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Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Desert-to-Power: SEFA commits €6 million to Dédougou Solar Project in Burkina Faso

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank, has committed a €6 million concessional finance package for the development of the 18 MW Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso, marking a significant milestone towards increasing the country’s energy generation capacity.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: RBA and APRA Update Their Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Cooperation to Support Financial Stability

    Source: Airservices Australia

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) have today published an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to further strengthen their cooperation and coordination arrangements in support of financial stability in Australia. The updated MOU sets out the RBA and APRA’s respective roles and responsibilities for contributing to financial stability, as well as arrangements for consultation, liaison and information sharing between the two agencies. The MOU also sets out specific arrangements for coordination between the RBA and APRA in relation to macroprudential policy, liquidity support, payments policy and crisis management.

    Both the RBA and APRA have responsibilities in relation to financial stability in Australia, and it is therefore important that they continue to engage closely with one other. The RBA and APRA also cooperate and coordinate with each other and other regulatory agencies on a multilateral basis through the Council of Financial Regulators. The Council of Financial Regulators has today published an updated Charter.

    MIL OSI News –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 3-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on July 29, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 3-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 50,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 46,058
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 46,058
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.48
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/800

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Participates in High-Level International Conference for Peaceful Settlement of Question of Palestine and Implementation of Two-State Solution

    Source: Government of Qatar

    New York, July 28

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated on Monday in the plenary session of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York.

    In Qatar’s statement to the plenary session, His Excellency said that this conference is being held at a critical moment for the region amid a horrific war waged by Israel on the Gaza Strip for two years and a worsening humanitarian tragedy affecting more than two million people, most of whom are women and children.

    In one of the most brutal and heartbreaking moments of this tragedy, we witnessed scenes that are a disgrace to all of humanity – hungry civilians, who are exhausted by the blockade, and who get killed while standing in line waiting for a loaf of bread, a bag of flour, or a meal to feed their children, His Excellency noted.

    He wondered: What future can be built on the bodies of the starving? And what peace can emerge in the midst of such hunger, humiliation, and killing?

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that, in the face of this catastrophic situation, the State of Qatar has not hesitated to exert all its diplomatic efforts to stop the bloodshed of innocents, alleviate their suffering, and release prisoners and detainees.

    He said that the State of Qatar, based on its firm position, condemns all forms of targeting civilians. It categorically rejects double standards. A human being is a human being, and a child is a child. None of us has the right to discriminate between innocents and their right to life on political or other grounds. The situation has reached the point of normalizing the use of starvation and targeting hospitals as a method of war, setting precedents that we cannot accept, otherwise it will become a normal practice in every conflict from now on.

    His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s categorical rejection of the use of food as a tool of pressure or a weapon in conflicts, and its condemnation in the strongest terms of the blockade and forced displacement policies practiced against innocent civilians, as well as the repeated targeting of hospitals, displacement centers, and vital facilities, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

    His Excellency noted that the mediation efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, have yielded tangible results, represented by the entry of large quantities of aid and the release of hundreds of prisoners and detainees on both sides.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that, despite reoccurring obstacles and attempts to undermine the humanitarian track, efforts are ongoing to reach an immediate ceasefire, setting the stage to ending the crisis and launching recovery and reconstruction efforts. He stressed that this requires all parties to act responsibly and support mediation efforts.

    His Excellency noted that the war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip has not only caused unprecedented suffering for innocent civilians but has also undermined the credibility of international law and the universal values upon which the international community institutions were founded after World War II.

    He added that it has also become clear that policies of force have failed and will continue to fail in eliminating the Palestinian cause.

    All they have achieved is to worsen the situation with more tragedy, bitterness, a sense of injustice, and horrific scenes of death and destruction that will remain etched in the memory of people around the world, His Excellency continued.

    The horrors of this war and its political failure prove that there is no alternative to a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause, he said, adding that the key lies in acknowledging the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people and applying long-overdue justice, delayed for nearly eighty years.

    The State of Qatar, based on its unwavering support for peace, affirms its full support for the objectives of this conference and its keenness to play an active role in ensuring its success and enhancing the chances of a peaceful solution in the Middle East, His Excellency said, noting that the State of Qatar co-chaired the conference’s third working group, which is concerned with the topic of “Narratives of Peace.”

    His Excellency explained that this team addressed important topics and concluded with priority principles and proposals that contribute to the success of the conference’s overall objective. In order to create a conducive environment for achieving sustainable peace, there is a need to promote positive narratives that support peace between the two sides, based on rejecting violence, renouncing inflammatory rhetoric, and confronting attempts to dehumanize the other side, he added.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s steadfast position in support of a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian cause, in accordance with international law, UN resolutions, and the two-state solution, being the only viable option to end the conflict and achieve a comprehensive and just peace.

    He added that from this standpoint, Qatar calls for a clear and unified international stance that opposes all practices that obstruct negotiations and the chances of achieving a just and lasting peace. In this context, His Excellency welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine within the borders of June 4, 1967, encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip by several countries, describing such recognition as a crucial step toward achieving both regional and international peace and stability.

    His Excellency also reiterated the State of Qatar’s welcome of the French Republic’s commitment to recognize the State of Palestine this coming September.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs considered that the convening of this conference represents a collective international will to move from words to actions, and to genuinely contribute to advancing the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian Cause in all its dimensions.

    His Excellency pointed out that the international community bears a key responsibility in creating the right conditions for a durable and just resolution, including restoring the relevance of international legitimacy following this devastating war, and providing the necessary political, economic, and humanitarian support.

    HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s hope that this conference will mark a turning point, leading to tangible commitments that go beyond declarations and stances, and paving the way for concrete steps toward the implementation of the two-state solution, which would guarantee a just, comprehensive, and lasting resolution to the conflict as well as contributing to peace, security, and stability throughout the region.

    At the beginning of his statement, His Excellency expressed sincere appreciation to HE President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their initiative in organizing this historic conference under the auspices of the United Nations, addressing one of the oldest unresolved peace and security issues and one of the last vestiges of colonial injustice still on the international agenda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 30, 2025
  • Sensex, Nifty trade flat after early losses; realty stocks lead gains

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened lower on Tuesday but recovered mildly to trade flat by mid-morning amid mixed global cues and cautious investor sentiment.

    At 9:29 AM, the BSE Sensex was nearly unchanged, edging up just 1.69 points to trade at 80,892, while the NSE Nifty rose 16 points or 0.06% to 24,696. The indices had opened in the red, with Nifty briefly dipping to around 24,600 at the bell.

    According to Hardik Matalia, equity strategist at Choice Equity Broking, the Nifty may find support at 24,600, followed by 24,500 and 24,300, while facing immediate resistance at 24,800, and further barriers at 24,900 and 25,000.

    “A sustained move above the 25,000 mark is critical to easing the current selling pressure,” Matalia noted. “As long as the index remains below that level, the short-term trend remains weak. Traders should follow a sell-on-rise approach,” he added.

    In early trade, realty stocks outperformed, with the Nifty Realty index leading sectoral gains. However, IT stocks slipped, with the Nifty IT index declining 0.32%. The Nifty Bank index remained largely flat, down 0.01%.

    Among the top gainers in the Nifty pack were JSW Steel, Jio Financial, IndusInd Bank, Reliance Industries, and Shriram Finance. On the other hand, Eternal led the laggards with a 1.64% drop, followed by Infosys, SBI Life Insurance, Wipro, and Bharat Electronics.

    Market sentiment was dampened by the lack of progress on a much-anticipated India–US trade deal, with expectations dimming for an agreement before the August 1 deadline.

    In global markets, Wall Street presented mixed signals. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.14%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.33%. The S&P 500 closed nearly flat, up by just 0.02%.

    Across Asia, trading sentiment remained cautious. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.91%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.93%. However, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.59%, while Chinese markets remained largely flat during morning hours.

    On the institutional front, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the sixth consecutive session, offloading equities worth ₹6,082 crore on Monday. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) were net buyers, purchasing shares worth ₹6,764 crore, offering some support to the market.

    – IANS

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.144 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.144 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, July 29, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB449.2 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on July 29, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB449.2 billion

    RMB449.2 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年07月29日

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: SAVYINT Named First Official Technology Partner for IDEX’s Next-Gen Access Cards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IDEX Biometrics ASA today announced its first official technology partner agreement with Savyint Group, a leading digital identity and trust services provider in Vietnam. This strategic agreement will bring IDEX’s innovative biometric FIDO Access cards to market across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commercial expansion and demonstrating market acceptance for IDEX’s new product line in ID/Access.

    The agreement addresses the rapidly growing demand for secure digital authentication solutions in Southeast Asia, where organizations across finance, government, enterprise, healthcare, and education sectors are increasingly adopting passwordless authentication and zero-trust security frameworks.

    The global digital identity solutions market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to grow from $43.07 billion in 2025 to $153.63 billion by 2032, driven by escalating cybersecurity threats and regulatory compliance requirements. The FIDO authentication market specifically is expanding at an exceptional 24.4% CAGR, reaching an expected $5.72 billion by 2029, as organizations rapidly adopt passwordless authentication to combat rising phishing attacks and credential theft. Southeast Asia represents a particularly dynamic opportunity, with the region’s digital economy already reaching $295 billion in 2024 and on track to become a $1 trillion market by 2030, while Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the fastest growth rate in digital identity solutions globally.

    The IDEX Total Access card represents a breakthrough in secure authentication technology, combining the convenience of traditional access cards with advanced fingerprint biometric authentication. These FIDO-certified cards eliminate the need for passwords while providing the highest levels of security through on-card biometric matching. Users simply place their finger on the card’s integrated sensor for instant, secure authentication to access digital services, making it ideal for enterprise access control, secure login applications, and digital identity verification across multiple platforms.

    “Digital trust represents the confidence users place in people, technology, and processes to create a secure digital ecosystem,” said Mr. Steve Hoang – CTO & Chairman at Savyint Group. “IDEX’s biometric FIDO Access cards enable us to significantly strengthen and expand our identity solutions portfolio, providing the robust authentication foundation that transparent and secure digital services require.”

    “Savyint Group has established itself as a trailblazer in digital identity and trust services throughout Vietnam and APAC, with an impressive customer base spanning finance, government, enterprise, healthcare, and education,” said Anders Storbråten, CEO of IDEX Biometrics. “Their proven expertise in customer authentication and commitment to building comprehensive digital trust ecosystems makes them an ideal partner for introducing our biometric access technology to this dynamic market.”

    This agreement represents a crucial step in building IDEX’s distributorship channel strategy, providing a proven go-to-market pathway for the company’s Total Access cards in the high-growth Southeast Asian region. The agreement positions both companies to capitalize on the accelerating shift toward biometric authentication solutions while establishing a foundation for broader regional expansion.

    About SAVYINT

    Savyint is an IT security company based in Sydney, Australia with an R&D center in Hanoi and international offices in Singapore, Dubai, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Sofia (Bulgaria).

    With over 20 years of experience, Savyint is among the world’s leading IT companies, providing software platforms, system solutions, and services for digital transformation. Its expertise includes open banking, information security, and FinTech, particularly in the Finance & Banking, FSI, Government, Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Education, and Media sectors.

    Website: https://savyint.com/

    About IDEX Biometrics

    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    For further information, please contact:

    Anders Storbråten, CEO and CFO, Tel: +47 416 38 582

    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About this notice:

    This notice was issued by Kjell-Arne Besseberg, COO, on July 29, 2025 at 08:00 CEST on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    The MIL Network –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Museveni Bids Farewell To Outgoing World Bank Country Manager, Mukami Kariuki

    Source: APO


    .

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today bid farewell to Ms. R. Mukami Kariuki, the outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Uganda at State House, Entebbe.

    Ms. Kariuki, who assumed her role on August 1, 2021, has led the World Bank’s engagement with the Government of Uganda and overseeing the implementation of key development programs across the country.

    In a cordial exchange, President Museveni thanked Ms. Kariuki for her dedicated service and extended his best wishes as she concluded her assignment.

    “Thank you so much. I wish you good luck,” the President said.

    Ms. Kariuki expressed her gratitude to the President and the Ugandan government for the collaboration extended to her throughout her tenure.

    “Your Excellency, I appreciate the support and partnership we have had. It has been a pleasure working with Uganda,” she said.

    The meeting was also attended by Mr. Qimiao Fan, the World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, who is based in Nairobi.

    Mr. Fan noted the Bank’s keen interest in supporting Uganda’s agricultural transformation, job creation for the youth, and renewable energy development.

    “Uganda has great potential. You have fertile soils, abundant sunshine for renewable energy, and a rapidly growing young population that needs jobs,” Mr. Fan said.

    He emphasized the need to increase agricultural productivity through strategic investments in irrigation, improved transport networks, and access to better seeds and fertilizers.

    “Despite your fertile soils, Uganda’s agricultural productivity remains relatively low. Investing in irrigation and logistics can help farmers access markets more effectively,” he added.

    President Museveni responded by highlighting Uganda’s achievements in agricultural research, particularly in seed development and irrigation.

    “We already have improved seeds for crops like coffee, bananas, maize, cassava, and potatoes. Our research centers have done their job. The challenge now is funding the uptake and supporting farmers to apply the technologies,” the President said.

    He also highlighted the success of Prof. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually far exceeding the district’s average of 5 tonnes.

    President Museveni further underscored the need to shift communities out of wetlands and into sustainable fish farming on the periphery, which would allow the use of swamp water for irrigation while restoring the wetland ecosystem.

    “We want to move people from wetlands and support them to do fish farming on the edge. That way, we preserve the wetlands and still use the water for irrigation,” he explained.

    He also reflected on the cultural importance of agriculture to Uganda, noting that many of the country’s staple crops such as millet, bananas, and cassava are indigenous and form part of Uganda’s agricultural heritage.

    “Agriculture is part of our ancient heritage. These crops are not foreign; they are ours,” the President said.

    He concluded by reaffirming the government’s readiness to engage further and collaborate on these areas of interest.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall

    Rachel Reeves confirms up to 1,300 jobs could be created following a £28.6 million National Wealth Fund investment to support the reopening of South Crofty Tin mine.

    • Investment will help cement Cornwall’s role in supplying a nationally critical material, supporting the government’s Industrial Strategy to boost growth in priority industries as part of the Plan for Change.

    • Proposals to cut licensing red tape announced yesterday will breathe life into Cornwall’s pubs, clubs, restaurants, and cafes with more alfresco dining and longer opening hours on offer for residents and tourists, as part of the Small Business Plan.

    • Chancellor’s pledge to renew Cornwall follows the Spending Review which delivered record investment across the UK, creating jobs and delivering economic growth that puts money in people’s pockets.

    Rachel Reeves has pledged to unlock growth in Cornwall through investment, slashing growth-stunting red tape, and creating good jobs that will put more money in Cornish people’s pockets.

    While touring Cornish Metals in Redruth this week, the Chancellor confirmed that a £28.6 million investment delivered by the National Wealth Fund to help finance the re-opening of the South Crofty Tin mine could create 1,300 jobs for the region.

    As well as the project itself creating over 300 jobs, it is estimated that a further 1,000 jobs will be created more widely as the company uses more local suppliers like metal fabricators and electricians and the mine itself will fuel supply chains in in the UK.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Despite having so much potential to grow, Cornwall has been neglected by successive governments, and its families and businesses have suffered as a result.

    Like in every part of the UK, I am determined to unlock growth that creates jobs and puts more money in Cornish people’s pockets.

    Our investment to revive Cornwall’s proud tin mining industry and the thousands of jobs it will create for years to come is one way we are renewing the county, and there is more to come in our Plan for Change.

    This supports the government’s Industrial Strategy to boost growth in the UK’s high-growth industries, including clean energy, as tin is a critical material used in a wide range of electronic products manufactured by the sector.

    As demand for its use in solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, semi-conductors, and energy storage increases as Britain transforms into a clean energy superpower, Cornwall’s role in strengthening our domestic tin supply will be cemented. 

    The Chancellor pointed to this as an example of how the government will deliver renewal in Cornwall and elsewhere in the UK after delivering record investment in our security, health, and economy in the Spending Review, leading to new jobs and economic growth – the number one mission of the Plan for Change.

    Don Turvey, CEO of Cornish Metals, said:

    We are honoured to welcome the Chancellor to South Crofty and proud to showcase the significant progress we’re making as we move toward production. The UK government’s £28.6 million investment via the National Wealth Fund is a powerful vote of confidence in our project and the future of Cornwall’s mining industry.

    Tin is a critical mineral for the clean energy transition, essential to electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable infrastructure. By reviving domestic production at South Crofty, we’re not only creating over 300 direct jobs but also supporting many more across local supply chains and regional businesses.

    Our focus remains on delivering long-term, sustainable value safely, responsibly, and with deep roots in the community. We’re proud to be playing a role in bringing responsible tin mining back to Cornwall and supporting economic renewal and industrial growth in the region.

    Ian Brown, Head of Banking & Investments at the National Wealth Fund, said:

    Cornish Metals have made excellent progress as they work towards re-opening South Crofty. Our financing is designed to help them crowd further investment into the region, bringing skilled, year-round job opportunities, and driving local growth.

    Stopping off for a spot of fish and chips on the seafront, the Chancellor also met with staff at Harbour Lights fish and chip shop on Arwenack Street in Falmouth to discuss the government’s proposals to rip up arduous regulations that have blocked restaurants like theirs from growing.

    Ensuring local councils are more lenient when considering licensing applications, making it easier for pubs to serve their customers outside and for longer, and binning the outdated rule that businesses need to pay to advertise in locally printed press if applying for a license are three of ten recommendations being considered by the government so the hospitality industry in Cornwall and further afield can thrive.

    A consultation on the proposals will be launched later this year and this follows the reform of planning rules announced in the Autumn, which will further free the hospitality industry from growth-stunting regulations, fuel the economy and reduce government borrowing by £3.4 billion. This comes ahead of the publication of the Small Business Plan, which will show how the Plan for Change will rejuvenate smaller businesses and put more money in people’s pockets.

    The Chancellor also visited APCL A&P Falmouth, where she saw at first hand, how the ship repair facility supports the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and commercial vessels.

    The Chancellor welcomed APCL’s plans to redevelop the docks. The proposed expansion would significantly increase the port’s capacity for supporting defence, offshore, ferries and cruise vessels.

    As well as hearing about the economic benefits the plans could deliver for Cornwall, she also discussed APCL’s contribution to the deployment of floating offshore wind infrastructure as the government works to boost the country’s homegrown, clean energy supply to bring down bills for families.

    Mike Spicer, Managing Director of APCL A&P Falmouth, said:

    APCL A&P Falmouth is a centre of excellence for the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, offshore vessels, cruise ships and ferries. The facility is also a busy working port, handling over 100,000 tonnes of product annually and welcoming 56 cruise calls this year. 

    APCL was delighted to welcome the Chancellor to our facility and demonstrate at first hand our capabilities.

    The visit also provided a platform to discuss our plans to expand our facility, which would significantly enhance the services we can offer to our defence, offshore and cruise customers and help fulfil Cornwall’s ambitious floating offshore wind agenda.

    In a separate engagement, the Chancellor met with Kensa, a Cornish-founded and headquartered manufacturer of ground source heat pumps that has manufactured and installed over 17,000 in the UK since its establishment in 1999.

    As the government has stepped up efforts to transform Britain into a clean energy superpower and support households to upgrade their heating and energy efficiency, Kensa aims to support this by expanding its operations significantly, increasing its workforce from 200 to 450 by 2030 and growing its heat pump production and installations from 2,500 a year to 25,000 a year.

    Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa, said:

    Kensa sits at the heart of the government’s plans for green industrial growth, a proud Cornish manufacturer of ground source heat pumps and a nationwide installer of heat networks.

    Kensa has bold ambitions to invest and expand its workforce and operations over the next five years, increasing employment in Cornwall and the wider UK to 450 people and many hundreds more in our installation supply chains.

    I have been buoyed by the recent government announcements on the Future Homes Standard, major funding commitments for the Warm Homes Plan, and a clear plan to bolster heat pump manufacturing as part of the new Industrial Strategy. This is the policy platform we need for growth in Kensa and in Cornwall, and we look forward to working with the government to deliver it.

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    Published 29 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Trade Centre (ITC) SheTrades and Visa expand partnership to support women and youth entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa

    Source: APO


    .

    The International Trade Centre’s (ITC) SheTrades initiative and Visa announce a regional capacity building programme to support women and youth-led businesses in Kenya and South Africa, expanding their partnership into sub-Saharan Africa. 

    Building on collaborations in the Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions, the programme will enhance the digital, financial and entrepreneurial capacities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by women and youth – two key groups driving innovation and inclusive growth across the continent.

    Entrepreneurs can register to join the programme here.

    Across sub-Saharan Africa, women are estimated to own close to 60% of MSMEs, while earning 38% less in profits. Structural barriers – such as limited access to finance, digital technologies and tailored business support – continue to impede their full participation in formal economies. 

    Similarly, while the region’s young demographic can be considered a strength, young entrepreneurs encounter challenges in accessing the skills, tools and networks required to build and scale their enterprises. According to the African Development Bank, narrowing gender and age-based disparities in labour markets and enterprises could boost economic output by as much as 34%, underscoring the potential positive impact of inclusive economic participation.

    To address these barriers, the programme offers a hybrid learning experience combining online and in-person capacity building tailored to the needs of women and youth-led MSMEs in the region, including on topics such as artificial intelligence for business, financial literacy, digital payments, investment readiness and broader entrepreneurial skills.

    At the core of the programme is Visa’s She’s Next, which provides women entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding and networking. By connecting programme participants with the She’s Next alumni and the wider SheTrades community, the initiative will foster peer learning, sustained engagement and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

    ‘This partnership reflects our shared commitment to closing the digital and financial inclusion gap for African entrepreneurs,’ said ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton. ‘We look forward to building on our partnership with Visa to enable long-term economic empowerment of women and youth, who, when fully engaged in trade, become powerful agents of change in their communities and countries.’

    The programme will be delivered in collaboration with a network of public and private partners, including the SheTrades Hubs in Kenya and South Africa, hosted by ABSA Bank Kenya and the Small Enterprise and Finance Development Agency (SEDFA), respectively. Microsoft Philanthropies will contribute AI-focused learning modules, which will be made available as UN public goods through the SheTrades Academy.

    ‘At Visa, we believe that economies that include everyone, everywhere, uplift everyone, everywhere. Our expanded partnership with ITC SheTrades through the She’s Next initiative is a testament to this belief,’ said Michael Berner, Head of Visa Southern and Eastern Africa. ‘By equipping women and youth entrepreneurs with the digital tools, financial knowledge, and networks they need to succeed, we are helping individual businesses thrive and contributing to the broader economic resilience and inclusive growth of the region. This initiative reflects Visa’s ongoing commitment to driving equitable access to the digital economy and unlocking opportunities for underrepresented communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.’

    The programme was announced during the Global SME Ministerial Meeting, organised by ITC in collaboration with South Africa’s Department of Small Business Development, where Visa contributed to discussions on financing solutions for sustainable small business growth.

    Upcoming webinars include:

    • Kick-off & Microsoft AI Launch: 31 July

    • Digital Tools & AI Integration: 28 August

    • Budgeting & Financial Planning: 18 September

    Entrepreneurs can register to join the programme here.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: [Testimonials] Samsung EEIP: Driving Measurable Growth in Black-Owned SMMEs

    Source: Samsung

    As part of Samsung’s R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) launched in 2019, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic) – the partners recently opened the third call, inviting all suitable, black-owned ICT and Service Centre SMMEs to take part in this year’s Samsung EEIP Enterprise Development (ED) Programme.
     
    This Samsung ED programme which aims to empower black-owned ICT and Service Centre enterprises to boost the economy and create jobs through entrepreneurship and business support – involves initiatives like grant funding, specialist business development support and access to supply chain opportunities for black-owned and women-owned small, medium and micro enterprises. This programme’s efforts are aligned with the country’s transformation goals and aim to foster a more inclusive economy. 
     
    In an effort to inspire potential future participants coupled by Samsung’s need to measure the impact and effectiveness of its CSR initiatives – the company took the time to speak to two of the beneficiaries from the ED programme in the last few years. When asked how Samsung EEIP provided the participating SMME owners with the confidence and support needed to mean business about their businesses, this is what they had to say:
     
    One of the beneficiaries is Thoriso Rangata. He is a 32-year-old, businessman and the owner of KTO Digital, which focuses on Business Process Automation, Software Development Services and Background Screening Software as a Service (SaaS) solution provider. Thoriso says from being part of the programme, he gained the reassurance and confidence he needed.
     
    Thoriso based in Johannesburg, originally from Limpopo, became part of the programme when he responded to a public call for applications in 2020. At the time, his business, KTO Digital, needed support in order to meet the company’s growth objectives. Thoriso is a true example of how the programme is able to empowerment ICT entrepreneurship as well as stimulate job creation and assist in contributing to economic growth. 
     

     
    Since being part of the EEIP programme, Thoriso’s company won the Nedbank Business of the Year Award in 2022. In the same year, his company launched their own product and received accreditation as a credit bureau business.
     
    The support he received from the programme has allowed KTO Digital to create over 20 jobs between 2021 to date. This is in line with the programme’s objective of creating both direct and indirect jobs, with a particular emphasis on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and the development of township economy.
     
    These achievements demonstrate how the EEIP programme has provided Thoriso and his team the opportunity to pursue their passions as well as bringing security and stability – not only to his employees but also to their families’ livelihoods. Thoriso explains, “the other direct benefits that KTO Digital received from being part of the programme included: Grant Funding, Asset Financing as well as Continuous Business Mentorship – and this, is exactly what our business needed in order to move forward.”
     
    He added: “As a company, we strongly believe that the skills we acquired from this EEIP programme, which included Business regulatory governance structures and strategic business growth approaches/methods – have contributed to the success of our business to date. This programme has really helped us to achieve our goals, and it has taken our business to new heights.”
     
    Based in Sinoville, Tshwane, the second EEIP beneficiary is Dumisani Mkhwebane – a 38-year-old businessman who co-owns and runs TIA-Solutions – an IT company with Boitumelo Mkhwebane – a 36-year-old, businesswoman. Their business focuses on Secure Scalable IT Solutions by building cloud infrastructure through collaborative team efforts. This provides their customers with resilience from cyber-attacks and contributes to productivity, efficiency as well as business continuity.
     

     
    Dumisani explained further: “As TIA-Solutions, we partner with multinational vendors such as Microsoft, Fortinet and Veritas which allow us to give our customers end-to-end, tailor-made IT solutions that cater to their business needs.”
     
    He also elaborated on how the company entered into the programme, Dumisani said: “We saw an advert on LinkedIn in 2023 about the EEIP Enterprise ED and decided to enter. We then received Capital Investment to buy computer equipment for our internal operations as well as company vehicles. In addition, we received Business Training and Skills development for our employees as well as other vital skills that we needed which included: Business Management Skills, Marketing and how to better position our company.
     
    “The programme has both Financial and Non-Financial benefits for Business Growth and Sustainability,” Dumisani added. “It is for these reasons that we would like to encourage other SMEs to apply to be part of the programme. We strongly believe that the ED programme will help grow other SMEs like it did ours and it will help a great deal in upskilling their workforce.”
     
    Importantly, this Samsung ED programme seeks to inspire potential future participants by demonstrating how the EEIP can help them kick-start their businesses. The tangible results articulated by these beneficiaries are a confirmation of Samsung’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and providing a reliable support system to SMEs in the country.
     
    Nicky Beukes, Samsung South Africa EEIP Project Manager concluded: “It is clear from these testimonials that through the reassurance and confidence offered by this Samsung EEIP ED programme – we are slowly, but surely achieving our intention of shifting the perception of potential candidates from “I’m working on something” to “I run a successful business”. As Samsung, we are happy to be delivering according to our programme’s overall and multi-faceted objectives which include the creation of a more inclusive and prosperous society through strategic investments, skills development and entrepreneurial support.” 
     

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results – June 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    29 July 2025

    Compared with May 2025:

    • median consumer perceptions of inflation over the previous 12 months remained unchanged, as did median expectations for inflation three and five years ahead, while median inflation expectations for one year ahead decreased;
    • expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months remained unchanged, while expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months decreased;
    • expectations for economic growth over the next 12 months became less negative, while the expected unemployment rate in 12 months’ time decreased;
    • expectations for growth in the price of homes over the next 12 months decreased slightly, as did expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead.

    Inflation

    In June, the median rate of perceived inflation over the previous 12 months remained unchanged at 3.1% for the fifth consecutive month, its lowest level since September 2021. Meanwhile, median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 2.6%, meaning that the increases observed in March and April were fully reversed in May and June. Expectations for three years ahead were unchanged at 2.4%, while expectations for inflation five years ahead held steady at 2.1% for the seventh consecutive month. Uncertainty about inflation expectations over the next 12 months was unchanged in June. Broadly, the evolution of inflation perceptions and expectations followed similar trends across income groups. However, over the previous year and a half lower income quintiles reported slightly higher inflation perceptions and short-horizon expectations than higher income quintiles. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) continued to report lower inflation perceptions and expectations than older respondents (aged 35-54 and 55-70), although the gap was narrower than in previous years.

    Inflation results

    Income and consumption

    Consumers’ expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months remained unchanged at 1.0% in June. However, this apparent stability conceals a decline in expectations among higher income individuals, offset by an increase in expectations among lower income groups. Perceived nominal spending growth over the previous 12 months held steady at 5.0% in June. In contrast, expected nominal spending growth over the next 12 months decreased further to 3.2% in June, from 3.5% in May and 3.7% in April. This decline reflects the heightened economic uncertainty of recent months as well as lower expected inflation.

    Income and consumption results

    Economic growth and labour market

    Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months became less negative, rising to -1.0% in June from -1.1% in May and -1.9% in April. Expectations for the unemployment rate 12 months ahead edged down to 10.3% in June, from 10.4% in May. Consumers continued to expect that the future unemployment rate would be only slightly higher than the perceived current unemployment rate (9.8%), suggesting a broadly stable labour market outlook.

    Economic growth and labour market results

    Housing and credit access

    Consumers expected the price of their home to increase by 3.1% over the next 12 months, a slight decline from 3.2% in May. Expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead fell to 4.3%, down from 4.4% in May. As in previous months, lower income households expected the highest mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead (4.9%), while higher income households expected the lowest rates (3.9%). The net percentage of households reporting tighter (relative to those reporting easier) access to credit over the previous 12 months increased slightly, while the net percentage of those expecting tighter credit conditions over the next 12 months declined marginally.

    Housing and credit access results

    The microdata underlying the aggregate results are available on the Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) web page in the Data and methodological information section.

    The release of the Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) results for July is scheduled for 1 September 2025.

    For media queries, please contact: Alessandro Speciale, tel.: +49 172 1670791.

    Notes

    • Unless otherwise indicated, the statistics presented in this press release refer to the 2% winsorised mean. For further details, see ECB Consumer Expectations Survey – Guide to the computation of aggregate statistics.
    • The CES is a monthly online survey of, currently, around 19,000 adult consumers (i.e. aged 18 or over) from 11 euro area countries: Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland. The main aggregate results of the CES are published on the ECB’s website every month. The results are used for policy analysis and complement other data sources used by the ECB.
    • Further information about the survey and the data collected is available on the CES web page. Detailed information can also be found in the following two publications: Bańkowska, K. et al., “ECB Consumer Expectations Survey: an overview and first evaluation”, Occasional Paper Series, No 287, ECB, Frankfurt am Main, December 2021; and Georgarakos, D. and Kenny, G., “Household spending and fiscal support during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from a new consumer survey”, Journal of Monetary Economics, Vol. 129, Supplement, July 2022, pp. S1-S14.
    • The survey results do not represent the views of the ECB’s decision-making bodies or staff.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Global Africa Commission Proposed as the fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) Opens in Grenada

    Source: APO – Report:

    • US $290M in deals signed, advancing infrastructure, tourism and trade across the Caribbean on Day 1
    • CARICOM leaders to recommend region’s highest honour for Oramah’s role in transforming ties
    • US $250M Resilience Fund, CAPSS rollout, and feasibility of Caribbean EXIM Bank among key initiatives championed

    The fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) opened today in St. George’s under the theme “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.”

    In a passionate keynote address, Prof. Benedict Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, declared the region’s readiness to shift from slogans to systems, unveiling a slate of tangible milestones that signal the deepening of Africa-Caribbean economic and cultural integration.

    “In under four years, we’ve ratified the Partnership Agreement in 11 CARICOM countries, providing the Bank a solid legal foundation to operate, support, and invest in their economies,” said Oramah. This, he acknowledged, represents a “sovereign declaration, that the CARICOM States see in Africa, not just its past, but also its future.”

    These bold initiatives, shared by President Oramah during his address, demonstrate Afreximbank’s commitment to transforming Afri-Caribbean cooperation from aspiration into action:

    • Caribbean EXIM Bank: Feasibility studies are underway for a regional EXIM Bank co-created with the CARICOM Secretariat to unlock industrial development and trade.
    • $250M Growth, Resilience, and Sustainability Fund (GRSF): A new blended finance mechanism to support climate adaptation and development. Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) will manage the fund, while concessional financing will be raised jointly with the CARICOM Development Fund.
    • CAPSS Launch (Caribbean Payment & Settlement System): Modelled after Africa’s Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), this digital platform will allow real-time payments across the Caribbean in local currencies, eliminating costly conversions and enabling the upcoming CAPSS Card.
    • Creative & Cultural Investment: $24 million has been committed for a film production and training hub in the OECS through CANEX, while other investments have enabled designers and chefs from Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados to feature globally.
    • Artificial Intelligence Hub: A new AI and generative tech centre is being launched in partnership with the P.J. Patterson Institute at the University of the West Indies to place Afro-Caribbean talent at the centre of global innovation.

    The ACTIF2025 also serves as President Oramah’s final address at the Forum, as he prepares to hand over leadership to Dr. George Elombi, Afreximbank’s long-serving Executive Vice President nominated as incoming President by shareholders at the Bank’s 32nd Annual Meeting in Abuja in June 2025.

    “At this critical moment in our collective history, I have no shred of doubt that he is the right person to lead us in the next phase of the Bank’s journey. I am convinced that he will give the Bank’s work in this region a renewed impetus,” he stated.

    Looking beyond the Forum, President Oramah urged the establishment of a sovereign Global Africa Commission to drive forward the long-term integration of Africa and the Caribbean. He proposed that the Commission be jointly supported by Afreximbank, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the African Union, and tasked with advancing the trade, cultural, education, and creative agenda of the growing pan-African alliance.

    “What we have done so far is prove the concept, we now need to institutionalise it,” Oramah said. “We should consider creating a Commission that becomes fully responsible for delivering on the Africa-Caribbean and broader Global Africa initiative… This move will give more focus to the initiative, reduce the administrative burden on Afreximbank and create an environment for innovation.”

    In closing, President Oramah declared “In America, America is first. In Europe, Europe is first. In China, China is first. We are the only ones who put ourselves last,” noting that it is time that Africa changes this posture.

    Meanwhile, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada praised the vision and leadership of President Benedict Oramah, describing his presidency as a turning point in the Africa-Caribbean relations.

    Recognising the strategy, integrity and relentless drive employed, PM Mitchell, stated that President Oramah carved out a space for ‘our regions to trade, collaborate, and thrive’. “In the annals of history, you will go down as a pioneer for African people everywhere,” the Caribbean leader declared.

    Prime Minister Mitchell announced a recommendation by the region’s leaders to confer the region’s highest honour to President Oramah; the Order of the Caribbean Community.

    Building on Oramah’s keynote call to institutionalise the Global Africa Initiative through the creation of a permanent Commission, Prime Minister Mitchell voiced full support.

    His message was punctuated by a deeply personal interaction with a young volunteer who asked why Grenada chose to host ACTIF2025; a question he said cut to the heart of the Forum’s purpose.

    “It’s about money. It’s about trade. It’s about investment…  our very survival, prosperity and dignity depends on the economic decisions we make today,” he stated.  “To that young man, I say: our political will to support Global Africa is unwavering. We are not starting from scratch. We are starting from strength. And we will not leave ACTIF2025 with another communiqué, we will leave here with a commitment to act, to build together, to trade together, to succeed together and rise together.”

    In a sobering, yet empowering close, he added “no one is going to save Global Africa but Global Africa itself.”

    More than a dozen sitting and former Heads of State, and Government representatives from Africa and the Caribbean are attending ACTIF2025. Among them are:

    • Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
    • Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
    • Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis
    • Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
    • H.E. Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of Tanzania (representing President Samia Suluhu)
    • H.E. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda (representing President Paul Kagame)
    • The Most Hon. PJ Patterson, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica
    • H.E Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
    • H.E Mahamadou Issoufou, Former President, Republic of Niger

    Meanwhile, five transformative deals totaling over US$290 million were signed on Day 1 of ACTIF2025, showcasing Afreximbank’s deepening investment in trade-enabling infrastructure and economic development across the Caribbean. Among the signings was a US$50 million Heads of Terms with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis for an Education Construction and Rehabilitation Climate-Linked Facility, and a US$40 million public-private partnership with Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd. to develop a modern commercial port in Saint Kitts. In The Bahamas, two landmark transactions were formalised: a US$100 million Receivables Discounting Facility for the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies to rehabilitate over 200 miles of road infrastructure, and a US$40 million facility with Cat Island Infrastructure Company Ltd. for critical roadworks. Rounding out the signings was a US$61.25 million agreement with Speedbird House Ltd. to finance a 150-room Homewood Suites by Hilton in Bridgetown, Barbados—under Afreximbank’s tourism-linked financing initiative, CONTOUR.

    ACTIF2025 continues through 30 July, with panel discussions, business matchmaking sessions, cultural showcases, and deal signings that reflect the Forum’s commitment to moving from rhetoric to results. More than 1,700 people registered to attend ACTIF2025, reflecting the highest level of interest recorded across all four editions. 

    – on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com

    Follow us on: 
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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA granted €500 million loan for Energy Transition

    Source: Government of South Africa

    South Africa has been granted a €500 million loan for the implementation of the country’s Just Energy Transition (JET) plan by the German Cooperation via KFW Development Bank (KFW).

    This loan is part of South Africa’s third Development Policy Operation and participants included the World Bank, African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund.  

    “It supports structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services, with a specific focus on the energy sector and climate mitigation.

    “KFW’s financing forms part of government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said on Monday.

    This loan agreement builds on the two policy loans concluded in 2022 and 2023, and forms part of Germany’s pledge at COP26 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). 

    Germany’s three policy loans, implemented by KFW, total €1.3 billion and form part of a larger package of JETP projects supported by the German Government via loans, technical assistance and grants.

    “The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, [has] highlighted the significance of South Africa’s partnership with Germany and KFW that remains critical to South Africa’s development agenda and marks a significant step towards strengthening South Africa’s short- and medium-term energy security measures, promoting decarbonisation and enhancing the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition for disadvantaged communities, thereby enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation. 

    “The Minister also emphasised the need for further policy and institutional reforms in the energy sector to create an enabling environment for the investment required for a just energy transition,” National Treasury said.

    KFW’s Country Director for South Africa, Cornelia Tittmann, said the loan seeks to support the government of South Africa’s continued commitment to reforms in the energy sector, which give effect to South Africa’s climate commitments and enable the private sector to participate, opening new avenues to strengthen economic cooperation between Germany and South Africa. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB to adapt collateral framework to address climate-related transition risks

    Source: European Central Bank

    29 July 2025

    • Climate factor to protect Eurosystem against potential decline in value of collateral in event of adverse climate-related transition shocks
    • Measure to address forward-looking climate-related uncertainties, enhancing resilience of Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation
    • Measure to apply to marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations, taking effect in second half of 2026

    The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to introduce a new measure within the collateral framework to better manage financial risks related to the climate crisis.

    The value of collateral from counterparties in the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations is sensitive to climate change-related uncertainties. Since the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations are a key instrument in maintaining price stability, the Governing Council has decided to introduce a “climate factor” which could reduce the value assigned to eligible assets pledged as collateral, depending on the extent to which an asset can be impacted by these uncertainties. This acts as a buffer against the possible financial impact of uncertainties related to climate change. It will complement the Eurosystem’s existing risk management toolbox by considering forward-looking climate scenario analyses and therefore improve the resilience of the Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation. The calibration of the measure will preserve adequate collateral availability.

    The Governing Council has decided to introduce the climate factor focusing on marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations as well as their affiliated entities, and adverse events specifically associated with the green transition. The climate factor will apply to individual assets and its calibration will take into account sector-level data of non-financial corporation bonds in the 2024 climate stress test of the Eurosystem’s balance sheet[1], the issuer’s CSPP climate score and the asset’s residual maturity.

    This measure is due to be implemented in the second half of 2026. It will be regularly reviewed by the Governing Council to reflect the increasing availability of data and models, as well as relevant regulatory developments and advances in risk assessment capabilities.

    For media queries, please contact Clara Martín Marqués, tel.: +49 69 1344 17919.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB lends €50 million to Iberdrola to rebuild and climate-proof flood-hit power infrastructure in Valencia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Iberdrola

    • The financing will back investments from il.lumina, Iberdrola’s project to reconstruct and modernise the power distribution grid affected by devastating floods in 2024. 
    • The project includes the implementation of resilience and digitalisation measures benefiting over 650 000 clients and improving electricity supply security.
    • The EIB financing is sourced from its own resources and the Regional Resilience Fund put in place by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed two €25 million loans with Iberdrola to finance the reconstruction, redesign, climate change adaptation and digitalisation work that the electricity company is carrying out on the power distribution grid damaged by the devastating floods that hit Valencia in October 2024.

    These investments are part of Iberdrola’s il.lumina project to build the power grid of the future. Measures will include rebuilding damaged infrastructure, expanding facility automation, installing smart transformers to improve supply quality, moving overhead power lines underground, and raising and downsizing transformer substations.

    These operations are expected to benefit more than 650 000 clients, according to the electric company, improving electricity supply security against a backdrop of extreme weather events and increasing integration of renewable energy production.

    The project will strengthen the EIB’s role as the climate bank, one of the eight strategic priorities set out in the EIB Group’s Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027. The operation is also part of the EIB action plan to support REPowerEU, the programme to increase energy security and speed up the energy transition by reducing the European Union’s dependence on fossil fuel imports.

    The financing includes €25 million from EIB own resources and a further €25 million from the Regional Resilience Fund created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans under Spain’s recovery, transformation and resilience plan. The Regional Resilience Fund aims to drive investment and develop projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and small and medium companies. The fund is led by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, with the EIB Group as a strategic management partner.

    EIB support for power grids

    EIB support for energy security and power grids is one of its main priorities to accelerate the green transition, contribute to EU energy autonomy and ensure access to a more secure and sustainable energy supply for all Europeans. In 2024, the EIB Group directed €8.5 billion to financing power grid and storage projects in all of its operational areas, double the 2023 figure. In Spain alone, €1.5 billion went to grid and storage projects in 2024, again doubling 2023 investment. This financing is helping to expand, modernise and digitalise power grids, making them more resilient and enabling greater and better integration of renewable energy.

    More information on EIB support for the energy sector is available here.

    EIB commitment to those impacted by the DANA

    Following the DANA, the EIB moved quickly to make a €1.4 billion package available to the regions impacted (Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha) to help finance reconstruction work and support the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The EIB Group has also made contributions to NGOs operating in the area, such as Save the Children, SOS Aldeas Infantiles and Casa Caridad.

    il-lumina, Iberdrola’s commitment to Valencia

    This financing is part of Iberdrola’s strategy to promote a more robust electricity grid that is better prepared for extreme weather events, while reinforcing its commitment to the energy transition and green financing. With il·lumina, Iberdrola is not only responding to the damage, but also anticipating the future, committing to a safer, more efficient electricity infrastructure that is aligned with European climate objectives.

    The il·lumina project involves the renovation of substations, transformer stations and the medium and low voltage network, with the aim of redesigning the electricity network affected by the DANA. The company has created a team of 35 people who are working exclusively on developing the construction plan for the electricity network of the future, coordinating the work of approximately 1,000 operators, most of whom are locally based.

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    Regional Resilience Fund

    The Regional Resilience Fund (RRF) was created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans from the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for the autonomous communities, with the aim of boosting investments and developing projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and SMEs.

    The fund is led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, which takes input from the autonomous communities and cities for investment decision-making and looks to the EIB Group as a strategic management partner

    The initial phase of the RRF includes the activation of up to €3.4 billion in financing via:

    • a direct financing mechanism, to co-finance EIB-supported operations in sectors like renewable energy, clean transport and sustainable infrastructure;
    • an intermediated mechanism managed by financial intermediaries selected by the EIB, to support projects in urban development and sustainable tourism;
    • two instruments intermediated by the European Investment Fund that will facilitate SME financing for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

    Iberdrola

    With more than 100,000 million euros in capitalisation, Iberdrola is the largest electricity company in Europe and one of the two largest in the world. The Group serves more than 100 million people worldwide and has a workforce of more than 44,000 employees and assets of more than 160,000 million euros. In 2024, Iberdrola recorded revenues of almost 50,000 million euros, a net profit of 5,600 million euros. The company contributes nearly 10,300 million euros in tax contributions in the countries in which it operates and supports more than 500,000 jobs in its suppliers thanks to purchases that exceeded 18,000 million euros in 2024.

    Since 2001, Iberdrola has invested more than 175,000 million euros in renewable energies, electricity grids and energy storage to contribute to the creation of an energy model based on electrification.  The company has more than 57,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity worldwide, of which more than 45,000 MW are renewable.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: kapitalmagazin.de: BaFin warns consumers about website and identity fraud

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The financial supervisory authority BaFin warns against alleged fixed-term deposit offers from the website kapitalmagazin.de. BaFin expressly points out that Ucapital Asset Management LLP – regulated by the British Financial Conduct Authority – contrary to the information in the imprint does not operate the website and does not have a branch in Germany. This is a case of identity theft.

    Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation.

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

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Coastal Financial Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVERETT, Wash., July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”, “Coastal”, “we”, “our”, or “us”), the holding company for Coastal Community Bank (the “Bank”), through which it operates a community-focused bank segment (“community bank”) with an industry leading banking as a service (“BaaS”) segment (“CCBX”), today reported unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, including net income of $11.0 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share, compared to $9.7 million, or $0.63 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and $11.6 million, or $0.84 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Management Discussion of the Second Quarter Results

    “Second quarter of 2025 saw a lower provision for credit losses as a result of an improvement in the performance of the CCBX portfolio and our focus on originating higher quality CCBX loans resulting in lower historical loss factors. Noninterest expenses were fairly flat compared to last quarter related to continued onboarding and implementation costs for partnerships and products within CCBX and investments in technology. We believe these investments are important to the long-term success and scalability of the Company,” stated CEO Eric Sprink. “We had another quarter of quality deposit growth of $122.3 million during the second quarter, and our CCBX program fee income, excluding nonrecurring revenue, increased 8.2% compared to the prior quarter.”

    Key Points for Second Quarter and Our Go-Forward Strategy

    • CCBX Making Progress on Launching New Programs. As of June 30, 2025 we had two partners in testing, two in implementation/onboarding, five signed letters of intent (LOI) and we have an active pipeline of new partners along with new products with existing partners for the balance of 2025 and into 2026. Total BaaS program fee income was $6.8 million, excluding $504,000 in nonrecurring revenue, for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $512,000, or 8.2%, from the three months ended March 31, 2025. We continue to have contracts with our partners that fully indemnify us against fraud and 98.8% against credit risk as of June 30, 2025.
    • Continued Investments in Future Growth. Total noninterest expense of $72.8 million was up $843,000, or 1.2%, as compared to $72.0 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2025, mainly driven by higher data processing and software costs partially offset by lower legal and professional expenses. With the increase in new CCBX partners and the launch of products with existing partners in 2025, we expect that expenses will be predominantly incurred at the outset, emphasizing compliance and operational risk management. This will occur before the new programs or products start to produce revenue. As a result, we believe expense growth should moderate considerably in the second half of 2025, with new programs or products starting to produce revenue to offset the initial up-front expenses.
    • Favorable Trends On, and Off Balance Sheet. Average deposits were $3.93 billion, an increase of $221.6 million, or 6.0%, over the quarter ended March 31, 2025, driven primarily by growth in CCBX partner programs and the addition of a new deposit partner. During the second quarter of 2025, we sold $1.30 billion of loans, the majority of which were credit card receivables. We retain a portion of the fee income on sold credit card loans. As of June 30, 2025 there were 313,827 off balance sheet credit cards with fee earning potential, an increase of 76,803 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and an increase of 286,146 from June 30, 2024.

    Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    The tables below outline some of our key operating metrics.

      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data; unaudited) June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
    Income Statement Data:                  
    Interest and dividend income $ 107,797     $ 104,907     $ 102,448     $ 105,165     $ 97,422  
    Interest expense   31,060       28,845       30,071       32,892       31,250  
    Net interest income   76,737       76,062       72,377       72,273       66,172  
    Provision for credit losses   32,211       55,781       61,867       70,257       62,325  
    Net interest income after
    provision for credit losses
      44,526       20,281       10,510       2,016       3,847  
    Noninterest income   42,693       63,477       74,100       78,790       69,138  
    Noninterest expense   72,832       71,989       67,411       64,424       57,964  
    Provision for income tax   3,359       2,039       3,832       2,926       3,425  
    Net income $ 11,028     $ 9,730     $ 13,367     $ 13,456     $ 11,596  
                       
      As of and for the Three Month Period
      June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
    Balance Sheet Data:                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 719,759     $ 624,302     $ 452,513     $ 484,026     $ 487,245  
    Investment securities   45,577       46,991       47,321       48,620       49,213  
    Loans held for sale   60,474       42,132       20,600       7,565       —  
    Loans receivable   3,540,330       3,517,359       3,486,565       3,413,894       3,321,813  
    Allowance for credit losses   (164,794 )     (183,178 )     (176,994 )     (171,674 )     (148,878 )
    Total assets   4,480,559       4,339,282       4,121,208       4,064,472       3,959,549  
    Interest bearing deposits   3,358,216       3,251,599       3,057,808       3,047,861       2,949,643  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   555,355       539,630       527,524       579,427       593,789  
    Core deposits (1)   3,441,624       3,321,772       3,123,434       3,190,869       3,528,339  
    Total deposits   3,913,571       3,791,229       3,585,332       3,627,288       3,543,432  
    Total borrowings   47,960       47,923       47,884       47,847       47,810  
    Total shareholders’ equity $ 461,709     $ 449,917     $ 438,704     $ 331,930     $ 316,693  
                       
    Share and Per Share Data (2):                  
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.73     $ 0.65     $ 0.97     $ 1.00     $ 0.86  
    Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.71     $ 0.63     $ 0.94     $ 0.97     $ 0.84  
    Dividends per share   —       —       —       —       —  
    Book value per share (3) $ 30.59     $ 29.98     $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54  
    Tangible book value per share (4) $ 30.59     $ 29.98     $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – basic   15,033,296       14,962,507       13,828,605       13,447,066       13,412,667  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – diluted   15,447,923       15,462,041       14,268,229       13,822,270       13,736,508  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   15,093,036       15,009,225       14,935,298       13,543,282       13,453,805  
    Stock options outstanding at end of period   126,654       163,932       186,354       198,370       286,119  
                                           

    See footnotes that follow the tables below

      As of and for the Three Month Period
      June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
    Credit Quality Data:                  
    Nonperforming assets (5) to total assets   1.36 %     1.30 %     1.52 %     1.63 %     1.34 %
    Nonperforming assets (5) to loans receivable and OREO   1.72 %     1.60 %     1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %
    Nonperforming loans (5) to total loans receivable   1.72 %     1.60 %     1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans   270.7 %     325.0 %     282.5 %     258.7 %     279.9 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable   4.65 %     5.21 %     5.08 %     5.03 %     4.48 %
    Gross charge-offs $ 53,780     $ 53,686     $ 61,585     $ 53,305     $ 55,207  
    Gross recoveries $ 4,467     $ 5,486     $ 5,223     $ 4,516     $ 2,254  
    Net charge-offs to average loans (6)   5.54 %     5.57 %     6.56 %     5.60 %     6.54 %
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Company                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.39 %     10.67 %     10.78 %     8.40 %     8.31 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.32 %     12.13 %     12.04 %     9.24 %     9.03 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.41 %     12.22 %     12.14 %     9.34 %     9.13 %
    Total risk-based capital   14.90 %     14.73 %     14.67 %     11.89 %     11.70 %
    Bank                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.33 %     10.57 %     10.64 %     9.29 %     9.24 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.36 %     12.12 %     11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.36 %     12.12 %     11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %
    Total risk-based capital   13.65 %     13.42 %     13.28 %     11.63 %     11.44 %
     
    (1) Core deposits are defined as all deposits excluding brokered and time deposits.
    (2) Share and per share amounts are based on total actual or average common shares outstanding, as applicable.
    (3) We calculate book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period.
    (4) Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate tangible book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period, less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is book value per share. We had no goodwill or other intangible assets as of any of the dates indicated. As a result, tangible book value per share is the same as book value per share as of each of the dates indicated.
    (5) Nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans include loans 90+ days past due and accruing interest.
    (6) Annualized calculations.
     

    Key Performance Ratios

    Return on average assets (“ROA”) was 0.99% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to 0.93% and 1.21% for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively.  ROA for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, increased 0.06% and decreased 0.22% compared to March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. Noninterest expenses were slightly higher for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025 due to continued investments in growth, technology and risk management, partially offset by a decrease in legal and professional expenses. Noninterest expenses were higher than the quarter ended June 30, 2024 due primarily to an increase in salaries and employee benefits, data processing and software licenses and legal and professional expenses, all of which are related to the growth of Company and investments in technology and risk management.

    Yield on earning assets and yield on loans receivable decreased 0.40% and 0.22%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025, largely due to a decrease in CCBX loan yield. Lower rate capital call lines increased $66.2 million, or 49.6%, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025. These loans bear a lower rate of interest, but have less credit risk due to the way the loans are structured compared to other commercial loans. Average loans receivable as of June 30, 2025 increased $56.1 million compared to March 31, 2025 as net CCBX loans continue to grow, despite selling $1.30 billion in CCBX loans during the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    The quarter over quarter volatility in the efficiency ratio and noninterest income to average asset performance metrics was driven by a higher-quality CCBX loan-mix from a credit quality perspective, which effectively reduced the credit enhancement required within non-interest income due to lower net-charge off activity as a percent of total loans which lowered our provision expense. These items have a neutral impact to net income although impacted the quarter-to-quarter metrics due to lower reported noninterest income. Additionally, results for the three months ended June 30, 2025 also included a net $439,000 loss on equity securities due to the re-valuation of a privately held equity stake, which CCB reviews quarterly. Management doesn’t believe the write-down is indicative of longer-term concerns of the portfolio company’s health at this time.

    The following table shows the Company’s key performance ratios for the periods indicated.  

        Three Months Ended
    (unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
                         
    Return on average assets (1)   0.99 %   0.93 %   1.30 %   1.34 %   1.21 %
    Return on average equity (1)   9.72 %   8.91 %   14.90 %   16.67 %   15.22 %
    Yield on earnings assets (1)   9.92 %   10.32 %   10.24 %   10.79 %   10.49 %
    Yield on loans receivable (1)   11.11 %   11.33 %   11.12 %   11.44 %   11.22 %
    Cost of funds (1)   3.13 %   3.11 %   3.24 %   3.62 %   3.60 %
    Cost of deposits (1)   3.10 %   3.08 %   3.21 %   3.59 %   3.58 %
    Net interest margin (1)   7.06 %   7.48 %   7.23 %   7.42 %   7.12 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets (1)   6.52 %   6.87 %   6.54 %   6.42 %   6.05 %
    Noninterest income to average assets (1)   3.82 %   6.06 %   7.19 %   7.85 %   7.22 %
    Efficiency ratio   60.98 %   51.59 %   46.02 %   42.65 %   42.84 %
    Loans receivable to deposits (2)   92.01 %   93.89 %   97.82 %   94.33 %   93.75 %
     
    (1) Annualized calculations shown for quarterly periods presented.
    (2) Includes loans held for sale.
     

    Management Outlook; CEO Eric Sprink

    “As we look to the latter half of 2025 and beyond, we expect to see additional new partner engagements, given that our CCBX pipeline remains strong with high-quality opportunities. We are committed to continuing to invest in our technology and risk management infrastructure to support our growth in the BaaS sector which is expected to produce future efficiencies, automation and cost reductions as we grow. The improvement in the performance of the CCBX portfolio and lower historical loss factors within the CCBX portfolio are positive indicators that our risk reduction and credit improvement efforts are proving effective, alongside the fraud and credit indemnifications provided by our partners. Additionally, we saw an increase of $512,000, or 8.2%, from the three months ended March 31, 2025 in BaaS program income, excluding nonrecurring revenue, namely in transaction and interchange income. We anticipate this growth to continue in future periods as our partner activities expand and grow.” said CEO Eric Sprink.

    Coastal Financial Corporation Overview

    The Company has one main subsidiary, the Bank, which consists of three segments: CCBX, the community bank and treasury & administration.  The CCBX segment includes all of our BaaS activities, the community bank segment includes all community banking activities and the treasury & administration segment includes treasury management, overall administration and all other aspects of the Company.  

    CCBX Performance Update

    Our CCBX segment continues to evolve, and we have 29 relationships, at varying stages, including two partners in testing, two in implementation/onboarding, and five signed LOI as of June 30, 2025.  We continue to refine the criteria for CCBX partnerships, exploring relationships with larger and more established partners, with experienced management teams, existing customer bases and strong financial positions. We also will consider promising medium and smaller sized partners that align with our approach and terms including financial wherewithal and will continue to exit relationships where it makes sense for us to do so.

    While we explore relationships with new partners we continue to expand our product offerings with existing CCBX partners. As we become more proficient in the BaaS space we aim to cultivate new relationships that align with our long-term goals. We believe that a strategy of adding new partnerships and launching new products with existing partners allows us to expand and grow our customer base with a modest increase in regulatory risk given our operational history with them. Increases in partner activity/transaction counts is positively impacting noninterest income and we expect this trend to continue as current products grow and new products are introduced. We plan to continue selling loans as part of our strategy to balance partner and lending limits, and manage the loan portfolio and credit quality. We retain a portion of the fee income for our role in processing transactions on sold credit card loans, and will continue this strategy to provide an on-going revenue source with no on balance sheet risk or capital requirement.

    As we build our deposit base, we will be able to sweep deposits off and on the balance sheet as needed. This deposit sweep capability allows us to better manage liquidity and deposit programs. At June 30, 2025 we swept off $478.7 million in deposits for FDIC insurance and liquidity purposes. Robinhood has entered the production testing phase for its suite of deposit products, signaling continued momentum in our strategic partnership pipeline. Dave finalized production testing in Q2 and is poised to initiate its beta launch, expanding our footprint in digital banking solutions. The introduction of theses products are expected to diversify and grow deposits.

    The following table illustrates the activity and evolution in CCBX relationships for the periods presented.

      As of
    (unaudited) June 30, 2025 March 31,
    2025
    June 30, 2024
    Active 20 19 19
    Friends and family / testing 2 2 1
    Implementation / onboarding 2 3 1
    Signed letters of intent 5 1 0
    Total CCBX relationships 29 25 21
     

    CCBX loans increased $29.5 million, or 1.8%, to $1.68 billion despite selling $1.30 billion in loans during the three months ended June 30, 2025. In accordance with the program agreement for one partner, we are responsible for losses on 5% of that portfolio. At June 30, 2025 the portion of that portfolio for which we are responsible represented $19.8 million in loans.

    The following table details the CCBX loan portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans:                        
    Capital call lines   $ 199,675     11.9 %   $ 133,466     8.1 %   $ 109,133     7.7 %
    All other commercial & industrial loans     26,142     1.6       29,702     1.8       41,757     3.0  
    Real estate loans:                        
    Residential real estate loans     234,786     14.0       285,355     17.3       287,950     20.4  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Credit cards     533,925     31.8       532,775     32.2       549,241     39.0  
    Other consumer and other loans     686,321     40.7       670,026     40.6       422,136     29.9  
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,680,849     100.0 %     1,651,324     100.0 %     1,410,217     100.0 %
    Net deferred origination (fees) costs     (569 )         (498 )         (438 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,680,280         $ 1,650,826         $ 1,409,779      
    Loan Yield – CCBX (1)(2)     16.22 %         16.88 %         17.75 %    
     
    (1) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense.  BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
     

    The increase in CCBX loans in the quarter ended June 30, 2025, includes an increase of $66.2 million, or 49.6%, in capital call lines as a result of normal balance fluctuations and business activities, a decrease of $50.6 million, or 17.7%, in residential real estate loans and an increase of $17.4 million or 1.5%, in other consumer and other loans. We continue to monitor and manage the CCBX loan portfolio, and sold $1.30 billion in CCBX loans during the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to sales of $744.6 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2025. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio earnings and generate off balance sheet fee income. CCBX loan yield decreased 0.67% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as a result of an increase in lower rate capital call lines and overall mix of loans compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025, these loans bear a lower rate of interest, but have less credit risk due to the way the loans are structured compared to other commercial loans.

    The following chart shows the growth in credit card accounts that generate fee income. This includes accounts with balances, which are included in our loan totals, and accounts that have been sold and have no corresponding balance in our loan totals, and that generate fee income.

    The following chart shows the growth in active CCBX debit cards which are sources of interchange income.

    The following table details the CCBX deposit portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 60,448     2.6 %   $ 58,416     2.6 %   $ 62,234     3.0 %
    Interest bearing demand and
    money market
        2,231,159     94.5       2,145,608     94.6       1,989,105     96.7  
    Savings     51,523     2.2       16,625     0.7       5,150     0.3  
    Total core deposits     2,343,130     99.3       2,220,649     97.9       2,056,489     100.0  
    Other deposits     17,013     0.7       46,359     2.1       —     —  
    Total CCBX deposits   $ 2,360,143     100.0 %   $ 2,267,008     100.0 %   $ 2,056,489     100.0 %
    Cost of deposits (1)     3.96 %         4.01 %         4.92 %    
     
    (1) Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.
     

    CCBX deposits increased $93.1 million, or 4.1%, in the three months ended June 30, 2025 to $2.36 billion as a result of growth and normal balance fluctuations. This excludes the $478.7 million in CCBX deposits that were transferred off balance sheet for increased Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance coverage and sweep purposes, compared to $406.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Amounts in excess of FDIC insurance coverage are transferred, using a third-party facilitator/vendor sweep product, to participating financial institutions.

    Community Bank Performance Update

    In the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the community bank saw net loans decrease $6.5 million, or 0.3%, to $1.86 billion, as a result of normal balance fluctuations.

    The following table details the Community Bank loan portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 149,926     8.0 %   $ 149,104     8.0 %   $ 144,436     7.5 %
    Real estate loans:                        
    Construction, land and land development loans     194,150     10.4       166,551     8.9       173,064     9.0  
    Residential real estate loans     198,844     10.7       202,920     10.8       229,639     12.0  
    Commercial real estate loans     1,310,882     70.2       1,340,647     71.6       1,357,979     70.8  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Other consumer and other loans     12,230     0.7       13,326     0.7       14,220     0.7  
    Gross Community Bank loans receivable     1,866,032     100.0 %     1,872,548     100.0 %     1,919,338     100.0 %
    Net deferred origination fees     (5,982 )         (6,015 )         (7,304 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,860,050         $ 1,866,533         $ 1,912,034      
    Loan Yield(1)     6.53 %         6.53 %         6.52 %    
     
    (1) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
     

    Community bank loan categories decreased $29.8 million in commercial real estate loans and $1.1 million in consumer and other loans, partially offset by an increase of $27.6 million in construction, land and land development loans and $822,000 in commercial and industrial loans, during the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    The following table details the community bank deposit portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 494,907     31.9 %   $ 481,214     31.5 %   $ 531,555     35.7 %
    Interest bearing demand and
    money market
        545,655     35.1       560,416     36.8       876,668     59.0  
    Savings     57,933     3.7       59,493     3.9       63,627     4.3  
    Total core deposits     1,098,495     70.7       1,101,123     72.2       1,471,850     99.0  
    Other deposits     440,975     28.4       407,391     26.7       1     0.0  
    Time deposits less than $100,000     5,299     0.3       5,585     0.4       6,741     0.5  
    Time deposits $100,000 and over     8,659     0.6       10,122     0.7       8,351     0.5  
    Total Community Bank deposits   $ 1,553,428     100.0 %   $ 1,524,221     100.0 %   $ 1,486,943     100.0 %
    Cost of deposits(1)     1.77 %         1.76 %         1.77 %    
     
    (1)  Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.
     

    Community bank deposits increased $29.2 million, or 1.9%, during the three months ended June 30, 2025 to $1.55 billion. The community bank segment includes noninterest bearing deposits of $494.9 million, or 31.9%, of total community bank deposits, resulting in a cost of deposits of 1.77%, which compared to 1.76% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Net Interest Income and Margin Discussion

    Net interest income was $76.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $675,000, or 0.9%, from $76.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and an increase of $10.6 million, or 16.0%, from $66.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Net interest income compared to March 31, 2025, was higher due to an increase in average loans receivable. The increase in net interest income compared to June 30, 2024 was largely related to growth in loans receivable and a reduction in cost of funds as a result of lower interest rates.  

    Net interest margin was 7.06% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 7.48% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, due primarily to a decrease in loan yield. Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release) was 4.07% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 4.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net interest margin was 7.12% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 was largely due to a decrease in loan yield, partially offset by lower cost of funds. The $66.2 million of growth in lower rate capital call lines and overall mix of loans contributed to the decrease in net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Capital call lines grew 49.6% quarter-over-quarter to $199.7 million, or 11.9% of total CCBX loans versus 8.1% in the prior quarter. These loans carry a lower interest rate, but also lower credit costs.

    Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $720,000, or 0.7%, to $98.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $98.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as a result of loan growth. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $8.0 million, or 8.8%, compared to $90.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, due to an increase in outstanding balances. Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release) decreased 0.21% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 and increased 0.07% compared the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    The following tables illustrate how net interest margin and loan yield is affected by BaaS loan expense:

    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30
    2025
      March 31
    2025
      June 30
    2024
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    Net interest margin (1)     7.06 %     7.48 %     7.12 %
    Earning assets     4,356,591       4,124,065       3,736,579  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     76,737       76,062       66,172  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,483 )     (32,507 )     (29,011 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense(2)   $ 44,254     $ 43,555     $ 37,161  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)(2)     4.07 %     4.28 %     4.00 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:    
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     11.11 %     11.33 %     11.22 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,567,823     $ 3,511,724     $ 3,258,042  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     98,867       98,147       90,879  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,483 )     (32,507 )     (29,011 )
    Net loan income(2)   $ 66,384     $ 65,640     $ 61,868  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)(2)     7.46 %     7.58 %     7.64 %
     
    (1) Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.
    (2) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
     

    Average investment securities decreased $900,000 to $46.3 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 and decreased $3.5 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024 as a result of principal paydowns.

    Cost of funds was 3.13% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 2 basis points from the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and a decrease of 47 basis points from the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Cost of deposits for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was 3.10%, compared to 3.08% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and 3.58% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The decreased cost of funds and deposits compared to June 30, 2024 were largely due to the reductions in the Fed funds rate in 2024.

    The following table summarizes the average yield on loans receivable and cost of deposits:

      For the Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
    Community Bank 6.53 %   1.77 %   6.53 %   1.76 %   6.52 %   1.77 %
    CCBX (1) 16.22 %   3.96 %   16.88 %   4.01 %   17.75 %   4.92 %
    Consolidated 11.11 %   3.10 %   11.33 %   3.08 %   11.22 %   3.58 %
    (1) CCBX yield on loans does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense.  BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit and fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. To determine Net BaaS loan income earned from CCBX loan relationships, the Company takes BaaS loan interest income and deducts BaaS loan expense to arrive at Net BaaS loan income which can be compared to interest income on the Company’s community bank loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Annualized calculations for periods presented.
     

    The following table illustrates how BaaS loan interest income is affected by BaaS loan expense resulting in net BaaS loan income and the associated yield:

        For the Three Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   Income / Expense   Income / expense divided by average CCBX loans (2)   Income / Expense   Income / expense divided by average CCBX loans(2)   Income / Expense   Income / expense divided by average CCBX loans (2)
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 68,264   16.22 %   $ 67,855   16.88 %   $ 60,138   17.75 %
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,483   7.72 %     32,507   8.09 %     29,011   8.56 %
    Net BaaS loan income (1)   $ 35,781   8.50 %   $ 35,348   8.79 %   $ 31,127   9.19 %
    Average BaaS Loans(3)   $ 1,688,492       $ 1,630,088       $ 1,362,343    
     
    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
    (2) Annualized calculations shown for the periods presented.
    (3) Includes loans held for sale.
     

    Noninterest Income Discussion

    Noninterest income was $42.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $20.8 million from $63.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and a decrease of $26.4 million from $69.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024.  The decrease in noninterest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was primarily due to a decrease of $20.6 million in total BaaS income.  The $20.6 million decrease in total BaaS income included a $22.4 million decrease in BaaS credit enhancements related to the decrease in provision for credit losses due to an improvement in the performance of the CCBX portfolio and our focus on originating higher quality CCBX loans resulting in lower historical loss factors, which had a favorable impact on the provision for credit losses, partially offset by an increase of $1.0 million in BaaS program income, which includes $504,000 in nonrecurring revenue, and a $811,000 increase in BaaS fraud enhancements. Results for the three months ended June 30, 2025 also included a net $439,000 loss on equity securities due to the re-valuation of a privately held equity stake, which we review quarterly. Management doesn’t believe the write-down is indicative of longer-term concerns of the portfolio company’s health at this time. The $1.0 million increase in BaaS program income is largely due to an increase in transaction and interchange fees and includes $504,000 in nonrecurring revenue (see “Appendix B” for more information on the accounting for BaaS allowance for credit losses and credit and fraud enhancements).

    The $26.4 million decrease in noninterest income over the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was primarily due to a $28.5 million decrease in BaaS credit and fraud enhancements due to improvement in the performance of the CCBX loan portfolio, partially offset by an increase of $2.0 million in BaaS program income, which includes $504,000 in nonrecurring revenue.

    Noninterest Expense Discussion

    Total noninterest expense increased $843,000 to $72.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $72.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and increased $14.9 million from $58.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The $843,000 increase in noninterest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was primarily due to a $659,000 increase in data processing and software licenses, an $811,000 increase in BaaS fraud expense and a $74,000 increase in legal and professional fees, partially offset by a $414,000 decrease in other expenses, $119,000 decrease in occupancy expense, $81,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits and a $24,000 decrease in BaaS loan expense. The increase in data processing and software licenses were part of our continued investments in growth, technology and risk management. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, and originating & servicing CCBX loans. BaaS fraud expense represents non-credit fraud losses on partner’s customer loan and deposit accounts. A portion of this expense is realized during the quarter in which the loss occurs, and a portion is estimated based on historical or other information from our partners.

    The increase in noninterest expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was largely due to a $4.4 million increase in salary and employee benefits, a $1.6 million increase in data processing and software licenses due to enhancements and investments in technology, and a $2.7 million increase in legal and professional expenses, all of which are related to the growth of Company and investments in technology and risk management. Also contributing to the the increase was a $3.5 million increase in BaaS loan expense and a $1.0 million increase in BaaS fraud expense.

    Certain noninterest expenses are reimbursed by our CCBX partners. In accordance with GAAP we recognize all expenses in noninterest expense and the reimbursement of expenses from our CCBX partner in noninterest income. The following table reflects the portion of noninterest expenses that are reimbursed by partners to assist in the understanding of how the increases in noninterest expense are related to expenses incurred and reimbursed by CCBX partners:

        Three Months Ended
        June 30,   March 31,   June 30,
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)     2025       2025       2024  
    Total noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 72,832     $ 71,989     $ 57,964  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,483       32,507       29,011  
    Less: BaaS fraud expense     2,804       1,993       1,784  
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses (BaaS)     646       1,026       857  
    Noninterest expense, net of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense
    and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) (1)
      $ 36,899     $ 36,463     $ 26,312  
     
    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
     

    Provision for Income Taxes

    The provision for income taxes was $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and $3.4 million for the second quarter of 2024.  The income tax provision as a percentage was higher for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as a result of the higher net income and increase in state income tax rates, partially offset by the deductibility of certain equity awards, and was somewhat flat in dollar amount compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024, but higher in tax rate.

    The Company is subject to various state taxes that are assessed as CCBX activities and employees expand into other states, which has increased the overall tax rate used in calculating the provision for income taxes in the current and future periods. The Company uses a federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% as a basis for calculating provision for federal income taxes and 5.14% for calculating the provision for state income taxes. The state rate increased in the quarter ended June 30, 2025 primarily as a result of a change in California’s tax laws.

    Financial Condition Overview

    Total assets increased $141.3 million, or 3.3%, to $4.48 billion at June 30, 2025 compared to $4.34 billion at March 31, 2025.  The increase is primarily comprised of a $95.5 million increase in cash and interest bearing deposits with other banks, a $23.0 million increase in loans receivable, and an $18.3 million increase in loans held for sale. Total loans receivable increased to $3.54 billion at June 30, 2025, from $3.52 billion at March 31, 2025.

    As of June 30, 2025, in addition to the $719.8 million in cash on hand the Company had the capacity to borrow up to a total of $642.7 million from the Federal Reserve Bank discount window and Federal Home Loan Bank, plus an additional $50.0 million from a correspondent bank. There were no borrowings outstanding on these lines as of June 30, 2025.

    The Company, on a stand alone basis, had a cash balance of $43.9 million as of June 30, 2025, a portion of which is retained for general operating purposes, including debt repayment, for funding $1.6 million in commitments to bank technology investment funds, with the remaining cash available to be contributed to the Bank as capital.  

    Uninsured deposits were $579.9 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $558.8 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Total shareholders’ equity as of June 30, 2025 increased $11.8 million since March 31, 2025.  The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily comprised of $11.0 million in net earnings combined with an increase of $764,000 in common stock outstanding as a result of equity awards exercised or vested during the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    The Company and the Bank remained well capitalized at June 30, 2025, as summarized in the following table.

    (unaudited)   Coastal Community Bank   Coastal Financial Corporation   Minimum Well Capitalized Ratios under Prompt Corrective Action (1)
    Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to average assets)   10.33 %   10.39 %   5.00 %
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   12.36 %   12.32 %   6.50 %
    Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   12.36 %   12.41 %   8.00 %
    Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   13.65 %   14.90 %   10.00 %
     
    (1) Presents the minimum capital ratios for an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, to be considered well capitalized under the Prompt Corrective Action framework. The minimum requirements for the Company to be considered well capitalized under Regulation Y include to maintain, on a consolidated basis, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 percent or greater and a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0 percent or greater.
     

    Asset Quality

    The allowance for credit losses was $164.8 million and 4.65% of loans receivable at June 30, 2025 compared to $183.2 million and 5.21% at March 31, 2025 and $148.9 million and 4.48% at June 30, 2024. The allowance for credit loss allocated to the CCBX portfolio was $145.9 million and 8.68% of CCBX loans receivable at June 30, 2025, with $18.9 million of allowance for credit loss allocated to the community bank or 1.02% of total community bank loans receivable.

    The following table details the allocation of the allowance for credit loss as of the period indicated:

        As of June 30, 2025   As of March 31, 2025   As of June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community Bank   CCBX   Total   Community Bank   CCBX   Total   Community Bank   CCBX   Total
    Loans receivable   $ 1,860,050     $ 1,680,280     $ 3,540,330     $ 1,866,533     $ 1,650,826     $ 3,517,359     $ 1,912,034     $ 1,409,779     $ 3,321,813  
    Allowance for
    credit losses
        (18,936 )     (145,858 )     (164,794 )     (18,992 )     (164,186 )     (183,178 )     (21,046 )     (127,832 )     (148,878 )
    Allowance for
    credit losses to
    total loans
    receivable
        1.02 %     8.68 %     4.65 %     1.02 %     9.95 %     5.21 %     1.10 %     9.07 %     4.48 %
                                                                             

    Net charge-offs totaled $49.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $48.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and $53.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans decreased to 5.54% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to 5.57% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. CCBX partner agreements provide for a credit enhancement that covers the net-charge-offs on CCBX loans and negative deposit accounts by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses, except in accordance with the program agreement for one partner where the Company was responsible for credit losses on approximately 5% of a $296.3 million loan portfolio. At June 30, 2025, our portion of this portfolio represented $19.8 million in loans. Net charge-offs for this $19.8 million in loans were $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    The following table details net charge-offs for the community bank and CCBX for the period indicated:

        Three Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community Bank   CCBX   Total   Community Bank   CCBX   Total   Community Bank   CCBX   Total
    Gross charge-offs   $ 11     $ 53,769     $ 53,780     $ 4     $ 53,682     $ 53,686     $ 2     $ 55,205     $ 55,207  
    Gross recoveries     (2 )     (4,465 )     (4,467 )     (7 )     (5,479 )     (5,486 )     (4 )     (2,250 )     (2,254 )
    Net charge-offs   $ 9     $ 49,304     $ 49,313     $ (3 )   $ 48,203     $ 48,200     $ (2 )   $ 52,955     $ 52,953  
    Net charge-offs to
    average loans (1)
        0.00 %     11.71 %     5.54 %     0.00 %     11.99 %     5.57 %     0.00 %     15.63 %     6.54 %
     
    (1) Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.
     

    During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, a $31.0 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans, compared to the $54.3 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The provision was based on management’s analysis, bringing the CCBX allowance for credit losses to $145.9 million at June 30, 2025 compared to $164.2 million at March 31, 2025. The decrease in the allowance is due to an improvement in the performance of the CCBX portfolio and our focus on originating higher quality CCBX loans resulting in lower historical loss factors. As we continue to originate higher quality loans, these become a greater proportion of the CCBX portfolio, resulting in an improvement in expected losses and a reduced allowance. In general, CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses.

    In accordance with accounting guidance, we estimate and record a provision for expected losses for these CCBX loans and reclassified negative deposit accounts. When the provision for CCBX credit losses and provision for unfunded commitments is recorded, a credit enhancement asset is also recorded on the balance sheet through noninterest income (BaaS credit enhancements). Expected losses are recorded in the allowance for credit losses. The credit enhancement asset is relieved when credit enhancement recoveries are received from the CCBX partner. If our partner is unable to fulfill their contracted obligations then the Bank could be exposed to additional credit losses. Management regularly evaluates and manages this counterparty risk with our CCBX partners.

    The factors used in management’s analysis for community bank credit losses indicated that a provision recapture of $47,000 was needed for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to a provision of $65,000 and a provision recapture of $341,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. The provision recapture in the current period was due to the lower outstanding balance in the community bank loan portfolio.

    The following table details the provision expense/(recapture) for the community bank and CCBX for the period indicated:

        Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    Community bank   $ (47 )   $ 65   $ (341 )
    CCBX     30,976       54,319     62,231  
    Total provision expense   $ 30,929     $ 54,384   $ 61,890  
     

    A provision for unfunded commitments of $1.5 million was recorded for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 as a result of a change in the loan mix of available balance. A provision for accrued interest receivable of $182,000 was recorded for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 on CCBX loans.

    At June 30, 2025, our nonperforming assets were $60.9 million, or 1.36%, of total assets, compared to $56.4 million, or 1.30%, of total assets, at March 31, 2025, and $53.2 million, or 1.34%, of total assets, at June 30, 2024. These ratios are impacted by nonperforming CCBX loans that are covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements. As of June 30, 2025, $55.3 million of the $57.0 million in nonperforming CCBX loans were covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements described above. Additionally, some CCBX partners have a collection practice that places certain loans on nonaccrual status to improve collectability. $20.1 million of these loans are less than 90 days past due as of June 30, 2025.

    Nonperforming assets increased $4.5 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Community bank nonperforming loans increased $3.7 million from March 31, 2025 to $3.8 million as of June 30, 2025, and CCBX nonperforming loans increased $847,000 to $57.0 million from March 31, 2025. The increase in CCBX nonperforming loans is due to an increase of $4.2 million in nonaccrual loans from March 31, 2025 to $24.4 million, partially offset by a $3.4 million decrease in CCBX loans that are past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. As of June 30, 2025, $20.1 million in loans are under 90 days past due as a result of CCBX partners placing them on nonaccrual status to improve collectability. As a result of the type of loans (primarily consumer loans) originated through our CCBX partners we would typically anticipate that balances 90 days past due or more and still accruing will generally increase as those loan portfolios grow, therefore we believe the decrease in these past due CCBX loans is a positive performance indicator for the CCBX portfolio. Installment/closed-end and revolving/open-end consumer loans originated through CCBX lending partners will continue to accrue interest until 120 and 180 days past due, respectively and are reported as substandard, 90 days or more days past due and still accruing. There were no repossessed assets or other real estate owned at June 30, 2025. Our nonperforming loans to loans receivable ratio was 1.72% at June 30, 2025, compared to 1.60% at March 31, 2025, and 1.60% at June 30, 2024.

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, there were $9,000 in community bank net charge-offs and $49.3 million in net charge-offs were recorded on CCBX loans. These CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses.

    The following table details the Company’s nonperforming assets for the periods indicated.

    Consolidated As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 2,333     $ 381     $ —  
    Real estate loans:          
    Construction, land and land development   1,697       —       —  
    Residential real estate   —       —       213  
    Commercial real estate   —       —       7,731  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   20,140       13,602       —  
    Other consumer and other loans   4,063       6,376       —  
    Total nonaccrual loans   28,233       20,359       7,944  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   926       782       1,278  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   1,817       2,407       2,722  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   23,116       27,187       36,465  
    Other consumer and other loans   6,775       5,632       4,779  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   32,634       36,008       45,244  
    Total nonperforming loans   60,867       56,367       53,188  
    Real estate owned   —       —       —  
    Repossessed assets   —       —       —  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 60,867     $ 56,367     $ 53,188  
    Total nonaccrual loans to loans receivable   0.80 %     0.58 %     0.24 %
    Total nonperforming loans to loans receivable   1.72 %     1.60 %     1.60 %
    Total nonperforming assets to total assets   1.36 %     1.30 %     1.34 %
                           

    The following tables detail the CCBX and community bank nonperforming assets which are included in the total nonperforming assets table above.

    CCBX As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans:          
    All other commercial & industrial loans $ 188     $ 192     $ —  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   20,140       13,602       —  
    Other consumer and other loans   4,063       6,376       —  
    Total nonaccrual loans   24,391       20,170       —  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   926       782       1,278  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   1,817       2,407       2,722  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   23,116       27,187       36,465  
    Other consumer and other loans   6,775       5,632       4,779  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   32,634       36,008       45,244  
    Total nonperforming loans   57,025       56,178       45,244  
    Other real estate owned   —       —       —  
    Repossessed assets   —       —       —  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 57,025     $ 56,178     $ 45,244  
    Total CCBX nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets   1.27 %     1.29 %     1.14 %
                           
    Community Bank As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 2,145     $ 189     $ —  
    Real estate:          
    Construction, land and land development   1,697       —       —  
    Residential real estate   —       —       213  
    Commercial real estate   —       —       7,731  
    Total nonaccrual loans   3,842       189       7,944  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   —       —       —  
    Total nonperforming loans   3,842       189       7,944  
    Other real estate owned   —       —       —  
    Repossessed assets   —       —       —  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 3,842     $ 189     $ 7,944  
    Total community bank nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets   0.09 %     — %     0.20 %
                           

    About Coastal Financial

    Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”), is an Everett, Washington based bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries are Coastal Community Bank (“Bank”) and Arlington Olympic LLC.  The $4.48 billion Bank provides service through 14 branches in Snohomish, Island, and King Counties, the Internet and its mobile banking application.  The Bank provides banking as a service to digital financial service providers, companies and brands that want to provide financial services to their customers through the Bank’s CCBX segment.  To learn more about the Company visit www.coastalbank.com.

    CCB-ER

    Contact

    Eric Sprink, Chief Executive Officer, (425) 357-3659
    Joel Edwards, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, (425) 357-3687

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. Any statements about our management’s expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and similar words or phrases. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this earnings release may turn out to be inaccurate. The inclusion of or reference to forward-looking information in this earnings release should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. We have based these forward looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risk that changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations and those other risks and uncertainties discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent period filed and in any of our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (Dollars in thousands; unaudited)

    ASSETS
      June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
    Cash and due from banks $ 29,546     $ 43,467     $ 36,533     $ 45,327     $ 59,995  
    Interest earning deposits with other banks   690,213       580,835       415,980       438,699       427,250  
    Investment securities, available for sale, at fair value   33       34       35       38       39  
    Investment securities, held to maturity, at amortized cost   45,544       46,957       47,286       48,582       49,174  
    Other investments   12,521       12,589       10,800       10,757       10,664  
    Loans held for sale   60,474       42,132       20,600       7,565       —  
    Loans receivable   3,540,330       3,517,359       3,486,565       3,413,894       3,321,813  
    Allowance for credit losses   (164,794 )     (183,178 )     (176,994 )     (171,674 )     (148,878 )
    Total loans receivable, net   3,375,536       3,334,181       3,309,571       3,242,220       3,172,935  
    CCBX credit enhancement asset   167,779       183,377       181,890       173,600       149,096  
    CCBX receivable   13,009       12,685       14,138       16,060       11,520  
    Premises and equipment, net   29,052       28,639       27,431       25,833       24,526  
    Lease right-of-use assets   4,891       5,117       5,219       5,427       5,635  
    Accrued interest receivable   20,849       21,109       21,104       22,315       21,620  
    Bank-owned life insurance, net   13,648       13,501       13,375       13,255       13,132  
    Deferred tax asset, net   3,829       3,912       3,600       3,083       2,221  
    Other assets   13,635       10,747       13,646       11,711       11,742  
    Total assets $ 4,480,559     $ 4,339,282     $ 4,121,208     $ 4,064,472     $ 3,959,549  
                       
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    LIABILITIES                  
    Deposits $ 3,913,571     $ 3,791,229     $ 3,585,332     $ 3,627,288     $ 3,543,432  
    Subordinated debt, net   44,368       44,331       44,293       44,256       44,219  
    Junior subordinated debentures, net   3,592       3,592       3,591       3,591       3,591  
    Deferred compensation   295       310       332       369       405  
    Accrued interest payable   954       1,107       962       1,070       999  
    Lease liabilities   5,063       5,293       5,398       5,609       5,821  
    CCBX payable   32,939       29,391       29,171       37,839       32,539  
    Other liabilities   18,068       14,112       13,425       12,520       11,850  
    Total liabilities   4,018,850       3,889,365       3,682,504       3,732,542       3,642,856  
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Common Stock   230,423       229,659       228,177       134,769       132,989  
    Retained earnings   231,287       220,259       210,529       197,162       183,706  
    Accumulated other comprehensive
    loss, net of tax
      (1 )     (1 )     (2 )     (1 )     (2 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   461,709       449,917       438,704       331,930       316,693  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,480,559     $ 4,339,282     $ 4,121,208     $ 4,064,472     $ 3,959,549  
     

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts; unaudited)

      Three Months Ended
      June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 98,867     $ 98,147   $ 95,575   $ 99,676   $ 90,879  
    Interest on interest earning deposits with
    other banks
      8,085       6,070     6,021     4,781     5,683  
    Interest on investment securities   626       650     661     675     686  
    Dividends on other investments   219       40     191     33     174  
    Total interest income   107,797       104,907     102,448     105,165     97,422  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Interest on deposits   30,400       28,185     29,404     32,083     30,578  
    Interest on borrowed funds   660       660     667     809     672  
    Total interest expense   31,060       28,845     30,071     32,892     31,250  
    Net interest income   76,737       76,062     72,377     72,273     66,172  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   32,211       55,781     61,867     70,257     62,325  
    Net interest income/(expense) after
    provision for credit losses
      44,526       20,281     10,510     2,016     3,847  
    NONINTEREST INCOME                  
    Service charges and fees   913       860     932     952     946  
    Loan referral fees   —       —     —     —     —  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities,
    net
      (439 )     16     1     2     9  
    Other income   853       682     473     486     257  
    Noninterest income, excluding BaaS program income and BaaS indemnification income   1,327       1,558     1,406     1,440     1,212  
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   1,539       1,419     1,043     1,044     1,525  
    Transaction and interchange fees   5,109       3,833     3,699     3,549     2,934  
    Reimbursement of expenses   646       1,026     812     565     857  
    BaaS program income   7,294       6,278     5,554     5,158     5,316  
    BaaS credit enhancements   31,268       53,648     62,097     70,108     60,826  
    BaaS fraud enhancements   2,804       1,993     5,043     2,084     1,784  
    BaaS indemnification income   34,072       55,641     67,140     72,192     62,610  
    Total noninterest income   42,693       63,477     74,100     78,790     69,138  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   21,401       21,482     17,955     17,060     16,973  
    Occupancy   915       1,034     958     964     985  
    Data processing and software licenses   5,541       4,882     4,049     4,338     3,977  
    Legal and professional expenses   5,962       5,888     4,606     3,597     3,311  
    Point of sale expense   69       107     89     73     72  
    Excise taxes   681       722     778     762     (706 )
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
    (“FDIC”) assessments
      790       755     750     740     690  
    Director and staff expenses   612       631     683     559     470  
    Marketing   50       50     28     67     14  
    Other expense   1,524       1,938     1,752     1,482     1,383  
    Noninterest expense, excluding BaaS loan and BaaS fraud expense   37,545       37,489     31,648     29,642     27,169  
    BaaS loan expense   32,483       32,507     30,720     32,698     29,011  
    BaaS fraud expense   2,804       1,993     5,043     2,084     1,784  
    BaaS loan and fraud expense   35,287       34,500     35,763     34,782     30,795  
    Total noninterest expense   72,832       71,989     67,411     64,424     57,964  
    Income before provision for income
    taxes
      14,387       11,769     17,199     16,382     15,021  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   3,359       2,039     3,832     2,926     3,425  
    NET INCOME $ 11,028     $ 9,730   $ 13,367   $ 13,456   $ 11,596  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.73     $ 0.65   $ 0.97   $ 1.00   $ 0.86  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.71     $ 0.63   $ 0.94   $ 0.97   $ 0.84  
    Weighted average number of common shares
    outstanding:
                     
    Basic   15,033,296       14,962,507     13,828,605     13,447,066     13,412,667  
    Diluted   15,447,923       15,462,041     14,268,229     13,822,270     13,736,508  
                                     

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS, AND RATES – QUARTERLY
    (Dollars in thousands; unaudited)

      For the Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning deposits with
    other banks
    $ 729,652     $ 8,085   4.44 %   $ 553,393     $ 6,070   4.45 %   $ 418,165     $ 5,683   5.47 %
    Investment securities, available for sale (2)   35       —   —       37       1   10.96       43       —   —  
    Investment securities, held to maturity (2)   46,256       626   5.43       47,154       649   5.58       49,737       686   5.55  
    Other investments   12,825       219   6.85       11,757       40   1.38       10,592       174   6.61  
    Loans receivable (3)   3,567,823       98,867   11.11       3,511,724       98,147   11.33       3,258,042       90,879   11.22  
    Total interest earning assets   4,356,591       107,797   9.92       4,124,065       104,907   10.32       3,736,579       97,422   10.49  
    Noninterest earning assets:                                  
    Allowance for credit losses   (176,022 )             (170,542 )             (138,472 )        
    Other noninterest earning assets   298,698               296,993               255,205          
    Total assets $ 4,479,267             $ 4,250,516             $ 3,853,312          
                                       
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
    Interest bearing deposits $ 3,369,574     $ 30,400   3.62 %   $ 3,166,384     $ 28,185   3.61 %   $ 2,854,575     $ 30,578   4.31 %
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   3       1   —       —       1   —       1,648       3   0.73  
    Subordinated debt   44,345       598   5.41       44,309       598   5.47       44,197       598   5.44  
    Junior subordinated debentures   3,592       61   6.81       3,592       61   6.89       3,590       71   7.95  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   3,417,514       31,060   3.65       3,214,285       28,845   3.64       2,904,010       31,250   4.33  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   562,174               543,784               584,661          
    Other liabilities   44,452               49,624               58,267          
    Total shareholders’ equity   455,127               442,823               306,374          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,479,267             $ 4,250,516             $ 3,853,312          
    Net interest income     $ 76,737           $ 76,062           $ 66,172    
    Interest rate spread         6.27 %           6.68 %           6.16 %
    Net interest margin (4)         7.06 %           7.48 %           7.12 %
     
    (1)  Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2)  For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (3)  Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (4)  Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.
     

    COASTAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS, AND RATES – BY SEGMENT – QUARTERLY
    (Dollars in thousands; unaudited)

      For the Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Community Bank                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2) $ 1,879,331   $ 30,603   6.53 %   $ 1,881,636   $ 30,292   6.53 %   $ 1,895,699   $ 30,741   6.52 %
    Total interest earning
    assets
      1,879,331     30,603   6.53       1,881,636     30,292   6.53       1,895,699     30,741   6.52  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                
    Interest bearing
    deposits
      1,048,506     6,783   2.59 %     1,045,971     6,604   2.56 %     938,033     6,459   2.77 %
    Intrabank liability   342,232     3,792   4.44       356,337     3,909   4.45       429,452     5,836   5.47  
    Total interest bearing
    liabilities
      1,390,738     10,575   3.05       1,402,308     10,513   3.04       1,367,485     12,295   3.62  
    Noninterest bearing
    deposits
      488,593             479,329             528,214        
    Net interest income     $ 20,028           $ 19,779           $ 18,446    
    Net interest margin(3)         4.27 %           4.26 %           3.91 %
                                       
    CCBX                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2)(4) $ 1,688,492   $ 68,264   16.22 %   $ 1,630,088   $ 67,855   16.88 %   $ 1,362,343   $ 60,138   17.75 %
    Intrabank asset   706,157     7,825   4.44       554,781     6,085   4.45       610,646     8,299   5.47  
    Total interest earning
    assets
      2,394,649     76,089   12.74       2,184,869     73,940   13.72       1,972,989     68,437   13.95  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                            
    Interest bearing
    deposits
      2,321,068     23,617   4.08 %     2,120,413     21,581   4.13 %     1,916,542     24,119   5.06 %
    Total interest bearing
    liabilities
      2,321,068     23,617   4.08       2,120,413     21,581   4.13       1,916,542     24,119   5.06  
    Noninterest bearing
    deposits
      73,581             64,455             56,447        
    Net interest income     $ 52,472           $ 52,359           $ 44,318    
    Net interest margin(3)         8.79 %           9.72 %           9.03 %
    Net interest margin, net
    of BaaS loan expense(5)
            3.35 %           3.68 %           3.12 %
                                             
      For the Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Treasury & Administration                            
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning
    deposits with
    other banks
    $ 729,652   $ 8,085   4.44 %   $ 553,393   $ 6,070   4.45 %   $ 418,165   $ 5,683   5.47 %
    Investment securities,
    available for sale (6)
      35     —   —       37     1   10.96       43     —   3.13  
    Investment securities,
    held to maturity (6)
      46,256     626   5.43       47,154     649   5.58       49,737     686   5.55  
    Other investments   12,825     219   6.85       11,757     40   1.38       10,592     174   6.61  
    Total interest
    earning assets
      788,768     8,930   4.54 %     612,341 —   6,760   4.48 %     478,537     6,543   5.50 %
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing
    liabilities:
                                     
    FHLB advances
    and borrowings
    $ 3     1   —     $ —     1   — %   $ 1,648     3   0.73 %
    Subordinated debt   44,345     598   5.41       44,309     598   5.47       44,197     598   5.44  
    Junior subordinated
    debentures
      3,592     61   6.81       3,592     61   6.89       3,590     71   7.95  
    Intrabank liability, net (7)   363,925     4,033   4.44       198,444     2,176   4.45       181,194     2,463   5.47  
    Total interest
    bearing liabilities
      411,865     4,693   4.57       246,345     2,836   4.67       230,629     3,135   5.47  
    Net interest income     $ 4,237           $ 3,924           $ 3,408    
    Net interest margin(3)         2.15 %           2.60 %           2.86 %
     
    (1) Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.
    (4) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (5) Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, includes the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release.
    (6) For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (7) Intrabank assets and liabilities are consolidated for period calculations and presented as intrabank asset, net or intrabank liability, net in the table above.
     

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance.

    However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for an analysis based on GAAP measures. As other companies may use different calculations for these adjusted measures, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled adjusted measures reported by other companies.

    The following non-GAAP measures are presented to illustrate the impact of BaaS loan expense on net loan income and yield on loans and CCBX loans and the impact of BaaS loan expense on net interest income and net interest margin.

    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans, is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact BaaS loan expense on loan income and the yield on loans. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is yield on loans.

    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact BaaS loan expense on net BaaS loan income and the yield on CCBX loans. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is yield on CCBX loans.

    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense, is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact BaaS loan expense on net interest income. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net interest income.

    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of BaaS loan expense on net interest rate margin. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is CCBX net interest margin.

    Reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures are presented below.

    CCBX   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30
    2025
      March 31
    2025
      June 30
    2024
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans:
    CCBX loan yield (GAAP)(1)     16.22 %     16.88 %     17.75 %
    Total average CCBX loans receivable   $ 1,688,492     $ 1,630,088     $ 1,362,343  
    Interest and earned fee income on CCBX loans (GAAP)     68,264       67,855       60,138  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,483 )     (32,507 )     (29,011 )
    Net BaaS loan income   $ 35,781     $ 35,348     $ 31,127  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans (1)     8.50 %     8.79 %     9.19 %
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    CCBX net interest margin (1)     8.79 %     9.72 %     9.03 %
    CCBX earning assets     2,394,649       2,184,869       1,972,989  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     52,472       52,359       44,318  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,483 )     (32,507 )     (29,011 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS
    loan expense
      $ 19,989     $ 19,852     $ 15,307  
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     3.35 %     3.68 %     3.12 %
     
    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30
    2025
      March 31
    2025
      June 30
    2024
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    Net interest margin (1)     7.06 %     7.48 %     7.12 %
    Earning assets     4,356,591       4,124,065       3,736,579  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     76,737       76,062       66,172  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,483 )     (32,507 )     (29,011 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense   $ 44,254     $ 43,555     $ 37,161  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     4.07 %     4.28 %     4.00 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:    
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     11.11 %     11.33 %     11.22 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,567,823     $ 3,511,724     $ 3,258,042  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     98,867       98,147       90,879  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,483 )     (32,507 )     (29,011 )
    Net loan income   $ 66,384     $ 65,640     $ 61,868  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)     7.46 %     7.58 %     7.64 %
     
    (1) Annualized calculations for periods presented.
     

    The following non-GAAP measure is presented to illustrate the impact of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) on noninterest expense. Certain noninterest expenses are reimbursed by our CCBX partners. In accordance with GAAP we recognize all expenses in noninterest expense and the reimbursement of expenses from our CCBX partner in noninterest income. This non-GAAP measure shows the portion of noninterest expenses that are reimbursed by partners to assist the understanding of how the increases in noninterest expense are related to expenses incurred for and reimbursed by CCBX partner. The most comparable GAAP measure is noninterest expense.

        As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    Noninterest expense, net of reimbursement of expenses (BaaS)
    Noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 72,832   $ 71,989   $ 57,964  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,483     32,507     29,011  
    Less: BaaS fraud expense     2,804     1,993     1,784  
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses     646     1,026     857  
    Noninterest expense, net of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense
    and reimbursement of expenses
      $ 36,899   $ 36,463   $ 26,312  
     

    APPENDIX A –
    As of June 30, 2025

    Industry Concentration

    We have a diversified loan portfolio, representing a wide variety of industries. Our major categories of loans are commercial real estate, consumer and other loans, residential real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction, land and land development loans. Together they represent $3.55 billion in outstanding loan balances. When combined with $1.93 billion in unused commitments the total of these categories is $5.48 billion.

    Commercial real estate loans represent the largest segment of our loans, comprising 37.0% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of June 30, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $30.1 million, and the combined total in commercial real estate loans represents $1.34 billion, or 24.5% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial real estate portfolio as of June 30, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans  
    Apartments   $ 362,315   $ 2,889   $ 365,204   6.7 %   $ 3,814   95  
    Hotel/Motel     154,877     1,073     155,950   2.8       6,734   23  
    Convenience Store     135,118     546     135,664   2.5       2,290   59  
    Office     119,622     6,666     126,288   2.3       1,375   87  
    Warehouse     102,688     —     102,688   1.9       1,770   58  
    Retail     93,552     836     94,388   1.7       936   100  
    Mixed use     93,455     5,287     98,742   1.8       1,126   83  
    Mini Storage     73,695     7,272     80,967   1.5       3,685   20  
    Strip Mall     43,468     —     43,468   0.8       6,210   7  
    Manufacturing     35,274     570     35,844   0.7       1,306   27  
    Groups < 0.70% of total     96,818     4,938     101,756   1.8       1,226   79  
    Total   $ 1,310,882   $ 30,077   $ 1,340,959   24.5 %   $ 2,055   638  
     

    Consumer loans comprise 34.7% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of June 30, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $746.8 million, and the combined total in consumer and other loans represents $1.98 billion, or 36.1% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. The $746.8 million in commitments is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits. As illustrated in the table below, our CCBX partners bring in a large number of mostly smaller dollar loans, resulting in an average consumer loan balance of just $900. CCBX consumer loans are underwritten to CCBX credit standards and underwriting of these loans is regularly tested, including quarterly testing for partners with portfolio balances greater than $10.0 million.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our consumer and other loan portfolio as of June 30, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)     Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans  
    CCBX consumer loans
    Credit cards     $ 533,925   $ 702,611   $ 1,236,536   22.6 %   $ 1.6   337,749  
    Installment loans       671,089     30,817     701,906   12.8       0.8   796,927  
    Lines of credit       676     14     690   0.0       0.9   715  
    Other loans       14,556     —     14,556   0.3       0.1   240,653  
    Community bank consumer loans
    Installment loans       738     2     740   0.0       30.8   24  
    Lines of credit       178     339     517   0.0       5.7   31  
    Other loans       11,314     13,000     24,314   0.4       32.6   347  
    Total     $ 1,232,476   $ 746,783   $ 1,979,259   36.1 %   $ 0.9   1,376,446  
     
    (1)  Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.
     

    Residential real estate loans comprise 12.2% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of June 30, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $557.7 million, which is subject to partner/portfolio maximum limits, and the combined total in residential real estate loans represents $991.3 million, or 18.1% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our residential real estate loan portfolio as of June 30, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans  
    CCBX residential real estate loans
    Home equity line of credit   $ 234,786   $ 509,297   $ 744,083   13.6 %   $ 27   8,735  
    Community bank residential real estate loans
    Closed end, secured by first liens     162,205     1,064     163,269   3.0       554   293  
    Home equity line of credit     30,328     46,270     76,598   1.4       122   249  
    Closed end, second liens     6,311     1,073     7,384   0.1       218   29  
    Total   $ 433,630   $ 557,704   $ 991,334   18.1 %   $ 47   9,306  
     
    (1)  Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits. CCBX home equity lines of credit are limited to a $375.0 million portfolio maximum.
     

    Commercial and industrial loans comprise 10.6% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of June 30, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $527.8 million, and the combined total in commercial and industrial loans represents $903.6 million, or 16.5% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. Included in commercial and industrial loans is $199.7 million in outstanding capital call lines, with an additional $438.4 million in available loan commitments which is limited to a $350.0 million portfolio maximum. Capital call lines are provided to venture capital firms through one of our CCBX BaaS clients. These loans are secured by the capital call rights and are individually underwritten to the Bank’s credit standards and the underwriting is reviewed by the Bank on every capital call line.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial and industrial loan portfolio as of June 30, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans  
    CCBX C&I loans
    Capital call lines   $ 199,675   $ 438,391   $ 638,066   11.6 %   $ 1,597   125  
    Retail and other loans     26,142     23,001     49,143   0.9       9   2,915  
    Community bank C&I loans
    Construction/Contractor services     30,449     32,173     62,622   1.1       154   198  
    Financial institutions     51,768     —     51,768   0.9       4,314   12  
    Medical / Dental / Other care     5,496     3,683     9,179   0.2       423   13  
    Manufacturing     5,325     3,976     9,301   0.2       140   38  
    Groups < 0.20% of total     56,888     26,593     83,481   1.6       228   250  
    Total   $ 375,743   $ 527,817   $ 903,560   16.5 %   $ 106   3,551  
     
    (1) Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.
     

    Construction, land and land development loans comprise 5.5% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of June 30, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $70.0 million, and the combined total in construction, land and land development loans represents $264.2 million, or 4.8% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table details our loan commitment for our construction, land and land development portfolio as of June 30, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans  
    Commercial construction   $ 104,078   $ 48,309   $ 152,387   2.8 %   $ 7,434   14  
    Residential construction     39,831     17,340     57,171   1.0       2,655   15  
    Developed land loans     22,875     604     23,479   0.4       1,271   18  
    Undeveloped land loans     20,067     748     20,815   0.4       1,338   15  
    Land development     7,299     3,048     10,347   0.2       811   9  
    Total   $ 194,150   $ 70,049   $ 264,199   4.8 %   $ 2,735   71  
     

    Exposure and risk in our construction, land and land development portfolio increased compared to recent periods as indicated in the following table:

        Outstanding Balance as of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
    Commercial construction   $ 104,078     $ 96,716     $ 83,216     $ 97,792     $ 110,372  
    Residential construction     39,831       39,375       40,940       35,822       34,652  
    Undeveloped land loans     20,067       16,684       8,665       8,606       8,372  
    Developed land loans     22,875       7,788       8,305       14,863       13,954  
    Land development     7,299       5,988       7,072       5,968       5,714  
    Total   $ 194,150     $ 166,551     $ 148,198     $ 163,051     $ 173,064  
     

    Commitments to extend credit total $1.93 billion at June 30, 2025, however we do not anticipate our customers using the $1.93 billion that is showing as available due to CCBX partner and portfolio limits.

    The following table presents outstanding commitments to extend credit as of June 30, 2025:

    Consolidated    
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   As of June 30, 2025 (1)
    Commitments to extend credit:    
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 89,426  
    Commercial and industrial loans – capital call lines     438,391  
    Construction – commercial real estate loans     52,709  
    Construction – residential real estate loans     17,340  
    Residential real estate loans     557,704  
    Commercial real estate loans     30,077  
    Credit cards     702,611  
    Consumer and other loans     44,172  
    Total commitments to extend credit   $ 1,932,430  
     
    (1) Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.
     

    We have individual CCBX partner portfolio limits with our each of our partners to manage loan concentration risk, liquidity risk, and counter-party partner risk. For example, as of June 30, 2025, capital call lines outstanding balance totaled $199.7 million and, while commitments totaled $438.4 million, the commitments are limited to a maximum of $350.0 million by agreement with the partner. If a CCBX partner goes over their individual limit, it would be a breach of their contract and the Bank may impose penalties and would have the choice to fund or not fund the loan.

    See the table below for CCBX portfolio maximums and related available commitments:

    CCBX                
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   Percent of CCBX loans receivable Available
    Commitments
    (1)
      Maximum Portfolio
    Size
    Cash
    Reserve/Pledge Account Amount
    (2)
    Commercial and industrial loans:            
    Capital call lines   $ 199,675     11.9 % $ 438,391   $ 350,000 $ —  
    All other commercial & industrial loans     26,142     1.6     23,001     471,186   531  
    Real estate loans:                
    Home equity lines of credit (3)     234,786     14.0     509,297     375,000   36,469  
    Consumer and other loans:            
    Credit cards – cash secured     364         —       —  
    Credit cards – unsecured     533,561         702,611       30,827  
    Credit cards – total     533,925     31.8     702,611     850,000   30,827  
    Installment loans – cash secured     128,861         30,817       —  
    Installment loans – unsecured     542,228         —       (38 )
    Installment loans – total     671,089     39.8     30,817     1,818,619   (38 )
    Other consumer and other loans     15,232     0.9     14     5,195   275  
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,680,849     100.0 % $ 1,704,131   $ 3,870,000 $ 68,064  
    Net deferred origination fees     (569 )            
    Loans receivable   $ 1,680,280              
     
    (1) Remaining commitment available, net of outstanding balance.
    (2) Balances are as of July 8, 2025.
    (3) These home equity lines of credit are secured by residential real estate and are accessed by using a credit card, but are classified as 1-4 family residential properties per regulatory guidelines.
     

    APPENDIX B –
    As of June 30, 2025

    CCBX – BaaS Reporting Information

    During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, $31.3 million was recorded in BaaS credit enhancements related to the provision for credit losses – loans and reserve for unfunded commitments for CCBX partner loans and negative deposit accounts. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement provided by the partner which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses. In accordance with accounting guidance, we estimate and record a provision for expected losses for these CCBX loans, unfunded commitments, negative deposit accounts and accrued interest receivable on some CCBX partner loans. When the provision for credit losses – loans and provision for unfunded commitments is recorded, a credit enhancement asset is also recorded on the balance sheet through noninterest income (BaaS credit enhancements) in recognition of the CCBX partner legal commitment to indemnify or reimburse losses. The credit enhancement asset is relieved as credit enhancement payments and recoveries are received from the CCBX partner or taken from the partner’s cash reserve account. Agreements with our CCBX partners also provide protection to the Bank from fraud by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred fraud losses. BaaS fraud includes non-credit fraud losses on loans and deposits originated through partners, generally fraud losses related to loans are comprised primarily of first payment defaults. Fraud losses are recorded when incurred as losses in noninterest expense, and the enhancement received from the CCBX partner is recorded in noninterest income, resulting in a net impact of zero to the income statement. Many CCBX partners also pledge a cash reserve account at the Bank which the Bank can collect from when losses occur that is then replenished by the partner on a regular interval. Although agreements with our CCBX partners provide for credit enhancements that provide protection to the Bank from credit and fraud losses by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred credit and fraud losses, if our partner is unable to fulfill their contracted obligation then the bank would be exposed to additional loan and deposit losses if the cash flows on the loans were not sufficient to fund the reimbursement of loan losses, as a result of this counterparty risk. If a CCBX partner does not replenish their cash reserve account the Bank may consider an alternative plan for funding the cash reserve. This may involve the possibility of adjusting the funding amounts or timelines to better align with the partner’s specific situation. If a mutually agreeable funding plan is not agreed to, the Bank could declare the agreement in default, take over servicing and cease paying the partner for servicing the loan and providing credit enhancements. The Bank would evaluate any remaining credit enhancement asset from the CCBX partner in the event the partner failed to determine if a write-off is appropriate. If a write-off occurs, the Bank would retain the full yield and any fee income on the loan portfolio going forward, and our BaaS loan expense would decrease once default occurred and payments to the CCBX partner were stopped.

    The Bank records contractual interest earned from the borrower on CCBX partner loans in interest income, adjusted for origination costs which are paid or payable to the CCBX partner. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit and fraud enhancements and originating and servicing CCBX loans. To determine net revenue (Net BaaS loan income) earned from CCBX loan relationships, the Bank takes BaaS loan interest income and deducts BaaS loan expense to arrive at Net BaaS loan income (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the preceding section of this earnings release) which can be compared to interest income on the Company’s community bank loans.

    The following table illustrates how CCBX partner loan income and expenses are recorded in the financial statements:

    Loan income and related loan expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    Yield on loans (1)     16.22 %     16.88 %     17.75 %
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 68,264     $ 67,855     $ 60,138  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,483       32,507       29,011  
    Net BaaS loan income (2)   $ 35,781     $ 35,348     $ 31,127  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average BaaS loans (1)(2)     8.50 %     8.79 %     9.19 %
     
    (1) Annualized calculation for quarterly periods shown.
    (2) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the preceding section of this earnings release.
     

    An increase in average CCBX loans receivable resulted in increased interest income on CCBX loans during the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Our strategy is to optimize the CCBX loan portfolio and strengthen our balance sheet through originating higher quality new loans with enhanced credit standards. These higher quality loans tend to have lower stated rates and expected losses than some of our CCBX loans historically. Current loan sales and new loan growth are at more similar interest rates compared to prior periods when we were selling loans with higher risk and higher interest rates and replacing them with higher quality lower interest rate loans. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio and also generate off balance sheet fee income. Growth in CCBX loans has resulted in an increase in interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    The following tables are a summary of the interest components, direct fees and expenses of BaaS for the periods indicated and are not inclusive of all income and expense related to BaaS.

    Interest income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    Loan interest income   $ 68,264     $ 67,855     $ 60,138  
    Total BaaS interest income   $ 68,264     $ 67,855     $ 60,138  
    Interest expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    BaaS interest expense   $ 23,617     $ 21,581     $ 24,119  
    Total BaaS interest expense   $ 23,617     $ 21,581     $ 24,119  
    BaaS income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   June 30,
    2025
      March 31,
    2025
      June 30,
    2024
    BaaS program income:            
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   $ 1,539   $ 1,419   $ 1,525  
    Transaction and interchange fees     5,109     3,833     2,934  
    Reimbursement of expenses     646     1,026     857  
    Total BaaS program income     7,294     6,278     5,316  
    BaaS indemnification income:            
    BaaS credit enhancements     31,268     53,648     60,826  
    BaaS fraud enhancements     2,804     1,993     1,784  
    BaaS indemnification income     34,072     55,641     62,610  
    Total noninterest BaaS income   $ 41,366   $ 61,919   $ 67,926  
     

    Servicing and other BaaS fees increased $120,000 and transaction and interchange fees increased $1.3 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025. We expect servicing and other BaaS fees to be higher when we are bringing new partners on and then to decrease when transaction and interchange fees increase as partner activity grows and contracted minimum fees are replaced with these recurring fees when they exceed the minimum fees. Increases in BaaS reimbursement of fees offsets increases in noninterest expense from BaaS expenses covered by CCBX partners. Transaction and interchange fees for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 includes $504,000 in nonrecurring revenue.

    BaaS loan and fraud expense:   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)     June 30,
    2025
          March 31,
    2025
          June 30,
    2024
     
    BaaS loan expense   $ 32,483     $ 32,507     $ 29,011  
    BaaS fraud expense     2,804       1,993       1,784  
    Total BaaS loan and fraud expense   $ 35,287     $ 34,500     $ 30,795  
     

    Infographics accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d139571-0367-4331-b052-e1609dd3796f
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fef1877-3f7a-47cc-99fa-0bcdfb00de42

    The MIL Network –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: ECB to adapt collateral framework to address climate-related transition risks

    Source: European Central Bank

    29 July 2025

    • Climate factor to protect Eurosystem against potential decline in value of collateral in event of adverse climate-related transition shocks
    • Measure to address forward-looking climate-related uncertainties, enhancing resilience of Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation
    • Measure to apply to marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations, taking effect in second half of 2026

    The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to introduce a new measure within the collateral framework to better manage financial risks related to the climate crisis.

    The value of collateral from counterparties in the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations is sensitive to climate change-related uncertainties. Since the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations are a key instrument in maintaining price stability, the Governing Council has decided to introduce a “climate factor” which could reduce the value assigned to eligible assets pledged as collateral, depending on the extent to which an asset can be impacted by these uncertainties. This acts as a buffer against the possible financial impact of uncertainties related to climate change. It will complement the Eurosystem’s existing risk management toolbox by considering forward-looking climate scenario analyses and therefore improve the resilience of the Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation. The calibration of the measure will preserve adequate collateral availability.

    The Governing Council has decided to introduce the climate factor focusing on marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations as well as their affiliated entities, and adverse events specifically associated with the green transition. The climate factor will apply to individual assets and its calibration will take into account sector-level data of non-financial corporation bonds in the 2024 climate stress test of the Eurosystem’s balance sheet[1], the issuer’s CSPP climate score and the asset’s residual maturity.

    This measure is due to be implemented in the second half of 2026. It will be regularly reviewed by the Governing Council to reflect the increasing availability of data and models, as well as relevant regulatory developments and advances in risk assessment capabilities.

    For media queries, please contact Clara Martín Marqués, tel.: +49 69 1344 17919.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 30, 2025
  • India’s digital payments index rises sharply to 493.22, says RBI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Signalling India’s accelerating digital payments revolution, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday announced that its Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) surged to 493.22 in March 2025, up from 465.33 in September 2024.

    The RBI-DPI, introduced in January 2021 with March 2018 as the base period set at 100, is designed to track the extent of digitalisation in payments across the country. The consistent upward trend reflects India’s rapid adoption of digital payment systems, spanning both urban and rural areas.

    According to the RBI, the latest increase is primarily driven by improvements in Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors – and Payment Performance. These include an expanded merchant acceptance network, wider adoption of QR code-based payments, robust growth in Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, and improved availability of digital banking services nationwide.

    This upward momentum highlights a broader transformation in the country’s payments ecosystem, supported by government initiatives such as Digital India, growing smartphone penetration, and active fintech innovation.

    The RBI-DPI has shown steady growth since its inception. In March 2019, it stood at 153.47, rising to 207.84 by March 2020. By March 2022, the index had reached 349.30 – a more than threefold increase from the base year.

    It continued to rise, recording 445.50 in March 2024 and 465.33 by September 2024. The current level of 493.22 in March 2025 marks a more than fourfold increase in digital payment activity since 2018.

    As India moves closer to becoming a digital economy, the RBI-DPI is expected to play a crucial role in policy formulation and benchmarking progress. The latest surge also comes as a positive sign amid global concerns about digital inequality and access to financial services.

    (ANI)

     

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Baker Hughes to Acquire Chart Industries, Accelerating Energy & Industrial Technology Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Significant step high-grades the portfolio and adds value accretive customer offerings, transforms Baker Hughes’ Industrial & Energy Technology segment
    • Chart Industries brings differentiated capabilities across a diverse set of end markets advantaged by secular growth drivers such as natural gas, data centers and decarbonization
    • Highly complementary capabilities enable enhanced value-creation solutions for customers across the lifecycle of projects and accelerate aftermarket growth through increased service penetration of combined installed base
    • $325 million in annualized cost synergies expected to be realized at end of third year
    • Compelling financial impact, as it is accretive to growth, margins, EPS and cash flow
    • Baker Hughes to host conference call today to discuss the transaction at 8:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. CT

    HOUSTON and LONDON and ATLANTA, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) and Chart Industries (NYSE: GTLS) (“Chart”) announced Tuesday they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Baker Hughes will acquire all outstanding shares of Chart’s common stock for $210 per share in cash, equivalent to a total enterprise value of $13.6 billion.

    Chart is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of process technologies and equipment for gas and liquid molecule handling across a broad range of industrial and energy end markets. Chart’s highly differentiated products and solutions are used in every phase of the liquid gas supply chain, from engineering and design to installation, preventative maintenance to repair and service, as well as ongoing digital monitoring. A technology leader in its markets, Chart generated $4.2 billion in revenue and $1.0 billion adjusted EBITDA in 2024. It operates 65 manufacturing locations with over 50 service centers globally.

    “This acquisition is a milestone for Baker Hughes and a testament to our strong financial execution and strategic focus as we continue to define our position as a leading energy and industrial technology company,” said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli. “We know Chart well, having worked alongside them on many critical energy infrastructure projects. Their products and services are highly complementary to our offerings and strongly aligned with our intent to deliver distinctive and efficient end-to-end lifecycle solutions for our customers across their most critical applications. The combination positions Baker Hughes to be a technology leader that can provide engineering and technology expertise to meet the growing demand for lower-carbon, efficient energy and industrial solutions across attractive growth markets such as LNG, data centers and New Energy.

    “The acquisition also delivers compelling financial returns for our shareholders. Adding this high-growth, high-margin business to our Industrial & Energy Technology segment will deliver strong earnings accretion and returns, contributing to an improved growth and margin profile,” Simonelli said. “We look forward to welcoming Chart into the Baker Hughes organization and, together, achieving even greater success and driving long-term value for shareholders.”

    “This all-cash transaction with Baker Hughes delivers immediate value to Chart shareholders,” said Chart President and CEO Jill Evanko. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our global OneChart team, we have successfully built a product and solution portfolio that spans front-end engineering design through aftermarket services. The Baker Hughes team shares our engineering-focused culture and commitment to operational excellence. Our complementary solutions fit seamlessly with Baker Hughes’ Industrial & Energy Technology segment, and together we can help our customers solve the most critical energy access and sustainability needs. Our Board is proud to deliver this outcome to our shareholders.”

    Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits

    • Advances Baker Hughes’ Strategic Vision to be an Energy & Industrial Technology Leader: Chart and Baker Hughes together bring a highly differentiated set of capabilities to solve complex energy challenges and support customers’ sustainability goals – positioning the combined company as a leader in a lower-carbon, more resource-efficient future.
    • Expands Baker Hughes’ Offerings in Attractive Growth Markets: Chart’s offering is well positioned to deepen Baker Hughes’ exposure to attractive high-growth markets, including data centers, space and New Energy. The acquisition also broadens Baker Hughes’ exposure to more durable industrial sectors including industrial gas, metals and mining, and food and beverage, significantly increasing Baker Hughes’ addressable market and through-cycle growth potential.
    • Complementary Product Capabilities: Each company has distinctive products and solutions that together improve customer value proposition. Baker Hughes’ core competencies in rotating equipment, flow control and digital technology pair well with Chart’s competencies in heat transfer, air and gas handling, and process technologies.
    • Strengthens Baker Hughes’ Lifecycle Revenue Mix: The combined company will have a large and structurally growing installed base creating opportunities to drive growth in high-value aftermarket products and services, as well as digital services using Chart’s Uptime digital platform. Baker Hughes’ expansive service footprint is expected to increase service rates for Chart’s installed base driving more profitable, recurring revenue across the combined portfolio.
    • Delivers Substantial Synergies: Baker Hughes has identified $325 million of annualized cost synergy opportunities by the end of year three. Baker Hughes intends to drive productivity improvements by leveraging Baker Hughes’ scale in manufacturing and consolidating the companies’ supply chains, as well as optimizing costs across the SG&A and R&D functions. Baker Hughes’ confidence in realizing these synergies is supported by the continued success of its business system, a key driver of IET margin expansion over the past three years.
    • Attractive Financial Profile and Returns for Shareholders: The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to growth, margins and cash flow, with double-digit EPS accretion in the first full year after the transaction closes. Chart’s differentiated position in attractive and growing markets is expected to deliver sustainable underlying growth that will be accretive to Baker Hughes’ through-cycle growth profile. The combination of strong growth, attractive margins and the synergy potential to expand operating margins meet all of Baker Hughes’ return criteria, including double-digit ROIC.

    Transaction Details & Approvals
    Under the terms of the agreement, Chart shareholders will receive $210 per share of common stock in cash. The purchase price represents an enterprise value of $13.6 billion, and a multiple of ~9x Chart Consensus 2025 EBITDA on a fully synergized basis.

    Baker Hughes has secured fully committed bridge debt financing to fund the transaction, provided by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., which is expected to be replaced with permanent debt financing prior to close. Baker Hughes remains committed to maintaining its A credit rating and will use its strong free cash flow and expected divestiture proceeds to support debt reduction while maintaining, and growing over time, its strong dividend. Baker Hughes projects net leverage at close will be 2.25x and will de-lever to 1.0-1.5x net leverage within 24 months after close. Flexibility will be maintained on share repurchases until leverage reaches the 1.0-1.5x target, after which Baker Hughes intends to return 60-80% of FCF to shareholders.

    The Boards of Directors of Baker Hughes and Chart have each unanimously approved the transaction, and the Chart Board of Directors has unanimously recommended that Chart shareholders approve the transaction. The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including approval by Chart shareholders, and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed by mid-year 2026.

    Advisers
    Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Centerview Partners LLC, and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisers to Baker Hughes, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, and WilmerHale are serving as legal advisers. Wells Fargo is serving as financial adviser to Chart, and Winston & Strawn is serving as legal adviser.

    Investor Conference Call and Presentation
    Baker Hughes will host a conference call to discuss the transaction on July 29 at 8:30 a.m. ET, 7:30 a.m. CT. The conference call will be broadcast live via a webcast and can be accessed by visiting the Events and Presentations page on the company’s website at: investors.bakerhughes.com. Those who wish to dial in may call 1-800-343-1703 (U.S.) or 1-785-424-1226 (international) and enter passcode 52472. An archived version of the webcast will be available on the website for one month following the webcast.

    About Baker Hughes
    Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com

    About Chart Industries, Inc.
    Chart Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of process technologies and equipment for gas and liquid molecule handling for the Nexus of Clean™ – clean power, clean water, clean food, and clean industrials, regardless of molecule. The company’s unique product and solution portfolio across stationary and rotating equipment is used in every phase of the liquid gas supply chain, including engineering, service and repair and from installation to preventive maintenance and digital monitoring. Chart is a leading provider of technology, equipment and services related to liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, biogas and CO2 capture amongst other applications. Chart is committed to excellence in environmental, social and corporate governance issues both for its company as well as its customers. With 64 global manufacturing locations and over 50 service centers from the United States to Asia, Australia, India, Europe and South America, the company maintains accountability and transparency to its team members, suppliers, customers and communities. To learn more, visit www.chartindustries.com.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Relations

    Baker Hughes
    Adrienne M. Lynch
    +1 713-906-8407
    adrienne.lynch@bakerhughes.com

    Chart Industries
    Jim Golden / Jude Gorman / Jack Kelleher
    Collected Strategies
    Chart-CS@collectedstrategies.com

    Investor Relations

    Baker Hughes
    Chase Mulvehill
    +1 346-297-2561
    investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

    Chart Industries
    John Walsh
    1-770-721-8899
    john.walsh@chartindustries.com

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (each a “forward-looking statement”). All statements, other than historical facts, including statements regarding the presentation of Baker Hughes’ operations in future reports and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements concern future circumstances and results and other statements that are not historical facts and are sometimes identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “would,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target,” “goal” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to: Baker Hughes’ ability to consummate the proposed transaction with Chart (the “Proposed Transaction”); Baker Hughes and Chart obtaining the regulatory approvals required for the Proposed Transaction on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule or at all; the failure to satisfy other conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction, including the receipt of Chart stockholder approval; Baker Hughes’ ability to finance the Proposed Transaction; Baker Hughes’ indebtedness, including the substantial indebtedness Baker Hughes expects to incur in connection with the Proposed Transaction and the need to generate sufficient cash flows to service and repay such debt; the possibility that Baker Hughes may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies from the Proposed Transaction within the expected time-frames or at all and to successfully integrate Chart’s operations with those of Baker Hughes; such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in retaining or maintaining relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected following the Proposed Transaction or the public announcement of the Proposed Transaction; Baker Hughes and Chart being subject to competition and increased competition is expected in the future; general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected; the potential for litigation related to the Proposed Transaction. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, the risk factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of Part 1 of Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 4, 2025, and those set forth from time-to-time in other filings by Baker Hughes with the SEC. Additional risks that may affect Chart’s results of operations are identified in the “Risk Factors” section of Part 1 of Item 1A of Chart’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, and those set forth from time-to-time in other filings by Chart with the SEC. These documents are available through our website or through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval (EDGAR) system at http://www.sec.gov.

    Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Neither Baker Hughes nor Chart undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or developments, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Important Additional Information

    This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger transaction between Chart and Baker Hughes. In connection therewith, Chart intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a proxy statement of Chart (the “proxy statement”) that will be mailed to Chart stockholders seeking their approval of its transaction-related proposals. However, such documents are not currently available. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR ANY INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other documents containing important information about each of Chart and Baker Hughes, once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Chart will be available free of charge on Chart’s website at ir.chartindustries.com.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Chart and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Chart’s stockholders in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Chart’s directors and executive officers, including a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in Chart’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, and its proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 8, 2025. To the extent holdings of Chart’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in Chart’s 2025 proxy statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 or Annual Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5 subsequently filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed merger transaction will be included in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. These documents (when available) can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

    The MIL Network –

    July 30, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – WA continues its streak as Australia’s strongest economic performer: CommSec State of the States – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    Strong retail and business investment keep WA on top, while anticipated rate cuts could eventually support a lift in performance for NSW and Victoria.

    Western Australia has once again claimed the top spot in the latest CommSec State of the States report, leading the nation’s economic performance rankings for a fourth consecutive quarter.

    South Australia also began 2025 with a bang, climbing from fourth to second, driven by solid gains across several key indicators.

    The State of the States report determines which Australian state or territory economy is performing best by tracking eight key economic indicators and comparing the latest observation with decade averages (or the “normal”).

    “Western Australia led across several economic measures, taking first place in retail trade, housing finance, and business investment. Meanwhile South Australia ranks first on two indicators – construction work and dwelling starts,” Chief CommSec Economist Ryan Felsman said.

    “Overall, the economic performance of Australia’s states and territories is being supported by a combination of slowing inflation, falling interest rates, rising real wages, robust government spending and a solid labour market.

    “But economic growth has moderated, held back by slowing public investment, population growth and household spending. The future path will depend on the resiliency of the job market, further interest rate cuts and US President Donald Trump’s trade policies.”

    In the July 2025 edition of the State of the States:

    Western Australia leads the national performance rankings for the fourth successive report. The state is ranked first on three of the eight economic indicators – retail trade, housing finance and equipment spending.

    South Australia has jumped to second from fourth after a strong start to 2025, with a pickup in consumer spending and business investment. South Australia now leads other economies on dwelling starts and construction work done, lifting from second spot in the previous quarter.

    Queensland stays third, ranking second on relative unemployment and housing finance, but consumer activity in the southeast of the state was disrupted in the March quarter by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

    Victoria dropped from second to fourth place. The state is in third spot on four indicators but is held back by weakness in relative unemployment. Victoria stays in second spot for retail spending with it being 10 per cent above its ‘normal’ levels or the decade average.

    Tasmania is steady in fifth place – ranking first on relative unemployment, with the trend jobless rate at a record low 3.8 per cent in June. But the state is held back by relative population growth, which is at the weakest level in nearly a decade.

    New South Wales slips back to sixth from equal fifth position due to a delayed transition from public to private sector led growth, while the ACT joins NSW in sixth, ranking first on relative economic growth, constrained by more modest public demand and weak business investment

    The Northern Territory stays in eighth place despite strength in relative population growth. The decade-average method of assessing economic performance disadvantages the Top End given significant LNG construction over 2012–18 inflated a range of economic indicators. That said, the Territory has lifted its economic performance in the past 12 months.

    Annual growth rates

    The State of the States report also compares the annual growth rates across the eight major indicators, enabling comparisons in terms of more recent economic momentum. This quarter’s report revealed:

    • The commodities and tourism-focused state of Western Australia continues to outperform the rest of the nation, also ranking first on four of the eight key economic indicators. Population growth is particularly strong.
    • South Australia is the big improver, also jumping to second from fourth spot, supported by a pick-up in consumer spending, business investment and construction activity.
    • The Northern Territory lifts from fifth to third due to robust growth in business investment and construction activity.
    • Queensland slips to fourth from second following a fall in coal and agricultural exports caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
    • Victoria dips from third to fifth despite above-average net overseas migration, supporting household spending.
    • New South Wales joins Victoria in fifth, up from sixth, with Sydney’s heavily mortgaged households benefiting from interest rate cuts.
    • The ACT (seventh) and Tasmania (eighth) are both being held back by weakness in private sector investment.

    About the CommSec State of the States Report

    The July 2025 edition of the State of the States report uses the most recent economic data available. While population growth data relates to the December quarter of 2024, other data – such as unemployment – is much timelier, covering the month of June 2025, with the majority of the other indicators using March quarter of 2025 figures.

    CommSec, the self-directed broking arm of Australia’s largest bank, assesses the performance of each state and territory on a quarterly basis using eight key indicators. Those indicators include economic growth, retail spending, equipment investment, unemployment, construction work done, population growth, housing finance and dwelling commencements.

    Just as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) uses long-term averages to determine the level of “normal” interest rates, CommSec compares the key indicators to decade averages; that is, against “normal” performance.

    CommSec also compares annual growth rates for eight key indicators for all states and territories, in addition to Australia as a whole, enabling a comparison of economic momentum.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    July 28, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Keith Rankin Analysis – Representation versus Reality; Reaching a Low Point

    Analysis by Keith Rankin.

    Keith Rankin, trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

    Have you noticed how, in New Zealand news items and weather reports, Nelson and Marlborough are called the “top” of the South Island rather than the ‘north’ of that island. We also get phrases such as the “lower North Island” and the “upper North Island”. And New Zealand’s narrators regularly refer to New Zealand as being at the “bottom of the world”.

    These phrases reference the (conventionally portrayed) map of the world, not the world itself. Rotate the map 180°. Nelson-Marlborough will still be the north of the South Island. But they will now be at the bottom of the top island! (And noting that the Roof of the World is the Tibetan Himalayas, not the North Pole. The South Island is at a higher latitude than the North Island; eg 44°S rather than 38°S. And Upper Egypt is south of – lower than? – Lower Egypt.)

    Another really annoying aspect of a similar problem – in this case, the problem of colloquial jargon – is the propensity of financial journalists to refer to ‘up’ as ‘north’, as in “the stockmarket is heading north”. An even more egregious example I heard on RNZ on 29 May (Reserve Bank cuts OCR 25 basis points) was the Acting Reserve Bank Governor (Christian Hawkesby) referring to the ‘North Star’ as the ‘target’ of arcane monetary policy. Especially problematic was when he said “if you knew your North Star was much further south”. A bit ‘woo woo’ new age, if you get my meaning. Is the Reserve Bank trying to navigate the stormy seas where myth and reality meet, as in the search for Moby Dick? (Irish navigators 4,000 years ago could always return from a trip to Spain by following the North Star. Being in the ‘lower world’, Maui and Kupe faced more complex problems.)

    Does the Reserve Bank make policy decisions based on Tarot Cards? Indeed, astrology did guide policy formation for most of human history.

    The lesser problem is that ‘bottom’ has a pejorative meaning; a meaning that has been transferred to the word ‘south’ (which means ‘poor’ in the label ‘Global South’). The more substantive problem is the diminishing ability of ‘modern man’ (or at least homo sapiens in the Global North) to think abstractly. A diminishing abstract capacity allows us to conflate the reality of the planet Earth with its representation in the form of a map. And once too many of us see the representation as the same thing as the reality, the ongoing repetition of that framed construct self-reinforces; we give in to the narrative for the sake of mental peace and quiet. The imputed ‘reality’ of the conventional map becomes hard-wired; the map becomes reality, hardware rather than software.

    Other examples of incongruent representation follow.

    Knowledge Rich

    ‘Knowledge rich’ is a label that doesn’t match the package; refer Govt’s curriculum changes come under fire RNZ 22 July 2025. The phrase ‘knowledge rich’ appears to be an example of vacuous bureaucratic weasel words, to use a bit of idiomatic anti-jargon; a label useless except for obfuscation purposes. We would expect that the term ‘knowledge rich’ would mean something like ’emphasising the acquisition of knowledge’; ie the more understanding of reality the better.

    When asked to define ‘knowledge rich’, the senior bureaucrat interviewee said in that RNZ interview: “really well-structured, clear content, the things that we want young people to know [my emphasis] and the things [skills?] that we want them to know how to do; we want them to learn … in nice sequential and … coherent learning pathway… structured ways … and that teachers need clarity on what needs to be taught and what students should be learning at any particular point on the pathway”. That’s actually reasonably clear for a bureaucrat put on the spot, but it’s not in any way the meaning of ‘knowledge rich’. This definition is about structure and constrained knowledge acquisition; it’s about young people learning what the state wants them to learn, only what the state wants them to learn, and in the ways the state wants them to learn. The label contradicts the reality, possibly with political intent.

    A Humanitarian City

    The Israeli government has rightly been described as ‘Machiavellian’ (refer Machiavelli) when it represents its planned concentration zone in Rafah (Southern Gaza) as a ‘Humanitarian City’. (Refer ‘Humanitarian city’ would be concentration camp for Palestinians, says former Israeli PM, The Guardian, 13 July 2025; and Israel turning Gaza into ‘graveyard of children and starving’: UNRWA chief, Al Jazeera News, 11 July 2025. And the new Israeli-American terror unit operating in Gaza is masquerading as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation; refer What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and why has it been criticised? Al Jazeera explainer, 20 May 2025.

    It is clear that the Israeli government is exploiting the increased naivete of the western news audience; a state of entrenched naivety that – as noted above – has become hard-wired in too many of our brains, thanks to the ongoing use of language which presents representation as reality.

    We should also note that, in Germany in the 1930s, Adolf Hitler was able to gain a groundswell of popular support through his representation of Jews as cunning and Machiavellian disrupters; it does not serve Israel well for their present-day leaders to give any semblance of support to Hitler’s portrayal.

    Holocaust

    Through a relentless multi-decade campaign, it has become hard-wired into too many western brains that there was little more to World War Two than The Holocaust; ie that WW2 was essentially a battle between ‘Hitler’ and ‘The Jews’, and that it was resolved by white knights in the form of Churchill and Roosevelt and Truman coming to the rescue – albeit too late – by dealing to Hitler and giving (as compensation) Palestine to The Jews. In the process, most other narratives in that war are by now largely forgotten.

    World War Two was of course far more complex. Further, the label Holocaust is an inaccurate portrayal of those catastrophic events. One strength of the English language is its capacity to borrow from other languages. The correct label for this greatest of catastrophes should be that from the victims’ own language; their label, the Shoah. The word holocaust, correctly used, has connotations of fire and brimstone (especially raining from the sky); the best-known biblical example being the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ‘documented’ in Genesis. We may note that part of the divine and the diabolical intents of both the biblical holocaust and of the Shoah was to eradicate homosexuals. World War Two has a number of ready-made examples of true holocausts; many perpetrated by the Allies, starting with Operation Gomorrah which incinerated Hamburg in 1943, and ending with the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945.

    The Holocaust obscures the holocausts, and much else. Inadequate representation indeed misrepresents the Shoah as a biblical spectacle, whereas it was really a coldly cynical mix of operations conducted in the then shadows. Was the Shoah a bigger catastrophe than Gomorrah? Probably yes.

    Genocide and Terrorism

    Earlier in the 2020s, people such as Paula Penfold and Liz Truss tried to represent the Chinese government’s persecution of the East Turkestan (aka Xinjiang) Uyghurs as “genocide”. They were ‘weaponising’ the g-word, part of a wider cross-partisan opportunity to demonise China during the Covid19 pandemic.

    In the light of recent events in the Levant, an obvious and unmistakeable genocide which too many people refrain from calling a ‘genocide’, those anti-China representations look rather silly.

    It is perfectly possible that people using the same identity label can be both victims of genocide and perpetrators of genocide; most likely at different places in different times. Most petty of all, this ‘is it a genocide?’ has become an elitist word-game. Anyone who thinks that if what is happening in Palestine does not meet some English-language definition of ‘genocide’ is morally bound to come up with an alternative word or phrase – presumably a somethingelse-icide – that more accurately conveys their assessment. Myself, I think that these events may be even more than a genocide; such as philosopher historian AC Grayling’s term culturicide (from Among the Dead Cities) which expresses what – for example, the Morgenthau Plan – looked to impose on post-war Germany (seeking to reduce Germany, with a pre-war population of 80 million to an impoverished ‘pastoral’ nation of 30 million). Cultural erasure is more than genocide.

    Genocide is an unfortunate reality, a human propensity which has occurred in the past, is occurring in the present, and will occur periodically (unless finished by the ‘final genocide’, or biocide) in the future. Trying to weasel our way around it through an absence of language is a trait which has hard-wired itself, through denial and distractive fig-leaves, into elite cultures of complicity and impunity.

    Another such word is ‘terrorism’. Winston Churchill and his bomber commander Arthur Harris had no doubt about the meaning of that word. So did the victims of their fiery terror, in Hamburg and many other cities. Now the representation of ‘terror’ through this word is restricted to a selected subset of resistance organisations. Winston Churchill understood that meaning of ‘terrorism’, too. His friend – Walter Guinness, 1st Baron Moyne – was assassinated in Cairo by fascist Lehi terrorists. (Re Lehi, see Stern: The Man, the Gang and the State, Al Jazeera 13 Aug 2024.)

    Appeasement

    This word may be used improperly, as a damaging misrepresentation of a political opponent, or avoided when it is most needed. (Grayling, in Among the Dead Cities, concludes that the Churchill/Harris holocausts on German cities, were in large part an ineffective appeasement of Josef Stalin.)

    Here’s a correct recent use of the a-word: “With such uncontrolled power and aggressive posture, it seems Israel is seeking submission [in Syria and the rest of the ‘Middle East’ region]. The Trump administration’s approach of solving crises by appeasing Israel will entrench this doctrine and push the region into further instability.” (Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman in lieu of Al Jazeera ban by Israel, Al Jazeera News, about 8:05am NZ time, 20 July 2025. She ‘hit the nail on the head’.)

    Could someone who has been represented as an ‘appeaser’ ever be a justifiable winner of a Nobel Peace Prize? I think the answer is a ‘qualified yes’; just as good fishers sometimes have to appease their quarry before reeling them in. But, I think, neither an appeaser of Netanyahu nor Stalin could qualify for that prize.

    In reality, appeasement has to be done sometimes. New Zealand dairy owners have been routinely asked to appease violent robbers. And, in the movies, when someone points a gun at someone and says “hands up”, the victim almost always appeases the gunner, regardless of their moral position.

    ‘Appeasement’ is a representation that’s both underused and overused; a representation designed to construct a deception. If we cannot distinguish between representation and reality, label and labelled, then we stand to become victims to all kinds of mischievous narratives.

    Cost of Living

    The Government and the Opposition both frame the alleged “cost of living crisis” as a problem of inflation rather than deflation. Indeed, the linguistic minefield around economic policy is so problematic that a whole separate article is required to examine it.

    The key issue for us here is that the ‘cost-of-living’ framing – ie representation – in government circles is that the economy must be in an inflationary phase and therefore a deflationary policy is required. However, when the New Zealand public complain about the ‘cost-of-living’ they are saying that prices are too high compared to their incomes; it’s an ‘affordability crisis’, not an inflationary crisis. And clearly the deflationary retrenchment policies – meaning policies to slow the economy down, to instigate a recession – pursued by the government are a critical part of the problem. The government’s solution is to represent its actual class-war anti-growth policies as ‘pro-growth’ policies. And the Labour Opposition completely falls for the way the government frames New Zealand’s structural recession as a ‘cost-of-living’ crisis.

    At present, New Zealand has near-record-high (north!?) ‘terms of trade’, only slightly below the record highs of 2022. New Zealand’s terms of trade are now 50% higher than they were in 2000, and nearly 100% higher than the dramatic lows of the mid-1970s and early 1980s. As when Brian Easton wrote In Stormy Seas: The Post-War New Zealand Economy in 1997, the terms of trade represented the stormy waves, some bigger than others; and the favourable crests of those waves were when New Zealand expected (and generally got) economic good times. The troughs during the Muldoon years – not Robert Muldoon’s fault; he never had the power to shift the tides of a stormy world – were very difficult times for Aotearoa New Zealand. In these terms the twenty-first century has been the ‘best of times’ for New Zealand, and the 2020s the ‘very best of times’. Yet they are also the ‘worst of times’, to reference Charles Dickens. (Many of our most potent truths come from literature.)

    New Zealand, like other countries, has experienced economic cycles and economic shocks. Through my lifetime one consistent cycle has been the short ‘trade-cycle’, on average about 32 months. We are near the crest of that cycle now. The last quarterly growth peak, September 2022, led to an annual growth peak of 4% in the year-to June 2023. Based on the usual timing of the trade cycle, June 2025 will be the next quarterly peak. It will not be pretty, if that will be the best GDP data that we get on this government’s watch. Any positivity when the next GDP figures are released in September, in colloquial jargon, may be characterised as a ‘dead-cat bounce’.

    The government is undertaking structural retrenchment under the cover of a ‘cost-of-living crisis’ that means very different things to different people. Insinuating that New Zealand has a crisis of inflation – taken as a synonym for ‘overspending’ – when it has a very real crisis of structural recession and growing unemployment, is a particularly cynical misrepresentation of reality.

    Conclusion

    We too easily fall for these misrepresentations of reality; for representations that, in our minds, become a reality like treacle; sets of overlayed representations which play tricks on our minds. That makes us, and our political Opposition parties, quite unable to form coherent critiques of the too many misrepresented and problematic things that are happening to us.

    In New Zealand, although we are allegedly at the ‘bottom of the world’, in the Far Southeast (fortunately not in the incorrectly named ‘Middle East’!). We also pride ourselves as being in the West and in the Global North. What is genuinely true is that Aotearoa New Zealand is geographically very far from most of the rest of humanity. We could use that birds-eye bottom-of-the-world detached perspective to see past the labels, the frames, the self-serving narratives. We don’t have to play ‘silly buggers’ when the rest of the world is so-doing; we can cut through the ‘bullshit’, to use some more colloquial jargon. We can be the North Star of the South.

    1. With escalating geopolitical wars, and plenty of undertested nuclear weapons in the hands of numerous political sociopaths, being at ‘the bottom of the world’ may not be such a great place to be. All of us of a certain age remember British, American, and French nuclear testing in Oceania. Some, a bit older, remember nuclear testing in Japan.

    *******

    Keith Rankin (keith at rankin dot nz), trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 28, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN warns of ‘catastrophic hunger’ in Gaza as Israel announces humanitarian pauses

    Source: United Nations 2

    But as starvation tightens its grip and “children are dying before our eyes,” UN officials and aid workers warn that the measures fall far short of the much-needed ceasefire and unfettered aid access that could help stem the spiralling humanitarian catastrophe.

    “Welcome announcement of humanitarian pauses in Gaza to allow our aid through,” UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said on X. “In contact with our teams on the ground who will do all we can to reach as many starving people as we can in this window.”

    In a statement later issued later by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, which Mr. Fletcher heads up, he added that some movement restrictions appear to have been eased today, with initial reports indicating that over 100 truckloads were collected.

    “This is progress, but vast amounts of aid are needed to stave off famine and a catastrophic health crisis. Across the UN agencies and humanitarian community, we are mobilized to save as many lives as we can, he said, but called for “sustained action, and fast”, including quicker clearances for convoys going to the crossing and dispatching into Gaza.

    “Ultimately of course we don’t just need a pause – we need a permanent ceasefire,” stated Mr. Fletcher, who emphasized: “The world is calling for this lifesaving aid to get through. We won’t stop working for that.”

    Also reacting via X, UNICEF said: “This is an opportunity to begin to reverse this catastrophe and save lives.”

    According to the agency, since the collapse of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in March, children have been trapped in a nightmare and deprived of the basics to survive.

    “The entire population of over two million people in Gaza is severely food insecure. One out of every three people has not eaten for days, and 80 per cent of all reported deaths by starvation are children,” the agency continued.

    UNICEF emphasized that while it has never stopped delivering, “we can do a lot more if additional designated humanitarian corridors are created to facilitate the movement of our convoys – as well as commercial trucks, which are essential.”

    ‘A lifeline – if upheld and expanded’

    The UN World Food Programme (WFP) also welcomed Israel’s announcement and its intent to open designated corridors for aid convoys in Gaza, “where hunger has reached catastrophic levels.”

    With nearly half a million people facing famine-like conditions and a third of the population going days without food, WFP said in a press statement that the measures could offer a lifeline – if upheld and expanded.

    Despite recent deliveries, including 350 truckloads last week, aid workers continue to face extreme risks and logistical hurdles. WFP said it has enough food stockpiled or en route to feed Gaza’s 2.1 million residents for three months, but without a ceasefire and consistent access, the scale of need far outpaces current efforts.

    “An agreed ceasefire is the only way to reach everyone,” the agency stressed, calling for predictable and safe conditions to prevent further loss of life.

    ‘An entirely preventable crisis’

    At the same time, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned that malnutrition in Gaza is spiralling out of control, with a sharp rise in deaths – most of them in July – marking what it calls a “dangerous trajectory.”

    Of the 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded this year, 63 occurred this month alone, including 24 children under five. Many died before reaching medical care, their bodies showing signs of severe wasting.

    “This crisis is entirely preventable,” WHO said in a press release, citing the deliberate obstruction of aid for the mounting toll.

    Children are bearing the brunt. Over 5,000 children have already been treated for malnutrition in July, many with the most life-threatening form. But Gaza’s four specialized treatment centers are overwhelmed, running low on fuel and supplies, and staffed by exhausted health workers.

    “The health system is on the brink,” WHO warned, as disease spreads rapidly through communities with no clean water or sanitation.

    The crisis is also devastating pregnant and breastfeeding women, over 40 per cent of whom are now severely malnourished. And it’s not just hunger that’s killing people—it’s the desperate search for food, according to WHO.

    Since late May, more than 1,000 people have been killed and over 7,000 injured while trying to access aid. WHO is calling for an immediate ceasefire and a sustained surge of diverse, nutritious food and medical supplies.

    “This flow must remain consistent and unhindered,” the agency said, urging protection for civilians, health workers, and humanitarian operations.

    ‘The world will judge this conference’

    Looking ahead to the High-Level Conference on Palestine set to open on Monday at UN Headquarters in New York, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a strong call for immediate action to end Israel’s unlawful occupation and the ongoing devastation in Gaza.

    “Countries that fail to use their leverage may be complicit in international crimes,” Volker Türk warned in a statement, urging governments to seize the moment for concrete measures that pressure Israel to halt the carnage and recommit to a two-state solution.

    The UN rights chief described Gaza as a “dystopian landscape of deadly attacks and total destruction,” where children are starving and families are being killed in their search for food. The militarized aid distribution system, supported by the US and Israel, is failing to meet the scale of need.

    “We can never forget that more than 300 of our own colleagues have been killed,” he added.

    Moreover, in the occupied West Bank, violence by Israeli forces and settlers continues unabated, with homes demolished and water supplies cut off.

    Mr. Türk reiterated condemnation of the 7 October attacks by Hamas but emphasized that the scale of suffering inflicted on Palestinians since then cannot be justified.

    Calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and a massive surge in humanitarian aid, he concluded:

    “The people of the world will judge this Conference on what it delivers.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 28, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN visits Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Center in Shanghai

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today visited Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Center in Shanghai, China. The visit represented one of the initiatives to advance regional cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, and to further strengthen public-private partnership between ASEAN and China.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN visits Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Center in Shanghai appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Elevates the Foldable Era and Everyday Well-being with Global Launch of Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8 Series

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced availability of its latest foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, as well as its new Galaxy Watch8 series.
    Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7: Ultra-Thin and Light With Intuitive Intelligence
    Refined by years of breakthrough engineering and elevated with advanced intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the next leap in smartphone innovation. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are Samsung’s thinnest, lightest, and most advanced Z series devices yet. Powered by cutting-edge performance and seamlessly integrated Galaxy AI,1 they are intelligent, adaptive companions that anticipate and respond to users’ needs in real time. With expansive, flexible displays, pro-grade cameras, and context-aware intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Filp7 open up new realms of the Ultra experience with productivity, creativity, and connection.

    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings Galaxy advancements together and broadens their scope, delivering an ultra-level experience in the thinnest, lightest, and most advanced Z series yet. It offers immersive and high-performance experiences on an expansive screen, empowering users to game, stream, connect, and create all at once. Plus, innovative AI tools have been optimized for the foldable format, enabling fluid interactions across more apps and the larger screen. And with camera and screen sharing with Gemini Live,2 users can talk naturally to Gemini about what they’re viewing. They can simply share a picture of a local delicacy while they’re exploring a new city and ask Gemini if there is a nearby restaurant where they can try it. Plus, Galaxy Z Fold7’s 200MP high-resolution camera gives the freedom to shoot at flexible angles, putting professional-quality content creation at users’ fingertips. For example, convenient editing features like Generative Edit,3 now automatically detect passersby in the background of photos and proactively recommends what to remove, eliminating the need to make manual selections and edits. With Galaxy Z Fold7, users get familiarity and durability in a head-turning new design that unfolds into something extraordinary.
    As for Galaxy Z Flip7, it distills flagship power, intelligence, and personality into a compact and iconic form. With its edge-to-edge FlexWindow, users can express themselves, access key features at a glance, and stay connected — all without opening the device. Built for dynamic lifestyles, Galaxy Z Flip7 transforms the way users capture and share content — from flawless selfies to cinematic video — all with the agility and creativity that only Flip devices can offer. Now Bar4 delivers helpful information right on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow to help users stay in control of their day, such as seeing what song is playing, viewing workout progress, and even checking a rideshare’s ETA at a glance. Gemini Live also allows users to share what they see through their camera and chat with Gemini in real time directly on FlexWindow, whether they’re asking for travel tips while road tripping with their dog or need outfit suggestions based on the day’s weather. Users can also simply share the camera in Flex Mode and converse with Gemini hands-free. Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexCam makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect selfie. Real-time filters on the FlexWindow instantly enhances FlexCam selfies, so that they can be ready to post or share without the need for any extra editing. And with fun new features like Portrait Studio5 for pets, users can instantly transform any snapped or downloaded pet photo into a work of art. They can choose from styles that resemble artistic paintings, 3D cartoons, fisheye lens photos, or professional-quality portraits and create frame-worthy masterpieces with one quick tap.

    Samsung Wallet is just a swipe away on millions of Galaxy smartphones, including Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, for easy-to-use mobile transactions, peer-to-peer payments, and more. Samsung Wallet offers convenient access to users’ digital essentials — from IDs and memberships to digital keys, payment cards and more6 — directly on their mobile device. Now, Samsung Wallet also gives users the option to pay with installments using existing credit, offering more flexibility and control without the need to apply for a new line of credit.
    Years of breakthrough engineering have led foldables to become flexible canvases for the new AI experience. As a new class of smartphones designed to fit into and elevate users’ lives, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 represent this achievement. Familiar yet transformative, they blend power, portability, style, and substance, whether users seek a revolutionary, ultra-level experience or an AI powerhouse that fits in their pocket. As form factors evolve to look and think differently, this generation of foldables represents the next leap in smartphone innovation.
    Galaxy Watch8 Series: Ultra-Comfort Meets Real-Time Health Motivation
    Completing the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch8 series — including Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic — brings the same spirit of re-engineering found in the new phones to the wrist. Galaxy Watch8 features advanced sensor technology and creates an intuitive AI-powered experience7 to help users fulfill a healthier, more connected life, while its ultra-thin cushion design and Dynamic Lug system flex naturally for all-day comfort and precise sensor contact.8 Leveraging Samsung’s BioActive Sensor for continuous health tracking, the watches deliver insights and rewards or alerts across sleep, stress, nutrition, and activity, turning healthy intentions into immediate, motivating feedback. Plus, for the first time in a smartwatch, Galaxy Watch8 has introduced the Antioxidant Index,9 enabling users to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and make informed lifestyle choices.
    Hands-On With the Galaxy Z Series and the Watch8 Series at Galaxy Experience Spaces
    After Unpacked, Samsung opened its Galaxy Experience Spaces in major cities, including: Dubai, London, New York, Paris, and Seoul. Designed to offer consumers an early, hands-on experience of the newest Galaxy devices, these spaces featured interactive zones that highlighted the devices’ design, performance, and Galaxy AI features. Samsung also partnered with local communities, including running, photography, and skateboarding groups to host various sessions, teaching visitors how they can get the most out of their new devices.
    In addition, Samsung launched a new Experience Store locator feature on Samsung.com, making it easier for users to find nearby stores and try the newest devices in person.

    New York

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Doechii Unfolds Latest Galaxy Z Series in New Samsung Creative

    Source: Samsung

    The latest Galaxy Z series launched earlier this month at Galaxy Unpacked — unfolding the next chapter of personalized, multimodal innovation on our foldable devices. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 are more compact than ever without compromise, and exceed expectations with their unique form factors.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN Delivers Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, China.
     
    With the theme “Global Solidarity in the AI Era,” the conference attracted over 1,000 distinguished guests, including senior government officials, representatives of international organisations, business leaders and academia, to explore the transformative role of AI in global development and cooperation.
     
    Download the full remarks here.
     

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN Delivers Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: GR Yaris DAT with Nurburgring Specifications to Compete in Super Taikyu at Autopolis

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: GR Yaris DAT with Nurburgring Specifications to Compete in Super Taikyu at Autopolis

    Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will enter the ENEOS Super Taikyu Series 2025 Empowered by BRIDGESTONE Round 5 Super Taikyu Race at Autopolis, to be held from July 26 to 27. Toyota will be racing with the #32 TGRR GR Yaris DAT (#32 GR Yaris) with the same specifications from the 24 Hours Nurburgring held in Germany in June, and the #28 TGRR GR86 Future FR Concept (#28 GR86) running on low-carbon gasoline (E20) manufactured by ENEOS Corporation (ENEOS).

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Piero Cipollone: Interview with Delo

    Source: European Central Bank

    Interview with Piero Cipollone, conducted by Miha Jenko on 10 July 2025

    26 July 2025

    Mr Cipollone, the ECB is actively exploring the digital euro, the project was launched in July 2021. What are your arguments in favour of the introduction of a digital currency? Is it just a must, something that is necessary in the era of fast-paced digitalisation and of many alternative payment systems and cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins?

    We definitely think that it’s a must, because we need to solve a fundamental problem.

    Central banks do one fundamental thing: they offer a means of payment to the public. Both for retail, day-to-day transactions, and for the wholesale transactions of banks. At the retail level, we provide cash and we will continue to do so. With cash you can pay throughout the euro area in almost every shop. Paying with cash is one of the fundamental freedoms people have.

    However, cash can not be used for a growing part of our day-to-day transactions: we all shop online, but to do that we cannot use cash. And Europeans increasingly prefer to use digital rather than physical means of payments. Today, there is no equivalent of cash for these transactions and we still do not have a European solution to pay digitally throughout the euro area for all our needs and occasions. As a result, we depend on non-European private payment service providers to perform such a basic activity in our life as paying.

    By issuing a digital euro that has exactly the same functions as cash but is digital, we would allow central banks to provide a means of payment to the public to enable them to pay in those cases where physical cash cannot be used. Essentially, we are preserving people’s freedom to pay with public money: cash would be made available in both physical and digital form. And because the digital euro would be legal tender like banknotes and coins, it would be accepted for any digital payments.

    What is the current situation on the way to the digital euro? How do you see the progress made and are you satisfied with the preparations so far?

    There are two dimensions here.

    The first dimension relates to the technical preparations for the digital euro, which is the responsibility of the ECB and euro area central banks. We are progressing on all technical aspects of the project and we are on schedule.

    The second dimension is the legislative process, which will define the digital euro’s regulatory framework. On this side, progress has also been made but the legislation still needs to be finalised. We hope the legislative process can be completed as soon as possible so that we can reflect the choices of the legislators in the development of the digital euro. At the same time we understand that this is a complex project. Both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU – which brings together the ministers from each country – need to fully understand and take ownership of this process.

    In short, while we hope that things move faster on the legislative side, we are making good progress on the technical side.

    Do you feel political support from the European legislators? What is the mood among the politicians?

    At the summit in March, European leaders clearly stated that “accelerating progress on a digital euro is key,” notably to support a competitive and resilient European payment system and contribute to Europe’s economic security. Some details have yet to be agreed upon and we are dealing with them. But we have the highest possible support, and the Heads of State have told us that we need to go ahead with this. For us this is very strong encouragement to continue.

    But what about the people? Europeans eventually expect that the digital euro will provide the highest standards of quality, security, privacy and usability in payment systems. How is all that achievable in the near future?

    This is what we have been working on since we started the digital euro project in 2021. It is a complex project but we have very capable people both at the ECB and at national central banks. We have been identifying the best technical solutions to ensure the greatest degree of simplicity, speed, security and privacy.

    Let me take the example of privacy. The digital euro will provide the highest level of protection.

    First, people will have the possibility to use the digital euro offline, something that so far no digital payment solution offers. In terms of privacy, this will be as good as cash. Only the payer and the recipient will know about the transaction, and no one else.

    Second, when it comes to privacy for the online use of the digital euro, we at the central bank will only see a code for the payer and the payee. By law, we will not be able to identify the participants to the transaction.

    Let me give you another example. We are working on the technical side to provide the very best user experience and we are designing the system so that it is ready for innovation.

    In particular, we are giving banks and payment service providers the possibility to leverage on the digital euro’s technical platform to develop new services that are not yet available today. For instance, we are exploring conditional payments. As of today, users can only link a payment to time: “Pay this person at this point in time.” But users could decide to make a payment conditional on other events, and this would improve people’s lives.

    Here is an illustration. We are experimenting across Europe, conducting tests with users, start-ups, universities, banks. One of the proposed projects involves buying tickets for trains or planes – currently, if you want to get reimbursed in case of delays, you have to go through a lot of hassle. With the digital euro, it would be possible for the payment to be made only if, say, the train arrives on time. This means that the payment is made only if the service is provided in full.

    On the other hand, we know that many Europeans still love cash. For example, in May this year, the Slovenian Parliament even initiated official proceedings to introduce the right to use cash into our constitution. What is your message to the people who are sceptical about using any form of digital money?

    My answer is simple: you will continue to be able to use physical cash. Cash will always be available and everyone will be able to use it. As I said, we are committed to providing cash to society. And we strongly support the legislative proposal by the European Commission to strengthen the mandatory acceptance of cash.

    Moreover, we are designing a digital euro to be a digital form of cash: simple, free, inclusive, protecting privacy and accepted throughout the euro area. In any case, it will only provide an additional option: we will not force anyone to use it. We are guided by one objective: protecting people’s freedom to decide how to pay.

    What about the very young people, the new generations, who frequently use mobile devices? Will you prepare any solution for them?

    We are testing and analysing user solutions and organising focus groups to see people’s preferences. We are asking people about their priorities and how they would use the digital euro. We want to make sure that the product is simple to use and that everyone can understand it. This is the key point: people don’t wake up in the morning thinking, “I’d love to pay for something” – they pay because they want to buy things. So, payments need to be as simple, fast and as reliable as possible. And because the digital euro will be legal tender, you will know that you have a solution you can use to pay wherever digital payments are accepted, in a simple way, by placing your phone next to the payment device. And that you don’t have to worry whether the shop will accept your card or mobile payment app.

    So is the basic idea that the main instrument for executing digital euro payments will be mobile phones and devices?

    We will also provide physical cards to include people who are technologically less savvy or do not have mobile devices. We want to be as inclusive as possible.

    By the end of this year the ECB’s Governing Council will decide whether to move on to the next phase of preparations. What will be the key considerations taken into account in that crucial decision?

    We will assess where we stand in our technical preparations. At the same time, we will look at the discussion at the political level. We will look at whether the circumstances are developing in favour of issuing the digital euro.

    It seems to me that there are important reasons for us to proceed with the project. Political leaders have expressed strong support and even asked us to accelerate progress. We are also seeing a growing public interest. People are telling us that they will use the digital euro if it is available. People understand the importance of having a digital form of cash in cases where it is not possible to use physical cash or where they prefer to pay digitally.

    Who are the main stakeholders you communicate with?

    We’re engaging with everyone – consumers, merchants, payment service providers, policymakers. We see a lot of support.

    For example, consumers are very interested and ask us to ensure that the digital euro will be simple, free for basic use, inclusive.

    Merchants are also very supportive because having an alternative to international card payments would reduce the high fees they pay for digital payment transactions. So they expect a reduction in costs, and they want to be sure that the digital euro will be easy to integrate with existing payment solutions. We recently had a meeting in Frankfurt with representatives of European merchant associations. Their main request was: do it, do it fast and do it simple!

    Banks and payment service providers understand the importance of strategic autonomy. They want to be reassured that there won’t be excessive deposit outflows from bank accounts to the digital euro. In fact, this is not a big risk because the digital euro, as I said, is intended for payments rather than as a store of value. The digital euro will not be remunerated, so we do not expect people to keep high amounts in their digital euro wallet, and in any case there will be a holding limit. Furthermore, even if people do not have enough funds in their digital euro wallet, they will be able to pay with digital euro through a link to their bank account. So again, there will not be a need to keep high amounts in the digital wallet. We are also discussing with banks how to ensure the use of the digital euro within their IT systems in a cost-effective and less burdensome way, and how they will be compensated for the costs they incur. Banks seem to understand the importance of the project.

    Currently, we are living in a very different world compared with two or three decades ago, when the euro project was designed and then launched into the lives of Europeans in the form of coins and banknotes on 1 January 2002. That was the biggest cash changeover in history. And presumably, we are heading to the euro digital changeover in the near future. When will we be able to pay with the digital euro?

    Technically, we will be ready to launch in the next two-and-a-half to three years after the legislation is in place. So a lot depends on the adoption of the legislation. We cannot finalise the digital euro development until the legislation is adopted.

    So we are talking about the year 2028 or 2029?

    Yes, from 2028 onwards. But it really depends on the legislative process. Just an example to help people understand. We are still discussing whether people will be able to have one or several wallets. Technically, this means a completely different design and a different degree of complexity. We cannot finalise the technical specifications until we know what the legislation requires of us. That is why the current timeline very much depends on the legislation being adopted.

    And should the legislation be adopted only at the EU level or also by the national parliaments?

    No, just at the European level. We need the Council and the Parliament to adopt their positions and sit down together with the Commission to agree on a final text.

    Will the digital euro also be used in the countries that haven’t adopted the euro yet?

    No, the digital euro is for the residents of the euro area and for people who travel to the euro area. If a country that is in the EU but outside of the euro area wants to allow its citizens to use the digital euro, it needs to have an agreement between the ECB and its central bank. For countries outside the EU, an agreement is needed with both the government and the central bank.

    In an interview for Expansión in March this year you pointed out that there is a growing sense of urgency as “the situation outside the euro area is a source of pressure and demands greater consideration of the risks we face in payments as a result of our fragility and our extreme dependence on foreign providers”. What kind of risks do you refer to?

    We are currently in a situation where as many as two-thirds of card payments are processed by non-European companies. When you pay by card, our banking sector and payment service providers pay them fees. In addition, mobile payments are expanding their market share and when you pay with a mobile device, banks are losing fees and data. And we know that stablecoins – which are mostly denominated in dollars – are coming, which could take deposits away from banks. This would be a further step toward a deeper dependency of Europe on foreign providers.

    This dependency is a concern for the central bank, as the resilience of payment systems is one of the mandates of central banks. We want to make sure that Europeans can pay independently of other regions of the world, so that we have the means to lead a normal life even if something happens outside the euro area. Right now, we do not have that certainty.

    Yes, we are facing many new geopolitical and economical challenges, many of them coming from the other side of the Atlantic or from China. Given this new context, how could the digital euro boost EU competitiveness and enhance its strategic autonomy, as you’ve just mentioned?

    What I wish to say is that we should be masters of our own destiny. Regardless of what happens. We wish to fix the problem we have. We have had a common currency for 25 years, but when we wish to use it online, we depend on somebody else. This is a concerning situation. And we need to fix it. Just to give you an example: if we do the digital euro, this means that Europe will have a unified infrastructure and a common standard for payments. Payment service providers are very innovative. For example, in Slovenia you have flik and they tell me that it is a very good solution for paying…

    Yes, it is great for small payments.

    So why cannot flik expand outside Slovenia? It is a good solution and people can use it, but the difficulty is the standards. If you have different standards in different countries, it is very difficult for small companies to expand abroad, even if they are very innovative. It is like having to face different languages. But if you have one single standard, one language in common, it is much easier for you to sell your product. That is what we should care about: creating an environment where our companies can compete, grow and become big.

    In an article you wrote in the economics journal Bancaria, you pointed out that digital payments stand at the intersection of information technology and finance. Could you elaborate a little more on that?

    When we discuss and compare ourselves to the United States in the long run and look at the sectoral composition of productivity, we see that the distance between the United States and us is mainly visible in those two sectors: IT and finance. They both have one fundamental characteristic: economies of scale are key, allowing you to increase your productivity. Our companies cannot grow because they operate in a fragmented market. Even if you invent something in Slovenia in these two sectors, it is very difficult to expand your business abroad because of market fragmentation. And you cannot reap the benefits of your increased activity.

    So we need to ensure that our companies in these two fields can easily expand and take advantage of the EU’s single market. A study by the International Monetary Fund, which has been replicated several times, says that the non-tariff barriers that continue to hamper trade within the EU are equivalent to a tariff of 44% for goods and more than 100% for services. So it is important that those two sectors expand as much as possible in Europe, and to do so we need to address remaining barriers within the Single Market. For those two sectors, finance and IT, and for activities at their intersection – such as digital payments – economies of scale are essential to grow and thrive.

    What is the experience of the countries that have already introduced their digital currencies so far? Could we eventually learn something from them?

    The most advanced digital project so far is the Chinese one. But this is a completely different context in terms of rules, for example, a different level of privacy for digital wallets.

    So we focus on addressing the needs of the euro area and the preferences of Europeans, for instance on privacy. It is also very important that the system is very resilient to fraud – that is of great importance to citizens, and is a point that European consumer organisations have placed particular emphasis on.

    In fact, a number of central banks outside the euro area are looking at the progress we are making and reaching out to learn from our work. We in the euro area have a particular sense of urgency because the fragmentation of our payments landscape along national lines is inconsistent with our monetary union and does not allow to reap the full benefits of the Single Market. A digital euro would unify European payments.

    How do you see the ECB’s latest interest rate decision this Thursday (24 July)? What is the rationale behind it? Could we expect more rate cuts in 2025?

    Inflation is at our 2% target and the economy has proven resilient so far in a challenging global environment, but we still face considerable uncertainty, notably in relation to the trade outlook. Against this background, we have decided to leave rates unchanged.

    Trade disruptions make it harder to assess recent data. In the first quarter, the economy grew more strongly than expected, largely because firms frontloaded exports and capital goods investment ahead of expected tariff hikes. In contrast, private consumption growth moderated and the savings rate increased.

    In September – and later this year – we will have more information, which will feed into revised macroeconomic projections. We will then reassess our stance, in line with our data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach. In particular, we will be in a better position to assess the trade situation and look through the volatility generated by frontloading effects. This will allow us to better discern the underlying momentum in the economy and its implications for the inflation outlook.

    For now, we see conflicting signals. Weak consumer confidence points to subdued consumption growth in the short term, while continued uncertainty and the unwinding of frontloading effects could weigh on business investment and exports. At the same time, the labour market has so far remained resilient, even as labour demand weakens, and real incomes are rising even as wage growth gradually moderates. Over time, higher public investment in defence and infrastructure is expected to support economic activity. Overall, we continue to see risks to economic growth as tilted to the downside, but the outlook for inflation is more uncertain than usual. In particular, we will need to see how prices in the euro area are affected by trade disruptions – including their impact on supply chains as well as on trade diversion that is already resulting in higher euro area imports from China.

    After ten rate hikes between September 2022 and September 2023, the ECB has lowered borrowing costs eight (or nine) times since last June. What lessons has the ECB learnt from addressing the inflation in the past four years?

    I can tell you the two key lessons I take from the recent episode. First, when sudden inflationary shocks occur, inflation dynamics may change, because there is so-called non-linearity in the system. Inflation can accelerate very fast, especially because firms tend to change prices much faster than we expected. They take many small steps, but frequently. This acceleration is very important and we must take this non-linearity into account.

    Second, the recent inflation spike has confirmed the benefits of keeping inflation expectations under control. If you are able to anchor inflation expectations to your target level, the system will also adjust to this in a soft way. This way the implications of your monetary policy for the real economy may be less severe once you bring inflation expectations back to your target and you can bring back interest rates to lower levels earlier once the inflationary shock unwinds. Keeping inflation expectations close to our 2% inflation target is very important, and it’s one of the principles that we stressed a few weeks ago in our updated monetary policy strategy.

    In this context: what are the main risks to the euro area inflation outlook? Are they to the upside or to the downside right now and why?

    In our latest forecast, in June, we assessed that these risks are really balanced and are tilted neither to the upside nor to the downside. We now see an additional appreciation of the euro and a slight increase in energy costs. The overall assessment therefore stays the same. At that time, we also saw higher trade tensions and some concerns for the global economic outlook, which has so far been resilient. Overall, it seems to me that the June assessment can be confirmed and that inflation expectations are balanced.

    And finally: what lies ahead for the euro area in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainties, fractured multilateral rules, Trump’s tariffs, increased defence challenges and spending? How to address all these issues and challenges and what should be the role of the ECB in this more complicated and changed world?

    We have one fundamental mission: price stability. So we take all these factors into account and design the monetary policy to make sure that inflation stays at our target level. Price stability and financial stability create the conditions for people and businesses to take their decisions in a stable context, with as little uncertainty as possible. This is the role of the ECB – to provide, within our mandate, a macroeconomic environment that fosters long-term investment and reduces uncertainty for people when taking decisions. That is our key contribution.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 26, 2025
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