.
    ●   Compensation and Employee Benefits expense of approximately $1.4 million declined 32% compared to approximately $2.1 million in 2023.
    ●   General and Administrative Expense of approximately $1.1 million declined 36% from $1.7 million in 2023.
    ●   Adjusted EBITDA(1) was positive at $63,581, compared to $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023(1).
    ●   On October 29, 2024, the Company announced it originated a $1.07 million secured credit facility for a Missouri cannabis operator.
    ●   On December 4, 2024, Safe Harbor, Collective Clean Energy Fund and Partner Colorado announced they are collaborating to fund a $500,000 sustainable upgrade loan for a Denver cannabis facility.
         

    Full-Year 2024 Financial & Operational Summary

    ●   Revenue was approximately $15.2 million, compared to approximately $17.6 million for the full year of 2023.
    ●   Loan Interest Income increased 123% to approximately $6.6 million for the full year of 2024 from approximately $3.0 million for the full year of 2023.
    ●   Operating Expenses decreased to approximately $22.3 million, compared to approximately $38.3 million in 2023.
    ●   Adjusted EBITDA(1) was approximately $2.9 million, compared to approximately $3.6 million for the full year of 2023(1).
    ●   Adjusted Working Capital(2) was approximately $2 million at December 31, 2024
         

    (1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial metric. A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures is included below in this earnings release.
    (2) Adjusted Working Capital is a non-GAAP financial metric. A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures is included below in this earnings release.

    Subsequent Operational Highlights

    ●   On December 31, 2024, the Company and PCCU entered into an Amended Commercial Alliance Agreement (the “Amended CAA”), extending the term through December 31, 2028, with automatic two-year renewal periods unless a party provides written notice of non-renewal at least 12 months before the current term expires. In addition, the Amended CAA eliminates the Company’s indemnification obligations for any losses related to any loans it facilitated under the Original Commercial Alliance Agreement or will facilitate in the future.
    ●   On January 16, 2025, the Company announced it had processed over $25 Billion in cannabis-related funds.
    ●   On January 29, 2025, Safe Harbor announced that Terry Mendez joined as Co-CEO, and he became CEO on February 28, 2025, upon the retirement of former CEO Sundie Seefried.
    ●   On February 12, 2025, the Company announced it had originated a $1,500,000 secured credit facility for a Missouri cannabis operator.
    ●   On March 4, 2025, Safe Harbor announced it successfully modified its debt obligation with Partner Colorado Credit Union (the “Amended PCCU Note”), unlocking $6.4 million in cash flow over the next two years.
    ●   On March 20, 2025, the Company announced Mike Regan has joined as Head of Investor Relations and Data Science.
         

    “Throughout 2024, the lending arm of Safe Harbor was a driving force for the Company as our loan interest income was up 82% for the fourth quarter and 123% for the year,” said Terry Mendez, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Harbor Financial. “We continue to be an innovator in this sector as we instituted a new small business line of credit program while also originating several debt and credit facilities at market-competitive terms for numerous clients across the U.S. We were able to do this while remaining diligent in lower overall expenses. While fourth quarter 2024 operating expenses increased 86% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, operating expenses declined 42% for the full year 2024. Operating expenses adjusted for material non-cash items declined approximately 15% year-over year in the fourth quarter 2024 and 24% for the full-year of 2024.”

    Mendez continued, “Subsequent to the quarter end, the Company surpassed $25 billion in processed cannabis-related funds through our trusted network of partner banks. This is a significant milestone that we achieved on our 10th anniversary and is another proven point that Safe Harbor continues to be a leader in offering compliant banking services to cannabis related businesses. We also originated a $1.5 million secured credit facility with a cannabis operator out of Missouri, further cementing our position as a trusted financial partner to cannabis businesses.

    “Finally, in a redefining transaction for the Company, we successfully modified our debt obligation with Partner Colorado Credit Union. This modification greatly improves our financial stability as we are able to unlock over $6 million in cashflow over the next two years and push the term of the debt obligation out to October 2030. This updated debt deal provides Safe Harbor with the financial flexibility needed to enhance and expand our overall business services as we execute on our business strategy throughout 2025 and beyond.

    “One of the major reasons I joined Safe Harbor is the tremendous opportunity I see to build upon our strong foundation, to evolve from a single compliance solution into a provider of a broad array of services focused on addressing the needs of our clients. I believe that Safe Harbor is well positioned to offer competitive solutions designed to protect, lend, connect and enable the success of our customers and our clients,” concluded Mendez.

    Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, total revenue was $15.2 million, compared to approximately $17.6 million in the prior year. The decrease in revenue was due to a reduction in deposit activity and onboarding income and was primarily attributable to the decrease in the number of accounts related to the Abaca acquisition, offset by a 123% year-over-year increase in loan interest income. In the full-year ended December 31, 2024, PCCU accounted for $4.6 million of the revenue generated from deposits, activities, and client onboarding. Related to this revenue, the Company recognized $452,371 in account hosting expenses.

    Full-year 2024 operating expenses decreased over 42% to $22.3 million, compared to $38.3 million in the prior year period, which was comprised of the following:

    ●   Compensation and employee benefits expenses decreased 25% due to decrease in stock-based compensation and a lower headcount as compared to previous year. Restructuring efforts will continue as we optimize our talent portfolio.
         
    ●   General and administrative expenses decreased 39% across various categories including: i) $988,412 in investment hosting fees as a result of the decrease in investment income, ii) $900,034 in decreased bank sharing fees due to the decrease in the number of accounts, and iii) $661,776 in decreased amortization and depreciation.
         
    ●   For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company fully impaired goodwill and finite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets are now fully written down to $0 on the balance sheet.
         
    ●   The professional services expense increased primarily due to higher legal fees related to ongoing litigation.
         
    ●   Credit Loss Expense benefitted from the elimination of the indemnity liability from the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, due to the Amended CAA.
         

    Net loss for full year 2024 was approximately $48.3 million, compared to a net loss of approximately $17.3 million in the prior year period. This includes the impact of approximately $43.9 million non-cash valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset and $9.1 million in non-cash Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment expenses.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million, compared to $4.9 million at December 31, 2023.

     
    SHF Holdings, Inc.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
        December 31,
    2024
    (Unaudited)
        December 31,
    2023
     
                 
    ASSETS                
    Current Assets:                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2,324,647     $ 4,888,769  
    Accounts receivable – trade     134,609       121,875  
    Accounts receivable – related party     968,023       2,095,320  
    Prepaid expenses – current portion     659,536       546,437  
    Accrued interest receivable     16,319       13,780  
    Forward purchase receivable     4,584,221       –  
    Short-term loans receivable, net     13,332       12,391  
    Other current assets     3,000,000       82,657  
    Total Current Assets   $ 11,700,687     $ 7,761,229  
    Long-term loans receivable, net     378,854       381,463  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     3,154       84,220  
    Operating lease right to use assets     703,524       859,861  
    Goodwill     –       6,058,000  
    Intangible assets, net     –       3,721,745  
    Deferred tax asset, net     –       43,829,019  
    Prepaid expenses – long term position     412,500       562,500  
    Forward purchase receivable     –       4,584,221  
    Security deposit     19,568       18,651  
    Total Assets   $ 13,218,287     $ 67,860,909  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY                
    Current Liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 140,723     $ 217,392  
    Accounts payable-related party     75,608       577,315  
    Accrued expenses     1,301,378       1,008,987  
    Contract liabilities     28,335       21,922  
    Lease liabilities – current     161,952       132,546  
    Senior secured promissory note – current portion     255,765       3,006,991  
    Deferred consideration – current portion     3,338,343       2,889,792  
    Forward purchase derivative liability     7,309,580       –  
    Other current liabilities     72,836       41,639  
    Total Current Liabilities   $ 12,684,520     $ 7,896,584  
    Warrant liabilities     1,360,491       4,164,129  
    Deferred consideration – long term portion     –       810,000  
    Forward purchase derivative liability     –       7,309,580  
    Senior secured promissory note—long term portion     10,748,408       11,004,175  
    Net deferred indemnified loan origination fees     –       63,275  
    Lease liabilities – long term     712,882       875,447  
    Indemnity liability     –       1,382,408  
    Total Liabilities   $ 25,506,301     $ 33,505,598  
    Commitment and Contingencies                
    Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity                
                     
    Convertible preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 1,250,000 shares authorized, 111 and 1,101 shares issued and outstanding on December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively     –       –  
    Class A Common Stock, $.0001 par value, 130,000,000 shares authorized, 2,783,667 and 2,728,169 issued and outstanding on December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively     278       273  
    Additional paid in capital     108,467,253       105,924,859  
    Retained deficit     (120,755,545 )     (71,569,821 )
    Total Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity   $ (12,288,014 )   $ 34,355,311  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity   $ 13,218,287     $ 67,860,909  
                     
     
    SHF Holdings, Inc.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
           
        For the year ended December 31,  
        2024
    (Unaudited)
        2023  
    Revenue   $ 15,242,560     $ 17,562,903  
                     
    Operating expenses                
    Compensation and employee benefits     7,783,331       10,334,212  
    General and administrative expenses     4,018,094       6,587,392  
    Professional services     2,518,394       1,858,137  
    Lease expense     258,477       315,615  
    Credit loss (benefit) expense     (1,393,131 )     290,857  
    Impairment of goodwill     6,058,000       13,208,276  
    Impairment of long-lived intangible assets     3,090,881       5,699,463  
    Total operating expenses   $ 22,334,046     $ 38,293,952  
    Operating loss     (7,091,486 )     (20,731,049 )
    Other (income) expenses                
    Interest expense     533,390       1,094,736  
    Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (2,803,638 )     1,853,920  
    Change in the fair value of deferred consideration     (361,449 )     (4,570,157 )
    Total other (income) expenses   $ (2,631,697 )   $ (1,621,501 )
    Net loss before income tax     (4,459,789 )     (19,109,548 )
    Provision (benefit) for income taxes   $ 43,859,686     $ (1,829,701 )
    Net loss   $ (48,319,475 )   $ (17,279,847 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     2,772,867       2,128,728  
    Basic net loss per share   $ (17.43 )   $ (8.12 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     2,772,867       2,128,728  
    Diluted net loss per share   $ (17.43 )   $ (8.12 )
                     
     
    SHF Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity
     
    FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 (UNAUDITED) AND 2023
                                   
        Preferred
    Stock
        Class A
    Common Stock
        Additional
    Paid-in
        Retained     Total
    Shareholders’
    (Deficit)
     
        Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     (Deficit)     Equity  
    Balance, January 01, 2023     14,616     $ 1       1,186,644     $ 119     $ 44,808,286     $ (39,695,281 )   $ 5,113,125  
    Cumulative effect from adoption of CECL     –       –       –       –       –       (581,318 )     (581,318 )
    Issuance of shares to Abaca shareholders     –       –       291,791       29       4,085,047       –       4,085,076  
    Conversion of PIPE Shares     (13,515 )     (1 )     628,110       63       14,013,313       (14,013,375 )     –  
    Restricted stock units     –       –       61,623       6       1,252,037       –       1,252,043  
    Stock compensation cost     –       –       –       –       2,459,324       –       2,459,324  
    PCCU Restructuring     –       –       560,000       56       38,406,352       –       38,406,408  
    Reversal of deferred underwriting cost     –       –       –       –       900,500       –       900,500  
    Net loss     –       –       –       –       –       (17,279,847 )     (17,279,847 )
    Balance, December 31, 2023     1,101     $ –       2,728,168     $ 273     $ 105,924,859     $ (71,569,821 )   $ 34,355,311  
    Issuance of equity for marketing services     –       –       12,117       1       149,999       –       150,000  
    Conversion of PIPE shares     (990 )     –       39,600       4       866,245       (866,249 )     –  
    Restricted stock units     –       –       3,781       –       63,784       –       63,784  
    Stock compensation cost     –       –       –       –       1,462,366       –       1,462,366  
    Net loss     –       –       –       –       –       (48,319,475 )     (48,319,475 )
    Balance, December 31, 2024     111     $ –       2,783,666     $ 278     $ 108,467,253     $ (120,755,545 )   $ (12,288,014 )
                                                             
     
    SHF Holdings, Inc.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
           
        Year ended December 31,  
        2024
    (Unaudited)
        2023  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
    Net loss   $ (48,319,475 )   $ (17,279,847 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:                
    Depreciation and amortization expense     711,929       1,373,707  
    Stock compensation expense     1,575,952       3,739,156  
    Net deferred indemnified loan origination fees     (63,275 )     (45,806 )
    Interest expense     –       663,208  
    Lease expense     23,181       136,097  
    Credit loss (benefit) expense     (1,393,131 )     290,857  
    Impairment of goodwill     6,058,000       13,208,276  
    Impairment of long-lived intangible assets     3,090,881       5,699,463  
    Deferred tax expense (benefit), net     43,859,686       (1,829,701 )
    Marketing expense settled via common stock     100,000       –  
    Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (2,803,638 )     1,853,920  
    Change in the fair value of deferred consideration     (361,449 )     (4,570,157 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable – trade     (12,734 )     81,183  
    Accounts receivable – related party     1,127,297       (863,593 )
    Contract assets     –       21,170  
    Prepaid expenses     86,901       (220,852 )
    Other current liabilities     527       –  
    Accrued interest receivable     (2,542 )     (6,460 )
    Deferred underwriting payable     –       (550,000 )
    Other current assets     (2,967,145 )     40,371  
    Accounts payable     (76,672 )     (2,515,442 )
    Accounts payable – related party     (501,709 )     386,660  
    Accrued expenses     292,396       (464,424 )
    Contract liabilities     6,413       20,926  
    Security deposit     (916 )     (856 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ 430,477     $ (832,144 )
                     
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
    Purchase of property and equipment     –       (208,434 )
    Payment to Abaca Shareholder     –       (3,000,000 )
    Loan receivable repayment     12,394       1,027,986  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   $ 12,394     $ (2,180,448 )
                     
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
    Repayment of senior secured promissory note     (3,006,993 )     (488,834 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   $ (3,006,993 )   $ (488,834 )
                     
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (2,564,122 )     (3,501,426 )
    Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period     4,888,769       8,390,195  
    Cash and cash equivalents – end of period   $ 2,324,647     $ 4,888,769  
                     
    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information                
    Interest paid   $ 416,852     $ 450,258  
    Non-cash transactions:                
    Marketing expense settled via common stock   $ 50,000     $ –  
    Shares issued for the settlement of abaca acquisition     –       4,085,076  
    Operating lease right of use assets recognized     –       –  
    Operating lease liabilities recognized     –       –  
    Shares issued for the settlement of PCCU debt obligation     –       38,406,408  
    Cumulative effect from adoption of CECL     –       581,318  
    Reversal of deferred underwriting cost     –       900,500  
    Interest recognized on PCCU settlement     –       639,521  
                     

    Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA

    To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, both of which are non-GAAP financial measures that we calculate as net loss before taxes and depreciation and amortization expense in the case of EBITDA and further adjusted to exclude non-cash, unusual and/or infrequent costs in the case of Adjusted EBITDA. Below we have provided a reconciliation of net loss (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) to EBITDA and from EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA.

    We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because these metrics are a key measure used by our management to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans, and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of investment capacity. Accordingly, we believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management.

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as an analytical tool, and it should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are as follows:

    ● although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and both EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;

    ● EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and

    ● EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us.

    Because of these limitations, you should consider EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including net loss and our other GAAP results.

    A reconciliation of net loss to non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

        Year Ended December 31,  
        2024
    (Unaudited)
        2023  
    Net loss   $ (48,319,475 )   $ (17,279,847 )
    Interest expense     533,390       1,094,736  
    Depreciation and amortization     711,929       1,373,707  
    Provision (benefit) for income taxes     43,859,686       (1,829,701 )
    EBITDA     (3,214,470 )     (16,641,105 )
                     
    Other adjustments –                
    Credit loss (benefit) expense     (1,393,131 )     290,857  
    Change in the fair value of warrants and forward purchase derivatives     (2,803,640 )     1,853,920  
    Change in the fair value of deferred consideration     (361,449 )     (4,570,157 )
    Deferred loan origination fees and costs     (63,275 )     27,271  
    Stock based compensation     1,575,952       3,739,156  
    Goodwill and long-lived intangible assets impairment     9,148,881       18,907,739  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 2,888,868     $ 3,607,681  
                     

    Working Capital and Adjusted Working Capital

    While the company reported a net working capital deficit of $983,833 at the end of 2024, this figure includes several non-cash liabilities that do not affect liquidity. After adjusting for these non-cash items and considering the cost of the Amended PCCU Note the adjusted working capital calculation is as follows:

    #   Particulars   Amount  
    A   Net working capital as reported on December 31, 2024   $ (983,833 )
    B   Forward purchase contract, net     2,725,359  
    C   Third anniversary payment consideration     322,000  
    D   Fees paid in 2025 on the Amended PCCU Note     (53,742 )
        Adjusted working capital as of December 31, 2024 (A+B+C+D)   $ 2,009,784  
                 

    About Safe Harbor

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

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

    Contact Information

    Mike Regan, Head of Investor Relations and Data Science
    ir@SHFinancial.org

    KCSA Strategic Communications
    Ellen Mellody
    safeharbor@kcsa.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: TowneBank Announces Completion of Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp. Merger

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUFFOLK, Va., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TowneBank (Nasdaq: TOWN) announced today the completion of its merger with Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Village Bank.   The merger enhances TowneBank’s continued and growing presence in the Richmond MSA while providing opportunity for diverse revenue synergies with Towne Financial Services Group and strategic capital deployment. The merger was announced in September 2024 and received overwhelming support at the special meeting of Village shareholders held in December 2024.

    “Our TowneBank family is delighted to have our long-time friends at Village Bank join us,” said G. Robert Aston, Jr., Executive Chairman of TowneBank. “We look forward to welcoming more members across the greater Richmond area and providing enhanced capabilities through the bank and our family of companies.” William I. Foster III, TowneBank President and CEO, added, “We have great respect for the bankers joining us from Village and know that our combined companies will be even stronger together.”

    Following the merger, which was effective on April 1, 2025, the Village Bank locations will operate as “Village Bank, a Division of TowneBank” until June 2025, when the core systems and operations of Village Bank are scheduled to be converted into those of TowneBank. In connection with the merger, Frank E. Jenkins, Jr., a former director of Village, was appointed to the TowneBank board of directors, effective as of April 1, 2025.

    James E. Hendricks, Jr., the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Village, added, “This merger has provided a great opportunity to partner with a strong organization that shares a common commitment to community engagement and preserving neighborhood banking.” Mr. Hendricks was appointed as a Senior Executive Vice President at TowneBank in connection with the merger.

    About TowneBank:

    Founded in 1999, TowneBank is a company built on relationships, offering a full range of banking and other financial services, with a focus of serving others and enriching lives. Dedicated to a culture of caring, Towne values all employees and members by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences.

    Today, TowneBank operates over 50 banking offices throughout Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, as well as Northeastern and Central North Carolina – serving as a local leader in promoting the social, cultural, and economic growth in each community. Towne offers a competitive array of business and personal banking solutions, delivered with only the highest ethical standards. Experienced local bankers providing a higher level of expertise and personal attention with local decision-making are key to the TowneBank strategy. TowneBank has grown its capabilities beyond banking to provide expertise through its affiliated companies that include Towne Wealth Management, Towne Insurance Agency, Towne Benefits, TowneBank Mortgage, TowneBank Commercial Mortgage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty, Towne 1031 Exchange, LLC, and Towne Vacations. With total assets of $17.25 billion as of December 31, 2024, TowneBank is one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia.

    For more information, contact:
    G. Robert Aston, Jr., Executive Chairman, 757-638-6780
    William I. Foster III, Chief Executive Officer, 757-417-6482

    Investor contact:
    William B. Littreal, Chief Financial Officer, 757-638-6813

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers

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

    The Labor party on Wednesday will urge the Fair Work Commission to grant a real wage increase to Australian workers on awards.

    This goes further than Labor’s recommendations in earlier years, which have been for real wages not to go backwards.

    In the new submission, Labor will say that the increase should be “economically sustainable.” It says a rise in minimum and award wages should be consistent with inflation returning sustainably to the Reserve Bank’s target band of 2% to 3%.

    The move sets up a debate between the government and opposition about what are responsible wage increases.

    The submission says: “Labor believes workers should get ahead with a real wage increase. Despite heightened global uncertainty and volatility, the Australian economy has turned a corner. Inflation is now less than one third of its peak, unemployment remains low, there are over 1 million additional people employed than in May 2022, and interest rates have started to come down.

    “Economic growth rebounded at the end of last year and the private sector is now a key contributor to growth. Importantly, real wages growth has now returned and is forecast to continue across 2024-25 and 2025-26. A soft landing in our economy looks more and more likely.”

    More than 2.9 million workers have their pay set by an award and are directly affected by the commission’s Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage is presently $24.10 an hour, which is $915.90 for a 38 hour week, equivalent to $47,626.80 a year.

    The submission points out that women are disproportionately represented in jobs that are under awards and low paid.

    The government argues that its position is both economically responsible and fair, and will ensure low paid workers can get ahead as inflation moderates. It says that if its recommendation is accepted, this will help about three million workers, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled that during the 2022 campaign he was asked if he supported a wage increase for low paid workers.

    After he said “absolutely”, the Liberals had said this would wreck the economy,

    “Since then we’ve seen wages going up, inflation coming down and interest rates starting to fall. This campaign will again advocate for workers to get a pay rise to not only help them deal with the pressures of today, but to get ahead in the future.”

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers said: “The choice at this election is between a Labor government which has been creating jobs, getting wages moving again, rebuilding living standards and rolling out responsible cost-of-living help versus a Coalition that wants Australians working longer for less.”

    In its submission Labor says an economically sustainable real wage increase would complement the measures the government has introduced to ease cost-of-living pressures.

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

    – ref. Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers – https://theconversation.com/labor-will-urge-fair-work-commission-to-give-real-wage-rise-to-three-million-workers-253560

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: The Transformative Power of AI: Economic Implications and Challenges – 1 April

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsGfUD03Tnk

    MIL OSI Video –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Provident Financial Services, Inc. Schedules First Quarter Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ISELIN, N.J., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS) announced that it expects to release financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 on Thursday, April 24, 2025 after market close. A copy of the earnings release will be immediately available on the Company’s website, www.Provident.Bank, by going to Investor Relations and clicking on Press Releases.

    Representatives of the Company will hold a conference call for investors on April 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss the Company’s first quarter financial results. Information about the conference call is as follows:

      Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number:   1-888-412-4131
      Participant Toll Dial-In Number:   1-646-960-0134
      Conference ID:   3610756
           

    Internet access to the call will be available (listen only) at www.Provident.Bank by going to Investor Relations and clicking on Webcast.

    A replay of the call will be available beginning at 12:00 noon (ET) on April 25, 2025 until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on May 9, 2025.

      Toll Free Dial in Number:   1-800-770-2030
      Toll Dial in Number:   1-609-800-9909
      Conference ID:   3610756 followed by # key
           

    The call will also be archived on the Company’s website for a period of one year.

    Provident Financial Services, Inc. is the holding company for Provident Bank. As of December 31, 2024, the Company reported assets of $24.05 billion. The Bank currently operates a network of full-service branches throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Orange, Queens, and Nassau Counties, New York. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc.
    SOURCE: Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    CONTACT: Investor Relations, 1-732-590-9300

    Web Site: http://www.Provident.Bank

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: BaFin warns of the Brahams & Goldbach Group

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) is warning of offers made by the Brahams & Goldbach Group. According to its findings, the company offers, in particular, the alleged brokerage of fixed-term and overnight deposits with European banks.

    The website brahams-goldbach-group.com also presents further capital investment opportunities. The operator also appears there under the name ‘MA BV Brahams & Goldbach Group’. Addresses in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Brussels, Belgium, are given on the website as business addresses. In forms used by the Brahams & Goldbach Group, a further address in Pijnacker, the Netherlands, is also given.

    Anyone offering banking transactions or financial and investment services in Germany requires a licence from BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without having the required licence. You can find information on whether a particular company is authorised by BaFin in the company database.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on Section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz).

    You should know this!

    BaFin issues warnings about dubious fixed-term deposit offers.

    In the ‘Recognising financial fraud’ section, you will find current warnings from BaFin about unauthorised companies and learn how you can protect yourself from further fraud on the financial market.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    April 2, 2025
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