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Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI Global: Embarrassed? Why this feeling might actually be good for you

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura Elin Pigott, Senior Lecturer in Neurosciences and Neurorehabilitation, Course Leader in the College of Health and Life Sciences, London South Bank University

    Embarrassment is generated by a network of different brain regions working together. Kues/ Shutterstock

    Picture this: it’s your first day at a new job. You’re about to introduce yourself to a large group of people you’ll be working with – and promptly fall flat on your face. Not exactly the entrance you had in mind.

    We’ve all cringed at moments like these — whether they happen to us or to others. That instant, full-body wince, and the shared, silent relief that it didn’t happen to you.

    Embarrassment is a universal, visceral and oddly contagious emotion. It’s what psychologists call a self-conscious emotion. This means it hinges on our awareness of ourselves through others’ eyes.

    Unlike shame or guilt, embarrassment isn’t usually moral — it’s about looking awkward or inept. Context matters too. We feel more embarrassed in front of people whose opinions we value or who hold power.

    Yet while embarrassment may feel uncomfortable, it actually has surprising social and psychological benefits.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Empathy and social connection

    Evolutionary psychologists believe embarrassment developed as a social corrective – a way to acknowledge mistakes, signal remorse and reduce conflict within groups.
    This instinct probably helped our ancestors stay in the group, which was critical for survival. People who showed embarrassment were seen as more trustworthy and cooperative.

    In this way, embarrassment can invite empathy and forgiveness, strengthening relationships. It signals that we care what others think, promoting approachability and emotional closeness. So, while it’s uncomfortable in the moment, embarrassment probably evolved to keep communities cohesive.

    Embarrassment is also contagious. Most of us have cringed on someone else’s behalf. This shows how deeply tuned our social brains are. We empathise with others’ awkwardness, often rushing to reassure them. This empathy helps preserve harmony and can also help us build connection with others.

    Embarrassment signals remorse and can invite empathy from others.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    Trust and virtue

    Visible signs of embarrassment – such as blushing or stumbling over words – are often seen as signs of honesty and generosity. One study found that people who show embarrassment are judged to be more trustworthy and sociable.

    Blushing may have evolved on purpose to be a visible, honest signal of humility that others instinctively trust. Experiments even show we’re more likely to forgive someone who looks embarrassed than someone who acts indifferent.

    Learning social norms

    Forgetting you’re not on mute in a Zoom meeting, sending a message to the wrong group chat or realising your shirt’s inside out after an important meeting. These moments may be minor, but our brains still process them as social threats – albeit small ones.

    In this way, embarrassment helps us adhere to social norms and expectations – many of which are unwritten and only discovered once we’ve flubbed them by mistake. Embarrassment acts as an internal guide, helping us remember social missteps and encouraging us to conform to shared expectations – not out of shame, but because it feels right. It also nudges us whenever we stray near the edges of what’s socially comfortable, helping us course-correct swiftly.

    The way we react to an embarrassing situation is also important in helping us learn from our experiences. Many of us laugh nervously when embarrassed. This effectively reframes the incident from threatening to harmlessly amusing in our minds.

    Humility and authenticity

    Embarrassment keeps egos in check, signals emotional intelligence and makes us more relatable. In a curated world, an awkward moment can humanise us and build credibility.

    However, while moderate embarrassment is healthy and constructive, excessive fear of it can become harmful – crossing into social anxiety.

    Your brain on embarrassment

    Embarrassment isn’t generated by a single “embarrassment centre” in the brain. Rather, it’s generated by a network of different brain regions working together.

    The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a region in the front of the brain that’s active during self-reflection and when thinking about how others perceive us. It’s also involved in storing social memories – which is why an embarrassing memory, even from years ago, can still make you cringe when it pops into your head.

    The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is the reason you blush, your heart pounds and you feel sweaty when you’re deeply embarrassed. The ACC activates your “fight or flight” reaction. When the ACC fires up, it also helps us adjust our behaviour – aiding in impulse control and helping us learn from the mistake so we don’t do it again.

    The amygdala is the brain’s emotional alarm bell. When we get embarrassed, the amygdala registers the emotional intensity of the situation – especially the fear of being seen negatively.

    People with social anxiety show an imbalance between the mPFC and amygdala. Their mPFC is underactive (so they’re less able to rationalise others’ perspectives), while their amygdala is overactive (causing excessive fear signals). This combination makes it hard for them to accurately gauge social situations, often interpreting them as more threatening and embarrassing than they really are.

    Finally, the insula, a region located deep in the brain, helps us tune into our emotions and bodily states. This creates that gut-level discomfort we feel during embarrassing moments. All these regions work in concert during an embarrassing moment.

    Embarrassment is uncomfortable, yes – but it’s also a reminder that we care about others and want to belong. It’s part of what makes us human. So the next time you experience an embarrassing moment, try to laugh it off and remember that the moment is helping us to learn and connect.

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

    – ref. Embarrassed? Why this feeling might actually be good for you – https://theconversation.com/embarrassed-why-this-feeling-might-actually-be-good-for-you-259094

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Announces Approval of Stock Repurchase and Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the largest independent commercial banks in California, today reported that the Board of Directors has received regulatory approval to implement its recently announced $125 million stock repurchase plan which was approved by shareholders in May. Preferred Bank is not a Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registrant, therefore the Bank requires regulatory approval prior to repurchasing its own common stock. The Board of Directors has approved the first tranche of repurchases which will consist of $50 million in buybacks. The stock purchases will be made from time to time in the open market. In addition, the Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend to $0.75 per share, payable on July 22, 2025 to holders of record on July 8, 2025.

    Li Yu, Chairman and CEO of Preferred Bank said, “We are pleased to be in a position to repurchase our own stock utilizing our strong balance sheet supplemented by our superior profitability metrics. We are focused on providing value to our shareholders and will continue to do so.”

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through twelve full-service branch banking offices in the California cities of Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2 branches), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2 branches) and two branches in New York (Flushing and Manhattan) and one branch in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas. Additionally, the Bank operates a Loan Production Office in Sunnyvale, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    AT THE COMPANY:
    Edward J. Czajka
    Executive Vice President 
    Chief Financial Officer
    (213) 891-1188    		 AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Jeffrey Haas
    General Information
    (310) 622-8240
    PFBC@finprofiles.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Standard Lithium Announces New VP Appointments to Expand and Strengthen Senior Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE American:SLI), a leading near-commercial lithium company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Rosen as Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations, as well as Tim Sobel as Vice President of Health, Safety, Social and Environment (“HSSE”).

    “We are thrilled to welcome the additions of Daniel and Tim to our leadership team,” said David Park, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Standard Lithium. “Dan’s strategic insight and deep experience in investor relations and capital markets, as well as Tim’s extensive history in ensuring that HSSE standards are not only met, but exceeded and built-in to organizational culture, will be invaluable as we continue to execute our growth strategy on a path towards first production.”

    “Bringing on Daniel and Tim is the next step in our process of continuing to evolve and strengthen our capabilities,” said Salah Gamoudi, Chief Financial Officer of Standard Lithium. “We’d also like to thank Chris Lang for helping to support our investor relations function this past year. With Daniel coming onboard, this will allow Chris to prioritize and focus more on the financial planning and treasury aspects of his role.”

    Mr. Rosen brings more than 13 years of experience in corporate strategy, finance, and capital markets. Most recently, Mr. Rosen played a key role in the post-acquisition integration of Arcadium Lithium into Rio Tinto, where he led cross-functional initiatives to align strategic priorities, operational capabilities, and investor messaging. Prior to his role as Director of Integration for Rio Tinto, Mr. Rosen held roles in Corporate Strategy, M&A and Investor Relations for Arcadium Lithium and Livent and spent over six years with Barclays in its Investment Banking division. He has a proven track record of aligning corporate vision with market opportunities and building trusted relationships across the investment community.

    Mr. Sobel is a seasoned HSSE executive with over three decades of distinguished leadership in health, safety, security, environmental, quality, sustainability, and risk management across global industrial and logistics sectors. He most previously served as Vice President of HSSE for the Americas at DP World, where he oversaw HSSE strategy and execution across more than 40 logistics, port, and terminal operations in North and South America. Prior to DP World, he held senior leadership roles at Air Liquide, New Fortress Energy, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, and Sunoco Logistics, where he led multi-site operational risk, compliance, and crisis management programs. His earlier service in the U.S. Coast Guard laid the foundation for his deep regulatory expertise and command-level emergency response capabilities. Mr. Sobel is recognized for developing and embedding world-class safety cultures, behavioral safety programs, and regulatory-compliant management systems.

    About Standard Lithium Ltd.

    Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated DLE and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas.

    Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

    Investor and Media Inquiries

    Chris Lang
    Standard Lithium Ltd.
    +1 604 409 8154
    investors@standardlithium.com

    X: @standardlithium
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-lithium/

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. Approves Stock Repurchase Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HARRISBURG, Pa., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORRF) (the “Company”) today announced that the Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of its common stock, representing approximately 2.5% percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

    Repurchases under this program will be made in open market or in privately negotiated transactions and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. This authority may be exercised from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warrant, and subject to regulatory considerations. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, market conditions, and other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

    About Orrstown

    With $5.4 billion in assets, Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Orrstown Bank, provide a wide range of consumer and business financial services in Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York Counties, Pennsylvania and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Washington Counties, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, Maryland. The Company’s lending area also includes counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia within a 75-mile radius of the Company’s executive and administrative offices as well as the District of Columbia. Orrstown Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the FDIC. Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ORRF.” For more information about Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and Orrstown Bank, visit www.orrstown.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company’s management with respect to, among other things, future events and the Company’s financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates, predictions or projections about events or the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that the Company or persons acting on the Company’s behalf may issue.

    For investor inquiries or further information, please contact:

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

    For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

    John Moss
    SVP, Director of Marketing and Client Experience
    717-747-1520
    jmoss@orrstown.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. Approves Stock Repurchase Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HARRISBURG, Pa., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORRF) (the “Company”) today announced that the Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of its common stock, representing approximately 2.5% percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

    Repurchases under this program will be made in open market or in privately negotiated transactions and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. This authority may be exercised from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warrant, and subject to regulatory considerations. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, market conditions, and other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

    About Orrstown

    With $5.4 billion in assets, Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Orrstown Bank, provide a wide range of consumer and business financial services in Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York Counties, Pennsylvania and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Washington Counties, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, Maryland. The Company’s lending area also includes counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia within a 75-mile radius of the Company’s executive and administrative offices as well as the District of Columbia. Orrstown Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the FDIC. Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ORRF.” For more information about Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and Orrstown Bank, visit www.orrstown.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company’s management with respect to, among other things, future events and the Company’s financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates, predictions or projections about events or the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that the Company or persons acting on the Company’s behalf may issue.

    For investor inquiries or further information, please contact:

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

    For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

    John Moss
    SVP, Director of Marketing and Client Experience
    717-747-1520
    jmoss@orrstown.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Confirms Major Exchange Listing Ahead of Public Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For months, the crypto market has been searching for clarity. While most coins rely on vague promises or recycled narratives, one project is quietly building momentum with precision, community strength, and now, a major exchange catalyst that could unlock a wave of liquidity, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S). With one of the most explosive presales of the year already underway and a confirmed LBank listing on the horizon, BTC-S is emerging as one of the most strategic altcoin opportunities heading into mid-2025.

    LBank Listing: The Spark That Changes the Trajectory

    Bitcoin Solaris has officially confirmed it will be listed on LBank, one of the most globally active centralized exchanges. For those unfamiliar, LBank is known for offering liquidity to high-growth projects that are on the verge of breaking into the mainstream. Its user base, particularly strong in Asia and Latin America, is large, engaged, and responsive to promising tokens with well-built fundamentals.

    The LBank listing isn’t just a technical step; it’s a market-defining move. It brings:

    • Immediate liquidity for early BTC-S holders
    • Exposure to millions of new users who missed the presale
    • Deeper market depth and trading volume potential
    • A psychological shift from “upcoming project” to “active coin with utility”

    More importantly, it sets the stage for Bitcoin Solaris to enter the open market at $20 per token, which is more than double the current presale phase price of $9. The window to enter before this transition is narrowing fast.

    Introducing Bitcoin Solaris: Designed for Scale, Speed, and Real Usage

    What makes Bitcoin Solaris stand out isn’t just the hype or price projections. It’s the architecture. BTC-S is a dual-layer blockchain combining Proof-of-Work on the base layer for raw security with Delegated Proof-of-Stake on the Solaris Layer for blazing-fast transactions and scalability.

    This hybrid structure allows Bitcoin Solaris to hit:

    • 10,000+ transactions per second
    • 2-second finality on smart contracts
    • 99.95% less energy use compared to Bitcoin
    • High validator rotation and slashing mechanisms for security

    It doesn’t stop at performance. BTC-S is also built for inclusivity. Mining can be done directly through the upcoming Solaris Nova App, turning everyday smartphones, laptops, or desktops into mining devices.

    And with the LBank listing near, this daily-earned BTC-S can soon be traded instantly, giving miners real-time liquidity, a feature rarely available in new ecosystems.

    Roadmap: This Isn’t Just Talk, It’s Execution

    While many tokens stall after the presale, Bitcoin Solaris is moving forward at full speed. The development roadmap provides a clear and credible path to launch and beyond.

    Here’s a look at what’s unfolding:

    • Phase 1 (Q2–Q4 2025): Token generation, presale launch, protocol development, and global community building
    • Phase 2 (Q1 2026): Testnet deployment, wallet upgrades, dual-layer optimization, and Solana integration
    • Phase 3 (Q2 2026): Final mainnet testing, centralized and decentralized exchange listings, and dev toolkits
    • Phase 4 (Q3 2026): Mainnet launch, AI-powered Solaris Nova App release, and advanced governance
    • Phases 5–8 (2026–2028): Mining Power Marketplace, enterprise integration, DEX development, and global expansion via blockchain public services and AI-powered upgrades

    Every part of the roadmap is designed to not only support BTC-S as a token but also grow it into a full-scale DeFi-capable infrastructure.

    The Future of DeFi Doesn’t Run on Hype, It Runs on BTC-S

    Presale: Final Phases Before the $20 Public Launch

    The presale is more than 80% complete, and momentum is accelerating as the LBank listing draws near. Now in Phase 9, Bitcoin Solaris is rapidly closing in on its final stage.

    Here’s what buyers need to know:

    • Current Price: $9
    • Next Phase: $10
    • Confirmed Launch Price: $20
    • Bonus: 7% for current participants
    • Over 12,300+ buyers have already joined
    • More than $5 million raised
    • Less than 6 weeks remain

    This isn’t a long-drawn-out fundraising round. The Bitcoin Solaris presale lasts only 90 days, making it one of the shortest and most effective in the space. It’s structured to finish strong and go live fast. And with the LBank listing just ahead, the urgency to buy in at sub-$10 levels is growing daily.

    What Influencers Are Saying

    The market isn’t the only one taking notice. Leading crypto analysts and influencers have started to cover Bitcoin Solaris, and they’re excited.

    • Crypto Vlog: Focused on BTC-S’s mining design and mobile accessibility
    • Crypto League: Highlighted the LBank listing and performance metrics
    • Crypto Show: Called it “one of the hottest presales launching this year”

    These independent reviews continue to validate what early supporters already believe: Bitcoin Solaris is the real deal.

    Final Verdict

    The LBank listing is more than a milestone. It’s the start of Bitcoin Solaris becoming a publicly traded, globally accessible asset. As traders prepare to buy BTC-S on open markets at $20, presale participants still have a short window to enter at $9 and capture up to 150% ROI.

    Backed by a powerful roadmap, real technology, and a mining system designed for mass adoption, Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just a presale story. It’s shaping up to be the next major launch of 2025.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
     Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
     X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/678f7c64-68e6-4a48-b17a-71d89126213c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad5cfb07-e488-41ae-94e4-6d72f16a634a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f6f4467-b28e-4784-bf41-cb4cc5e2a379

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64ed1b17-3433-44f6-8919-0878a09733c9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU took part in the festival “T-Dvor”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Participants from SPbGASU

    Students of the Faculty of Forensic Science and Law in Construction and Transport together with representatives of the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career of SPbGASU visited the youth festival “T-Dvor” organized by T-Bank on June 20. The event took place in the cultural space “Nikolskie Ryady” and was dedicated to career and educational opportunities for young people.

    The goal of the festival is to create an open platform for communication between students, young professionals and employers, where they can learn about labor market trends, new formats of training and personal growth.

    During the panel discussion, the participants discussed what modern education should be like and came to the conclusion that the main requirements for it are flexibility, accessibility and practice-orientedness. In their opinion, for successful career growth it is important to have the opportunity to improve professionally without interruption from work, for which it is necessary to develop distance learning in master’s programs and other digital educational platforms.

    The lecture “Professions of the Future: Where Are You in a World That Has Not Been Built Yet” attracted great interest. The speakers talked about combining technical thinking and a humanitarian approach – the ability to work with data, understand technology and at the same time think critically and creatively. According to experts, it is precisely these specialists who will be especially in demand in the coming years.

    At the session “University vs. Work: How to Do It All,” participants learned how to effectively combine studies, part-time work, and personal life. Students especially remembered three pieces of advice from experts: it is necessary to plan not only tasks, but also rest; do not be afraid to ask for help – this is also part of professional growth; discipline is the basis of sustainable development, it can be “pumped up” just like muscles.

    “The T-Dvor festival has become an excellent opportunity for our students not only to get acquainted with new educational formats, but also to think about their professional future and the path to it,” noted Margarita Sapozhnikova, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Forensic Expertise and Law in Construction and Transport for Career Guidance.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Anthony Pompliano Strikes $1 Billion Merger to Create ProCap Financial; Raises Over $750M in Largest Initial Fundraise in History for Public Bitcoin Treasury Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ProCap Financial to strategically acquire bitcoin and generate revenue and profits from its bitcoin holdings
    • Equity investors have immediate exposure to bitcoin based on structure of financing transactions
    • Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM) to take ProCap Financial public

    New York, NY, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American investor and entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano today announced that ProCap BTC, LLC, a bitcoin-native financial services firm, has entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination with Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM), a SPAC sponsored by a controlled subsidiary of Cohen & Company, Inc.

    At the closing of the proposed business combination, the combined company will operate as ProCap Financial, Inc., with up to $1 billion in bitcoin on its balance sheet. Entities in the proposed transaction raised $516.5 million in equity and $235 million in convertible notes, the largest initial fundraise in history for a public bitcoin treasury company.

    Leading institutional and bitcoin-native investors participating in the financing transactions include Magnetar Capital, Woodline Partners LP, Anson Funds, RK Capital, Off the Chain Capital, Parafi, Blockchain.com, Arrington Capital, BSQ Capital Partners, and FalconX. Industry veterans such as Mark Yusko, Jason Williams, Eric Semler, Tony Guoga, and Matteo Franceschetti participated as well.

    ProCap Financial aims to become the leading financial services firm at the intersection of bitcoin and traditional finance. ProCap Financial plans to use its bitcoin balance sheet to generate revenue and profit through a variety of strategies.

    ProCap Financial will be led by Anthony Pompliano, who has invested in more than 300 private companies and is one of the leading voices on bitcoin globally.

    “The legacy financial system is being disrupted by bitcoin,” said Pompliano. “ProCap Financial represents our solution to the increasing demand for bitcoin-native financial services among sophisticated investors. Our objective is to develop a platform that will not only acquire bitcoin for our balance sheet, but will also implement risk-mitigated solutions to generate revenue and profits from our bitcoin holdings.”

    “From day one we sought to partner with a platform and a leader that could develop a transformative organization – and we found that in ProCap BTC and Anthony Pompliano,” said Gary Quin, CEO of CCCM. “Anthony’s track record as an innovative investor, operator, and early advocate in the bitcoin ecosystem speaks for itself. We believe his deep expertise and relentless conviction will help continue to transform an industry undergoing rapid evolution.”

    Terms of the Proposed Business Combination and Financing Transactions

    The proposed business combination (the “Business Combination”) between ProCap BTC, LLC (“ProCap BTC”) and Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (“CCCM”) will result in ProCap Financial, Inc. (“ProCap Financial”) being a publicly listed company. In connection with the Business Combination, ProCap BTC sold $516.5 million of non-voting preferred units to investors in a private placement (the “Preferred Equity Raise”) and ProCap Financial secured commitments for $235 million in senior secured convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) from investors in a private placement (the “Convertible Debt Raise”, together with the Business Combination and the Preferred Equity Raise, the “Proposed Transactions”). At the closing of the Business Combination (the “Closing”), any funds remaining in the CCCM trust account will be delivered to ProCap Financial. The full proceeds of the CCCM Trust Account, assuming no trust redemptions at or prior to Closing, is included in the up to $1 billion expected to be used to purchase bitcoin for ProCap Financial’s balance sheet.

    The Preferred Equity Raise was funded contemporaneously with the execution of the definitive agreements. ProCap BTC agreed to purchase bitcoin (the “BTC Assets”) using the aggregate amount of funds raised in the Preferred Equity Raise within fifteen days of the date of signing the definitive agreements. The BTC Assets will be held in a custodial account until the completion of the Business Combination, providing future shareholders of ProCap Financial with immediate exposure to bitcoin rather than waiting until after the Closing.

    The Convertible Notes will be funded at the close of the Business Combination and have a 130% conversation rate, zero interest rate, and maturity of up to 36 months. The Convertible Notes will be 2x collateralized by cash, cash equivalents or a portion of the bitcoin purchased with the proceeds from the Proposed Transactions. U.S. Bank National Trust, N.A. will serve as collateral agent and trustee with regard to the Convertible Notes and associated indenture and guarantee arrangements.

    At the Closing, former security holders of CCCM and former unit holders of ProCap BTC (“ProCap Holders”) will receive, as consideration in the Business Combination, newly-issued securities of ProCap Financial. The number of ProCap Financial shares issuable to the ProCap Holders at Closing will depend on the value of the BTC Assets measured as of a date shortly before the Closing, subject to a cap, and provided, also, that the ProCap Holders that are investors in the Preferred Equity Raise (as defined herein) will, at a minimum, receive such number of ProCap Financial shares as represents 1.25 times the number of preferred units delivered to such investors upon consummation of the Preferred Equity Raise, based on the trade weighted average price of the BTC Assets, as further described in the definitive agreements for the Proposed Transactions (the “Transaction Agreements”).

    Prior to entering into the definitive agreement, the proposed Business Combination has been approved by the board of directors of CCCM and by the board of managers of ProCap BTC. The terms of the Transaction Agreements, including covenants and conditions to Closing reasonably customary for similar transactions, including that the Proposed Transactions and their terms be approved by requisite CCCM shareholders and by the sole voting unit holder of ProCap BTC, an entity owned and controlled by Pompliano.

    The parties expect to consummate the Proposed Transactions prior to the end of 2025, after the submission for review by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of a registration statement on Form S-4 to register applicable securities issuable by ProCap Financial upon consummation of the proposed Business Combination. The parties intend to take actions necessary for the Convertible Notes, upon issuance in connection with the Closing, to have an associated 144A CUSIP number on the issue date to facilitate potential post-Closing trading amongst QUIBS, but are not expected to otherwise be registered or tradeable.

    The terms of the Proposed Transactions described in this release, including any dollar-denominated figures or implied valuations, are based on information as of the date of the signing of the Transaction Agreements and assume no redemptions from the CCCM trust account. These terms are subject to change, including as a result of fluctuations in the price of bitcoin prior to Closing. There can be no assurance that the final terms at Closing will reflect the figures referenced herein.

    Advisors

    Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC (“Cohen & Company”) is acting as exclusive financial advisor to ProCap BTC.

    Cohen & Company and Clear Street LLC are serving as joint co-placement agents in connection with the Preferred Equity Raise and Convertible Debt Raise.

    Reed Smith LLP is acting as legal advisor for ProCap BTC, LLC and ProCap Financial, Inc. in connection with the Proposed Transactions.

    Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP is acting as legal advisor to CCCM in connection with the Proposed Transactions. Ogier is acting as special Cayman Islands counsel to CCCM.

    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is acting as legal advisor to the joint co-placement agents in connection with the Preferred Equity Raise and Convertible Debt Raise.

    About ProCap BTC, LLC and ProCap Financial, Inc.

    ProCap BTC, LLC is a bitcoin-native financial services firm founded by Anthony Pompliano. Pompliano has invested in more than 300 private companies and is one of the leading voices on bitcoin globally. ProCap Financial, Inc., the company resulting from the proposed Business Combination, will focus on implementing various profit-generating products and services to support the unique financial needs of large financial institutions and institutional investors.

    About Columbus Circle Capital I
    Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM) is a Cayman Islands–incorporated blank check company formed to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company is led by Chairman and CEO Gary Quin, a veteran investment banker with over 25 years of experience in cross-border M&A, private equity, and capital markets; COO Dan Nash, a skilled investment banker, with a strong track record in SPAC execution and building high-growth advisory platforms; and CFO Joseph W. Pooler, Jr., who brings decades of public company financial leadership. The board of directors includes Garrett Curran, Alberto Alsina Gonzalez, Dr. Adam Back, and Matthew Murphy.

    About Cohen & Company

    Cohen & Company is J.V. B. Financial Group, LLC’s full-service boutique investment bank based in New York City that provides high-touch services across strategic advisory, mergers & acquisitions, and capital markets transactions. Cohen & Company merges boutique attentiveness with institutional scale. Learn more at https://www.cohencm.com/.  J.V. B. Financial Group, LLC is an indirect controlled subsidiary of Cohen & Company Inc, a financial services company specializing in an expanding range of capital markets and asset management services. Cohen and Company Inc has approximately $2.3 billion of assets under management. 

    About Clear Street

    Clear Street Investment Banking provides a full suite of strategic advisory, transactions and creative capital solutions to companies and investors across high-growth sectors including technology, healthcare, energy and beyond. Clear Street Investment Banking is part of Clear Street, the cloud-native financial services firm delivering financing, derivatives, execution and more to power client success. Learn more at https://www.clearstreet.io/investment-banking.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    ProCap Financial, Inc. (“ProCap Financial”) and Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (“CCCM”) intend to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (as may be amended, the “Registration Statement”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement of CCCM and a prospectus (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) in connection with the proposed business combination between ProCap BTC, LLC (“ProCap BTC”) and CCCM (the “Proposed Transactions”). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to shareholders of CCCM as of a record date to be established for voting on the Proposed Transactions and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. ProCap Financial and/or CCCM will also file other documents regarding the Proposed Transactions with the SEC. This communication does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Proposed Transactions and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Proposed Transactions. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF CCCM AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH CCCM’s SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CCCM, PROCAP BTC, PROCAP FINANCIAL AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by CCCM and ProCap Financial, without charge, once available, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I, 3 Columbus Circle, 24th Floor New York, NY 10019, e-mail: IR@ColumbusCircleCap.com; or upon written request to ProCap Financial, Inc., 600 Lexington Ave., Floor 2, New York, NY 10022.

    NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE BUSINESS COMBINATION OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS COMMUNICATION. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    The offer and sale of the convertible notes to be issued by ProCap Financial and the preferred units of ProCap BTC sold in connection with the Proposed Transactions has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.

    Participants in Solicitation

    CCCM, ProCap BTC, ProCap Financial and their respective directors, executive officers, certain of their shareholders and other members of management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from CCCM’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transactions. A list of the names of such persons, and information regarding their interests in the Proposed Transactions and their ownership of CCCM’s securities are, or will be, contained in CCCM’s filings with the SEC, including the final prospectus for CCCM’s initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 19, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of CCCM’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transactions, including the names and interests of ProCap BTC’s and ProCap Financial’s respective directors or managers and executive officers, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is expected to be filed by ProCap Financial and CCCM with the SEC. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as described above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication and the information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange the securities of CCCM or ProCap Financial, or any commodity or instrument or related derivative, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Investors should consult with their counsel as to the applicable requirements for a purchaser to avail itself of any exemption under the Securities Act.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transactions involving ProCap Financial, ProCap BTC, and CCCM, including expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, plans, prospects, financial results or strategies regarding ProCap BTC, ProCap Financial, CCCM and the Proposed Transactions, statements regarding the anticipated benefits and timing of the completion of the Proposed Transactions, the assets held by ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial, the price and volatility of bitcoin, bitcoin’s growing prominence as a digital asset and as the foundation of a new financial system, ProCap Financial’s listing on any securities exchange, the macro and political conditions surrounding bitcoin, the planned business strategy including ProCap Financial’s ability to develop a corporate architecture capable of supporting financial products built with and on bitcoin including native lending models, capital market instruments, and future innovations that will replace legacy financial tools with bitcoin-aligned alternatives, plans and use of proceeds, objectives of management for future operations of ProCap Financial, the upside potential and opportunity for investors, ProCap Financial’s plan for value creation and strategic advantages, market size and growth opportunities, regulatory conditions, technological and market trends, future financial condition and performance and expected financial impacts of the Proposed Transactions, the satisfaction of closing conditions to the Proposed Transactions and the level of redemptions of CCCM’s public shareholders, and ProCap Financial’s expectations, intentions, strategies, assumptions or beliefs about future events, results of operations or performance or that do not solely relate to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events or conditions that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this communication, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Proposed Transactions may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of CCCM’s securities; the risk that the Proposed Transactions may not be completed by CCCM’s business combination deadline; the failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transactions, including the approval of CCCM’s shareholders; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions; the level of redemptions of the CCCM’s public shareholders, which may reduce the public float of, reduce the liquidity of the trading market of, and/or maintain the quotation, listing, or trading of the Class A ordinary shares of CCCM or the shares of common stock of ProCap Financial to be listed in connection with the Proposed Transactions; the insufficiency of the third-party fairness opinion for the board of directors of CCCM in determining whether or not to pursue the Proposed Transactions; the failure of ProCap Financial to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after closing of the Proposed Transactions; risks associated with CCCM, ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial’s ability to consummate the Proposed Transactions timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in bitcoin prices or for other reasons; costs related to the Proposed Transactions and as a result of becoming a public company; changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; risks relating to ProCap Financial’s anticipated operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of bitcoin; the risk that ProCap Financial’s stock price will be highly correlated to the price of bitcoin and the price of bitcoin may decrease between the signing of the definitive documents for the Proposed Transactions and the closing of the Proposed Transactions or at any time after the closing of the Proposed Transactions; asset security and risks associated with CCCM, ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial’s ability to consummate the Proposed Transactions timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in bitcoin prices or for other reasons; risks related to increased competition in the industries in which ProCap Financial will operate; risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding bitcoin; risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; risks that after consummation of the Proposed Transactions, ProCap Financial experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; the risks that launching and growing ProCap Financial’s bitcoin treasury advisory and services in digital marketing and strategy could be difficult; challenges in implementing ProCap Financial’s business plan, due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; being considered to be a “shell company” by any stock exchange on which ProCap Financial’s common stock will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact ProCap Financial’s ability to list ProCap Financial’s common stock and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of securities; the outcome of any potential legal proceedings that may be instituted against ProCap Financial, ProCap BTC, CCCM or others following announcement of the Proposed Transactions, and those risk factors discussed in documents that ProCap Financial and/or CCCM filed, or that will be filed, with the SEC.

    The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the final prospectus of CCCM dated as of May 15, 2025 and filed by CCCM with the SEC on May 19, 2025, CCCM’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and CCCM’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K that will be filed by CCCM from time to time, the Registration Statement that will be filed by ProCap Financial and CCCM and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained therein, and other documents that have been or will be filed by CCCM and ProCap Financial from time to time with the SEC. These filings do or will identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither CCCM nor ProCap Financial presently know or that CCCM and ProCap Financial currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and each of CCCM, ProCap BTC, and ProCap Financial assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither CCCM, ProCap BTC, nor ProCap Financial gives any assurance that any of CCCM, ProCap BTC, or ProCap Financial will achieve their respective expectations. The inclusion of any statement in this communication does not constitute an admission by CCCM, ProCap BTC or ProCap Financial or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

    The terms of the Proposed Transactions described in this communication, including any dollar-denominated figures or implied valuations, are based on information as of the date of the signing of the definitive business combination agreement and assume no redemptions from the CCCM trust account. These terms are subject to change, including as a result of fluctuations in the price of bitcoin prior to closing of the Proposed Transactions. There can be no assurance that the final terms at Closing will reflect the figures referenced herein.

    Media Contacts

    Ebony Lewkovitz
    ebony@edencommunications.com 

    Larissa Bundziak
    larissa@edencommunications.com 

    IR@ColumbusCircleCap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anthony Pompliano Strikes $1 Billion Merger to Create ProCap Financial; Raises Over $750M in Largest Initial Fundraise in History for Public Bitcoin Treasury Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ProCap Financial to strategically acquire bitcoin and generate revenue and profits from its bitcoin holdings
    • Equity investors have immediate exposure to bitcoin based on structure of financing transactions
    • Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM) to take ProCap Financial public

    New York, NY, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American investor and entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano today announced that ProCap BTC, LLC, a bitcoin-native financial services firm, has entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination with Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM), a SPAC sponsored by a controlled subsidiary of Cohen & Company, Inc.

    At the closing of the proposed business combination, the combined company will operate as ProCap Financial, Inc., with up to $1 billion in bitcoin on its balance sheet. Entities in the proposed transaction raised $516.5 million in equity and $235 million in convertible notes, the largest initial fundraise in history for a public bitcoin treasury company.

    Leading institutional and bitcoin-native investors participating in the financing transactions include Magnetar Capital, Woodline Partners LP, Anson Funds, RK Capital, Off the Chain Capital, Parafi, Blockchain.com, Arrington Capital, BSQ Capital Partners, and FalconX. Industry veterans such as Mark Yusko, Jason Williams, Eric Semler, Tony Guoga, and Matteo Franceschetti participated as well.

    ProCap Financial aims to become the leading financial services firm at the intersection of bitcoin and traditional finance. ProCap Financial plans to use its bitcoin balance sheet to generate revenue and profit through a variety of strategies.

    ProCap Financial will be led by Anthony Pompliano, who has invested in more than 300 private companies and is one of the leading voices on bitcoin globally.

    “The legacy financial system is being disrupted by bitcoin,” said Pompliano. “ProCap Financial represents our solution to the increasing demand for bitcoin-native financial services among sophisticated investors. Our objective is to develop a platform that will not only acquire bitcoin for our balance sheet, but will also implement risk-mitigated solutions to generate revenue and profits from our bitcoin holdings.”

    “From day one we sought to partner with a platform and a leader that could develop a transformative organization – and we found that in ProCap BTC and Anthony Pompliano,” said Gary Quin, CEO of CCCM. “Anthony’s track record as an innovative investor, operator, and early advocate in the bitcoin ecosystem speaks for itself. We believe his deep expertise and relentless conviction will help continue to transform an industry undergoing rapid evolution.”

    Terms of the Proposed Business Combination and Financing Transactions

    The proposed business combination (the “Business Combination”) between ProCap BTC, LLC (“ProCap BTC”) and Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (“CCCM”) will result in ProCap Financial, Inc. (“ProCap Financial”) being a publicly listed company. In connection with the Business Combination, ProCap BTC sold $516.5 million of non-voting preferred units to investors in a private placement (the “Preferred Equity Raise”) and ProCap Financial secured commitments for $235 million in senior secured convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) from investors in a private placement (the “Convertible Debt Raise”, together with the Business Combination and the Preferred Equity Raise, the “Proposed Transactions”). At the closing of the Business Combination (the “Closing”), any funds remaining in the CCCM trust account will be delivered to ProCap Financial. The full proceeds of the CCCM Trust Account, assuming no trust redemptions at or prior to Closing, is included in the up to $1 billion expected to be used to purchase bitcoin for ProCap Financial’s balance sheet.

    The Preferred Equity Raise was funded contemporaneously with the execution of the definitive agreements. ProCap BTC agreed to purchase bitcoin (the “BTC Assets”) using the aggregate amount of funds raised in the Preferred Equity Raise within fifteen days of the date of signing the definitive agreements. The BTC Assets will be held in a custodial account until the completion of the Business Combination, providing future shareholders of ProCap Financial with immediate exposure to bitcoin rather than waiting until after the Closing.

    The Convertible Notes will be funded at the close of the Business Combination and have a 130% conversation rate, zero interest rate, and maturity of up to 36 months. The Convertible Notes will be 2x collateralized by cash, cash equivalents or a portion of the bitcoin purchased with the proceeds from the Proposed Transactions. U.S. Bank National Trust, N.A. will serve as collateral agent and trustee with regard to the Convertible Notes and associated indenture and guarantee arrangements.

    At the Closing, former security holders of CCCM and former unit holders of ProCap BTC (“ProCap Holders”) will receive, as consideration in the Business Combination, newly-issued securities of ProCap Financial. The number of ProCap Financial shares issuable to the ProCap Holders at Closing will depend on the value of the BTC Assets measured as of a date shortly before the Closing, subject to a cap, and provided, also, that the ProCap Holders that are investors in the Preferred Equity Raise (as defined herein) will, at a minimum, receive such number of ProCap Financial shares as represents 1.25 times the number of preferred units delivered to such investors upon consummation of the Preferred Equity Raise, based on the trade weighted average price of the BTC Assets, as further described in the definitive agreements for the Proposed Transactions (the “Transaction Agreements”).

    Prior to entering into the definitive agreement, the proposed Business Combination has been approved by the board of directors of CCCM and by the board of managers of ProCap BTC. The terms of the Transaction Agreements, including covenants and conditions to Closing reasonably customary for similar transactions, including that the Proposed Transactions and their terms be approved by requisite CCCM shareholders and by the sole voting unit holder of ProCap BTC, an entity owned and controlled by Pompliano.

    The parties expect to consummate the Proposed Transactions prior to the end of 2025, after the submission for review by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of a registration statement on Form S-4 to register applicable securities issuable by ProCap Financial upon consummation of the proposed Business Combination. The parties intend to take actions necessary for the Convertible Notes, upon issuance in connection with the Closing, to have an associated 144A CUSIP number on the issue date to facilitate potential post-Closing trading amongst QUIBS, but are not expected to otherwise be registered or tradeable.

    The terms of the Proposed Transactions described in this release, including any dollar-denominated figures or implied valuations, are based on information as of the date of the signing of the Transaction Agreements and assume no redemptions from the CCCM trust account. These terms are subject to change, including as a result of fluctuations in the price of bitcoin prior to Closing. There can be no assurance that the final terms at Closing will reflect the figures referenced herein.

    Advisors

    Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC (“Cohen & Company”) is acting as exclusive financial advisor to ProCap BTC.

    Cohen & Company and Clear Street LLC are serving as joint co-placement agents in connection with the Preferred Equity Raise and Convertible Debt Raise.

    Reed Smith LLP is acting as legal advisor for ProCap BTC, LLC and ProCap Financial, Inc. in connection with the Proposed Transactions.

    Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP is acting as legal advisor to CCCM in connection with the Proposed Transactions. Ogier is acting as special Cayman Islands counsel to CCCM.

    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is acting as legal advisor to the joint co-placement agents in connection with the Preferred Equity Raise and Convertible Debt Raise.

    About ProCap BTC, LLC and ProCap Financial, Inc.

    ProCap BTC, LLC is a bitcoin-native financial services firm founded by Anthony Pompliano. Pompliano has invested in more than 300 private companies and is one of the leading voices on bitcoin globally. ProCap Financial, Inc., the company resulting from the proposed Business Combination, will focus on implementing various profit-generating products and services to support the unique financial needs of large financial institutions and institutional investors.

    About Columbus Circle Capital I
    Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM) is a Cayman Islands–incorporated blank check company formed to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company is led by Chairman and CEO Gary Quin, a veteran investment banker with over 25 years of experience in cross-border M&A, private equity, and capital markets; COO Dan Nash, a skilled investment banker, with a strong track record in SPAC execution and building high-growth advisory platforms; and CFO Joseph W. Pooler, Jr., who brings decades of public company financial leadership. The board of directors includes Garrett Curran, Alberto Alsina Gonzalez, Dr. Adam Back, and Matthew Murphy.

    About Cohen & Company

    Cohen & Company is J.V. B. Financial Group, LLC’s full-service boutique investment bank based in New York City that provides high-touch services across strategic advisory, mergers & acquisitions, and capital markets transactions. Cohen & Company merges boutique attentiveness with institutional scale. Learn more at https://www.cohencm.com/.  J.V. B. Financial Group, LLC is an indirect controlled subsidiary of Cohen & Company Inc, a financial services company specializing in an expanding range of capital markets and asset management services. Cohen and Company Inc has approximately $2.3 billion of assets under management. 

    About Clear Street

    Clear Street Investment Banking provides a full suite of strategic advisory, transactions and creative capital solutions to companies and investors across high-growth sectors including technology, healthcare, energy and beyond. Clear Street Investment Banking is part of Clear Street, the cloud-native financial services firm delivering financing, derivatives, execution and more to power client success. Learn more at https://www.clearstreet.io/investment-banking.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    ProCap Financial, Inc. (“ProCap Financial”) and Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (“CCCM”) intend to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (as may be amended, the “Registration Statement”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement of CCCM and a prospectus (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) in connection with the proposed business combination between ProCap BTC, LLC (“ProCap BTC”) and CCCM (the “Proposed Transactions”). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to shareholders of CCCM as of a record date to be established for voting on the Proposed Transactions and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. ProCap Financial and/or CCCM will also file other documents regarding the Proposed Transactions with the SEC. This communication does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Proposed Transactions and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Proposed Transactions. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF CCCM AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH CCCM’s SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CCCM, PROCAP BTC, PROCAP FINANCIAL AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by CCCM and ProCap Financial, without charge, once available, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I, 3 Columbus Circle, 24th Floor New York, NY 10019, e-mail: IR@ColumbusCircleCap.com; or upon written request to ProCap Financial, Inc., 600 Lexington Ave., Floor 2, New York, NY 10022.

    NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE BUSINESS COMBINATION OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS COMMUNICATION. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    The offer and sale of the convertible notes to be issued by ProCap Financial and the preferred units of ProCap BTC sold in connection with the Proposed Transactions has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.

    Participants in Solicitation

    CCCM, ProCap BTC, ProCap Financial and their respective directors, executive officers, certain of their shareholders and other members of management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from CCCM’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transactions. A list of the names of such persons, and information regarding their interests in the Proposed Transactions and their ownership of CCCM’s securities are, or will be, contained in CCCM’s filings with the SEC, including the final prospectus for CCCM’s initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 19, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of CCCM’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transactions, including the names and interests of ProCap BTC’s and ProCap Financial’s respective directors or managers and executive officers, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is expected to be filed by ProCap Financial and CCCM with the SEC. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as described above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication and the information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange the securities of CCCM or ProCap Financial, or any commodity or instrument or related derivative, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Investors should consult with their counsel as to the applicable requirements for a purchaser to avail itself of any exemption under the Securities Act.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transactions involving ProCap Financial, ProCap BTC, and CCCM, including expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, plans, prospects, financial results or strategies regarding ProCap BTC, ProCap Financial, CCCM and the Proposed Transactions, statements regarding the anticipated benefits and timing of the completion of the Proposed Transactions, the assets held by ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial, the price and volatility of bitcoin, bitcoin’s growing prominence as a digital asset and as the foundation of a new financial system, ProCap Financial’s listing on any securities exchange, the macro and political conditions surrounding bitcoin, the planned business strategy including ProCap Financial’s ability to develop a corporate architecture capable of supporting financial products built with and on bitcoin including native lending models, capital market instruments, and future innovations that will replace legacy financial tools with bitcoin-aligned alternatives, plans and use of proceeds, objectives of management for future operations of ProCap Financial, the upside potential and opportunity for investors, ProCap Financial’s plan for value creation and strategic advantages, market size and growth opportunities, regulatory conditions, technological and market trends, future financial condition and performance and expected financial impacts of the Proposed Transactions, the satisfaction of closing conditions to the Proposed Transactions and the level of redemptions of CCCM’s public shareholders, and ProCap Financial’s expectations, intentions, strategies, assumptions or beliefs about future events, results of operations or performance or that do not solely relate to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events or conditions that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this communication, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Proposed Transactions may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of CCCM’s securities; the risk that the Proposed Transactions may not be completed by CCCM’s business combination deadline; the failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transactions, including the approval of CCCM’s shareholders; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions; the level of redemptions of the CCCM’s public shareholders, which may reduce the public float of, reduce the liquidity of the trading market of, and/or maintain the quotation, listing, or trading of the Class A ordinary shares of CCCM or the shares of common stock of ProCap Financial to be listed in connection with the Proposed Transactions; the insufficiency of the third-party fairness opinion for the board of directors of CCCM in determining whether or not to pursue the Proposed Transactions; the failure of ProCap Financial to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after closing of the Proposed Transactions; risks associated with CCCM, ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial’s ability to consummate the Proposed Transactions timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in bitcoin prices or for other reasons; costs related to the Proposed Transactions and as a result of becoming a public company; changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; risks relating to ProCap Financial’s anticipated operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of bitcoin; the risk that ProCap Financial’s stock price will be highly correlated to the price of bitcoin and the price of bitcoin may decrease between the signing of the definitive documents for the Proposed Transactions and the closing of the Proposed Transactions or at any time after the closing of the Proposed Transactions; asset security and risks associated with CCCM, ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial’s ability to consummate the Proposed Transactions timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in bitcoin prices or for other reasons; risks related to increased competition in the industries in which ProCap Financial will operate; risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding bitcoin; risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; risks that after consummation of the Proposed Transactions, ProCap Financial experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; the risks that launching and growing ProCap Financial’s bitcoin treasury advisory and services in digital marketing and strategy could be difficult; challenges in implementing ProCap Financial’s business plan, due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; being considered to be a “shell company” by any stock exchange on which ProCap Financial’s common stock will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact ProCap Financial’s ability to list ProCap Financial’s common stock and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of securities; the outcome of any potential legal proceedings that may be instituted against ProCap Financial, ProCap BTC, CCCM or others following announcement of the Proposed Transactions, and those risk factors discussed in documents that ProCap Financial and/or CCCM filed, or that will be filed, with the SEC.

    The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the final prospectus of CCCM dated as of May 15, 2025 and filed by CCCM with the SEC on May 19, 2025, CCCM’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and CCCM’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K that will be filed by CCCM from time to time, the Registration Statement that will be filed by ProCap Financial and CCCM and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained therein, and other documents that have been or will be filed by CCCM and ProCap Financial from time to time with the SEC. These filings do or will identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither CCCM nor ProCap Financial presently know or that CCCM and ProCap Financial currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and each of CCCM, ProCap BTC, and ProCap Financial assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither CCCM, ProCap BTC, nor ProCap Financial gives any assurance that any of CCCM, ProCap BTC, or ProCap Financial will achieve their respective expectations. The inclusion of any statement in this communication does not constitute an admission by CCCM, ProCap BTC or ProCap Financial or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

    The terms of the Proposed Transactions described in this communication, including any dollar-denominated figures or implied valuations, are based on information as of the date of the signing of the definitive business combination agreement and assume no redemptions from the CCCM trust account. These terms are subject to change, including as a result of fluctuations in the price of bitcoin prior to closing of the Proposed Transactions. There can be no assurance that the final terms at Closing will reflect the figures referenced herein.

    Media Contacts

    Ebony Lewkovitz
    ebony@edencommunications.com 

    Larissa Bundziak
    larissa@edencommunications.com 

    IR@ColumbusCircleCap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Stronger Together: Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Tajikistan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Tajikistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate and disaster risks. With help from partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the country is working to improve how it prepares for and responds to these challenges.  These efforts are focused on building long-term resilience and ensuring a safer future for its people.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Clean energy future to be ‘built in Britain’

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Clean energy future to be ‘built in Britain’

    Government publishes its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan to ensure the clean energy revolution is built in Britain.

    • Government publishes landmark plan to capture the immense jobs and growth opportunities of the clean energy economy
    • Plan will double down on Britain’s strengths as a coastal nation and scientific superpower, bringing jobs to industrial heartlands and coastal communities through Plan for Change
    • Further £700 million for Great British Energy to invest in clean energy supply chains and ensure the clean energy revolution is built in Britain

    Communities across Britain will benefit from good jobs and investment in the clean energy economy, as the government today (Monday 23 June) publishes its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan to ‘build it in Britain’.

    Clean energy is the economic opportunity of the twenty-first century, and thanks to the government’s clean energy mission, investment is booming in the UK, with over £40 billion of private investment in clean energy announced since July.

    This landmark plan, developed with industry, trade unions, and workers across all regions of the country, sets the UK on a path to unleash the tidal wave of jobs and investment that clean energy can bring, with the government targeting at least a doubling of current investment levels across our frontier Clean Energy Industries to over £30 billion per year by 2035.

    It comes after the Spending Review confirmed the biggest programme of investment in homegrown energy in UK history – from launching a golden age of nuclear with funding to build Sizewell C nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast and small modular reactors, to £9.4 billion for carbon capture industries.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    This government is doubling down on Britain’s clean power strengths as we build this new era of clean energy abundance, helping deliver good jobs, energy security and lower household bills.

    The UK’s pitch is clear – build it in Britain. Power the world.

    Great British Energy Chief Executive Dan McGrail said:

    Great British Energy will help the UK win the global race for clean energy jobs and growth by investing in homegrown supply chains and ensuring key infrastructure parts are made here in Britain.

    We are working closely with businesses across the clean energy sector to invest in areas of strategic need and will get funding out as fast as possible to get new projects off the ground.

    As part of this plan, Great British Energy will have an additional £700 million to help build manufacturing facilities here at home for key components for the clean power revolution like floating offshore platforms, electric cables, and cutting-edge hydrogen infrastructure. This builds on Great British Energy’s initial £300 million for offshore wind supply chains, which the Energy Secretary confirmed last week has already catalysed a further £700 million from industry and The Crown Estate. With today’s additional funding, this brings total public and private funding in clean energy supply chains to £1.7 billion. This investment will unlock thousands of jobs, kickstarting growth in coastal communities and industrial towns, and secure a cleaner, more independent energy future for Britain.

    Lucy Yu, CEO and founder of the Centre for Net Zero, has also been announced as the government’s Clean Energy AI Champion – helping to drive the adoption of AI across the UK’s clean energy sector and accelerate the net zero transition.

    The Clean Industry Bonus – the financial reward scheme for offshore wind developers to invest in homegrown, cleaner supply chains – could also be expanded to more sectors, such as hydrogen and onshore wind. This will ensure clean energy investment is directed to regions that need it most, including traditional oil and gas communities, ex-industrial areas and coastal communities.

    The Industrial Strategy sets out how Britain’s strengths make it the natural home for clean power industries: as a coastal nation, a scientific and innovation superpower, with strengths in high-value manufacturing and a skilled energy workforce to match.

    Read the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan.

    Stakeholders

    Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive designate at SSE plc, said:

    The government’s industrial strategy is a welcome signal of long-term thinking and ambition – doubling down on homegrown energy is the right thing for security, resilience and affordability, making the most of the UK’s competitive geographical and technical advantages in renewables in particular.

    It’s exactly the kind of commitment that gives industry the confidence to deliver at pace and scale, and with important decisions on energy policy expected in the weeks ahead, we hope to see a continued focus on unlocking investment that drives growth.

    As the UK’s clean energy champion, SSE is investing £17.5 billion over 5 years to 2027 – building the infrastructure, creating high-quality jobs, supporting the supply chain and driving the innovation needed to deliver a net zero economy.

    Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, said:

    The Industrial Strategy makes clear the scale of economic opportunity within the clean energy sector. As an essential enabler for all growth sectors, we warmly welcome the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan which will position Britain as a world leader in technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture.

    As Britain’s national gas network, we believe technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture will attract major investment, creating highly-skilled jobs across the country, as well as decarbonising our existing industries and bolstering energy security.

    We welcome the recent commitments and recognition shown by the government on the role of green gases and Britain’s national gas network and look forward to working in partnership to deliver the clean energy economy of the future.

    Steve Foxley, Chief Executive of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, said:

    Wind energy is not only a critical enabler of Net Zero as the foundation of our future clean energy system but also a once-in-a-generation industrial growth opportunity. Through clear pathways from research and development to commercialisation and deployment, the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy will capitalise on our long history of innovation to not only attract critical manufacturing investment, creating thousands of highly skilled jobs the length and breadth of the country, but also ensure our energy security in an otherwise increasingly uncertain world.

    Chris Norbury, Chief Executive of E.ON UK

    We welcome the government’s bold ambition to put clean energy at the centre of the UK’s industrial strategy. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the economy, strengthen energy security and create skilled, secure jobs across the country.

    Our £2 billion UK investment plan is already driving forward decarbonisation, digitalisation and green skills, including through our Net Zero Academy and over 1,300 apprenticeships since 2018.

    This strategy is a chance to accelerate that progress with the right clarity, long-term investment signals and genuine partnership between government, cities and industry. If we get this right, Britain can lead the world in clean energy and deliver real meaningful benefits to every household and business.

    Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) said:

    We welcome the government’s Clean Energy Sector Plan and its clear commitment to creating high-quality, secure jobs – not just any jobs.

    The explicit pledge to a new generation of good industrial jobs will strike a chord with workers from Teesside to Merseyside, many of whom felt left abandoned by the last government’s failure to act.

    We strongly support the launch of the UK’s first-ever Clean Energy Workforce Strategy – a vital recognition that workers are central to both our economy and the clean energy transition.

    By prioritising sectors like nuclear fusion, nuclear fission, and offshore wind, the government is showing a serious commitment to a balanced, resilient energy mix.

    The TUC backs the ambition to ‘Build it in Britain. Power the World’ and stands ready to help make it a reality.

    Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, National Officer at GMB:

    This strategy is a welcome shift, recognising that Britain’s clean energy future must be built here, by skilled workers in secure, union jobs. For too long, energy policy has meant offshoring opportunity and hollowing out industry.

    If delivered properly, this plan could help turn that tide. GMB will work to make sure these promises translate into real investment, real jobs, and a just transition that puts working people at the heart of our industrial future.

    Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary at Prospect union said:

    Boosting clean energy is not only an important mission in its own right, it is central to the success of every other sector. It is welcome to see the government doubling down on this mission, focusing investment on key technologies like renewables and nuclear energy, and recognising the key role that trade unions play as partners in this strategy.

    Securing the investment is important, but perhaps the biggest challenge in this area is around the workforce. The energy workforce is undergoing an unprecedented transition, which creates opportunities for many but also serious challenges that need to be addressed.

    Delivering on this strategy in a way which creates prosperity and supports jobs will require the government’s forthcoming energy workforce plan to be as ambitious as possible and fully backed by all parts of government.

    David Hall, VP, Power Systems, Schneider Electric, said:

    The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan will help to provide much needed certainty for businesses and investors. We welcome the recognition of electricity networks as a ‘foundational sector’ and look forward to working with the Government to develop an electricity networks growth plan.

    We also welcome the commitment to phasing out SF6 gas – a potent greenhouse gas – from switchgear. Regulatory certainty on this issue is key for manufacturers like Schneider Electric who are committed to invest in our domestic capabilities and support the decarbonisation of the grid.

    Schneider Electric is a key supplier of the electrical infrastructure powering the UK’s electricity networks. Over the past two years we have invested almost £50 million to further boost the UK’s domestic supply chain, including investing £42 million to build a brand new factory in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

    Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager, Claus Wattendrup, said:

    The government is right to back clean energy as a growth engine for UK jobs and skills. Offshore wind already supports over 50,000 UK jobs and is scaling up fast through initiatives like the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan, and we now await the government’s Onshore Wind strategy to help unlock even more investment, jobs, and energy security.

    We must avoid own-goals along the way, however: the benefits of district heating must not be overlooked, whereas zonal pricing in Great Britain risks future investments without cutting bills.

    Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK, said:

    Energy UK welcomes the government’s new Industrial Strategy and Clean Energy Industries sector plan, which rightly recognise the pivotal role energy will play across the whole economy, powering growth through digitalisation and electrification, boosting regional prosperity and delivering economic security and resilience.

    Stable, affordable energy prices will help ensure that the UK remains a competitive place to do business, and in an increasingly uncertain global operating environment, clean power will deliver energy security. Focussing on priority technologies where the UK has global expertise will deliver a strong competitive advantage for our businesses and economy.

    We know the investment necessary to decarbonise the economy will mostly be funded by the private sector. Clarity on government policy, removal of the barriers to investment and targeted support are all essential to meet this ambition.

    Jane Cooper, Deputy CEO of RenewableUK, said:

    Today’s industrial strategy identifies clean energy as one of the sectors with the highest growth opportunity, and we are going to see tens of billions of pounds of new investment in wind energy, grid and hydrogen in the coming years. With that new infrastructure comes a golden opportunity to secure new jobs, manufacturing, innovation and exports, in the growing industrial clusters across the UK, in areas like the Humber, Scotland, South Wales, the South West and Teesside.

    There are already nearly 2,000 companies in the UK who have benefitted from contracts to deliver work in the wind energy sector. Collectively, wind energy currently employs 55,000 people, a figure which has risen by a quarter from two years ago. By keeping a laser focus, as this Industrial Strategy does, on unlocking investment, remaining competitive, and supporting UK companies to innovate and grow, the offshore wind supply chain alone could boost the UK economy by £25 billion over the next decade.

    The opportunity and vision is there, now government needs to ensure they deliver on the critical aspects of this industrial strategy. Most notably for renewables, that means ensuring the next two contract for difference allocation round are as successful as possible, clearing large volumes of projects in a stable market framework to reduce costs. This is essential if we want to attract investment in the UK’s supply chain, skills and capabilities.

    Claire Mack OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

    Placing clean energy at the heart of the new industrial strategy is a vote of confidence in the enormous economic growth potential of Scotland’s renewable energy industry and supply chain. The scale of opportunity is clear with sectors like offshore wind expected to generate £35 billion for the economy, helping to deliver good jobs and energy security.

    Scottish Renewables has been urging the UK government to be bold in removing barriers to investment and we’re pleased to see the ambition outlined in this strategy, including measures to build a grid fit for the future, drive competitive supply chains and grow exports.

    In the years ahead, success will be seen in the delivery of new clean energy infrastructure, thriving supply chains and skilled jobs across Scotland. Our industry stands ready to continue meeting that challenge head on.

    Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), said:

    We are delighted to see the Government’s continued commitment to Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS), including Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGRs), as a frontier industry. This rightly positions CCUS and GGRs as a core pillar in delivering on three vital national objectives: reaching net zero, driving regional growth, and strengthening economic security.

    The UK’s CCUS industry stands ready to deliver and is pleased to see government’s prioritisation of cross-border CO₂ transport and storage networks in the North Sea, recognising the significant economic benefits for both UK and EU CCUS projects. This builds on the positive momentum from the recent UK-EU Summit – alongside the support confirmed in the Spending Review.

    Following these government commitments, a clear timetable for deployment is essential to secure investment, as well as investment in scaling up supply chains and growing the workforce needed to deliver at pace. With continued partnership between government and industry, CCUS can anchor a new era of sustainable industrial growth – one that revitalises communities, boosts energy resilience and ensures the UK leads in tackling climate change.

    Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association said:

    It is great to see heat pumps, and by association heating systems, being listed as a frontier industry within the plan and identified as one of six areas with the highest growth potential.

    With a new Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition confirmed, £13.2 billion recently announced for the Warm Homes Plan alongside a clear timeline for the introduction of the Future Homes Standard and a pledge to expand heat networks, it is clear the government are committed to enhancing the UK’s energy security by decarbonising heat from buildings.

    Whilst we await the detail within the Warm Homes Plan, this strategy sets clear intentions for the sector, and the HPA will continue to work closely with government to support their missions to break down barriers to investment and deliver nationwide growth.

    Clare Jackson, CEO at Hydrogen UK, said

    The UK can, and should, lead the world in hydrogen, creating jobs and skills, driving economic growth, and lowering emissions. With hydrogen as a key pillar, the Industrial Strategy and Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan are welcome, positive steps forward to achieving that goal, with strong policy signals and funding to match.

    The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan in particular acknowledges hydrogen’s economic and export potential, and we look forward to working with the government as it puts these strategies into practice.

    Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) said:

    We welcome the publication of the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan and the clear recognition of hydrogen as a central pillar in the UK’s clean industrial future.

    The commitment to a dedicated hydrogen sector plan – 1 of 8 outlined across key growth industries – provides the clarity and direction that hydrogen investors, innovators and infrastructure providers urgently need.

    The extension of the Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen is a particularly positive step, signalling that government recognises the role hydrogen can play in decarbonising heavy industry and strengthening energy resilience.

    The wider Industrial Strategy’s focus on reducing energy costs, accelerating grid connections and supporting frontier technologies reflects many of the priorities the hydrogen industry has long been calling for.

    We now look forward to working closely with government and industry to ensure this strategy delivers tangible outcomes – unlocking investment, creating skilled green jobs, and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Yselkla Farmer, CEO at BEAMA said:

    BEAMA’s members are pleased that our calls for improvements to industrial conditions have been recognised. This long term strategy distinguishes electricity networks and electric heat – uniquely, both represented by BEAMA – as critical sectors for the UK’s economic prosperity. They have the potential to deliver significant benefits to consumers and those seeking excellent employment opportunities in our domestic supply chains.

    We are well aligned with the government’s overall vision and objectives for our sector. We are looking forward to keeping the momentum up over the ten years of this strategy, working with government to bring tangible change and hugely increase investment in our members’ markets, with specific benefit to British manufacturing. In addition to some further measures from upcoming policy announcements, this strategy has the potential to build on our existing strengths for an exciting future.

    We are especially pleased to see the level of financial support being targeted for BEAMA sectors through GB Energy, the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank and our hope is this can help bring forward investment in UK manufacturing to supply the UK’s electrification needs across the grid and in homes. The decision to reduce electricity costs for the IS-8 manufacturing sectors is an incredibly welcome step as we strive to ensure we can compete for investment globally.

    Stuart Dossett, Senior Policy Adviser at Green Alliance, said: 

    As international events threaten to drive up the price of oil and send bills soaring once again, it is vital the government look at how to make the UK energy secure. If we’re successful in doubling the amount of investment in clean energy over the next ten years, as the government proposes today, this will provide the cheap, secure power we need for the rest of the economy to grow. The government is also right to focus on making sure more homegrown renewable energy results in cheaper electricity costs for businesses. 

    Darren Davidson, Head of UK, Siemens Energy said:

    Today’s Industrial Strategy announcement, a 10-year UK government plan focused on partnership with business, is welcome news. As one of the world’s leading energy technology companies Siemens Energy has invested significantly in the UK, and we already employ over 6,500 people working on energy projects across the regions.

    The new plan is a significant step forward in helping to create a coherent, strategic policy framework – including funding support – to help strengthen the UK’s industrial base, encourage job creation and deliver the energy transition.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • India advances carbon pricing reforms to meet climate goals

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India is moving steadily towards establishing a comprehensive carbon pricing ecosystem aimed at meeting its climate and development commitments. With the formal adoption of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in July 2024 and increasing alignment with global carbon markets, the country is setting the stage for a structured, rate-based Emissions Trading System (ETS).

    According to the World Bank’s State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025 report, India has emerged as a notable player among emerging economies—alongside Brazil and Türkiye—in advancing carbon pricing frameworks and climate finance tools.

    A Transition to Rate-Based Emissions Trading

    Unlike cap-based systems where total emissions are limited, India’s ETS follows a rate-based model. Here, emissions are not capped outright, but each entity is assigned a performance benchmark to limit net emissions relative to output. This model offers greater flexibility, particularly for fast-growing economies like India, by accommodating industrial expansion while maintaining climate discipline.

    The national ETS is set to initially cover nine energy-intensive sectors, including cement, steel, and power generation. Facilities outperforming benchmark emission levels will be issued tradable Credit Certificates. The scheme thus rewards efficiency while laying the groundwork for the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).

    India’s Ministry of Power approved eight methodologies on March 28, 2025, for generating voluntary carbon credits. These include renewable energy, green hydrogen production, industrial energy efficiency, and mangrove afforestation. This move supports the broader aim of transitioning from existing schemes such as the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) programme to a market-ready, credit-based system.

    Emerging Economies in Comparison

    Among peer economies, China operates a similar rate-based ETS focused on the power and heavy industrial sectors. Indonesia, too, follows a rate-based structure and has recently expanded its coverage. Brazil stands apart with a cap-based system, legislated in December 2024, covering all sectors barring agriculture. India’s carbon pricing framework is currently in the regulatory phase but is expected to become operational within the next fiscal year.

    Voluntary Carbon Market: Expanding the Scope

    India is developing a voluntary carbon market to include sectors currently outside the purview of the compliance mechanism. These encompass agriculture, afforestation, and clean cooking initiatives. The objective is to channel private capital towards climate-positive projects through transparent crediting mechanisms and market participation.

    The regulatory backbone for this voluntary market is provided by the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022. This law empowers the central government to issue carbon credit certificates, thereby legitimising both compliance and voluntary credit markets.

    Policy Support and Institutional Framework

    Several flagship initiatives are helping fortify India’s carbon market architecture. Among them is the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The mission is closely tied to the carbon credit mechanism through approved methodologies that recognise hydrogen’s potential as a low-emission fuel.

    Meanwhile, the PAT scheme—implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) since 2012—has achieved a 15–25% reduction in emissions intensity in targeted sectors. It will gradually integrate with the ETS, ensuring a seamless policy transition.

    India’s renewable energy ambitions remain central to its climate policy. The government aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030, with carbon pricing acting as a complementary instrument to accelerate this shift.

    Market Readiness and Governance

    To strengthen governance, the National Steering Committee for the Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) has been constituted. It includes representatives from key ministries, state governments, and industry stakeholders. The Committee is responsible for setting targets, issuing guidelines, and ensuring transparency in market operations. It also oversees the development of international trading mechanisms and verifies emission intensity reductions.

    The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, functioning under the Ministry of Power, plays a pivotal role as the technical arm of India’s climate governance. Since its inception in 2002, BEE has deployed a combination of regulatory and market-based tools to drive energy efficiency across sectors such as industry, buildings, transport, and agriculture.

    Enabling Behavioural Shifts

    India’s approach also includes behavioural interventions. Launched as a global movement at COP27, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) encourages individuals to adopt climate-friendly daily habits. The mission aims to mobilise one billion people by 2028 and transform 80% of Indian villages and urban bodies into green communities.

    Complementing this is the Green Credit Programme (GCP), which was notified in October 2023 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. GCP promotes tree plantation on degraded forest land, issuing digital credits to participants—ranging from individuals to corporations—who maintain the plantations over a decade. The scheme is designed to expand India’s green cover and incentivise voluntary environmental stewardship.

    Towards a Carbon-Conscious Economy

    India’s carbon pricing journey is firmly grounded in the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), ensuring that climate action remains equitable and context-specific. With institutional structures now in place and policy backing strong, the country is poised to lead by example in aligning economic development with environmental sustainability.

  • MIL-OSI: Flow Capital Announces US$1.5M Follow-On Investment in Tattle

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flow Capital Corp. (TSXV:FW) (“Flow Capital” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a second follow-on investment of $1.5M in portfolio company, GetTattle Inc. (dba “Tattle”), a global Customer Experience Improvement (“CXI”) software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) platform focused primarily on the restaurant and hospitality sector.

    This follow-on round brings Flow Capital’s total investment in Tattle to US$5.5 million, and reaffirms the Company’s strong conviction in Tattle’s team, market opportunity, and long-term trajectory. The additional capital infusion will support Tattle’s continued growth driven by the launch of its AI Coach features, and further expand its presence within core enterprise verticals.

    Alongside the recent financing, Tattle announced the appointment of Kevin Quinn to its Board of Directors. Mr. Quinn is a seasoned finance executive and retired Partner and Co-Head of Global Technology Banking at Goldman Sachs, with over 25 years of experience advising and scaling high-growth companies in the technology and consumer sectors. Most recently, he served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS for America program, an initiative to promote domestic semiconductor innovation and manufacturing.

    All growing technology companies seeking covenant-light founder-friendly growth capital are invited to apply for funding directly at www.flowcap.com/get-funding.

    About Tattle

    Tattle is the leading feedback and guest experience improvement platform built for multi-unit hospitality brands. By seamlessly integrating with the restaurant technology ecosystem, Tattle connects brands with their guests at every touchpoint of the guest journey. Tattle’s AI can instantly translate guest feedback across all ordering channels to generate location-specific action items, and empowers operations, marketing, and training teams to drive measurable improvements in guest satisfaction and revenue. Currently Tattle is active at over 15,000 restaurant locations, including hallmark brands such as Chili’s, CAVA, Hooters, PJ’s Coffee, Mellow Mushroom, and more.

    For more information, please visit www.gettattle.com

    About Flow Capital 

    Flow Capital Corp. is a publicly listed provider of flexible growth capital and alternative debt solutions dedicated to supporting high-growth companies. Since its inception in 2018, the company has provided financing to businesses in the US, the UK, and Canada, helping them achieve accelerated growth without the dilutive impact of equity financing or the complexities of traditional bank loans. Flow Capital focuses on revenue-generating, VC-backed, and founder-owned companies seeking $2 to $10 million in capital to drive their continued expansion.
    Learn more at www.flowcap.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Flow Capital Corp.
    Alex Baluta
    ‎Chief Executive Officer
    ‎alex@flowcap.com
    47 Colborne Street, Suite 303, 
    ‎Toronto, Ontario M5E 1P8

    Forward-Looking Information and Statements

    Certain statements herein may be “forward-looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Flow or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof and Flow assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Central African Republic : African Development Bank Strengthens Capacity to Tackle Illicit Financial Flows and Manage Resource-backed Loans

    The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has successfully concluded a high-level workshop and policy dialogue aimed at enhancing the Central Africa Republic’s capacity to combat illicit financial flows (IFFs) and improve the governance of resource-backed loans.

    Held in Bangui from 10-13 June 2025 under the theme “Harnessing Africa’s Wealth: Curbing Illicit Financial Flows for Resilient Growth and Development,” the four-day event brought together 80 officials from key government ministries, including Finance, Economy, Planning, Environment, Mines and Geology – as well as civil society, the private sector, and local communities.

     The sessions were convened by the African Development Institute (ADI) (https://apo-opa.co/4k3PqnO) and the Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR) (https://apo-opa.co/3I7F8Wc) as part of the Bank’s GONAT initiative, which supports improved natural resource governance in fragile and transitional states.

    High-level panelists included Prof. Richard Filakota, Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation who also serves as the Bank’s Governor for the Central African Republic; Mr. Rufin Benam Beltoungou, Minister of Mines and Geology; and Prof. Chantal Laure Djebebe, Minister and Advisor to the Prime Minister on natural resources.

    Illicit financial flows are a major challenge across the continent, draining billions of dollars annually and severely constraining the ability of African countries to mobilize domestic resources for development.

    “The Central African Republic is rich in natural resources – gold, diamonds, uranium, copper, forests, among others. However, without enhanced oversight, institutional capacity, and sound strategic planning, these resources can become a source of political instability, illicit activities, and unsustainable debt,” warned Minister Beltoungou.

    Workshop participants emphasized the growing use of resource-backed loans – facilities collateralized by natural resources – to finance infrastructure development. While these instruments can unlock critical funding, they also pose risks.

    “Resource-backed loans are loans collateralized by natural resources and can help finance infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools. However, caution is needed in managing repayment conditions, especially when a country lacks full control over its resource accounting,” emphasized Médard Goudozoui, a geological engineer and training beneficiary.

    The capacity-building sessions introduced a suite of practical tools and analytical methods for detecting and addressing IFFs in the Central African Republic.

    “We explored techniques such as the Partner Country Method, trade misinvoicing, and international indices like the Financial Secrecy Index and the Corruption Perception Index – all of which help identify discrepancies between export declarations and customs records in partner countries,” noted Fanta Mariette Samba-Vomi, a geological engineer and Director of the Mining Cadastre. According to her, such tools are critical in detecting anomalies related to under- or over-valuation of exported resources – as often seen in the gold and diamond sectors in the CAR.

    Gender inclusion in governance processes was also featured during the workshop.

    “We welcome the GONAT project’s focus on inclusive governance, with a target of at least 40% female participation. As a Bank, we recognize that transformative and sustainable change is only possible when the voices of women and local communities are integrated into policy formulation processes,” said Mamady Souaré, Country Manager of the African Development Bank Group in the Central African Republic.

    Echoing this, Alexia Molotouala, Head of Division at the Permanent Secretariat of the Kimberley Process, stated: “Increasing women’s involvement is critical because they play a key role in affected communities. Their participation enhances transparency, fairness, and policy effectiveness. Inclusive governance also promotes social cohesion and sustainable development.”

    Dr. Eric Ogunleye, Director of the African Development Institute emphasized the broader impact of the sessions. “It is our firm belief that the knowledge and tools acquired will go a long way in fostering stronger oversight of resource-backed loans and better governance of extractive resources.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Contact:
    Solange Kamuanga-Tossou
    Principal Regional Communication Officer
    African Development Bank
    media@afdb.org

    About the GONAT Project:
    GONAT is a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank Group. Designed to improve governance in the natural resources sector to facilitate domestic resource mobilization in fragile and transition states, the project specifically targets the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. Natural resource sectors covered under GONAT include oil, gas, minerals, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife.

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Sensex ends lower in volatile session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The stock markets started the week on a weak note as tensions escalated in the Middle East, after the United States bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran, showing clear support for Israel in the ongoing conflict.

    The development made investors cautious, leading to a fall in benchmark indices on Monday. The Sensex dropped 511.38 points, or 0.62 per cent, to close at 81,896.79. During the intra-day, it moved between a high of 82,169.67 and a low of 81,476.76.

    Similarly, the Nifty also ended in the red. It fell 140.50 points, or 0.56 per cent, to settle at 24,971.90. The index had touched an intra-high of 25,057 and a low of 24,824.85 during the session.

    Interestingly, broader markets performed better than the frontline indices. The Nifty Midcap100 closed with a gain of 0.36 per cent, while the Smallcap100 rose 0.70 per cent.

    Out of the 30 stocks in the Sensex, HCL Tech, Infosys, Larsen and Toubro, Mahindra and Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC were the biggest losers, falling between 2.28 per cent and 1.21 per cent.

    On the other hand, Trent, Bharat Electronics, Bajaj Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finserv were the top gainers, rising between 3.39 per cent and 0.58 per cent.

    The performance of sectoral indices was mixed as Bank Nifty, Auto, FMCG, and Realty ended in the red while metal, consumer durables, pharma, and media sectors managed to close with gains.

    However, the biggest loser was the Nifty IT index, which declined by 1.48 per cent as stocks like Coforge and Persistent Systems pulled the sector down.

    “Last Friday, markets buildup in anticipation of easing Middle East tensions, following the US announcement of a two-week window to deliberate its involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict,” Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments Limited said.

    “However, the unexpected US airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend disrupted those expectations, triggering a sharp rise in crude oil prices and leading to consolidation in the domestic equity market,” he added.

    The market’s fear gauge, India VIX, which indicates volatility, rose by 2.74 per cent to 14.05 points.

    The Nifty recovered significantly after a gap-down opening amid weak geopolitical sentiment. A pullback in crude oil prices helped the Indian market pare some of its morning losses, although it still ended on a negative note.

    Meanwhile, the rupee traded weak by 0.11 at 86.75 as the dollar index appreciated toward the 99 mark. “Technically, the rupee remains weak below 86, with the next support seen near 87,” said Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Digital platforms have become a key form of ensuring economic and cultural sovereignty”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Mikhail Varushchev / Roscongress Foundation

    HSE Academic Director Yaroslav Kuzminov spoke at the SPIEF-2025 session “In Search of New Sources of Growth: Is a Different Model of Global Financial and Trade Architecture Possible?” The discussion was built around processes in the global economy related to the strengthening of multipolarity and the increasing role of new centers of global growth — states of the Global South and East. The participants discussed the potential and possibilities of a new model of international interaction.

    The global economy is often viewed as a dual system consisting of two large blocs, currently led by the United States and China. However, the world is much more complex, noted Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    “The collective West is trying to preserve itself as a single market system with single institutions, offering them to the rest of the world, but its foundation – free trade and unconditional protection of private property – is now being subjected to crushing blows from national and bloc protectionism. On the other hand, China, with all its economic and technological power, cannot act as the leader of the second world, it cannot gather around itself, as the United States did in its time or the Soviet Union did, other countries, because it is not free,” he said.

    The HSE academic director explained that American and Soviet leadership was based on two pillars: basic defense spending and economic preferences for allies. Now, countries are creating their own economies that are resilient to external influences. This implies the development of domestic production and the diversification of export markets. But this is not enough for sustainable economic growth, especially in the context of the global technological revolutions that are currently taking place.

    “The future is very uncertain, it is very difficult to make forecasts. If earlier the source of uncertainty was only future technologies, today it is geopolitical ruptures and geopolitical unions,” noted Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    In his opinion, the key argument for future technological power and future economic power is R

    “The problem of the center and the periphery arises, and this problem can only be solved by an extremely politically complex pooling of resources, pooling the efforts of different countries, which requires a degree of trust and a level of awareness of the common interest that, in my opinion, is simply impossible to achieve now. In these conditions, almost all technological innovations are developed within national frameworks, and this is where the problem of the “golden nail” arises. The “golden nail” is the problem of a deficit in the scale of the market. We can offer any breakthrough things, but if our market is limited to hundreds of millions of people and we compete with companies that have a market of billions of people, we will still have a “golden nail”. Therefore, it is necessary to single out those companies, those technological areas that correspond to the scale of the politically accessible market, and in other cases talk about localizing transnational companies in their sales markets, setting requirements for these companies to operate in national markets. I would call this the internal rooting of transnational companies ready to work with national jurisdictions,” says Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    At the same time, he noted that completely new solutions are not in the sphere of technology, the market is growing not only due to them. First of all, this is logistics: logistics chains have changed, two political zones of rupture have formed between the EU and Russia and in the Middle East. In these conditions, opportunities arise for countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and India, which act as trade hubs.

    The most important elements of global changes are also related to the human capital of the golden billion countries, the HSE scientific director said. If in the countries of the collective West the share of the middle class is decreasing due to the share of families requiring state support, including migrants, then in the countries of Asia and the South it has grown to a third of the population, in Russia it is also about 35%.

    The middle class is people who can and want to choose, and who have the income and education to do so. The growth of the middle class leads to the formation of political and cultural innovations that act as economic drivers to the same extent as technological solutions. Middle class consumption acts as an economic driver along with heavy technological innovations.

    The second engine is the digital economy, which has received a new lease of life thanks to economically significant digital platforms. “Digital platforms have become a key form of ensuring economic and cultural sovereignty, and countries that underestimate their role will lose strategically,” Yaroslav Kuzminov summed up. The US, China, and Russia have their own platforms and digital ecosystems, he emphasized.

    The Global South is more diverse than the Soviet and Western systems of the past, it includes many regions with different levels of development and has not yet formed structurally, believes Andrey Kostin, President and Chairman of the Management Board of VTB Bank. Despite the fact that today the BRICS countries produce no less than the G7 countries, the entire financial infrastructure is controlled by Western countries and has ceased to be effective due to the fact that the balance of power has changed.

    “Due to the fact that the South is complex in itself, the internal relations are very difficult, we are still moving slowly. We need to create our own alternative center of the Global South and use settlements in national currencies. Sooner or later we will have to come to some denominator, we will have to create our own financial market infrastructure, because the current financial system meets exclusively the interests of the West. There are calculations that the BRICS countries lose about 30 billion a year on settlements through the dollar system. Perhaps the countries would survive this, but the political pressure that is exerted with the help of the dollar is, of course, unacceptable,” he said.

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk noted the importance of developing integration in the post-Soviet space. “We strive first and foremost to try to create conditions for reducing the costs of our producers of goods and services here, at home, inside. We started with measures to protect our own market and create a single customs circuit in order to control the market inside, develop relevant technical regulations, standards and reduce barriers as much as possible. And we have largely achieved this: trade within the CIS is developing much faster than trade with countries of the outside world,” he emphasized.

    At the same time, work is actively underway to develop international transport corridors to the markets of the Global South and to conclude agreements on free trade zones in order to provide the most comfortable environment for the promotion of Russian goods.

    The founder of En Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the P.A. Stolypin Institute for Growth Economics Oleg Deripaska believes that the task of doubling the Russian economy over the next 12 years is quite realistic. To do this, it is necessary, among other things, to create competitive production in aviation and transport power engineering. He called on businesses not to wait for the end of geopolitical tensions, but to actively develop now, in the current conditions.

    Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted that BRICS financiers are currently working in three main areas: the creation of cross-border payment, inter-depository, insurance and reinsurance infrastructure.

    The issue of the need to create a BRICS depository infrastructure was raised by Russia during its presidency of the association. However, this issue is not easily resolved. “We see that many countries are wary of investments, of settlements with our country, but I want to say that the question of how profitable it is, how profitable it is, is always at issue here. The desire to earn money solves any problem,” he explained.

    Anton Siluanov also spoke in favor of joint recognition of rating agencies within the BRICS framework. The head of the Ministry of Finance noted that partners from China are already very actively applying their rating assessments to business, including in Russia.

    In addition, the session was attended by the Minister of Foreign Trade of Qatar Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank Benedict Okey Oramah and President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank Serhat Koksal.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

    • £380 million in targeted funding to support innovation, access to finance, R&D, skills and regional growth across the UK as part of Creative Industries Sector Plan

    • Sector Plan set to nearly double business investment in creative industries to £31 billion by 2035 with 2,000 new film and TV apprenticeships to be delivered

    • Comes as part of Industrial Strategy which sets out government’s ten-year plan to make the UK the best place to do business and unlock growth as part of the Plan for Change

    • New Creative Content Exchange will be a marketplace to sell, buy, license and enable permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets

    From grassroots music venues to world-class film studios, thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package.

    The investment underpins the Creative Industries Sector Plan, which sets out a clear direction on how the Government aims to build a sector that drives regional growth, is financially resilient and is globally competitive.

    Published alongside the Government’s Industrial Strategy today (23 June), the plan outlines a bold vision to nearly double business investment in the sector by 2035 – from £17 billion to £31 billion – cementing the UK’s position as a global creative superpower.

    The £380 million package is part of the wider plan to deliver targeted investment to create thousands of new jobs and opportunities in sub-sectors like film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising, while generating economic growth in six regions outside London over the next three years.

    The wider plan also includes a significant increase in support available from the British Business Bank (BBB), as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, which will help creative businesses grow and create jobs.

    The Sector Plan aims to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and drive innovation and tech adoption by 2035, with targeted support for:

    • A £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund for six regions outside London, empowering local Mayors to support creative businesses in their communities with access to finance, mentoring and networking opportunities to help them connect with investors and skills programmes. 
    • At least £50 million for a new wave of Creative Industries Clusters across the UK to accelerate research and development, doubling investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in clusters to £100 million. Clusters bring together universities, businesses, local and regional policymakers, and private funders to drive research, innovation and growth in the creative industries.
    • £25 million for five new innovative UKRI CoSTAR R&D labs and two showcase spaces, which will develop cutting-edge technologies like those used in Abba Voyage and award-winning theatre productions such as last year’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

    Building on the Government’s commitment to ensure a robust copyright regime and support UK IP, the plan includes the establishment of a Creative Content Exchange. It will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets, opening up new revenue streams for content owners.

    The industry plan responds directly to what the sector has said it needs – better access to finance, stronger skills pipelines, and support for innovation – and lays out a roadmap to deliver it.

    This includes upskilling the next generation of creative talent through a £10 million investment in the National Film and Television School (NFTS) which will help to train 2,000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade – backed by industry giants such as the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation, and Sky.

    The investment will also go towards a new £9 million creative careers service, which will help raise awareness of opportunities and provide pathways into the sector for young people. 

    The UK’s leading creative industries, recognised across the world, are a major driver of economic growth as part of the Plan for Change – driving in £124 billion a year to our economy and employing 2.4 million people across the UK. Over the last decade the sector has increased its output more than one and a half times faster than the rest of the economy.                  

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    Our creative industries are powerful economic drivers in this country. By placing them at the heart of our Industrial Strategy this Sector Plan, backed by £380 million of investment, will boost regional growth, stimulate private investment, and create thousands more high-quality jobs.

    This Sector Plan will help nearly double business investment to £31 billion by 2035, supporting our mission to raise living standards everywhere as part of our Plan for Change, ensuring the UK remains the world’s creative powerhouse.

     Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The UK’s creative industries are world-leading and have a huge cultural impact globally, which is why we’re championing them at home and abroad as a key growth sector in our Modern Industrial Strategy.

    We’ve seen the power of investment, with this Government welcoming around £100 billion into the UK since taking office, and our Strategy will not only ensure that the UK is the best country to invest and do business in, but deliver economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets.

    Sir Peter Bazalgette, Co-Chair, Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This ambitious plan for growth represents a coming of age for the creative sector. Crucially the plans for R&D funding and Access to Finance for SMEs are exciting step changes.

    Baroness Shriti Vadera, co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This strategy recognises that the UK Creative Industries are one of the most innovative sectors in the UK economy and have a strong comparative advantage internationally. The work now begins to cement their role as a driver of growth and a global creative super power.

    The investment also includes tailored packages for high-growth sub-sectors through:

    • A £75 million Screen Growth Package supporting UK content development and international investment, and showcasing the best of UK and international film. This includes an enlarged UK Global Screen Fund and scaled-up BFI Film Academy to support 16–25 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the film industry.
    • A Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million, helping emerging artists break through at home and abroad. Measures will create new touring, performance, mentoring and export opportunities for emerging talent, while also delivering a significant uplift in funding for the grassroots sector to support small venues and help them to platform more high-potential artists.
    • A £30 million Video Games Growth Package, backing the next generation of start-up games studios and developers. This will drive inward investment in the sector through expansion of the UK Games Fund (UKGF) as well as new support for the London Games Festival.

    The Sector Plan also includes support for emerging fashion designers through the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme, to help them showcase their work at London Fashion Week and secure business mentoring.

    The Creative Industries Sector Plan maps out in detail how the Government will support the sector to grow even further over the next decade through a focus on boosting regional growth, innovation, access to finance, skills and exports.

    It will also see the Department for Business and Trade ramp up the number of creative trade missions and markets it targets, such as in the Asia-Pacific. Funding will be increased for major creative trade shows such as SXSW and Cannes Lions.

    The Sector Plan was developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Taskforce, Creative Industries Council, businesses, devolved governments, and regional stakeholders. It builds on the recent £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund supporting cultural venues across the nation.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • The full Creative Industries Sector Plan can be found here.
    • The British Business Bank (BBB) is a state-owned economic development bank established by the UK Government. Its aim is to increase the supply of credit to small and medium-sized businesses and provide business advice services.
    • The BBB has significantly increased its support for the creative industries as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, including through support with debt and equity finance. 
    • The new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund will be devolved to six Mayoral Strategic Authorities: West Midlands, West of England, West Yorkshire, the North East, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester. 
    • CoSTAR labs and the Creative Industries Clusters are delivered by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
    • The new Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million follows the Government advocating for an industry-led levy on stadium and arena tickets to support grassroots music. 
    • The establishment of a Creative Content Exchange will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets. This new marketplace will open up new revenue streams and allow content owners to commercialise and financialise their assets while providing data users with ease of access.
    • The Sector Plan follows the Government’s recent announcement of more than £270 million that will be invested in arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings as part of the Arts Everywhere Fund, to help organisations in need of support to stay up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve their financial resilience.

    Further quotes

    Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said:

    The Sector Plan signals that the creative industries are central to the UK’s growth story. From freelancers to scale-ups, this is a step towards the joined-up support our sector needs – and Creative UK stands ready to work with government and industry partners to turn ambition into action. 

    As we move into delivery mode, it’s essential that all parts of the sector – from cultural organisations to creative tech firms – are empowered to grow, invest and contribute fully to the UK’s economic future.

    Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI, said:

    We welcome the Government’s decision to put the creative industries at the centre of its growth strategy. The UK’s screen sector is already a global leader, generating billions for the economy and pioneering new ideas. 

    With a firm focus on developing the sector across the UK, this investment can unlock fresh opportunities – from growing the sector’s talent pool and strengthening creative clusters nationwide, to opening new international markets for UK screen businesses and advancing creative technology innovation, including the CoSTAR work which the BFI is proud to be a partner on.

    UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

    UK Music welcomes the Government’s creative industries sector plan and the important status that it gives to music. The plan rightly recognises our world-beating £7.6 billion music sector as an essential high growth driving part of the creative industries.

    It is hugely welcome that funding packages and programmes are being made available to turbocharge the music industry and we are incredibly excited at the opportunity to be working with the Government to deliver on this.

    Barbara Broccoli, EON Productions, said:

    I’m thrilled the Government is joining forces with the National Film and Television School as part of its Industrial Strategy. The NFTS is a world-class institution that has trained some of the most talented members of our industry and I’m especially pleased this investment will focus on much needed support for persons with disabilities.

    Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky, said:

    Sky is proud to support the National Film and Television School’s expansion plans and growth ambitions, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. As one of the world’s leading institutions for film, television and games, the NFTS plays a vital role in developing the UK’s creative talent. Our investment underscores our commitment to skills development and sector growth, and we’re excited to see future generations benefit from the school’s outstanding work.

    Jon Wardle, Director, National Film and Television School, said:

    The real world impact of the Sector Plan in action will be felt through the NFTS’s expanded ability to train world-class, diverse talent and fuel growth in a sector where the UK is a global leader. In a challenging climate for the creative industries, the support from the government isn’t just welcome, it’s strategic.  This investment in the NFTS reinforces a commitment to skills, innovation, and the long-term future of the creative economy.

    Wayne Garvie, President International Production, Sony Pictures Television, said:

    The NFTS is an unparalleled training ground for British creativity and it’s wonderful that the Government both recognises the importance of the film and television sector in its Industrial Strategy and the role the NFTS plays in developing the next generation of great British creative talent.

    Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

    Ambition, excellence and innovation are the golden threads that run through the work of our artists, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, directors and producers. It’s what we’re famous for here at home and on the international stage. This new plan highlights the breadth and brilliance of our nation’s creative professionals and cultural organisations. It provides a roadmap for supercharging the growth of our sector and for nurturing the next generation of British talent, creating jobs across the country and delighting audiences here and around the globe.

    Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said:

    We welcome this announcement confirming the government’s commitment to invest £375 million to turbocharge the UK’s creative industries. Their mission to drive growth across the country, unlocking new jobs and enabling talent to thrive in every nation and region, strongly resonates with Warner Bros. Discovery. 

    We have a proud UK heritage – present for over 90 years, with a significant employee base which extends North to South across 5 cities. The UK is our biggest base outside of the US and, in our view, one of the best places in the world to do business. We remain committed to the UK and our ambition to grow and strengthen our sector and welcome the government’s announcement to do this. We look forward to a continued and productive relationship between Government and the industry.” 

    Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK & Ireland, said: 

    We welcome the Creative Industries Sector Plan’s commitment to a robust framework for creatives across the UK. It’s particularly encouraging to see the government acknowledge the digital creator economy’s vital role in driving growth for our creative industries. By embracing new distribution models that boost our cultural exports, this vision will solidify the UK’s position as a global cultural superpower.

    Nick Poole OBE, Chief Executive, Ukie, said:

    On behalf of the UK’s world-leading video game and interactive entertainment sector, we welcome the measures set out today by the Government to supercharge our Creative Industries as part of the Industrial Strategy. Today’s announcement is both a validation of the huge cultural and economic impact of video games and an opportunity to show the world we are open for business.” 

    Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association, said:

    Our industry welcomes the recognition of advertising as a priority sector for growth in the Creative Industries Sector Plan – we are a world leader in creativity as proven by our successful performance once again at Cannes Lions this year. 

    This strategy is a platform for growth for the next decade across our regions and nations. We welcome the incentives to attract new talent to join our industry, and we commit to working together to strengthen work that helps businesses innovate, compete in the UK and internationally, and create jobs.

    Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI Creative Industries Champion, and Executive Chair of the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, said:

    The creative industries are a powerful engine for growth in the UK economy but they are also vital for scientific advance. This Spending Review commits UKRI to a coherent and concerted strategic investment, from the UK’s national capability for the creative industries, CoSTAR, to the Creative Industries Clusters Programme and beyond.

    The deep synergies between creative content and the most cutting-edge science in universities and R&D intensive businesses across the UK place creative industries at the heart of UKRI’s commitment to excellent science for a growing economy.

    Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE, Director of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Professor of Economics of the Creative Industries at Newcastle University, said:

    Today’s new Sector Plan for the creative industries sets out the Government’s priorities for the next 10 years, and the Creative PEC – thanks to our funder, the AHRC – stands ready to provide policymakers and industry with the data and evidence they need to enact it. 

    The commitment to increase public investment in creative industries R&D is especially important, alongside the prioritisation of the sector by the British Business Bank. Also welcome is HMRC’s clarification that arts activities that directly contribute to scientific advance by resolving scientific or technological uncertainties fall within the definition of R&D for R&D tax reliefs. Together these measures should have a catalytic effect in driving more private finance into the sector.

    Mel Sullivan, Chief Executive, Framestore, said:

    The UK is home to highly skilled and exceptionally creative artists, technologists, and thinkers who push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Creative Industries Sector Plan is a powerful show of support to those working in visual effects, film, TV, advertising, and immersive experiences. It will release unlocked potential and open doors to a new wave of talent across the country, giving them the confidence to build their skills, ideas, and innovations here, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader for years to come.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The United States has urged its citizens to exercise increased caution abroad.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    WASHINGTON, June 23 (Xinhua) — The U.S. State Department on Sunday issued a global security alert, urging U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution.

    “The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to disruptions in air traffic and periodic closures of airspace in the Middle East,” says a statement posted on the department’s official website.

    “There is a potential for protests against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The State Department advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,” the warning said.

    The United States struck three key Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, saying it had destroyed the country’s nuclear program.

    Late on Saturday, US President Donald Trump warned that any retaliatory strike by Iran “will be met with force far beyond what the world saw tonight.”

    Last week, the State Department warned American citizens against traveling to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank due to armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Powering Britain’s Future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Powering Britain’s Future

    Electricity costs for businesses – including potentially hundreds in Scotland – to be slashed as Industrial Strategy launched to unlock investment and new jobs

    More than 7,000 British businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25% from 2027, as the Government unveils its bold new Industrial Strategy today [Monday 23 June].

    The modern Industrial Strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business by tackling two of the biggest barriers facing UK industry – high electricity prices and long waits for grid connections.

    British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for British firms to compete. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals. Hundreds of Scottish businesses could be in line to benefit.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs, will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    This will help around 500 eligible businesses in sectors such as steel, ceramics and glass reduce their costs and protect jobs in industries that are the backbone of our economy and will be delivered at no additional cost to the taxpayer. The support for steel manufacturing is crucial as it’s a critical enabling industry for Scotland’s world leading defence and renewable energy sectors.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    To ensure businesses can grow and hire without delay, the government will also deliver a new Connections Accelerator Service to streamline grid access for major investment projects — including prioritising those that create high-quality jobs and deliver significant economic benefits.

    We will work closely with the energy sector, local authorities, Scottish and Welsh Governments, trade unions, and industry to design this service, which we expect to begin operating at the end of 2025. New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray today visited a new industrial development in East Lothian, on the site of a former coal-fired power station. The redevelopment site is partly funded by an £11 million UK Government investment, and includes the construction of a new interconnecter to take power from the Inchcape offshore wind farm to the National Grid. 

    Also joint Department for Business and Trade/HM Treasury Minister for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, will meet senior figures from Dundee’s life sciences and tech, gaming, and creative sectors later. 

    Speaking ahead of his visit Mr Murray said:

    Scotland is rightly at the heart of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy with our businesses and expertise integral to further creating jobs and economic growth through the eight sectors identified.

    Advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative Industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services, Scotland excels at them all. But we have the potential to go much further. And by slashing electricity costs for Scottish businesses, increasing business investment and cutting red tape the UK Government is helping turbocharge the economy, create jobs and put more money in the pockets of working Scots as part of our Plan for Change.

    We have a proud industrial heritage and with this new comprehensive 10 year strategy Scotland and the wider UK has an exciting future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The UK has some of the most innovative businesses in the world and our Plan for Change has provided them with the stability they need to grow and for more to be created.

    Today’s Industrial Strategy builds on that progress with a ten-year plan to slash barriers to investment. It’ll see billions of pounds for investment and cutting-edge tech, ease energy costs, and upskill the nation. It will ensure the industries that make Britain great can thrive. It will boost our economy and create jobs that put more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial electricity prices more competitive.

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better off is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.

    As part of our modern industrial strategy we’re unlocking the potential of British industry by slashing industrial electricity prices in key sectors.

    We’re also doubling down on our clean power strengths with increased investment in growth industries from offshore wind to nuclear. This will deliver on our clean power mission and Plan for Change to bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

    The Supercharger and British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will be funded through reforms to the energy system. The government is reducing costs within the system to free up funding without raising household bills or taxes and intends to also use additional funds from the strengthening of UK carbon pricing, including as a result of linking with the EU carbon market.

    We have set out an intention to link emissions trading systems, as part of our new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses. Without an agreement to do this, British industry would have to pay the EU’s carbon tax.

    We intend to link our carbon pricing system with the EU’s, we will ensure that money stays in the UK—which allows us to support British companies and British jobs through these schemes.

    Building on the Spending Review and the recently announced 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, the Industrial Strategy is the latest step forward in our plans to deliver national renewal. It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

    • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. This includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. 

    • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.

    • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.

    • Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, at six locations to be chosen across the UK, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more, including  with the Scottish Government to support the Edinburgh-Glasgow Central Belt.

    • Strengthening existing “Industrial Strategy Zones” – in Scotland these are the Forth Green Freeport, Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, Glasgow City Region and the North East Scotland Investment Zones – with an enhanced offer of streamlined planning, better-targeted investment promotion, support for accessing concessionary finance and coordinated support on skills.

    • Delivering AI Growth Zones to attract investment in AI infrastructure in strategic locations across the UK, including Scotland, with support for planning, access to energy, and partnerships with the private sector.

    • Growing high-potential innovation ecosystems through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, with at least £30m for Scotland, building on UK-wide public R&D investment and Innovate UK’s joint action plans with devolved governments.

    • Identifying and securing the right financing for investment projects in Scotland with the National Wealth Fund, working with the Scottish National Investment Bank.  

    • Using a British Business Bank Cluster Champion in Glasgow City Region, with deep expertise and local knowledge, to coordinate investment-readiness programmes, strengthen financial networks, and connect high-potential firms to investors.

    The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

    Dame Clare Barclay DBE, Chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and President of Enterprise & Industry EMEA at Microsoft said:

    I welcome today’s Industrial Strategy, which sets out a clear plan to back the UK’s growth driving sectors. It is particularly positive to see the strong focus on skills in areas such as engineering, technology and defence. Commitments such as £187 million for the TechFirst programme will ensure the UK has the skills it needs to support our growth industries and seize transformative opportunities like AI.

    Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI said:

    Today’s Industrial Strategy announcement is a significant leap forward in the partnership between government and business that sets us on the path to our shared goal of raising living standards across the country.  

    It sends an unambiguous, positive signal about the nation’s global calling card as well as the direction of travel for the wider economy for the next decade and beyond.

    The CBI has long been advocating for a comprehensive industrial strategy, based on the UK’s USP – the sectors and markets where we can compete to win on the global stage.

    More competitive energy prices, fast-tracked planning decisions and backing innovation will provide a bedrock for growth. But the global race to attract investment will require a laser-like and unwavering focus on the UK’s overall competitiveness. 

    Today marks the beginning of delivering this strategy in close partnership, at pace, and with a shared purpose. 

    Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO at Make UK said:

    British industry has been in desperate need for a government who understands our sector and had the strategic vision for a plan for growth. Today’s Industrial Strategy is a giant and much needed step forward taken by the Secretary of State who has seen the potential and provided the keys to help unlock it.

    Make UK has led the campaign for a new industrial strategy for many years, highlighting the three major challenges that were diminishing our competitiveness, hampering growth and frustrating productivity gains: a skills crisis, crippling energy costs and, an inability to access capital for new British innovators.

    The strategy announced today sets out plans to address all three of these structural failings. Clearly there is much to do as we move towards implementation but, this will send a message across the Country and around the world that Britain is back in business.

    Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce CEO, said:

    The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy commitment to support our world-leading aerospace and nuclear industries shows long-term strategic foresight. Rolls-Royce’s highly differentiated technologies in gas turbines and nuclear capabilities- including SMRs and AMRs- are uniquely placed to deliver economic growth, skilled jobs and attract investment into the UK.

    Mike Hawes OBE, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    The publication of an Industrial Strategy – one with automotive at its heart – is the policy framework the sector has long-sought and Government has now addressed. Such a strategy – long-term, aligned to a trade strategy and supported by all of Government – is the basis on which the UK automotive sector can regain its global competitiveness. Making the UK the best place to invest now depends on implementation, and implementation at pace, because investment decisions are being made now against a backdrop of fierce competition and geopolitical uncertainty. The number one priority must be addressing the UK’s high cost of energy, enabling the sector to invest in the technologies, the products and the people that will give the UK its competitive edge. 

    Five sector plans have been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight. Glasgow is a global force in advanced manufacturing –  home to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and globally competitive universities, the city region has strengths across defence, space and quantum. Edinburgh houses the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University and the Roslin Institute, which is a leading Agri-Tech research centre. 

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Aberdeen-headquartered Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion. We are supporting Scottish clean energy industries with £200 million development funding to advance the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage project, capitalising on expertise in the oil and gas sector around Aberdeen. Up to £185 million has been allocated to Scotland through the Clean Industry Bonus, unlocking up to £3.5 billion private sector investment in ports and high-tech components needed to build floating and fixed offshore wind farms. Aberdeen is a global energy capital boasting new investment in hydrogen, with its pioneering Energy Transition Zone repositioning the North East as a globally integrated energy cluster.  A new regional skills pilot for Aberdeen will also help ensure a strong local skills base to deliver these opportunities.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports. It includes a £30 million Games Growth Package to back the next generation of UK video games studios – a sector in which Scotland is world leading. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee are centres for creative industries. The Edinburgh Festivals incubate creative talent, whilst Edinburgh Futures Institute drives innovation.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as quantum technologies in Scotland. Scotland is home to two of the UK’s five new Quantum Hubs, with involvement in all five. Ten of the top 30 global semiconductor companies have operations in Scotland. Scotland is also home to cutting edge AI research network and R&D infrastructure – Edinburgh Genome Biofoundry and Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre. An up to £750m investment in the UK’s largest supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh sets a marker for our ambition for further growth in digital & technologies.

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas. Scotland’s financial services sector, second only to London, features a cutting-edge Fintech scene. Over 25% of Glasgow’s top tech firms are in financial & business services, attracting major firms such as Azets and RSM. This is anchored by a highly capable workforce, supported by a world-class skills ecosystem and universities.
       

    The Industrial Strategy will be published on GOV.UK later today.

    The Defence, Financial Services and Life Sciences sector plans will be published shortly.

    The 7,000 businesses are an indicative estimate of how many businesses could be in scope of the scheme. The full scope and eligibility of the scheme will be determined following consultation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Correction(sequence # amended): Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 30 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    23 June 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 25

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 25:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 6,905,843 229.2970 1,583,489,270
    16 June 2025 49,441 260.3803 12,873,462
    17 June 2025 50,000 257.7752 12,888,760
    18 June 2025 88,832 256.1210 22,751,741
    19 June 2025 101,760 254.5391 25,901,899
    20 June 2025 54,462 255.6107 13,921,070
    Total accumulated over week 25 344,495 256.4244 88,336,932
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 7,250,338 230.5860 1,671,826,202

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.868% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 6.20.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 20, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Soon-Sik Lee, of Bellevue, Washington, has been appointed Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee has been a Vice President – Senior Program Manager at AECOM since 2021. He was Director of Engineering at Etihad Rail from 2020 to 2021. Lee was a Principal Investment Operations Specialist at Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from 2016 to 2020. He was the Engineering and Construction Director at Etihad Rail from 2011 to 2016. Lee was an Assistant Vice President – Project Manager at Union Railway 2009 to 2011. He was a Project Manager at Parsons from 2006 to 2008. Lee was a Senior Bridge Engineer URS 2002 to 2006. He held multiple positions at University of Michigan from 1999 to 2002, including Post Doctoral Research Fellow and Research Assistant. Lee was a Structural Engineer at Won-Jong Engineering from 1996 to 1997. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Chicago, a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kyung Hee University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $280,008. Lee is registered without party preference. 

    Lilian Coral, of San Marino, has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Coral has been Vice President of Technology and Democracy Programs and Head of the Open Technology Institute at New America and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Southern California since 2022. She was Director of National Strategy and Technology Innovation at the Knight Foundation from 2017 to 2022. Coral was Chief Data Officer at the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti from 2015 to 2017. She was a Nonprofit Consultant and Principal at Adaptive Muse from 2008 to 2015. Coral was Founding Director of 2-1-1 California from 2010 to 2014. She was Policy Manager at the Los Angeles County Children’s Planning Council from 2007 to 2008. Coral was a Research and Policy Associate at Service Employees International Union, Local 721 from 2004 to 2007. She is a Board Member at Next City. She earned a Master of Public Policy degree from University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from University of California, Irvine. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Coral is a Democrat. 

    Carson Fajardo, of Rancho Cucamonga, has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Fajardo held several roles at California State University, San Bernardino from 2022 to 2025, including President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors at Associated Students, Inc., and Programming Coordinator at the Residence Halls Association. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Fajardo is a Republican. 

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  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 28/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

    Tel +45 74 37 37 37
    Fax +45 74 37 35 36

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    23 June 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 25
    On 26 February 2025 Sydbank A/S announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

    The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank A/S and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

    The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement

    1,029,000

    		  

    434,479,100.00
    16 June 2025
    17 June 2025
    18 June 2025
    19 June 2025
    20 June 2025    		 11,000
    13,000
    13,000
    13,000
    14,000    		 455.01
    448.73
    437.57
    436.55
    437.47    		 5,005,110.00
    5,833,490.00
    5,688,410.00
    5,675,150.00
    6,124,580.00
    Total over week 25 64,000   28,326,740.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme

    1,093,000

    		  

    462,805,840.00

    All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

    Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank A/S holds a total of 1,095,462 own shares, equal to 2.13 % of the Bank’s share capital.

    Yours sincerely
            
    Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
    CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA signs US$1.5 billion loan with World Bank

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, June 23, 2025

    The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement that will assist in unlocking key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors.

    In a statement on Monday, the National Treasury explained that the loan is aimed at supporting critical structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.

    The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform: improving energy security, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of freight transport services, and supporting South Africa’s transition toward a low carbon economy. 

    These reforms are critical enablers of inclusive growth and job creation.

    “This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing South Africa’s pressing economic challenges of low growth and high unemployment. 

    “The financing forms part of the 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.

    The financing terms of the loan are in line with National Treasury’s financing strategy. 

    Specifically, the loan offers both favourable interest rates and flexible repayment terms, contributing to minimising increase in debt service costs.

    The financing terms of the World Bank loan are as follows:

    • Nominal value: US$1.5 billion,
    • Maturity: 16 years with a 3 year-grace period,
    • Interest rate: 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.49%.

    “The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership and support in advancing South Africa’s development objectives. This agreement reinforces the strong and constructive collaboration between the World Bank and the government of South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A toolkit for financial wellbeing, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Thamsanqa Cele

    As Youth Month draws to a close for 2025, let us continue to keep in our minds, hearts and behaviours the courage the young people of the 1976 Soweto uprising, where they protested apartheid’s oppressive education policies, sparking a movement for
    equality. 

    Today, South Africa’s youth, 34.3% of the 60.6 million population, face significant economic challenges, including an over 60% unemployment rate. Rising living costs further strain budgets, making financial wellbeing critical. In honouring the 107 heroes, who were brave young people then, the young people of today face different kinds of challenges. Among them, financial well-being. Put differently, their own personal economic freedom. It is not an easy and straightforward world. Especially when considering the macro-economic environment. That said, it remains a personal journey that does not need to be tackled alone. We present a few of the many tools that young people may want to consider as they fight their way to financial well-being.

    The economic landscape

    South Africa’s youth face daunting economic hurdles. The unemployment rate for those aged 15–24 reached 62.4% in Q1 2025, while 40.4% of those aged 25–34 remain jobless. According to StatsSA, approximately 3.8 million young people are not in
    education, employment, or training (NEET), fostering a sense of hopelessness. Millions of young people are currently dependent on the lifeline of the Social Relief of Distress R370 grant. The high cost of living, driven by inflation, makes essentials like food,
    transport, and housing increasingly unaffordable. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, financial stress affects ~60% of South Africans, contributing to anxiety and depression.

    Despite these lived challenges across the board, opportunities exist. Government initiatives like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Youth Employment Services (YES) program provides funding, training, and work experience. By combining these resources with sound financial habits, the youth stand a better chance of achieving financial well-being, managing money to meet needs, handling emergencies, achieving goals, and improving their lives. This fosters economic stability and enhances mental health, reducing stress and boosting happiness.

    Why money management matters

    Financial stress is often the root of broader challenges. A large-scale study found that greater financial worries, especially among unemployed and low-income individuals, significantly increase psychological distress. Money is tightly linked with mental and
    even physical health. Financial strain can cause anxiety, poor sleep, and strained relationships, but learning to manage money may reverse these ills. Think of financial wellness as preventive healthcare. Like nutrition or exercise, sound financial habits help guard against crisis. As behavioural finance and mental health experts note, emergency savings build control and agency, two essential buffers for mental well-being. There are many helpful tools to engage in a journey to financial well-being. Some of these are:

    Tool #1: Start Budgeting – Know Where Every Rand Goes 

    A simple budget rule is: Essentials (50%), Life (30%), Savings (20%). The 50/30/20 rule is proven to improve emotional wellness by instilling spending control. It is a simple approach: allocate 50% of income to necessities (rent, food, transport), 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out), and 20% to savings or debt repayment. The 20% for savings and debts must be treated as a holy grail of securing a bright financial future, especially if it is skewed towards Savings.

    Tool #2: Build an Emergency Fund – Your First Safety Net 

    Saving, even small amounts, is crucial for financial security. An emergency fund covering 3 – 6 months of expenses (e.g. R15 000–R30 000 for R5 000 monthly costs) protects against unexpected costs like medical bills or job loss. Start with R100 monthly; over time this builds a significant buffer. With competitive interest rates, Postbank’s Smart Save account helps savings grow. Our customers use this account as a stash away from their main accounts in other banks. Because if you can see it, you will be tempted to use it. Multiple global studies have shown that an emergency fund reduces financial stress, lowers anxiety and reduces the risk of depression.

    Tool #3: Embrace Psychological Resilience Through Discipline

    Financial resilience builds mental resilience. Psychology research defines resilience as adapting successfully under stress when you feel in control. Ability and optimism follow. Money habits support coping in crisis, improve mood, and encourage growth.
    Holistic benefits include:
    * Reduced anxiety and stress
    * Better sleep, which improves physical health
    * Better relationships and social connections
    * Increased ability to seize new opportunities (jobs, entrepreneurship)
    * Mental clarity to focus on education, personal development, and productivity at
    work

    Tool #4: Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship

    Relying on one income source is risky in South Africa’s economy. Additional income streams provide security and accelerate financial goals. Some of the possible side hustles:
    * Freelancing: use what you are good at or that you understand better to freelance
    in areas like writing, designing, teaching, dancing, djaying, babysitting, etc.
    * Selling products: Create and sell handmade goods.
    * Small business: With NYDA support, you can start a low-cost venture like a car wash
    or food stall. The agency offers grants up to R50 000 and training.
    * YES placements, PYEI learnerships, SETA internships, and NYDA entrepreneurship
    support offer stipends, work experience, and business training.
    * Self-employment through grants and youth schemes – e.g. creative sector
    assistance, can seed small enterprises.

    Self-empower by taking advantage of the government-provided WiFi hotspots so you can use data at low costs, if not for free. South Africa’s public WiFi hotspot network, driven by SA Connect, a government program under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, provincial initiatives, and NGOs like Project Isizwe and Think WiFi, is opening doors for youth across the country. These hotspots are more than data points – they are gateways to education, jobs, civic engagement, and digital inclusion. By embracing these opportunities, young South Africans can transform their futures— accessing knowledge, growing skills, and connecting to their communities.

    Tool #5: Self-Control – Curbing your enthusiasm

    Many fall prey to the impulse to use spending as therapy. Yes, it may be for some who can afford to. Many others, already living beyond their means, tend to fall even deeper into the trap due to impulse-buying, falling foul of peer pressure and a show-
    off mentality. Before you buy it, ask yourself, does it have to be bought now? Can it be saved up for? Can it wait a little longer?

    A final call: Youth Month as a financial rebirth 

    Youth Month 2025 should mark a shift in the narrative:
    * From scrambling to survive, to building resilience through structured money habits.
    * From job-seeking alone to leveraging free government opportunities and saving
    on the payoff.
    * From worrying in silence to growing confidence, emotional control, and direction.

    Postbank is the national savings bank, ready to support every young South African who earns, learns, or aspires—with practical tools and accessible accounts. Postbank is trusted by millions of customers who have saved billions of rands with us. We are here
    to support young people with products that suit their needs. Products like the Smart Saver Account – accessible, competitive and needing as little as you can afford to save When youth learn to manage money, with buffers, budgets, and purpose, they don’t
    just survive, they thrive.

    Let this Youth Month ignite a movement, fuelled by practical habits, economic inclusion, and holistic well-being. We invite every young person to begin with building a savings buffer and continue toward a life of stability and possibilities. Partnering with the youth can help us enable their destiny, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time.

    *Thamsanqa Cele is the Chief Commercial Executive at PostBank

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales

    Modern Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business and support tens of thousands of new jobs in Wales.

    The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy

    • Electricity costs for thousands of businesses to be slashed by up to 25%   
    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University
    • Welsh businesses to benefit from innovation funding, access to finance, faster grid connections and better-equipped sites for expansion. 

    Wales is set for increased economic growth, billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs supported over the next decade as a result of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which is published today (Monday 23 June).  

    The Strategy contains measures to forge a new relationship between business and government, making Wales and the UK the best place to start and scale up a business. 

    It will unlock growth across Wales, targeting areas of strength from the country’s strengths in aerospace in North Wales to the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales.   

    More than 7,000 UK businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25%. British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world— in some cases, double the European average, while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for firms to compete globally. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs across the UK will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The UK Government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Wales is already punching above its weight in many of the growth driving sectors set out in the Industrial Strategy. 

    The key measures for Wales are: 

    • More than £4bn for the advanced manufacturing sector in the UK over the next 5 years. Wales has a leading advanced manufacturing sector with companies such as Airbus based in Broughton in north Wales. 

    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University, building on the world-leading cluster based in south Wales.   

    • A Defence Growth Deal cluster to build on Wales’s major strengths. The top five Ministry of Defence suppliers all have a footprint in Wales. 

    • A new British Business Bank champion for the Cardiff Capital Region to connect investors with businesses and kickstart growth. 

    • £30m for a Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation.  

    • The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales. 

    • Support for the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more. 

    • Strengthened support from the Office for Investment to help identify, shape and deliver strategic investment opportunities across the UK. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 

    Wales has huge potential and our government’s Industrial Strategy will harness the strengths of our businesses and workforce to drive growth and create jobs. 

    The strategy will support key sectors like aerospace and compound semiconductors while developing industries of the future like floating offshore wind where Wales is well-placed to be a world leader. 

    Our modern Industrial Strategy is built to last and make Wales one of the best places to invest and do business. Working alongside Welsh Government we will boost growth, raise wages and create wealth across our country.”  

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people. 

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military. 

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial energy prices globally competitive.  

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better of is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.” 

    Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of Fintech Wales, said:

    We are delighted to see financial services recognised as a key sector in this Industrial Strategy. We look forward to working closely with the Government to help unlock the sector’s full potential. 

    The emphasis on AI and the compute power required to support its development is particularly welcome, as we begin to see generative AI driving innovation across financial services—empowering both providers and customers through the next generation of digital banking platforms.

    Frank Holmes, Founding Partner of Gambit Corporate Finance and Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Investment Board, said: 

    Today’s announcements mark a timely and important shift towards a connected, strategic approach to economic growth. The renewed focus on industrial strategy and SME finance speaks directly to the opportunities we are unlocking in the Cardiff Capital Region. We have backed innovative and scalable businesses like Whisper TV, showcasing how tailored regional finance can drive job creation, innovation and global reach.  

    The UK’s commitment to extending SME access to finance aligns perfectly with the ecosystem we are building  in CCR as a proven delivery partner and a model for regional economic development.” 

    Louise Harris, CEO of Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, said: 

    The launch of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy is a pivotal moment for our tech and innovation ecosystem. By aligning local strengths with national ambition, this strategy provides a powerful platform for Welsh businesses to grow, attract investment and lead in emerging sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.  

    This strategy recognises that innovation isn’t just about technology in isolation – it’s about creating sustainable, high-quality jobs while tackling real-world challenges. This approach will create the perfect environment for startups and scale-ups to thrive, knowing they have both the infrastructure, skills and strategic support to take their innovations from Wales to the world.” 

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Investment from private companies is essential to creating new jobs, growing the economy and securing public services. That is why the Strategy will also introduce measures to make it quicker, easier and more profitable for businesses to invest in the UK, with the aim of significantly increasing businesses investment and in key growth sectors by 2035 and helping to create 1.1 million well paid jobs across all corners of the UK. 

    It will realise Wales’ economic potential and raise wages and living standards to a level that the people of Wales deserve.  

    The UK Government’s plans address the main barriers to growth, making it easier and quicker to do business and invest in Wales.  

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes: 

    • Slashing electricity costs by 20-25% to level the playing field for energy-hungry industries like chemicals and key growth sectors like automotive. 

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital.  

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.   

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migrations reforms and a new the Global Talent Taskforce.  

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.  

    Five sector plans have also been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as cyber security in Northern Ireland, semiconductors in Wales and quantum technologies in Scotland. 

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Development Asia: Cooling Without Warming: Policy Solutions for Asia’s Rising Cooling Demand

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Develop an effective legislative framework for climate-friendly cooling.

    For developing Asia, establishing a robust legislative framework is essential to enable climate-friendly cooling. Best practices from advanced economies, such as the European Union (EU), Japan, and the United States, can inform the development of integrated energy conservation and clean air legislation to support commitments to carbon reduction and the phaseout of high-GWP refrigerants. A strong legislative foundation allows for the phased implementation of more specific policies and measures.

    Within such frameworks, several countries and regions have developed sector-level strategies and action plans. Examples include the EU’s Heating and Cooling Strategy and the PRC’s National Green Cooling Action Plan, which enforce targeted measures and standards. Others have launched directives and programs focused on deploying low-carbon cooling technologies in buildings, households, and appliances, such as California’s Building Energy Benchmarking Program, Home Energy Rating System, and Energy Partnership Program. Some jurisdictions have also integrated cooling sector policies with renewable energy initiatives, such as the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive.

    Improve standards and labeling systems, and enhance compliance with efficiency standards.

    Governments across Asia should consider establishing minimum energy efficiency standards for cooling appliances and phasing out outdated or inefficient equipment. Japan’s Top Runner Program offers a valuable model—setting energy efficiency requirements based on the most efficient product currently available in the market. These standards should be regularly reviewed and progressively tightened. Benchmarking against the most stringent global standards and developing a clear timeline for alignment can help accelerate progress.

    Enforcing a mandatory labeling system is also highly beneficial. Energy labels provide consumers with essential information about the energy performance and refrigerant type of air-conditioning and refrigeration products, enabling more informed purchasing decisions. To be effective, this information should be prominently displayed and easily understood by the average consumer.

    Promote low-carbon cooling in public buildings.

    Governments can support this goal by implementing procurement policies that prioritize low-carbon cooling equipment in the public sector. For example, the government of the PRC maintains a catalog of recommended energy-saving products for government procurement, which includes high-efficiency air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Public institutions are encouraged to prioritize items from this list when purchasing energy-consuming equipment. Regular updates to the catalog are essential to ensure that selected products maintain optimal energy performance and continue to deliver environmental benefits.

    Governments can also introduce policies and pilot programs to integrate renewable energy into public sector cooling systems. For instance, regulations could require that a minimum percentage of available rooftop or surface area on public buildings be dedicated to photovoltaic (solar) power generation.

    Develop incentive policies to encourage behavior change.

    For low-carbon cooling projects that are not yet widely adopted but offer significant social and environmental benefits, governments should prioritize providing incentives and support to scale up their implementation. For example, the Japanese government has promoted the use of low-GWP natural refrigerants as alternatives to HFCs. However, adoption has been limited due to high upfront costs. To address this, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment offers subsidies covering a portion of the machinery and installation costs for companies that replace or install equipment using natural refrigerants, thereby encouraging the transition to more climate-friendly refrigeration technologies.

    Governments should design incentive policies that motivate individuals to adopt energy-efficient behaviors. The PRC, through its Green and High Energy Efficiency Cooling Action Plan, encourages local governments to introduce incentives for purchasing high-efficiency cooling appliances. These may include rebates for energy-efficient products and trade-in programs that allow consumers to exchange low-efficiency appliances for more efficient alternatives.

    Monitor and regulate refrigerants and cooling equipment from a life-cycle perspective

    Governments should require the registration of all stages of high-GWP refrigerant handling, including production, import, sale, and recycling. Additionally, mandatory regular leak inspections and maintenance record-keeping for existing cooling equipment should be enforced.

    Finance large-scale deployment.

    One effective strategy is to establish co-financing mechanisms through partnerships among the public sector, multilateral development banks, and private investors. By leveraging government incentive funds and concessional loans from development banks, these partnerships can unlock commercial capital and reduce financial barriers.

    Creating revolving loan funds dedicated to low-carbon cooling projects can also expand financing opportunities. These funds can provide continuous support for new initiatives by reinvesting repayments into future projects, thereby sustaining momentum and scaling up deployment across regions.

    Take an integrated approach and encourage collective efforts.

    Policy solutions for climate-friendly cooling should be designed as part of a holistic package. This means that regulations, policies, standards, and tools must be coordinated to support and reinforce one another, rather than functioning in isolation.

    For example, under its net-zero emissions commitment, the EU has implemented a suite of interconnected regulations including the Energy Efficiency Directive, Renewable Energy Directive, Industrial Emissions Directive, European Commission-mandated regulations, and governance regulations. These high-level frameworks are complemented by specific policy measures and initiatives that ensure effective implementation and alignment across sectors.

    Build capacity for low-carbon cooling.

    Capacity building and knowledge dissemination are key for promoting energy efficiency improvements. Governments in Asia can take policy measures (e.g., promoting the use of appropriate cost–benefit assessment tools) to help customers understand that the long-term economic losses from using low-efficiency equipment often outweigh the initial investment in high-efficiency alternatives.

    Poor operational management also contributes to unnecessary energy waste. Therefore, capacity-building efforts should focus on equipping users with the skills needed to manage and operate cooling equipment more efficiently.

    It is also necessary to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to address the financing gaps that hinder the adoption of low-carbon cooling technologies.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: SparkKitty, SparkCat’s little brother: A new Trojan spy found in the App Store and Google Play

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: SparkKitty, SparkCat’s little brother: A new Trojan spy found in the App Store and Google Play

    In January 2025, we uncovered the SparkCat spyware campaign, which was aimed at gaining access to victims’ crypto wallets. The threat actor distributed apps containing a malicious SDK/framework. This component would wait for a user to open a specific screen (typically a support chat), then request access to the device’s gallery. It would then use an OCR model to select and exfiltrate images of interest. Although SparkCat was capable of searching for any text within images, that campaign specifically targeted photos containing seed phrases for crypto wallets. The malware was distributed through unofficial sources as well as Google Play and App Store. Now, we’ve once again come across a new type of spyware that has managed to infiltrate the official app stores. We believe it is connected to SparkCat and also targets the cryptocurrency assets of its victims.

    Here are the key facts about this new threat:

    • The malware targets both iOS and Android devices, and it is spreading in the wild as well as through the App Store and Google Play.
    • On iOS, the malicious payload is delivered as frameworks (primarily mimicking AFNetworking.framework or Alamofire.framework) or obfuscated libraries disguised as libswiftDarwin.dylib, or it can be embedded directly into the app itself.
    • The Android-specific Trojan comes in both Java and Kotlin flavors; the Kotlin version is a malicious Xposed module.
    • While most versions of this malware indiscriminately steal all images, we discovered a related malicious activity cluster that uses OCR to pick specific pictures.
    • The campaign has been active since at least February 2024.

    It all began with a suspicious online store…

    During routine monitoring of suspicious links, we stumbled upon several similar-looking pages that were distributing TikTok mods for Android. In these modified versions, the app’s main activities would trigger additional code. The code would then request a Base64-encoded configuration file from hxxps://moabc[.]vip/?dev=az. A sample decoded configuration file is shown below.

    The links from the configuration file were displayed as buttons within the app. Tapping these opened WebView, revealing an online store named TikToki Mall that accepted cryptocurrency as payment for consumer goods. Unfortunately, we couldn’t verify if it was a legitimate store, as users had to register with an invitation code to make a purchase.

    Although we didn’t find any other suspicious functionality within the apps, a gut feeling told us to dig deeper. We decided to examine the code of the web pages distributing the apps, only to find a number of interesting details suggesting they might also be pushing iOS apps.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 31 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    23 June 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 25

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 25:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 6,905,843 229.2970 1,583,489,270
    16 June 2025 49,441 260.3803 12,873,462
    17 June 2025 50,000 257.7752 12,888,760
    18 June 2025 88,832 256.1210 22,751,741
    19 June 2025 101,760 254.5391 25,901,899
    20 June 2025 54,462 255.6107 13,921,070
    Total accumulated over week 25 344,495 256.4244 88,336,932
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 7,250,338 230.5860 1,671,826,202

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.868% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

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

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA and HKAB launch “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme”

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) today (June 23) jointly organised the launch ceremony for the “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” at Nga Yin Association Neighbourhood Elderly Centre of the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council to kick start the anti-scam publicity programme for the elderly in the second half of the year.

    The HKMA and the banking industry have been conducting anti-scam education and publicity through various channels. The “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” aims to enhance the anti-scam awareness of the elderly. Through visits to elderly centres across all 18 districts in Hong Kong, the programme encourages the elderly to become anti-scam ambassadors and share scam prevention messages with their family and friends.

    At the launch ceremony, the HKMA introduced “Money Safe” and other anti-scam measures. With the support of the banking industry, 14 banks (see Annex) will implement interim “Money Safe” measures for the elderly and other customers (Note) by the end of June to provide extra protection to bank deposits. All retail banks will fully implement “Money Safe” by the end of this year.

    Two promotional videos themed after vintage Cantonese movies were debuted at the event. The videos deploy the mnemonic “Three Anti-Scam Tactics” – “Keep Calm, Give Nothing, Verify and Seek Help”, and remind the elderly that scams are often old tricks in new disguises.

         Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, “The HKMA attaches great importance to scam prevention work for the elderly. Through the ‘Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme’, we hope to reach out to the community and convey anti-scam messages to more seniors through the elderly ambassadors. We also encourage the elderly to make good use of ‘Money Safe’ and various anti-scam measures provided by banks to better protect themselves.”

         The Chairperson of the HKAB, Ms Mary Huen, said, “Strengthening consumer and investor protection is a top priority for the HKAB. The banking industry has been working closely with the HKMA on anti-fraud efforts and actively implementing measures to ensure the smooth launch of ‘Money Safe’. Earlier this year, we established a dedicated ‘Anti-Fraud Education Taskforce’ to co-ordinate diverse outreach activities and educational programmes targeting various vulnerable groups within the community. We expect over 100 relevant activities will be arranged throughout the year to comprehensively enhance public awareness of fraud prevention.”

    Note: During the interim period, some banks only offer “Money Safe” to customers aged 65 or above and service details (such as applicable account types) may also vary among banks. Please contact individual banks for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Share repurchase programme: Transactions of week 25 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The share repurchase programme runs as from 26 February 2025 and up to and including 30 January 2026 at the latest. In this period, Jyske Bank will acquire shares with a value of up to DKK 2.25 billion, cf. Corporate Announcement No. 3/2025 of 26 February 2025. The share repurchase programme is initiated and structured in compliance with the EU Commission Regulation No. 596/2014 of 16 April 2014, the so-called “Market Abuse Regulation”, and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions have been made under the program:

      Number of
    shares    		 Average purchase
    price (DKK)    		 Transaction
    value (DKK)
    Accumulated, previous announcement 1,025.529 541.18 554,995,995
    16 June 2025 15,000 636.39 9,545,919
    17 June 2025 20,000 628.09 12,561,798
    18 June 2025 19,892 627.82 12,488,633
    19 June 2025 8,085 622.52 5,033,107
    20 June 2025 13,479 625.81 8,435,235
    Accumulated under the programme 1,101.985 547.25 603,060,688

    Following settlement of the transactions stated above, Jyske Bank will own a total of 1,101,985 of treasury shares, excluding investments made on behalf of customers and shares held for trading purposes, corresponding to 1,79% of the share capital.

    Attached to this corporate announcement, aggregated details on the transactions related to the share repurchase programme are shown by venue.
                                                             
    Yours faithfully,
    Jyske Bank

    Contact: Birger Krøgh Nielsen, CFO, tel. +45 89 89 64 44.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –