NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS begins visit to Seoul, Korea (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Seoul, Korea,this afternoon (July 8) to begin his visit.
     
    After his arrival, he visited the Bank of Korea, the country’s central bank, and met with its Governor, Mr Rhee Chang-yong, to exchange views on developments in finance, trade and economic landscapes of the two places, in the region and around the globe, as well as monetary and interest rate policies and investment trends. During the meeting, Mr Chan shared the latest developments in Hong Kong, particularly the continuous capital inflow to Hong Kong’s financial system, reflecting international investors’ confidence in Hong Kong in the current international environment. He stated that Hong Kong maintains a free and open economic and financial system and the Linked Exchange Rate System under the “one country, two systems” principle. Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being connected to the Mainland and the world, as well as its highly internationalised characteristics, is further attracting more international participants and capital to enjoy opportunities brought by developments in China. Hong Kong’s international ties are continuously deepening.
     
    Thereafter, he visited the Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) and met with its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Park Il-young. The KIC was established by the Korean government in 2005, responsible for managing part of the country’s foreign exchange reserves and other public funds for overseas investments. Currently, over US$200 billion of assets are under its management. During the meeting, both sides had an in-depth exchange of opinions on various issues of mutual concern, such as trends of investment markets, asset allocation strategies and digital asset developments.
     
    Mr Chan shared recent developments in Hong Kong’s economic and financial markets and its important role in connecting capital and investors from China and around the globe. He said that Hong Kong’s capital market is closely connected to the Mainland’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. The recent stock market is vibrant, with many leading Mainland I&T enterprises having listed or planning to list in Hong Kong. To international investors, Hong Kong serves as a highly effective gateway to tap into I&T opportunities in Greater China. He welcomed Korean capital to better use the Hong Kong market to allocate international investments and jointly seize the vast business opportunities of I&T developments.
     
    In the evening, Mr Chan had dinner with leaders in Korea’s digital asset industry, where he shared Hong Kong’s developments and opportunities in digital assets. He also encouraged the local industry to actively participate in the Hong Kong market and jointly explore and expand more applications and developments in digital assets.
     
    Mr Chan will continue his visit to Seoul tomorrow (July 9), including attending a seminar on the capital markets of Hong Kong and Korea, as well as a business luncheon jointly organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he will introduce Hong Kong’s new advantages and opportunities to the Korean financial and business sectors.

               

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congress Codifies 28 of President Trump’s Executive Actions in One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    Congress Codifies 28 of President Trump’s Executive Actions in One Big Beautiful Bill

    Washington, July 8, 2025

    WASHINGTON — Last week, when House Republicans passed President Trump’s signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill, they codified into law 28 executive actions taken by President Trump.

    “President Trump has done more to improve the lives of working Americans in the last six months than almost anyone could have imagined,” said Speaker Johnson. “He has repaired Joe Biden’s damage and kickstarted America’s new Golden Age. To help accomplish the mission, Congress has cemented President Trump’s agenda by passing the Administration’s signature legislation—the One Big Beautiful Bill. In this historic act, Republicans included 28 of President Trump’s top executive actions – now codifying some of the most significant America First priorities.”

    Executive Actions Codified into Law by the One Big Beautiful Bill:

    1. Securing our Borders
    2. Declaring A National Emergency At The Southern Border Of The United States
    3. Protecting the American People Against Invasion
    4. Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders
    5. Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats
    6. Implementing the President’s “DOGE” Cost Efficiency Initiative
    7. Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
    8. Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy
    9. Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos 
    10. Iron Dome for America
    11. Unleashing American Drone Dominance
    12. Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance
    13. Unleashing American Energy
    14. Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry
    15. Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential
    16. Declaring a National Energy Emergency
    17. Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
    18. Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production
    19. Clarifying The Military’s Role In Protecting The Territorial Integrity Of The United States
    20. Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation
    21. Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities
    22. Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education
    23. Establishing the President’s Make America Health Again Commission
    24. Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports
    25. The Organization for Economic Co-operations and Development (OECD) Global Tax Deal (Global Tax Deal)
    26. Enforcing the Hyde Amendment
    27. Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday – Garden of Heroes
    28. Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) Secretary General to Speak at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Africa Energy Bank Prepares for Launch

    Source: APO

    In a significant step toward bolstering financing for Africa’s energy sector, the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) are advancing plans to launch the African Energy Bank (AEB). In April this year, APPO hired consulting firm PWC as project management consultants for the $5 billion development finance institution, which will be headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria and is set to commence operations this year.

    The bank will provide tailored financing solutions for African oil and gas projects, addressing long-standing funding gaps and enabling project developers to advance exploration, production and monetization initiatives. In the wake of this major milestone for energy financing on the continent, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General, APPO will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    The AEB will feature a three-tiered shareholder structure, including APPO member states, other African nations and their national oil companies, as well as individual and corporate investors from outside the continent. So far, Nigeria, Angola and Ghana have fulfilled their capital commitments to the bank, representing 44% of the required minimum contributions and laying the groundwork for its launch. Additional pledges have been made by Algeria, Benin, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast.

    The launch of the AEB comes amid a broader shift in African energy cooperation, with APPO, the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa and the Central Africa Business & Energy Forum signing a MoU in April 2025 to develop the Central African Pipeline System. The system, spanning up to 11 countries, envisions thousands of kilometers of oil, gas and LPG pipelines and associated infrastructure aimed at improving regional energy access and security.

    APPO has also established a strong partnership with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The collaboration between the two organizations aims to advance African oil and gas projects through shared expertise, coordinated efforts in market stabilization and investment opportunities. This partnership demonstrates APPO’s commitment to engaging in collaborative action to address Africa’s energy needs as well as advancing sustainable development on the continent.

    “Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim’s leadership in establishing the African Energy Bank represents a bold step toward a self-sustained African energy sector. His participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will spotlight the future of energy financing on the continent and inspire confidence in Africa’s ability to fund its own growth,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

    With major oil and gas projects underway in Africa – such as the cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development, Mozambique LNG, Uganda’s Lake Albert development, Senegal’s Sangomar field development and others – APPO stands ready to support these initiatives by ensuring access to necessary funding. As such, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 serves as the premier platform for stakeholders and policymakers to engage with international and domestic investors to make deals and form partnerships that align with the continent’s energy goals.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Unsealed Indictment Charges Three Men with Stealing Dozens of High-End and Luxury Vehicles Worth Over $5 Million

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three Charlotte men are facing federal charges for conspiring to steal and transport across state lines dozens of luxury and high-end vehicles worth well over $5 million, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A criminal indictment was filed in June and unsealed today in federal court.

    Jason Byrnes, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    Aquanzae Jamal Switzer, 24, Da’Quante Antwone Banks, 24, and Trajan Dakiel Mack, 26, all of Charlotte, are charged with conspiracy to transport, possess, and sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce, possession of a stolen vehicle, and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.

    “This multi-state automobile theft ring was organized and sophisticated,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Organized crime has no place in the Western District of North Carolina, and I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for disrupting this operation.”

    The indictment alleges that, between 2022 and April 2024, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to steal dozens of high-end motor vehicles worth millions of dollars from individuals, car dealerships, and other businesses located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee. To maximize their profits, Switzer, Banks, and Mack allegedly targeted luxury models by BMW, Land Rover, and Mercedez-Benz, as well trucks, sports utility vehicles, and high-end horsepower models manufactured by Chevrolet, Ford and Jeep.

    The defendants allegedly stole multiple vehicles at once, generally at night, using key fob programmers, and conspired with other individuals who served as drivers of the stolen vehicles. For example, the indictment alleges that the defendants, aided and abetted by others, stole 12 vehicles from a car dealership located in Lillington, North Carolina. To avoid detection, the co-conspirators used temporary and fictitious vehicles tags on the stolen vehicles, removed the GPS navigation and tracking systems from the vehicles, and changed the appearance of the stolen vehicles soon after the thefts.

    According to allegations in the indictment, the co-defendants and their co-conspirators often sold the stolen vehicles at prices significantly below their retail value and kept some of the vehicles for personal use and to further facilitate the scheme.

    The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the sixth indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Charlotte for federal offenses involving the interstate theft of vehicles since 2023. Previously, federal charges were filed against three Charlotte men for conspiring to steal luxury vehicles and transporting them across state lines. A Charlotte man was indicted for stealing high-end vehicles, including several vehicles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Two individuals were charged for a scheme that involved buying and selling stolen vehicles from across the country. Five individuals were indicted for stealing luxury vehicles from dealerships throughout the United States, and two additional individuals were indicted for orchestrating high-end auto thefts from businesses in South Carolina.

    The charges against the defendants are allegations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the Secret Service and CMPD for their investigation of this case and thanked the FBI and the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance with the prior prosecutions. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the cases.

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Renasant Announces 2025 Second Quarter Webcast and Conference Call Information

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUPELO, Miss., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renasant Corporation (NYSE: RNST) (the “Company”) will announce 2025 second quarter results following the NYSE’s closing on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The Company will hold executive management’s quarterly webcast and conference call with analysts on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time (9:00 AM Central Time).

    The webcast is accessible through Renasant’s investor relations website at www.renasant.com or https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=gtM01rRl. To access the conference via telephone, dial 1-877-513-1143 in the United States and request the Renasant Corporation 2025 Second Quarter Earnings Webcast and Conference Call. International participants should dial 1-412-902-4145 to access the conference call.

    The webcast will be archived on www.renasant.com and will remain accessible for one year. A replay can be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-877-344-7529 in the United States and entering conference number 6698526 or by dialing 1-412-317-0088 internationally and entering the same conference number. Telephone replay access is available until August 6, 2025.

    ABOUT RENASANT CORPORATION:

    Renasant Corporation is the parent of Renasant Bank, a 121-year-old financial services institution. Renasant has assets of approximately $26.0 billion and operates more than 280 banking, lending, mortgage, and wealth management offices throughout the Southeast as well as factoring and asset-based lending on a nationwide basis.

    NOTE TO INVESTORS:

    This news release may contain, or incorporate by reference, statements which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements usually include words such as “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible” and other similar expressions.

    Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include significant fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, economic recession, significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environment, significant underperformance in our portfolio of outstanding loans, and competition in our markets. Management believes that the assumptions underlying the Company’s forward-looking statements are reasonable, but any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Investors are urged to carefully consider the risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available at www.renasant.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

    Contacts For Media: For Financials:
      John S. Oxford James C. Mabry IV
      Senior Vice President Executive Vice President
      Chief Marketing Officer Chief Financial Officer
      (662) 680-1219 (662) 680-1281
      joxford@renasant.com jim.mabry@renasant.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: As Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington, what hope for peace in Gaza? Expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    The US government “remains upbeat” about the prospects for at least a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the latest reports from Washington, where the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been meeting the US president, Donald Trump.

    Netanyahu handed the US president a letter nominating him for the Nobel peace prize, saying he deserved it for “forging peace, as we speak, in one country in the region after another”. But as yet there are no signs that either Hamas or Israel have moved any closer to accepting each other’s terms.

    In fact, reports emerging from the White House meeting are that the two leaders discussed the displacement of much of the Palestinian population. And a plan revealed by the Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, proposed the contruction of a “humanitarian city” at Rafah in the north of the Gaza Strip to house more than 600,000 Palestinians.

    The Conversation’s senior international affairs editor, Jonathan Este, spoke with Middle East expert, Scott Lucas, of University College Dublin to address this and other questions.

    The two leaders’ discussions in Washington seemed to centre around displacement of the Palestinian population in lieu of a two-state solution. What does this tell you about the chance of a ceasefire deal?

    I am fascinated – and sometimes disillusioned – by how some media outlets, led by the nose, miss the main story. Last week Donald Trump pronounced on social media that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and Hamas “should take this deal”.

    But the Netanyahu government has not accepted the framework, circulated by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, let alone consented to a halt of their attacks, which have continued even as the Israeli prime minister travelled to Washington to meet the US president.

    As Trump hosted Netanyahu in the White House on Monday, the line was that the US president was “upbeat on Gaza ceasefire talks”. Meanwhile, few of them seemed to notice the important development. Hamas responded to the US framework with proposals for the staged release of 28 of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages over the 60 days while Israeli troops withdrew from positions inside the Strip and humanitarian aid was restored.

    But the Israeli government has thus far not given a substantive response. Instead, while pursuing a plan for the long-term military occupation of Gaza, it may also be seeking the displacement of a large portion of the more than 2.2 million population.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    Hard-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, such as finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and internal security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, have long called for more than a million Gazans to be moved out of the territory. Reports over the weekend confirmed that this is not rhetoric. Israeli businessmen and venture capitalists have reportedly been working on plans for postwar Gaza, to include a “Trump riviera”, mirroring the displacement declaration by the US President, and an “Elon Musk smart manufacturing zone”.

    On Tuesday, security cabinet member Ze’ev Elkin, a Netanyahu loyalist, proclaimed “a substantial chance” for a ceasefire. But Qatari negotiators have said there are currently no talks, only discussions with each side about the framework for talks.

    Meanwhile, citing the killing of five Israeli soldiers in Gaza on Sunday night by an improvised explosive device, Ben-Gvir said: “We should not negotiate with those who kill our soldiers. They should be crushed to pieces, starved to death, and not resuscitated with humanitarian aid that gives them oxygen.”

    He called for “a complete siege, crushing them militarily” and reiterated the plan for “encouraging [Palestinian] immigration and [Jewish] settlement — these are the keys to complete victory”.

    Smotrich also called for a ban on any aid to Gaza: “In addition, I demand … that any territory that was conquered and cleansed of terror with the blood of our fighters not be abandoned.”

    So I am not optimistic at the moment.

    Looking at the region as a whole, two events have ‘reset’ the Middle East: the October 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s recent 12-day war. Can you tell me more about the kaleidoscope effect these two events had?

    In October 2023, there was no open-ended war in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu’s focus was on curbing the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, blocking any possibility of a two-state solution. His tactic was to ease the economic pressure on Gaza and Hamas, maintaining that organisation as a balance against its West Bank rivals.

    Hamas ripped up that approach with its mass murder on October 7 – the first of the two kaleidoscope moments which changed the whole picture in a matter of hours. The attack triggered the deadly Israeli response that continues 21 months later. That response did not “destroy” Hamas, as Netanyahu pledged, but it led the Israelis to take on other foes in the region.

    Pursuing its “octopus doctrine”, Israel severely damaged one of the tentacles, Hezbollah, when it destroyed much of the Lebanese group’s leadership in the autumn of 2024. It assassinated senior Iranian commanders and officials in Damascus, and received a further boost when Turkish-backed factions toppled the Assad regime in December.

    The 12-day war in June aimed to destroy the head of the octopus: Iran. Israel’s strikes and assassinations killed much of the country’s military leadership and many of its top nuclear scientists. The supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, hid in a bunker, only emerging on July 6. But Israel failed to topple his regime, as it had hoped.

    The war was another kaleidoscope moment. Israel had its regional victory. But paradoxically, because there has been no resolution in Gaza, this has come at the cost of further international isolation. Gulf States, having moved away from “normalisation” with Israel, put out tougher statements about “genocide” of Gazans and the violation of Iranian sovereignty. Saudi Arabia’s state media highlighted a letter from Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan for “ways to support and enhance [relations] across all fields”.

    This implies that for any normalisation to occur, Israel must end its military operation in Gaza?

    That question cuts to the chase. The Gulf states, with the notable exception of Qatar, are no friends of Hamas. They might even have accepted the destruction of the group if Israel had been able to accomplish it quickly.

    But there is no way that they can publicly acquiesce in the killing of almost 60,000 Gazans, the large majority of them civilians, and the humanitarian blockade that threatens every single person living in the Gaza Strip. Nor will they want to see Israel export Gazans across the region in an echo of the 1948 “Nakba” whose legacy is the millions of Palestinians living in refugee camps across the Middle East.

    Netanyahu can pursue his “absolute destruction” of Hamas by pursuing the destruction and displacement of Gazans. Or he can try to capitalise on his war with Iran through links with Arab countries. He cannot do both.

    Will Donald Trump get his Nobel peace prize?

    I don’t know, for that is a question which does not have a logical answer.

    Herny Kissinger was the US secretary of state who oversaw an escalation of the Vietnam war in which up to 3 million Vietnamese, 310,000 Cambodians, 62,000 Laotians and 58,220 US service members died. The singer-songwriter Tom Lehrer aptly noted: “Political satire became obsolete when Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.”

    We are in a world where having caused so much disorder and chaos, having enabled violence, including Israel’s open-ended war, Donald Trump may succeed in a pose as “peacemaker”.

    Some may see the least worst option as flattery, which seems to work as a strategy for dealing with the US president. They may accept the White House theatre in which Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, personally hands Trump a peace prize nomination.

    Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, the number of casualties in Gaza rose to 57,575 people killed and 136,879 wounded. Twenty hostages spent another day in limbo. That’s what matters here.

    – ref. As Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington, what hope for peace in Gaza? Expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/as-netanyahu-meets-trump-in-washington-what-hope-for-peace-in-gaza-expert-qanda-260722

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: As Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington, what hope for peace in Gaza? Expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    The US government “remains upbeat” about the prospects for at least a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the latest reports from Washington, where the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been meeting the US president, Donald Trump.

    Netanyahu handed the US president a letter nominating him for the Nobel peace prize, saying he deserved it for “forging peace, as we speak, in one country in the region after another”. But as yet there are no signs that either Hamas or Israel have moved any closer to accepting each other’s terms.

    In fact, reports emerging from the White House meeting are that the two leaders discussed the displacement of much of the Palestinian population. And a plan revealed by the Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, proposed the contruction of a “humanitarian city” at Rafah in the north of the Gaza Strip to house more than 600,000 Palestinians.

    The Conversation’s senior international affairs editor, Jonathan Este, spoke with Middle East expert, Scott Lucas, of University College Dublin to address this and other questions.

    The two leaders’ discussions in Washington seemed to centre around displacement of the Palestinian population in lieu of a two-state solution. What does this tell you about the chance of a ceasefire deal?

    I am fascinated – and sometimes disillusioned – by how some media outlets, led by the nose, miss the main story. Last week Donald Trump pronounced on social media that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and Hamas “should take this deal”.

    But the Netanyahu government has not accepted the framework, circulated by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, let alone consented to a halt of their attacks, which have continued even as the Israeli prime minister travelled to Washington to meet the US president.

    As Trump hosted Netanyahu in the White House on Monday, the line was that the US president was “upbeat on Gaza ceasefire talks”. Meanwhile, few of them seemed to notice the important development. Hamas responded to the US framework with proposals for the staged release of 28 of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages over the 60 days while Israeli troops withdrew from positions inside the Strip and humanitarian aid was restored.

    But the Israeli government has thus far not given a substantive response. Instead, while pursuing a plan for the long-term military occupation of Gaza, it may also be seeking the displacement of a large portion of the more than 2.2 million population.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    Hard-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, such as finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and internal security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, have long called for more than a million Gazans to be moved out of the territory. Reports over the weekend confirmed that this is not rhetoric. Israeli businessmen and venture capitalists have reportedly been working on plans for postwar Gaza, to include a “Trump riviera”, mirroring the displacement declaration by the US President, and an “Elon Musk smart manufacturing zone”.

    On Tuesday, security cabinet member Ze’ev Elkin, a Netanyahu loyalist, proclaimed “a substantial chance” for a ceasefire. But Qatari negotiators have said there are currently no talks, only discussions with each side about the framework for talks.

    Meanwhile, citing the killing of five Israeli soldiers in Gaza on Sunday night by an improvised explosive device, Ben-Gvir said: “We should not negotiate with those who kill our soldiers. They should be crushed to pieces, starved to death, and not resuscitated with humanitarian aid that gives them oxygen.”

    He called for “a complete siege, crushing them militarily” and reiterated the plan for “encouraging [Palestinian] immigration and [Jewish] settlement — these are the keys to complete victory”.

    Smotrich also called for a ban on any aid to Gaza: “In addition, I demand … that any territory that was conquered and cleansed of terror with the blood of our fighters not be abandoned.”

    So I am not optimistic at the moment.

    Looking at the region as a whole, two events have ‘reset’ the Middle East: the October 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s recent 12-day war. Can you tell me more about the kaleidoscope effect these two events had?

    In October 2023, there was no open-ended war in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu’s focus was on curbing the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, blocking any possibility of a two-state solution. His tactic was to ease the economic pressure on Gaza and Hamas, maintaining that organisation as a balance against its West Bank rivals.

    Hamas ripped up that approach with its mass murder on October 7 – the first of the two kaleidoscope moments which changed the whole picture in a matter of hours. The attack triggered the deadly Israeli response that continues 21 months later. That response did not “destroy” Hamas, as Netanyahu pledged, but it led the Israelis to take on other foes in the region.

    Pursuing its “octopus doctrine”, Israel severely damaged one of the tentacles, Hezbollah, when it destroyed much of the Lebanese group’s leadership in the autumn of 2024. It assassinated senior Iranian commanders and officials in Damascus, and received a further boost when Turkish-backed factions toppled the Assad regime in December.

    The 12-day war in June aimed to destroy the head of the octopus: Iran. Israel’s strikes and assassinations killed much of the country’s military leadership and many of its top nuclear scientists. The supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, hid in a bunker, only emerging on July 6. But Israel failed to topple his regime, as it had hoped.

    The war was another kaleidoscope moment. Israel had its regional victory. But paradoxically, because there has been no resolution in Gaza, this has come at the cost of further international isolation. Gulf States, having moved away from “normalisation” with Israel, put out tougher statements about “genocide” of Gazans and the violation of Iranian sovereignty. Saudi Arabia’s state media highlighted a letter from Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan for “ways to support and enhance [relations] across all fields”.

    This implies that for any normalisation to occur, Israel must end its military operation in Gaza?

    That question cuts to the chase. The Gulf states, with the notable exception of Qatar, are no friends of Hamas. They might even have accepted the destruction of the group if Israel had been able to accomplish it quickly.

    But there is no way that they can publicly acquiesce in the killing of almost 60,000 Gazans, the large majority of them civilians, and the humanitarian blockade that threatens every single person living in the Gaza Strip. Nor will they want to see Israel export Gazans across the region in an echo of the 1948 “Nakba” whose legacy is the millions of Palestinians living in refugee camps across the Middle East.

    Netanyahu can pursue his “absolute destruction” of Hamas by pursuing the destruction and displacement of Gazans. Or he can try to capitalise on his war with Iran through links with Arab countries. He cannot do both.

    Will Donald Trump get his Nobel peace prize?

    I don’t know, for that is a question which does not have a logical answer.

    Herny Kissinger was the US secretary of state who oversaw an escalation of the Vietnam war in which up to 3 million Vietnamese, 310,000 Cambodians, 62,000 Laotians and 58,220 US service members died. The singer-songwriter Tom Lehrer aptly noted: “Political satire became obsolete when Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.”

    We are in a world where having caused so much disorder and chaos, having enabled violence, including Israel’s open-ended war, Donald Trump may succeed in a pose as “peacemaker”.

    Some may see the least worst option as flattery, which seems to work as a strategy for dealing with the US president. They may accept the White House theatre in which Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, personally hands Trump a peace prize nomination.

    Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, the number of casualties in Gaza rose to 57,575 people killed and 136,879 wounded. Twenty hostages spent another day in limbo. That’s what matters here.

    – ref. As Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington, what hope for peace in Gaza? Expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/as-netanyahu-meets-trump-in-washington-what-hope-for-peace-in-gaza-expert-qanda-260722

    MIL OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Bank of Russia has expanded the list of currencies for which the official exchange rate is set

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 8 /Xinhua/ – 12 currencies have been included in the list of foreign currencies whose official exchange rates against the ruble are set by the Bank of Russia /Central Bank/. This was reported on Tuesday by the regulator’s press service.

    The list includes the Bangladeshi taka, Bahraini dinar, Bolivian boliviano, Cuban peso, Algerian dinar, Ethiopian birr, Iranian rial, Myanmar kyat, Mongolian tugrik, Nigerian naira, Omani rial, and Saudi riyal. Their official exchange rates against the ruble will be set by the Central Bank from July 10.

    Currently, the Bank of Russia sets official exchange rates for the yuan, US dollar and euro. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record breakers! Stoke-on-Trent hosts world’s biggest tea party

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    The people of Stoke-on-Trent are officially world record holders, after the city smashed a Guinness World Record.

    Around 15,000 people came together across 194 venues today (Tuesday, 8 July), breaking the world record for the largest cream tea party held across multiple venues.

    The event was held to mark 100 years of city status as people came together across the city to share jam and cream scones and a cup of tea in a bid to make history.

    Guinness World Records adjudicators attended five venues – the Victoria Hall, Hanley; DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park; Jubilee Hall, Stoke Town Hall; Stoke Minster and NatWest Bank, Hanley – to formally verify the record.

    Tea and scones were enjoyed by 777 people across the five officially-verified venues – successfully breaking the previous record and making Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year even more unforgettable.

    Stoke-on-Trent’s twin city, Erlangen in Germany, also held a number of tea parties to celebrate the record attempt. The city’s mayor – and a number of schools – all took part to support Stoke-on-Trent.

    Councillor Steve Watkins, the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “What an incredible way to mark our centenary year, by officially breaking the record for the world’s biggest tea party and bringing thousands of people together in a true show of unity and community spirit.

    “This wasn’t just about the numbers – it was about celebrating who we are, a city built on pride, resilience and togetherness. Vis unita fortior – united strength is stronger – is our motto. And today we proved exactly that, by coming together and being record breakers.

    “Congratulations to everyone who took part, wherever you took part – you’ve made history, and you’ve done Stoke-on-Trent proud.”

    Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Centenary Champion, said: “Well done, Stoke-on-Trent. You’re record breakers, ducks!

    “I’m so proud that the city I love came together to celebrate our centenary by smashing an official world record. What a way to mark 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent.

    “Families, friends, neighbours and colleagues came together proving that the simple act of sharing a cuppa can be something extraordinary when done together.”

    Nicky Twemlow from YMCA North Staffordshire, part of the event’s organising team, said: “This incredible achievement shows the world what we’ve always known here in Stoke-on-Trent, that when we come together, we can achieve great things.

    “Every cup of tea shared today was a reminder of our city’s warmth, pride and community spirit.”

    Hassan Rizvi, principal and chief executive at Stoke on Trent College, said: “Stoke on Trent College is truly honoured to play our part in a Guinness World Record, for the world’s largest cream tea party.

    “This is a fantastic way to continue the celebrations for the Centenary of Stoke-on-Trent.”      

    Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST, said: “Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year has been a fantastic chance for the city to come together, and to remember and celebrate the amazing community spirit that exists.

    “The Big Centenary Tea Party was an opportunity for local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to bring together their staff, volunteers, members, and clients to say thank you, for the people of Stoke-on-Trent to be part of something memorable, and for local businesses to get involved in supporting events in their local area.

    “To have also broken a Guinness World Record just makes the event even more special for everyone involved and proves that when we put our minds to it, the people of Stoke-on-Trent can achieve great things.”

    Tom Nadin, head of project and business services at the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The City of Stoke-on-Trent setting the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest tea party, during our Centenary year, is more than a feel-good moment – it’s proof of our community’s warmth and togetherness.

    “For the Chamber, it shows what’s possible when local businesses and residents come together with pride and creativity. In Stoke-on-Trent, we don’t just make the tea – we make history with it.”

    Steve Adams, chief executive of Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire, said: “That’s how you win a world record attempt!

    “The true winner in this is our fantastic city, and this event demonstrated how much unity exists in Stoke-on-Trent.

    “People, charities and businesses from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all environments have come together to celebrate our city and work together for one goal.

    “It just goes to show how much we can achieve when we all pull together. That’s what makes Stoke-on-Trent great, and now we hold the record the world will know it too!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: shares & voting rights as of 30 June 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NUMBER OF SHARES COMPOSING CURRENT SHARE CAPITAL AND TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTING RIGHTS AS OF 30 JUNE 2025

    Regulated Information

    Paris, 8 July 2025

    Information about the total number of voting rights and shares pursuant to Article L.233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulations.

    Date Number of shares composing current share capital Total number of
    voting rights
    30 June 2025 800,316,777

    Gross: 889,511,445

    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).

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

    Attachment

    • Societe-Generale-shares-voting-rights-as-of-30-06-2025

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Crédit Agricole Assurances announces the launch of an accelerated bookbuilding offering of its whole stake in FDJ United

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Crédit Agricole Assurances announces the launch of an accelerated bookbuilding offering of its whole stake in FDJ United

    8 July 2025 – Crédit Agricole Assurances (“CAA”), which, via its wholly-owned subsidiaries Predica and Crédit Agricole Assurances Retraite, currently owns 6,110,156 shares of FDJ United (the “Company”), representing approximately 3.3% of the Company’s share capital and 4.5% of its voting rights, announces the launch of an offering of its whole stake in FDJ United (the “Shares”). These Shares will be offered as part of an accelerated bookbuilding offering to institutional investors (the “Placement”).

    CAA has been a shareholder of FDJ United, an international gaming operator, since its IPO in November 2019 and has supported the Company throughout its development, including the successful recent acquisition of Kindred. CAA completed an initial sale of c. 4.1 million shares in November 2024 as part of its strategy of actively managing its investment portfolio. Upon completion of the Placement, CAA will no longer be a shareholder of the Company.

    The Placement will start immediately following this announcement. The final terms of the Placement will be determined and announced after the end of the bookbuilding process.

    Settlement of the Placement should take place on 11 July 2025.

    FDJ United’s shares are listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN code: FR0013451333).

    This press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase and the offering of the shares in FDJ United does not constitute a public offering (except to institutional investors) in any country, including in France.

    Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Morgan Stanley Europe SE are acting as Global Coordinators and Bookrunners on the Placement.

    About Crédit Agricole Assurances
    Crédit Agricole Assurances, France’s leading insurer, is Crédit Agricole group’s subsidiary, which brings together all the insurance businesses of Crédit Agricole S.A. Crédit Agricole Assurances offers a range of products and services in savings, retirement, health, personal protection and property insurance. They are distributed by Crédit Agricole’s banks in France and in 9 countries worldwide, and are aimed at individual, professional, agricultural and business customers. At the end of 2024, Crédit Agricole Assurances had more than 6,700 employees. Its 2024 premium income (non-GAAP) amounted to 43.6 billion euros.
    www.ca-assurances.com

    Press contacts
    Géraldine Bailacq +33 (0)6 81 75 87 59
    Nicolas Leviaux +33 (0)6 19 60 48 53
    Julien Badé +33 (0)7 85 18 68 05
    service.presse@ca-assurances.fr

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only and does not, and shall not, constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe any securities nor a solicitation to offer to purchase or to subscribe securities in any jurisdiction and does not constitute a public offer other than the offering to qualified investors in any jurisdiction, including France.

    The sale of FDJ United shares does not constitute a public offering other than to qualified investors in any jurisdiction, including in France.

    No communication and no information in respect of the sale by Crédit Agricole Assurances of FDJ United shares may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction where a registration or approval is required. No steps have been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such steps would be required. The offer of sale of FDJ United shares on behalf of Crédit Agricole Assurances may be subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Crédit Agricole Assurances, its shareholders and affiliates take no responsibility for any violation of any such restrictions by any person.

    European Economic Area
    In member states of the European Economic Area, this press release is an advertisement and is not a prospectus with the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, as amended (the “Prospectus Regulation”).

    With respect to the member states of the European Economic Area other than France (the “Member States”), no action has been or will be taken in order to permit a public offer of the securities which would require the publication of a prospectus in one of such Member States. In Member States, this communication and any offer if made subsequently is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation.

    France
    In France, the offer of FDJ United shares described in this press release will be carried out through a placement through an accelerated bookbuilding process to qualified investors only within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and in accordance with applicable French laws and regulations. There will be no public offering in any country (including France) in connection with the shares of FDJ United, except to qualified investors only.

    United Kingdom
    In the United Kingdom, this communication is for distribution to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that (i) are “investment professionals” falling within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the “Order”), (ii) are persons falling within article 49(2)(a) to (d) (“high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.”) of the Order, or (iii) are located outside the United kingdom, or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Article 21 of the Order) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or cause to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant Persons”). This press release is only directed at Relevant Persons and are available only to Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person must act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person shall not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    With respect to the United Kingdom, securities may not be offered or sold absent the publication of a prospectus in the United Kingdom or an exemption from such publication under the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended, as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal Act) 2018 (the “UK Prospectus Regulation”). As a consequence, this document is directed only at persons who are “qualified investors” as defined in point (e) of Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
    This press release is not a prospectus which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority or any other United Kingdom regulatory authority for the purpose of Section 85 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

    United States
    This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. Securities referred to in this announcement have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent such registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. FDJ United shares have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and neither Crédit Agricole Assurances, nor any of its shareholders or their respective affiliates intend to register any portion of the proposed offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering in the United States.

    Australia
    This press release is not a prospectus or product disclosure statement under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Corporations Act”) and does not constitute a recommendation to acquire, an invitation to apply for, an offer to apply for or buy, an offer to arrange the issue or sale of, or an offer for issue or sale of, any securities in Australia except as set out below. Interests may only be offered, issued, sold or distributed in Australia by way of or pursuant to an offer or invitation that does not need disclosure to investors either under Part 7.9 or Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act, whether by reason of the investor being a ‘sophisticated investor’ or ‘wholesale client’ (as defined in section 708(8) and 761G of the Corporations Act respectively) or otherwise. Nothing in this press release constitutes an offer of interests or financial product advice to a ‘retail client’ (as defined in section 761G of the Corporations Act and applicable regulations). Accordingly, this press release has not been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commissions (“ASIC”). Neither the Placement nor the contents of this press release have been approved by ASIC or any regulatory body or agency in Australia.

    Canada, Japan and South Africa
    The FDJ United shares may not and will not be offered, sold or purchase in Canada, Japan or South Africa. The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in Canada, Japan or South Africa.

    The release, publication or distribution of this press release generally may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession this document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. No action has been taken to allow offer of FDJ United shares or distribution of this press release in any jurisdiction where any such action would be required. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    Any investment decision to purchase FDJ United shares must be made solely on the basis of publicly available information regarding FDJ United. Such information is not the responsibility of Crédit Agricole Assurances and has not been independently verified by Crédit Agricole Assurances.

    The global coordinators and bookrunners are acting on behalf of Crédit Agricole Assurances (to the exclusion of all others) in connection with the placement and will not be liable to any person other than Crédit Agricole Assurances either for warranties given to clients of the global coordinators and bookrunners or for advice in connection with the placement.

    Neither the global coordinators and bookrunners nor any of its directors, officers, employees, advisors or agents accept any responsibility for, or make any representations or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this press release (or if any information has been omitted from this press release) or any other information relating to FDJ United, Crédit Agricole Assurances, their respective subsidiaries or associated companies, whether in written, oral, visual or electronic form, and however transmitted or made available, or any loss from the use of this press release or its contents or otherwise.

    Distribution, publication or release of this press release are forbidden in any jurisdiction where such distribution or release would be unlawful.

    Attachment

    • 20250708 – CAA – Launch Press Release – vF

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Northfield Capital Completes Strategic Aviation Expansion With Acquisition of Second Pilatus PC-12; Updates Aircraft Loan Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northfield Capital Corporation (TSX-V: NFD.A) (“Northfield” or the “Corporation”), a proudly Canadian-owned investment company, is pleased to announce the completion of its aviation fleet expansion strategy through the acquisition of a second Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft. The transaction was completed through Northfield’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Spruce Goose Aviation Inc. (“Spruce Goose”) and complements earlier purchases of two high-performance helicopters. The transaction finalizes the Corporation’s multi-aircraft buildout designed to support growth at its commercial operating subsidiary, True North Airways Inc. (“True North” or “TNA”). The purchase was funded through an amendment to the Aircraft Loan Agreement (as defined below), increasing total available proceeds to US$5.795 million.

    This aircraft marks True North’s second PC-12 in its active fleet following the addition of two helicopters earlier this year, acquired to address rising demand for charter flight hours and mission-specific services throughout Canada, the U.S., and Central America. The aircraft is a modern, low-time, high-utility platform that enhances TNA’s operational scale and geographic reach.

    “This completes the staged rollout of our aviation growth strategy, said Robert D. Cudney, Chief Executive Officer of Northfield. “With three helicopters, two Pilatus PC-12s, a light jet (Cessna Citation) and mid-size jet (Gulfstream G100) now under management, we have assembled a fleet that is optimized for charter demand, infrastructure logistics, government contracts, and exploration support across North and Central America. We now move from capital deployment to cash flow generation.”

    Iain Hayden, CEO of True North Airways, added: “Adding a second PC-12 gives us meaningful lift to meet charter demand, with operational flexibility and reliability. This second PC-12 brings our fixed-wing charter capabilities to another level. Its short-field performance, payload capacity, and operating economics make it the perfect aircraft to serve our growing client base across remote and urban markets. As demand continues to rise, we’re proud to offer our clients the versatility and reliability they’ve come to expect from TNA. Combined with our helicopter assets, we can now offer a fully integrated aviation solution to our clients — whether they’re in executive travel, energy, remote logistics, or public service. The strategy is complete, and we’re excited to fly.”

    Strategic Fleet Expansion Completed

    Northfield’s aviation initiative was designed to scale True North Airways’ commercial capacity in response to growing demand for:

    • Executive and private charters
    • Aerial firefighting and medical support
    • Resource exploration and infrastructure logistics
    • Government and community contracts

    In March 2025, Spruce Goose acquired two helicopters — a 1999 Eurocopter AS350-B3 and a 1980 Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger — to anchor rotary-wing operations in Ontario and El Salvador. The July 2025 purchase of a 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG adds long-range, fixed-wing capability and completes the planned fleet expansion.

    The Eurocopter AS350-B3 Helicopter and the Pilatus PC-12 were financed under a single amended aviation loan facility totaling US$5.795 million (see below), with assets fully secured and revenue-generating, and the Jet Ranger was financed with cash on hand.

    New: 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG Acquisition

    The most recent acquisition — a 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG — is a low-hour, executive-class turboprop offering exceptional range, payload, and short-field performance. This is True North’s second PC-12, providing scale and scheduling flexibility to meet increasing charter demand in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean. The aircraft supports executive charter, air ambulance, infrastructure access, and remote cargo needs — all with exceptionally low operating costs and high dispatch reliability.

    Figure 1: 2014 Pilatus PC-12 NG

    Key specifications of the Pilatus PC-12 NG:

    • Engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P
    • Cruise Speed: 260 knots (481 km/h)
    • Range: 1,803 NM (3,340 km)
    • Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft
    • Payload: ~2,236 lbs
    • Cabin: Executive 6-seat layout
    • Features: 5-blade MT propeller, TAWS-A, Honeywell Primus Apex avionics, weather radar, large cargo door, upgraded NiCad batteries
     

    Helicopter Fleet Acquired March 2025

    As part of the broader strategy, Northfield previously acquired the following helicopters through Spruce Goose: a 1999 Eurocopter AS350-B3 (or “AS350-B3”) and 1980 Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger (or “Jet Ranger”), which will expand TNA’s capabilities in firefighting, resource exploration, executive and cargo charters, and government contract services across Canada and El Salvador.

    Enhancing Aerial Capabilities with the AS350-B3

    In March 2025, an AS350-B3 helicopter—renowned for its high-altitude performance, robust single-engine power, and exceptional lifting capability—was acquired to enhance aerial operations. This versatile aircraft has since become an integral asset for demanding missions such as firefighting, air ambulance support, resource sector logistics, infrastructure and government services, as well as private and corporate charters. With its addition earlier this year, the range and effectiveness of aerial operations have notably expanded, supporting an even broader array of government and commercial contracts in Canada.

    Figure 2: 1999 Eurocopter AS350-B3

    Key specifications of the AS350-B3:

    • Engine: Turbomeca Arriel 2B1
    • Cruise Speed: 122 knots (226 km/h)
    • Range: 340 nautical miles (630 km)
    • Useful Load: 2,557 lbs (1,160 kg)
    • External Load Capacity: 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
    • Seating Capacity: Pilot + 5 passengers

    Jet Ranger: Supporting Expansion in El Salvador

    In addition to the AS350-B3, a Jet Ranger was also acquired, a proven workhorse in the aviation industry. This helicopter will be deployed in El Salvador under TNA South S.A. de C.V. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of TNA), where it will service resource development, cargo and logistics transportation, infrastructure projects, executive-tourism charters and high-end travel, all which aligns with the country’s current pro-business stance. Its lightweight design and fuel efficiency make it ideal for cost-effective aerial operations, which we forecast will assist with long-term profitability for True North Airways.

    Figure 3: 1980 Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger

    Key specifications of the Jet Ranger:

    • Engine: Rolls-Royce 250-C20B
    • Cruise Speed: 115 knots (213 km/h)
    • Range: 374 nautical miles (693 km)
    • Useful Load: 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
    • Seating Capacity: Pilot + 4 passengers

    Aircraft Loan Agreement

    The Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into an amending agreement dated July 7, 2025 (the “Amending Agreement”), to increase the principal amount of the previously obtained Aircraft Loan (as defined below), from US$5.195 million to US$5.795 million, in order to finance the purchase of a PC-12 NG Aircraft. Northfield and certain of its subsidiaries will continue to guarantee the obligations under the Aircraft Loan Agreement, as amended by the Amending Agreement, and Echo Capital Fund I Inc. (the “Lender”), an arm’s length private lender in the aviation space, will also take security against the new aircraft being purchased with the remaining proceeds from the loan.

    On March 14, 2025, Northfield along with certain of its subsidiaries entered into an aircraft loan agreement (the “Aircraft Loan Agreement”) with the Lender to finance the purchase of certain aircraft by Spruce Goose. The original Aircraft Loan Agreement provided for a loan (the “Aircraft Loan”) to Spruce Goose of up to US$5.195 million with a term of five years, with interest thereon based on a variable floating rate equal to the annual interest rate posted and announced by Laurentian Bank of Canada plus 300 basis points calculated and compounded monthly in arrears for the relevant period of the Aircraft Loan. The Aircraft Loan Agreement requires interest and principal to be paid monthly based on a ten-year amortization period, with any remaining balance due at the end of the five-year term of the Aircraft Loan. The Aircraft Loan can be repaid at the election of Spruce Goose following the first year of the term of the Aircraft Loan Agreement.

    At the time of the Aircraft Loan, the proceeds were used by the Corporation to purchase the AS350-B3.

    The Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries provided a guarantee in connection with the Aircraft Loan and the Lender also took security against certain aircrafts of Spruce Goose, including the AS350-B3 helicopter purchased with a portion of the proceeds from the Aircraft Loan. The Aircraft Loan Agreement contains other customary terms, covenants and representations and warranties for a transaction of such nature.

    About Northfield Capital Corporation

    Northfield Capital Corporation is a publicly traded, leading Canadian investment firm with deep roots in resources, mining, aviation, and premium alcoholic beverages. Founded in 1981 by Robert D. Cudney, Northfield combines decades of experience with forward-thinking strategies to unlock opportunities across its diverse portfolio. Northfield is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in businesses that drive economic prosperity in Canada. For more information, visit www.northfieldcapital.com.

    About True North Airways Inc.

    True North Airways Inc. is a leading Canadian aviation services provider specializing in executive charter services, resource and infrastructure support, emergency response, and tourism aviation solutions. With a growing fleet and operational bases in Ontario, Canada and El Salvador, TNA serves corporate executives, government contracts, resource exploration firms, and high-net-worth travelers and is committed to providing safe, efficient, and tailored aviation solutions across North and South America. Learn more at www.truenorthairways.ca.

    For further information, please contact:

    Michael G. Leskovec, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (416) 628-5940

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is identified by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, including references to assumptions. Such information may relate to, but is not limited to, aircraft deployment strategies, the demand for aircraft services, the repayment terms of the Aircraft Loan and future use of proceeds. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in consumer preferences, regulatory developments, economic conditions, including as a result of tariffs and other economic penalties, supply chain disruptions, competitive dynamics in the aviation industry, and external market factors impacting Northfield’s and its aviation business operations. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially due to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Northfield Capital Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10cbaedd-8fd6-4821-b4dc-b8666300c576

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d25bea8a-9251-4d44-8bf2-648f0c689822

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3cae6ef-3889-427a-bcab-b564ecb31105

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 8.7.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Siili Solutions Plc       Announcement  8.7.2025
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 8.7.2025  
         
    In the Helsinki Stock Exchange    
         
    Trade date           8.7.2025  
    Bourse trade         Buy  
    Share                  SIILI  
    Amount             1 100 Shares
    Average price/ share    6,4690 EUR
    Total cost            7 115,90 EUR
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc now holds a total of 25 128 shares
    including the shares repurchased on 8.7.2025  
         
    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 Siili Solutions Plc    
         
    Nordea Bank Oyj    
         
    Sami Huttunen Ilari Isomäki  
         
    Further information:    
    CFO Aleksi Kankainen    
    Email: aleksi.kankainen@siili.com    
    Tel. +358 50 584 2029    
         
    www.siili.com    

    Attachment

    • SIILI 8.7.2025 Trades

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: AFT to launch National Academy for AI Instruction with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and United Federation of Teachers

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: AFT to launch National Academy for AI Instruction with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and United Federation of Teachers

    NEW YORK – The AFT, alongside the United Federation of Teachers and lead partner Microsoft Corp., founding partner OpenAI, and Anthropic, announced the launch of the National Academy for AI Instruction today. The groundbreaking $23 million education initiative will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all 1.8 million members of the AFT, starting with K-12 educators. It will be based at a state-of-the-art bricks-and-mortar Manhattan facility designed to transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States. 

    The academy will help address the gap in structured, accessible AI training and provide a national model for AI-integrated curriculum and teaching that puts educators in the driver’s seat.

    Teachers are facing tremendous technological changes, which include the challenges of navigating AI wisely, ethically and safely. They are overwhelmed and looking for ways to gain the skills they need to help their students succeed. The program is the first partnership between a national union and tech companies, structured to create a sustainable education infrastructure for AI.

    To best serve students, we must ensure teachers have a strong voice in the development and use of AI,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft. “This partnership will not only help teachers learn how to better use AI, it will give them the opportunity to tell tech companies how we can create AI that better serves kids.”

    The announcement was made at the headquarters of the AFT’s largest affiliate, the 200,000-member New York City-based UFT, where hundreds of educators were on hand for a three-day training session, including six hours of AI-focused material that highlighted practical, hands-on ways to marry the emerging technology with established pedagogy.

    “AI holds tremendous promise but huge challenges—and it’s our job as educators to make sure AI serves our students and society, not the other way around,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “The direct connection between a teacher and their kids can never be replaced by new technologies, but if we learn how to harness it, set commonsense guardrails and put teachers in the driver’s seat, teaching and learning can be enhanced.”

    “The academy is a place where educators and school staff will learn about AI—not just how it works, but how to use it wisely, safely and ethically. This idea started with the partnership between lead partner Microsoft and the AFL-CIO in late 2023. We jointly hosted symposiums over the past two summers, but never reached critical mass to ensure America’s educators are coaches in the game, not spectators on the sidelines. Today’s announcement would not be possible without the cooperation of Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and the leadership at the United Federation of Teachers, and I thank them for their efforts.”

    “When it comes to AI in schools, the question is whether it is being used to disrupt education for the benefit of students and teachers or at their expense. We want this technology to be used by teachers for their benefit, by helping them to learn, to think and to create,” said Chris Lehane, chief global affairs officer of OpenAI. “This AI academy will help ensure that AI is being deployed to help educators do what they do best—teach—and in so doing, help advance the small-‘d’ democratizing power of education.” 

    “We’re at a pivotal moment in education, and how we introduce AI to educators today will shape teaching for generations to come,” said Anthropic Co-founder and Head of Policy Jack Clark. “That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with the AFT to empower teachers with the knowledge and tools to guide their students through this evolving landscape. Together, we’re building a future where AI supports great teaching in ethical and effective ways.” 

    Anchored by the New York City facility, the National Academy for AI Instruction will serve as a premier hub for AI education, equipped with cutting-edge technology and operated under the leadership of the AFT and a coalition of public and private stakeholders. The academy will begin instruction later this fall and then scale nationally. Over five years, the program aims to support 400,000 educators—approximately 10% of the U.S. teaching workforce—reaching more than 7.2 million students. 

    Through the training of thousands of teachers annually and by offering credential pathways and continuing education credits, the academy will facilitate broad AI instruction and expand opportunity for all.

    “For so long, there have been many new programs that were weaponized against educators,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “Our goal is to develop a tool that gives educators the ability to train their AI and incorporate it into their instructional planning, giving them more one-on-one time with their students.” 

    “Sometimes as a teacher you suffer burnout and you can’t always communicate to the class in the right voice or find the right message and I feel like these AI tools we are working with can really help with that—especially phrasing things in a way that helps students learn better,” says Marlee Katz, teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing in multiple New York City public schools in the borough of Queens. “The tools don’t take away your voice, but if I need to sound more professional or friendly or informed, I feel like these tools are like a best friend that can help you communicate. I love it.” 

    “As an instructional technology specialist for over 27 years, watching educators learn and work with AI reminds me of when teachers were first using word processors. We are watching educators transform the way people use technology for work in real time, but with AI it’s on another unbelievable level because it’s just so much more powerful,” says Vincent Plato, New York City Public Schools K-8 educator and UFT Teacher Center director. “I think the UFT and the AFT were right to say AI is something educators should take ownership of, not only because it can assist with enhancing the way they interact with and meet the needs of students, but also because AI assists with educator workflow. It can be a thought partner when they’re working by themselves, whether that’s late-night lesson planning, looking at student data, or filing any types of reports—a tool that’s going to be transformative for teachers and students alike.” 

    Together, Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and the AFT are proud to help our nation’s teachers become AI-proficient educators and to leverage this unique partnership to democratize access to AI skills, ensuring that students from all backgrounds are prepared to thrive in an AI-driven future.

    Designed by leading AI experts and experienced educators, the program will include workshops, online courses, and hands-on training sessions, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to navigate an AI-driven future. It will bring together interdisciplinary research teams to drive innovation in AI education and establish a national model for AI-integrated teaching environments. Finally, the academy will provide ongoing support and resources to help educators stay updated with the latest advancements in AI. Innovation labs and feedback cycles will ensure these tools are refined based on actual classroom experiences.

    Through scalable training modules, virtual learning environments and credential pathways, the program empowers a diverse range of educators to become confident leaders in AI instruction. In turn, these teachers will bring AI literacy, ethical reasoning and creative problem-solving into classrooms that might otherwise be left behind in the digital transformation.

    The idea for the academy was first proposed by venture capitalist, educator, activist and AFT member Roy Bahat. He is currently the head of Bloomberg Beta, the venture capital arm of Bloomberg, and will be joining the academy’s board of directors.

    For more information about the National Academy for AI Instruction, please visit AIinstruction.org.

    About the AFT

    The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

    About Microsoft

    Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

    About OpenAI

    OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company with a mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.

    About Anthropic

    Anthropic is an AI safety and research company that creates reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. Anthropic’s flagship product is Claude, a large language model trusted by millions of users worldwide. Learn more about Anthropic and Claude at anthropic.com.

    About UFT

    The UFT represents nearly 200,000 members and is the sole bargaining agent for most of the nonsupervisory educators who work in the New York City public schools. This includes teachers; retired members; classroom paraprofessionals; and many other school-based titles including school secretaries, school counselors, occupational and physical therapists, family child care providers, nurses, and other employees at several private educational institutions and some charter schools.

    Contacts:

    AFT Press
    [email protected]

    Microsoft Media Relations, We. Communications
    [email protected]

    OpenAI Media Relations
    [email protected]

    Anthropic Media Relations
    [email protected]

    UFT Press
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Univest Financial Corporation to Hold Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOUDERTON, Pa., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Univest Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: UVSP), parent company of Univest Bank and Trust Co. and its insurance, investment and equipment finance subsidiaries, announced it will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2025 earnings on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Earnings are scheduled to be released after the close of the market on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

    Pre-registration
    Telephone participants may avoid any delays by pre-registering for the call using the following link.

    Conference Call registration link:
    https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=d55d5140&confId=85192

    Audio
    Dial in number: 1-833-470-1428
    Access Code: 747843
    Note: Participants who are unable to pre-register should dial in a few minutes prior to the start time.

    Replay
    Dial in number: 1-866-813-9403
    Replay Code: 563521
    Available until: July 31, 2025

    About Univest Financial Corporation
    Univest Financial Corporation (UVSP), including its wholly-owned subsidiary Univest Bank and Trust Co., Member FDIC, has approximately $8.0 billion in assets and $5.2 billion in assets under management and supervision through its Wealth Management lines of business at March 31, 2025. Headquartered in Souderton, Pa. and founded in 1876, the Corporation and its subsidiaries provide a full range of financial solutions for individuals, businesses, municipalities and nonprofit organizations primarily in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Univest delivers these services through a network of more than 50 offices and online at www.univest.net.

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Post Office Minister responds to Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Post Office Minister responds to Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Gareth Thomas spoke to Parliament after report outlined scandal’s human impact and looking at the redress schemes which have been put in place in response. 

    Madam Deputy Speaker, Sir Wyn Williams has today released the first volume of his report into the Horizon scandal, which caused so much harm to so many innocent people. 

    The fearless and diligent work of his Inquiry has, I believe, won the trust and admiration of postmasters. The Inquiry has asked penetrating questions of a large number of witnesses and has scrutinised more than two million pages of evidence. 

    The whole House I know recognises the bravery of the postmasters who fought against enormous odds to see their cause recognised. Sir Wyn’s report reminds us that blameless people were impoverished. Bankrupted. Stressed beyond belief. Lost their jobs, their marriages, their reputations, their mental health. In some cases, lost their lives. 

    I am sure that the whole House will share my gratitude to Sir Wyn and his team for their work so far. This is only the first volume of their final report, spelling out the scandal’s human impact and looking at the redress schemes which have been put in place in response. 

    A second volume will in due course deal with the causes of the scandal, and how repetition can be avoided. 

    To be clear, I am very sympathetic to Sir Wyn’s 19 recommendations today. Clearly, a number of them require careful consideration. We will respond to them promptly as some concern the ongoing delivery of Horizon redress schemes. Sir Wyn has set us a deadline of 10 October, and we will meet it. 

    The House will see that Sir Wyn has accepted that “the Post Office, the Department and Ministers continue to adhere to the aims of providing financial redress, which is full, fair and prompt”. He also concludes that the majority of people who have accepted offers under the GLO scheme “will have done so because, for them, the offer was full and fair”. That said, Sir Wyn makes some understandable criticisms – especially of the Horizon Shortfall Scheme – which we will need to study closely and address. 

    We inherited a compensation process which was widely seen as too slow, adversarial and legalistic. Well over four years after the first High Court case exposed the scandal, only 2,500 postmasters had had final settlements. 

    There were clearly significant gaps in the compensation process and many victims had not come forward. Indeed, there was no compensation scheme in place for those postmasters whose convictions had been overturned by Parliament. 

    A year ago, Government had paid £236 million in redress. We have now quadrupled that to nearly £1.1 billion. We have launched a compensation scheme for postmasters who have had their convictions overturned; the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and have merged Post Office’s compensation arrangements for overturned convictions into it. And through the Post Office, we have delivered a £75,000 fixed sum offer to over 4,200 postmasters who opted for it. 

    We have also launched an independent process to allow people to appeal their HSS settlements or offers. This should provide – as Sir Wyn says in his report – an “opportunity to put right any failures to deliver redress which is full and fair” for HSS victims; and begun discussions with Fujitsu on their contribution to the costs of the scandal. 

    As the House knows and as Sir Wyn’s report underlines further today, there is still a lot more to do. I know that those postmasters who have yet to agree final compensation are frustrated with the delay: so am I. 

    We have been consulting regularly with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and others on what more we can do to improve redress. Sir Wyn’s recommendations are very helpful in that regard. Two of his recommendations address issues which we have been already working on across government and with the Advisory Board. 

    And I can confirm that we accept Sir Wyn’s recommendation that claimants should be able to bank the best offer they get from the GLO process and should not put it at risk if they choose to go to the independent panel. 

    Secondly, we will provide redress for family members of postmasters who suffered because of the scandal. I have met the group Lost Chances for Postmaster Children who have campaigned with considerable courage on this issue. 

    Sir Wyn rightly recognises that designing a suitable compensation scheme for family members raises some very difficult issues. Nonetheless, we want to look after those family members who suffered most – meeting Sir Wyn’s recommendation that we should give – and I quote – “redress to close family members of those most adversely affected by Horizon”. 

    Given these challenges, we will now discuss the details of how a scheme should be run with claimants’ lawyers, the independent Advisory Board and the Lost Chances group. It will be open to close family members of existing Horizon claimants who themselves suffered personal injury – including psychological distress – because of their relative’s suffering. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will need contemporaneous written evidence of that personal injury. 

    There are some fundamental lessons to be learned which Sir Wyn points to, about how compensation following wrongdoing on this scale should be delivered in future. 

    In particular, the Post Office should never have been allowed to run it. Decisions on funding should have been made much more quickly. And it should not have needed the ITV drama to stimulate action to overturn hundreds of unjust convictions. 

    We cannot now turn back the clock to fix those fundamental mistakes. We must instead address two challenges. The first is to make sure that if there is ever another terrible scandal like this one, and all of us will sincerely hope that there isn’t, that the victims do not need to bring a traumatic court case to expose it. 

    The second challenge if such another scandal happens, Government is set up to offer trusted redress from the very start. Sir Wyn argues that there should be a standing public body to deliver redress in any further scandal. I have a considerable amount of sympathy with that argument, but clearly we shall need to analyse the options fully before we commit to it. 

    We will reflect on how to address those twin challenges and will bring our conclusions back to the House. 

    Madam Deputy Speaker, we can never recompense a person properly for their freedom wrongly bring denied them. The humiliation of being wrongly accused. Of seeing your loved ones in profound distress or worse. Or recompense someone for their good reputation being taken from them. 

    I cannot assuage the anger of the victims. Nor will the anger I feel on their behalf ever be assuaged. 

    But we are determined to do more on redress and beyond and to do it quickly to give more of the victims of this appalling scandal at least a measure of the peace they so rightly deserve. 

    And I commend Sir Wyn’s report to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Sentenced for Making False Statements Under Oath in a Bankruptcy Case

    Source: US FBI

    BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Travis Lee Harry, 40, of Kernersville, North Carolina, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, including 90 days on home detention, and fined $4,000 with interest for making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy case.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Harry had owned and lived in a house in Princeton, West Virginia, which he sold on December 23, 2019. On February 5, 2020, Harry filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. On the Statement of Financial Affairs he submitted as part of the bankruptcy filing, and which he signed under penalty of perjury, Harry falsely stated that he and his spouse co-owned the house and sold it together. At a March 6, 2020, meeting of creditors as part of the bankruptcy proceeding, Harry falsely testified under oath that he had co-owned the house with his spouse. Harry admitted as part of his guilty plea that he solely owned the house, and that his spouse was never a co-owner. Harry further admitted that he falsely indicated during the creditors’ meeting that all of the proceeds from selling the house went to pay taxes.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-143.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Bank President and Contractor Plead Guilty to Federal Charge in Loan Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former bank president and contractor appeared in federal court and admitted to committing bank fraud by conspiring together to falsify loan applications and obtain funds.

    Francis Eversman, 74, of Collinsville, and Gregg Crawford, 65, of Columbia, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud for their roles in a scheme that extended from 2011 to 2020.

    “The integrity of our banking system relies on the integrity of loan officers and applicants,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate their fiduciary duties and those who obtain loans through fraud are brought to justice.”

    According to court documents, Eversman was a senior loan officer at former Tempo Bank in Trenton. Crawford was the owner of construction companies in southern Illinois. Eversman and Crawford admitted in district court that Crawford recruited straw purchasers to act as nominal loan applicants on what were often highly overvalued properties.

    “Every American citizen deserves to walk into their bank and trust the people behind the counter. In southern Illinois, these people are usually our neighbors and friends, people that we trust with our money and wellbeing. The defendants in this case violated that trust through schemes aimed to self-serve and increase wealth,” said FBI Springfield Assistant Special Agent in Charge Karen Marinos. “FBI Springfield and our partners with the Office of Inspector General – Treasury and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will always look out for the wellbeing of the citizens of Illinois and ensure their money is being put in the hands of people they can truly trust.”

    His brother-in-law, Eversman, steered these loans through the approval process. Crawford then used the loan proceeds for other purposes. In some cases, Crawford provided fake lease agreements to purport to show rental income from subject properties. When at audit by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency discovered the suspect loans, Crawford instructed a straw purchaser to provide investigators with false information. 

    Both Crawford and Eversman waived their right to be indicted by a grand jury and pled guilty to an Information.

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and fines up to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2025.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI Springfield Field Office, the Office of Inspector General – Treasury Department, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Relm Insurance Launches Streamlined Coverage Suite for Fintechs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    St. George’s, Bermuda, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Relm Insurance (‘Relm’), the leading insurer for emerging and innovative industries, today announced the launch of OMEGAFINTECH and NOVAFINTECH, which eliminate coverage gaps within streamlined policies built for today’s financial innovators.

    Modern fintechs face growing risks — from cyberattacks to regulatory scrutiny — yet still rely on fragmented insurance cobbled together from legacy providers. This patchwork approach often leads to costly gaps in coverage and uncertainty at claim time.

    Relm’s new product suite solves this problem by combining critical coverages into a unified structure:

    OMEGAFINTECH

    Built for companies that deliver financial services through technology (e.g. digital banks, crypto exchanges, payment platforms), and includes integrated coverage for:

    • Tech and AI liability
    • Cybersecurity events
    • Financial and professional services (E&O)
    • Regulatory investigations and compulsory limits (e.g. PSD2 compliance in the EU)
    • Financial crime and fraud
    • Management liability
    • 24/7 incident response team access

    NOVAFINTECH

    Tailored for fintech enablers — companies that build, supply, or power financial technologies without offering financial services themselves. It Includes all OMEGAFINTECH protections, minus financial services and management liability, keeping coverage relevant and cost-effective.

    “Many fintechs are scaling fast and taking on complex risk — but traditional insurance hasn’t kept pace,” said Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO and Founder of Relm Insurance. “With OMEGAFINTECH and NOVAFINTECH, we’re helping them close critical gaps and build resilience where it matters most.”

    “Findings from our research and stakeholder engagement suggested there was a clear need for policies that reflect the reality of how modern fintechs operate,” said Claire Davey, Relm’s Head of Product Innovation and Emerging Risk. “OMEGAFINTECH and NOVAFINTECH are the result of that process — cohesive, technically sound coverages that address overlapping exposures in a single structure, helping our clients navigate risk with fewer gaps and greater clarity.”

    For more information, visit: https://relminsurance.com/insurance-products/fintech-insurance-products-omegafintech-and-novafintech/

    Who is OMEGAFINTECH for? Who is NOVAFINTECH for?
    Digital Banking Platforms Digital Payments
    Payment Technology Providers Banking as a Service (BaaS)
    Fraud Prevention and Identity Verification Lending Platforms
    Risk Management, Compliance and RegTech Wealth Tech
    Lending Technology Platforms Personal Finance and Budgeting
    Data Aggregation and Open Banking APIs BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

    About Relm Insurance 

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

    PR Contact

    Reannah Smith

    reannah@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Unite to Break Barriers in Cross-Border Digital Payments

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have taken a significant step towards regional financial integration, with the convening of a five-day workshop on payment systems interoperability. The IGAD-EAC-World Bank Joint Workshop, convened from 30th June to 4th July, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together Central Banks, digital finance experts, and senior policymakers from nine countries with a focus on advancing harmonised legal, regulatory, and supervisory frameworks that will enable faster, safer, and more inclusive cross-border payments across the Eastern Africa region

    The workshop was organised under the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), a flagship initiative jointly implemented by IGAD and EAC, with support from the World Bank. The EARDIP’s mission is to boost regional digital market integration by expanding broadband infrastructure and strengthening the environment for cross-border digital services, including digital payments, a critical enabler of trade, remittances, and financial inclusion.

    At the heart the Addis Ababa discussions was a shared regional challenge of fragmented and non-interoperable payment systems that undermine economic potential. While countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have made strides in domestic interoperability, regional integration remains stifled by gaps in regulations, technical disparities, and cybersecurity concerns. Against this backdrop, the workshop provided a platform for technical learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and collective visioning.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohyeldeen Eltohami, Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration, IGAD, emphasised that the workshop was not merely a technical convening but a launchpad for transformation. “The collaboration between EAC and IGAD exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and shared ambition that Africa needs to build the future it envisions, a future of seamless digital integration, inclusive prosperity, and economic transformation,” he said.

    The Director urged participants to seize the opportunity to build a harmonised regional framework and to let cooperation, not fragmentation, define the region’s digital future.

    “Digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity. Together, IGAD and EAC can build a digitally integrated Eastern Africa, where borders no longer limit opportunity, and where innovation drives inclusion, and prosperity is shared,” said Dr. Eltohami.

    Echoing these sentiments, Eng. Daniel Murenzi, Principal Information Technology Officer, EAC Secretariat stressed that digital payments are the backbone of a functioning digital market and that interoperability was no longer a luxury, but a necessity for regional prosperity.

    “EAC and IGAD are implementing the EARDIP Project with the objective to advance digital regional integration by strengthening cross-border digital infrastructure, services, policies, and frameworks that promote economic growth, inclusion, and regional collaboration among EAC and IGAD Member/Partner States,” noted Eng. Murenzi.

    “Payment systems are an enabler in this digital ecosystem for the region, with their interoperability a critical factor. We therefore need to review national payment processes, harmonise legal and regulatory instruments and facilitate interoperability of the regions payment system,” he noted.

    On his part, Mr. Gynedi Srinivas, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Payment Systems Development Group, World Bank outlined the global relevance of the workshop, noting that its objectives align with the Group of Twenty (G20) roadmap for faster, cheaper, and safer cross-border payments. He applauded the region’s readiness to harness the benefits of fast payment system (FPS) interoperability.

    “The benefits of cross-border interoperability of fast payment systems will especially enable safer, faster and low-cost retail payments across borders helping end-users, individuals and Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) to make and receive payments seamlessly,” he noted.

    Participants of the workshop engaged in discussions on three strategic areas: digital infrastructure, legal and regulatory frameworks, and regional payment integration. Recommendations from these sessions included the need to invest in shared digital infrastructure, adopt consumer-centric design for FPS, develop regulatory sandboxes to support innovation, and the need to harmonise legal instruments to unlock true cross-border operability.

    During the workshop, experts from some Member/Partner States Central/National Banks shared experiences and lessons from their national contexts, thereby providing practical blueprints for other countries aiming to leapfrog barriers and accelerate digital finance inclusion.

    Participants also explored emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and cross-border Central bank digital currencies, alongside discussions on cyber threats and the role of cybersecurity incident response teams (CIRSTs) in protecting payment ecosystems. The need for a unified cybersecurity legal framework and real-time threat intelligence sharing across borders emerged as a top priority.

    The workshop further recommended facilitating peer-to-peer attachments among central banks; anchoring FPS design in user needs; collectively addressing social engineering risks, particularly in mobile payments; and convening annual joint workshops on cross-border payments.

    The workshop brought together experts from nine IGAD-EAC Member/Partner States’ National Payment System directorates or departments from the Bank of the Republic of Burundi, the Central Bank of Djibouti, the National Bank of Ethiopia, the Central Bank of Kenya, the National Bank of Rwanda, the Central Bank of Somalia, the Bank of South Sudan, the Bank of Tanzania and the Bank of Uganda. The Central Bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by the Ministry of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Also in attendance were IGAD and EAC EARDIP Coordinators and key staff as well as World Bank Consultants and a representative from Banco d ’Italia (Bank of Italy).  

    – on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI to conduct 2-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on July 09, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on Wednesday, July 09, 2025, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 1,00,000 2 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM July 11, 2025
    (Friday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)     

    Press Release: 2025-2026/677

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Showcases Industry-Leading Hotel Technology at Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa 2025

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    Samsung, a global leader in innovative technology solutions, took centre stage at the recent Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. As a trusted partner to the hospitality industry, Samsung presented a powerful suite of cutting-edge hotel technologies designed to elevate guest experiences and streamline hotel operations.
     
    Visitors to the Samsung exhibition stand experienced first-hand how the brand is shaping the future of smart hospitality. On display was a curated portfolio of Samsung’s premium commercial solutions tailored specifically for hotels, including:
     

    Samsung Hotel TVs – Commercial TVs built for business, and designed to offer an immersive in-room entertainment or conference experience. These advanced displays allow your guests to enjoy seamless and life-like picture quality. Explore more
    Samsung Kiosk and Connection Box – Modernise guest self-service with intuitive, secure, all-in-one solutions that simplify check-ins, payments, and more. See details
    Samsung Flip Screen – Encourage collaboration in conference or event spaces with an interactive whiteboard that brings meetings to life.
    LED Smart Signage – Find the perfect display solution for any business. Make a striking impression with high-impact indoor and outdoor LED signage, ideal for lobbies, event promotions, or wayfinding. More info | Smart Signage
    Samsung Tablets – Business-ready tablets that support operations and communication – designed to maximise productivity in the field, classroom, or office. Browse tablets

     
    Samsung’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and seamless integration positions it as a leading technology partner for the hospitality sector. From enhancing operational efficiency to delivering premium guest experiences, Samsung’s hotel solutions are trusted by hotels across South Africa and around the world.
     
    At the expo, Samsung gave visitors an opportunity to discover how technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape, making every stay smarter, safer, and more connected.
     
    For more information about Samsung’s business solutions, visit: https://www.samsung.com/za/business

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Showcases Industry-Leading Hotel Technology at Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa 2025

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    Samsung, a global leader in innovative technology solutions, took centre stage at the recent Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. As a trusted partner to the hospitality industry, Samsung presented a powerful suite of cutting-edge hotel technologies designed to elevate guest experiences and streamline hotel operations.
     
    Visitors to the Samsung exhibition stand experienced first-hand how the brand is shaping the future of smart hospitality. On display was a curated portfolio of Samsung’s premium commercial solutions tailored specifically for hotels, including:
     

    Samsung Hotel TVs – Commercial TVs built for business, and designed to offer an immersive in-room entertainment or conference experience. These advanced displays allow your guests to enjoy seamless and life-like picture quality. Explore more
    Samsung Kiosk and Connection Box – Modernise guest self-service with intuitive, secure, all-in-one solutions that simplify check-ins, payments, and more. See details
    Samsung Flip Screen – Encourage collaboration in conference or event spaces with an interactive whiteboard that brings meetings to life.
    LED Smart Signage – Find the perfect display solution for any business. Make a striking impression with high-impact indoor and outdoor LED signage, ideal for lobbies, event promotions, or wayfinding. More info | Smart Signage
    Samsung Tablets – Business-ready tablets that support operations and communication – designed to maximise productivity in the field, classroom, or office. Browse tablets

     
    Samsung’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and seamless integration positions it as a leading technology partner for the hospitality sector. From enhancing operational efficiency to delivering premium guest experiences, Samsung’s hotel solutions are trusted by hotels across South Africa and around the world.
     
    At the expo, Samsung gave visitors an opportunity to discover how technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape, making every stay smarter, safer, and more connected.
     
    For more information about Samsung’s business solutions, visit: https://www.samsung.com/za/business

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Calls to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group shine a spotlight on Canadian security laws

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Basema Al-Alami, SJD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto

    British Columbia Premier David Eby recently called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to designate the India-based Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization.

    Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown echoed the request days later. The RCMP has also alleged the gang may be targeting pro-Khalistan activists in Canada.

    These claims follow a series of high-profile incidents in India linked to the Bishnoi network, including the murder of a Punjabi rapper in New Delhi, threats against a Bollywood actor and the killing of a Mumbai politician in late 2024.

    How terrorism designations work

    Eby’s request raises broader legal questions. What does it mean to label a group a terrorist organization in Canada and what happens once that label is applied?

    Under Section 83.05 of the Criminal Code, the federal government can designate an entity a terrorist organization if there are “reasonable grounds to believe” it has engaged in, supported or facilitated terrorist activity. The term “entity” is defined broadly, covering individuals, groups, partnerships and unincorporated associations.

    The process begins with intelligence and law enforcement reports submitted to the public safety minister, who may then recommend listing the group to cabinet if it’s believed the legal threshold is met. If cabinet agrees, the group is officially designated a terrorist organization.

    A designation carries serious consequences: assets can be frozen and financial dealings become criminalized. Banks and other institutions are protected from liability if they refuse to engage with the group. Essentially, the designation cuts the group off from economic and civic life, often without prior notice or public hearing.

    As of July 2025, Canada has listed 86 entities, from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to far-right and nationalist organizations. In February, the government added seven violent criminal groups from Latin America, including the Sinaloa cartel and La Mara Salvatrucha, known as the MS-13.

    This marked a turning point: for the first time, Canada extended terrorism designations beyond ideological or political movements to include transnational criminal networks.

    Why the shift matters

    This shift reflects a deeper redefinition of what Canada considers a national security threat. For much of the post-9/11 era, counterterrorism efforts in Canada have concentrated on groups tied to ideological, religious or political agendas — most often framed through the lens of Islamic terrorism.

    This has determined not only who is targeted, but also what forms of violence are taken seriously as national security concerns.

    That is why the recent expansion of terrorism designations — first with the listing of Mexican cartels in early 2025, and now potentially with the Bishnoi gang — feels so significant.

    It signals a shift away from targeting ideology alone and toward labelling profit-driven organized crime as terrorism. While transnational gangs may pose serious public safety risks, designating them terrorist organizations could erode the legal and political boundaries that once separated counterterrorism initiatives from criminal law.

    Canada’s terrorism listing process only adds to these concerns. The decision is made by cabinet, based on secret intelligence, with no obligation to inform the group or offer a chance to respond. Most of the evidence remains hidden, even from the courts.

    While judicial review is technically possible, it is limited, opaque and rarely successful.

    In effect, the label becomes final. It brings serious legal consequences like asset freezes, criminal charges and immigration bans. But the informal fallout can be just as harsh: banks shut down accounts, landlords back out of leases, employers cut ties. Even without a trial or conviction, the stigma of being associated with a listed group can dramatically change someone’s life.

    What’s at stake

    Using terrorism laws to go after violent criminal networks like the Bishnoi gang may seem justified. But it quietly expands powers that were originally designed for specific types of threats. It also stretches a national security framework already tainted by racial and political bias.



    Read more:
    Canadian law enforcement agencies continue to target Muslims

    For more than two decades, Canada’s counterterrorism laws have disproportionately targeted Muslim and racialized communities under a logic of pre-emptive suspicion. Applying those same powers to organized crime, especially when it impacts immigrant and diaspora communities, risks reproducing that harm under a different label.

    Canadians should be asking: what happens when tools built for exceptional threats become the default response to complex criminal violence?

    As the federal government considers whether to label the Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization, the real question goes beyond whether the group meets the legal test. It’s about what kind of legal logic Canada is endorsing.

    Terrorism designations carry sweeping powers, with little oversight and lasting consequences. Extending those powers to organized crime might appear pragmatic, but it risks normalizing a process that has long operated in the shadows, shaped by secrecy and executive discretion.

    As national security law expands, Canadians should ask not just who gets listed, but how those decisions are made and what broader political agendas they might serve.

    Basema Al-Alami 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. Calls to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group shine a spotlight on Canadian security laws – https://theconversation.com/calls-to-designate-the-bishnoi-gang-a-terrorist-group-shine-a-spotlight-on-canadian-security-laws-259844

    MIL OSI –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: XAVIER DEROT APPOINTED DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    July 3rd, 2025  

    PRESS RELEASE

    XAVIER DEROT APPOINTED DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES

    Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mobilize Financial Services, has announced the appointment of Xavier Derot as Deputy CEO, effective July 1, 2025. This appointment is subject to the approval of the European Central Bank. 

    Xavier Derot, currently VP, Sales and Operations and a member of the Executive Committee of Mobilize Financial Services since September 1, 2024, will take up the role of Deputy CEO alongside Vincent Gellé, starting July 1, 2025. 

    This second appointment aims to strengthen the bank’s governance. 

    About Xavier Derot 

    Xavier Derot, 52, began his career at RCI Banque in 2000 as Head of International Development. 
    A graduate of the Grenoble Graduate School of Business in 1994, he held various positions within RCI Banque, both internationally in three different countries and in corporate functions. 
    Among these roles, he notably managed the bank’s relationship with Nissan from 2006 to 2010 and served as Regional Operations Director for RCI Banque’s G10 and Euromed subsidiaries. 
    Abroad, Xavier served as Managing Director of the German subsidiary and then of RN Bank Russia—the joint venture between RCI Bank-Nissan and UniCredit in Russia—between 2013 and 2022. Since October 2022, Xavier has held the position of International Director of Mobilize Financial Services, overseeing operations in 12 countries within the Group. 
    Since September 1, 2024, he has served as VP, Sales and Operations on the Executive Committee of Mobilize Financial Services. 
    Xavier is married and has two children. 

    Contact

    About Mobilize Financial Services    
    Attentive to the needs of all its customers, Mobilize Financial Services, a subsidiary of Renault Group, creates innovative financial services to build sustainable mobility for all. Mobilize Financial Services, which began operations over 100 years ago, is the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specializing in automotive financing and services for customers and networks of Renault Group, and also for the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi in several countries. 
    With operations in 35 countries and over 4,000 employees, Mobilize Financial Services financed more than 1,2 million contracts (new and used vehicles) in 2023 and sold 3,7 million service contracts. At the end of December 2024, average earning assets stood at 61 billion euros of financing and pre-tax earnings at 1 194 million euros.
    Since 2012, the Group has deployed a deposit-taking business in several countries. At the end of December 2024, net deposits amounted to 30,5 billion euros, or 50 % of the company’s net assets.    
    To find out more about Mobilize Financial Services: www.mobilize-fs.com/   

    Attachment

    • UK – Communiqué Mobilize FS – Nomination Xavier Derot DGD – 202507

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Measures will be tough – the Central Bank warned banks against imposing conditions on deposits

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Why did complaints arise about additional conditions for deposits?

    Russian investors complain about the behavior banks, which lure customers with higher rates, but require a number of actions to be taken to obtain generous terms. Among the banks that have requirements for high rates on deposits:

    Yandex Bank – the 21% rate is valid only with the Plus subscription and once for 62 days;
    VTB – 21.5% for 3 months, available only with MiXX subscription;
    Sovcombank – a surcharge to the deposit rate of up to 4% is provided for purchases using the “Halva” card with the “Ten” subscription;
    MTS Bank – the maximum rate is provided for card transactions over 90 thousand rubles per month;
    Sberbank – the best conditions apply to “new money” that has not been stored in accounts for more than two months, as well as when connecting a subscription.

    “It is becoming increasingly difficult to simply open a deposit – clients have to study a ton of conditions and meet dozens of criteria in order to receive a favorable interest rate: at the same time, the increased rates are valid for a limited period,” the expert noted.

    Banks require depositors to connect paid subscriptions, turnover on cards, keep certain balances, receive salaries into an account – it is much more difficult to calculate the real profitability of such deposits, not to mention convenience and transparency for the client.

    How does the Central Bank of the Russian Federation plan to combat the imposition of conditions on deposits?

    The Bank of Russia is closely monitoring the situation on the savings products market – credit institutions have been recommended to honestly inform citizens about the terms and conditions and to abandon the practice of putting forward numerous requirements to receive a higher rate. If the recommendations are not followed, the regulator will have to develop amendments to the legislation or create a banking standard to restore order in the industry.

    Let us recall that the high key rate has led to a surge in the popularity of deposits – this year, balances on individuals’ accounts have grown by 6%, amounting to over 61 trillion rubles: by the end of the year, the figure could reach 70 trillion rubles. However, after the key rate was reduced (from 21 to 20%), banks began to massively revise the terms of deposits for the worse, but the demand for deposits and savings accounts remains high.

    12:00 08.07.2025

    Source:

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS meets finance sector in Seoul

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan today began his visit to Seoul, Korea, by meeting Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong and Korea Investment Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Park Il-young.

    Upon arrival in the afternoon, Mr Chan visited the Bank of Korea, the country’s central bank, and met Governor Rhee Chang-yong to discuss the developments in finance, trade and economic landscapes of the two places, in the region and around the globe.

    They also exchanged views on monetary and interest rate policies and investment trends.

    During the meeting, Mr Chan shared the latest developments in Hong Kong, particularly the continuous capital inflow to Hong Kong’s financial system, reflecting international investors’ confidence in Hong Kong in the current international environment.

    Mr Chan said that Hong Kong maintains a free and open economic and financial system as well as the Linked Exchange Rate System under the “one country, two systems” principle. He also highlighted that Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being connected to the Mainland and the world, as well as its highly internationalised characteristics, is further attracting more international participants and capital to enjoy opportunities brought by developments in China.

    Hong Kong’s international ties are continuously deepening, Mr Chan added.

    Thereafter, the finance chief visited the Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) and met its President & Chief Executive Officer Park Il-young to have an in-depth exchange of opinions on various issues of mutual concern, such as trends of investment markets, asset allocation strategies and digital asset developments.

    The KIC was established by the Korean government in 2005, responsible for managing part of Korea’s foreign exchange reserves and other public funds for overseas investments. Currently, over US$200 billion of assets are under its management.

    Mr Chan shared the recent developments in Hong Kong’s economic and financial markets, and its important role in connecting capital and investors from China and around the globe.

    He pointed out that Hong Kong’s capital market is closely connected to the Mainland’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. The recent stock market is vibrant, with many leading Mainland I&T enterprises having listed or planning to list in Hong Kong. To international investors, Hong Kong serves as a highly effective gateway to tap into I&T opportunities in Greater China.

    Mr Chan welcomed Korean capital to better use the Hong Kong market to allocate international investments and jointly seize the vast business opportunities of I&T developments.

    In the evening, Mr Chan had dinner with leaders in Korea’s digital asset industry, where he shared Hong Kong’s developments and opportunities in digital assets.

    He also encouraged the local industry to actively participate in the Hong Kong market and jointly explore and expand more applications and developments in digital assets.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Community Bankshares, Inc. Revolutionizes Access to Capital and Speeds Up Loan Closures for Rural and Small Businesses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAGRANGE, Ga., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At a time when business owners across the country are fighting against red tape and delays, Community Bankshares, Inc. is delivering where others stall – closing complex government-guaranteed loans in as little as 30 to 45 days. In the first half of 2025, the Georgia-based financial institution closed 57 SBA and USDA loans totaling $256,038,702, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-moving mission-driven lenders in the nation. Community Bankshares is the holding company of Community Bank & Trust, Phoenix Lender Services, and Thomas Financial Group.

    In Q2 2025 alone, the company closed:

    • 25 SBA loans via Phoenix’s SBA team totaling $48,765,200 in 15 states.
    • 10 USDA loans via Phoenix’s USDA team totaling $111,376,215 in 5 states.
    • 2 USDA loans via Thomas Financial Group’s team totaling $24,715,000 in 2 states.

    “We’re not just providing capital, we’re providing it quickly,” said Chris Hurn, President & CEO of Community Bankshares and Phoenix Lender Services. “Closing a government-guaranteed loan in 30 to 45 days isn’t just rare, it’s transformative. It means our clients can grow, hire, and build when it matters most.”

    These record-setting Q2 results build on a powerful Q1, bringing Phoenix’s year-to-date total SBA loans closed to 41 loans for $70.6 million, and Phoenix’s total USDA loans closed to 14 loans for $160.7 million.

    As of Q3 of the federal government’s fiscal year FY25 (October 1, 2024 through June 1, 2025), Community Bank & Trust (sister company of both Phoenix and Thomas Financial Group) ranks as the #36 Most Active SBA Lender in the Nation with 86 SBA loan approvals totaling $146,051,200. Even more impressively, CB&T remains the #1 SBA lender headquartered in Georgia, with nearly twice the production of the second place, in-state lender.

    “Phoenix Lender Services and Thomas Financial Group have built a reputation on doing what others say can’t be done – fast closings, rural deals, food supply chain projects, and many more, all done with precision,” said Jeremy Gilpin, Chairman of Community Bankshares, Inc. and President and CEO of Community Bank & Trust. “We’re not just financing businesses, we’re building futures.”

    Closing loans across 20 states and 1 U.S. territory year-to-date, Community Bankshares, Inc. is fueling growth in industries ranging from construction and energy to healthcare, franchising, and logistics. Recent highlights include:

    • USDA Commercial – Agriculture Scientific: A South Carolina-based Sustainable Agriculture Project creating high-tech jobs, boosting food security, reducing dependence on imported produce, and reducing carbon emissions.
    • SBA 7(a) – Comprehensive Therapy Children’s Center: SBA 7(a) loan enabled a successful ownership transition for this trusted pediatric therapy clinic in Canton, Georgia, ensuring continued care for children with developmental and neurological needs.
    • Bridge Lending – Hospitality Project: Closed Over $34 Million in Bridge Loans for USDA B&I loan takeouts in under 40 days.

    “Community Bank and Trust’s professionalism and support during the loan process was beyond perfect,” said Tammy Knoop, Owner of Bel-Mar Lanes. “Their kindness and easy mannered approach is a gift.”

    “Thomas Financial Group was instrumental in our acquisition of The National Exchange Hotel and the Holbrooke Hotel—not just because they understood the nuances of hospitality lending, but because they delivered when time was critical. Under a tight deadline, they demonstrated incredible speed, efficiency, and unwavering commitment. Their ability to move decisively while maintaining a personal, solutions-oriented approach sets them apart. In a world where delays can derail opportunity, their partnership made all the difference,” said James Gould, Principal at Horizon Hotel Group.

    About Community Bankshares, Inc.
    Community Bankshares, Inc. is transforming access to capital for small businesses and rural America. Through its subsidiaries – Phoenix Lender Services; Thomas Financial Group; and Community Bank & Trust – the company delivers customized SBA, USDA, and commercial lending services nationwide. Our mission is rooted in empowering local economies, preserving family-run businesses, and supporting job creation through bold, fast, and impactful lending.

    About Phoenix Lender Services
    Phoenix Lender Services is a nationwide leader in government-guaranteed lending operations, offering full-service loan origination, underwriting, servicing, and regulatory support. PHX specializes in SBA and USDA loans and acts as a trusted Lender Service Provider (LSP) for banks and credit unions across the country.

    About Thomas Financial Group
    Thomas Financial Group is a high-performance USDA and commercial loan originator, offering sophisticated financing solutions for complex business, hotel, infrastructure, and development projects, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

    About Community Bank & Trust
    Based in LaGrange, GA, Community Bank & Trust provides personalized financial services to individuals and businesses across the Southeast and nationwide. As the top-producing SBA lender headquartered in Georgia, CB&T is committed to expanding access to capital and economic opportunity in communities of all sizes.

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Abigail Davison
    Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
    abigail.davison@moburst.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 49 50 51 52 53 … 457
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress