Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group Leadership Attend Formal Signing Ceremony in Abu Dhabi to Create Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that management from Beam Global, Beam Europe and the Platinum Group LLC, performed the official signing ceremony creating Beam Middle East in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    As previously reported, Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Omniah Tower in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed a strategic agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    The official signing ceremony took place today, July 17, in Abu Dhabi. Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global, signed the agreement on behalf of Beam Global, and Dr. Hanai Atatreh, Group Director, signed on behalf of Platinum Group, in the presence of Dr. Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. Also in attendance were members of Beam Global’s management and board of directors, Platinum Group’s board of directors, members of the press, and regional dignitaries.

    “This special occasion marks the formal commencement of our joint venture with the Platinum Group in this very promising region,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “The high quality of the surroundings and attendees bodes well for our future here. We have the right products at the right time in the right place and our new company, formed with the Platinum Group, could not be better positioned. This is a proud day for Beam Global, and I am delighted that we are partnered with such esteemed personages as those in the Platinum Group.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” Dr. Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and smart cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Photographs and other content related to the signing ceremony will be released by the company shortly.

    About Platinum Group LLC
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.comLinkedInYouTube, Instagram and X.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. These statements relate to future events or future results of operations. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Beam Global’s actual results to be materially different from these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, Beam Global expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Media Contact
    Lisa Potok
    +1 858-327-9123
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1 858-261-7646
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Second quarter 2025 net income of $77.3 million and net income available to common stockholders
    of $73.0 million, up 86% and 95%, respectively, year-over-year

    Second quarter 2025 EPS of $1.58 per diluted share and adjusted EPS(1)of $1.63 per
    diluted share, up 98% and 104%, respectively, year-over-year

    Strong balance sheet growth with total loans increasing 7% quarter-over-quarter and 10% year-over-year

    Book Value and Tangible Book Value(2)per share both increasing 13% year-over-year, reaching record levels

    DALLAS, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCBI), the parent company of Texas Capital Bank, announced operating results for the second quarter of 2025.

    “Our multi-year focus on building a differentiated, full-service financial services firm has strengthened our client franchise and consistently delivered high-quality outcomes across our platform, driving strong financial performance this quarter,” said Rob C. Holmes, Chairman, President & CEO. “The strategic actions we’ve taken have structurally enhanced our earnings power, and as we enter the second half of the year, the breadth of our capabilities and the strength of our balance sheet position us to deliver durable, through-cycle results for both clients and shareholders.”

      2nd Quarter   1st Quarter   2nd Quarter
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)   2025       2025       2024  
    OPERATING RESULTS          
    Net income $ 77,328     $ 47,047     $ 41,662  
    Net income available to common stockholders $ 73,016     $ 42,734     $ 37,350  
    Pre-provision net revenue(3) $ 117,188     $ 77,458     $ 78,597  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.58     $ 0.92     $ 0.80  
    Diluted common shares   46,215,394       46,616,704       46,872,498  
    Return on average assets   0.99 %     0.61 %     0.56 %
    Return on average common equity   9.17 %     5.56 %     5.26 %
               
    OPERATING RESULTS, ADJUSTED(1)          
    Net income $ 79,841     $ 47,047     $ 42,020  
    Net income available to common stockholders $ 75,529     $ 42,734     $ 37,708  
    Pre-provision net revenue(3) $ 120,475     $ 77,458     $ 79,059  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.63     $ 0.92     $ 0.80  
    Diluted common shares   46,215,394       46,616,704       46,872,498  
    Return on average assets   1.02 %     0.61 %     0.57 %
    Return on average common equity   9.48 %     5.56 %     5.31 %
               
    BALANCE SHEET          
    Loans held for investment $ 18,035,945     $ 17,654,243     $ 16,700,569  
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,889,589       4,725,541       5,078,161  
    Total loans held for investment   23,925,534       22,379,784       21,778,730  
    Loans held for sale               36,785  
    Total assets   31,943,535       31,375,749       29,854,994  
    Non-interest bearing deposits   7,718,006       7,874,780       7,987,715  
    Total deposits   26,064,309       26,053,034       23,818,327  
    Stockholders’ equity   3,510,070       3,429,774       3,175,601  
               

    (1) These adjusted measures are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for the computations of these adjusted measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
    (2) Stockholders’ equity excluding preferred stock, less goodwill and intangibles, divided by shares outstanding at period end.
    (3) Net interest income plus non-interest income, less non-interest expense.

    SECOND QUARTER 2025 COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER 2025

    For the second quarter of 2025, net income available to common stockholders was $73.0 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, compared to $42.7 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025.

    Provision for credit losses for the second quarter of 2025 was $15.0 million, compared to $17.0 million for the first quarter of 2025. The $15.0 million provision for credit losses recorded in the second quarter of 2025 resulted primarily from an increase in total loans held for investment (“LHI”) and $13.0 million in net charge-offs, partially offset by a decrease in criticized loans.

    Net interest income was $253.4 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $236.0 million for the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to increases in average earning assets and earning asset yields, a decrease in average short-term borrowings and the impact of one additional day in the second quarter. Net interest margin for the second quarter of 2025 was 3.35%, an increase of 16 basis points from the first quarter of 2025. LHI, excluding mortgage finance, yields decreased 4 basis points from the first quarter of 2025 and LHI, mortgage finance, yields increased 49 basis points from the first quarter of 2025. Total cost of deposits was 2.65% for the second quarter of 2025, an 11 basis point decrease from the first quarter of 2025.

    Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $9.6 million compared to the first quarter of 2025 primarily due to increases in investment banking and advisory fees and trading income, partially offset by a $1.9 million loss on sale of available-for-sale debt securities recognized during the second quarter of 2025.

    Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2025 decreased $12.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to decreases in salaries and benefits, related to the effect of seasonal payroll expenses that peak in the first quarter, and legal and professional expense, partially offset by an increase in other non-interest expense.

    SECOND QUARTER 2025 COMPARED TO SECOND QUARTER 2024

    Net income available to common stockholders was $73.0 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $37.4 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024.

    The second quarter of 2025 included a $15.0 million provision for credit losses, reflecting an increase in total LHI and $13.0 million in net charge-offs, partially offset by a decline in criticized loans, compared to a $20.0 million provision for credit losses for the second quarter of 2024.

    Net interest income increased to $253.4 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $216.6 million for the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to an increase in average earning assets and a decrease in funding costs, partially offset by an increase in average interest bearing liabilities. Net interest margin increased 34 basis points to 3.35% for the second quarter of 2025, as compared to the second quarter of 2024. LHI, excluding mortgage finance, yields decreased 44 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024 and LHI, mortgage finance yields increased 48 basis points from the second quarter of 2024. Total cost of deposits decreased 34 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024.

    Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $3.6 million compared to the second quarter of 2024 primarily due to increases in service charges on deposit accounts, trading income and other non-interest income, partially offset by the loss on sale of available-for-sale debt securities mentioned above.

    Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2025 increased $1.9 million compared to the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits, occupancy expense and communications and technology expense, partially offset by a decrease in marketing expense.

    CREDIT QUALITY

    Net charge-offs of $13.0 million were recorded during the second quarter of 2025, compared to net charge-offs of $9.8 million and $12.0 million during the first quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2024, respectively. Criticized loans totaled $637.5 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $762.9 million at March 31, 2025 and $859.7 million at June 30, 2024. Non-accrual LHI totaled $113.6 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $93.6 million at March 31, 2025 and $85.0 million at June 30, 2024. The ratio of non-accrual LHI to total LHI for the second quarter of 2025 was 0.47%, compared to 0.42% for the first quarter of 2025 and 0.39% for the second quarter of 2024. The ratio of total allowance for credit losses to total LHI was 1.40% at June 30, 2025, compared to 1.48% and 1.44% at March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively.

    REGULATORY RATIOS AND CAPITAL

    All regulatory ratios continue to be in excess of “well capitalized” requirements as of June 30, 2025. CET1, tier 1 capital, total capital and leverage ratios were 11.4%, 12.9%, 15.3% and 11.8%, respectively, at June 30, 2025, compared to 11.6%, 13.1%, 15.6% and 11.8%, respectively, at March 31, 2025 and 11.6%, 13.1%, 15.7% and 12.2%, respectively, at June 30, 2024. At June 30, 2025, our ratio of tangible common equity to total tangible assets was 10.1%, compared to 10.0% at March 31, 2025 and 9.6% at June 30, 2024.

    During the second quarter of 2025, the Company repurchased 317,860 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price, including excise tax expense, of $21.0 million, at a weighted average price of $65.50 per share.

    About Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.

    Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ®: TCBI), a member of the Russell 2000®Index and the S&P MidCap 400®, is the parent company of Texas Capital Bank (“TCB”). Texas Capital is the collective brand name for TCB and its separate, non-bank affiliates and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Texas Capital is a full-service financial services firm that delivers customized solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs and individual customers. Founded in 1998, the institution is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, and has built a network of clients across the country. With the ability to service clients through their entire lifecycles, Texas Capital has established commercial banking, consumer banking, investment banking and wealth management capabilities.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, TCBI’s financial condition, results of operations, business plans and future performance. These statements are not historical in nature and may often be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “should,” “plans,” “targets,” “intends” “could,” “would,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “confident,” “optimistic” or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, objectives, estimates, trends, guidance, expectations and future plans.

    Because forward-looking statements relate to future results and occurrences, they are subject to inherent and various uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, may change over time, are based on management’s expectations and assumptions at the time the statements are made and are not guarantees of future results. Numerous risks and other factors, many of which are beyond management’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. While there can be no assurance that any list of risks is complete, important risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: economic or business conditions in Texas, the United States or globally that impact TCBI or its customers; negative credit quality developments arising from the foregoing or other factors, including recent trade policies and their impact on our customers; TCBI’s ability to effectively manage its liquidity and maintain adequate regulatory capital to support its businesses; TCBI’s ability to pursue and execute upon growth plans, whether as a function of capital, liquidity or other limitations; TCBI’s ability to successfully execute its business strategy, including its strategic plan and developing and executing new lines of business and new products and services and potential strategic acquisitions; the extensive regulations to which TCBI is subject and its ability to comply with applicable governmental regulations, including legislative and regulatory changes; TCBI’s ability to effectively manage information technology systems, including third party vendors, cyber or data privacy incidents or other failures, disruptions or security breaches; TCBI’s ability to use technology to provide products and services to its customers; risks related to the development and use of artificial intelligence; changes in interest rates, including the impact of interest rates on TCBI’s securities portfolio and funding costs, as well as related balance sheet implications stemming from the fair value of our assets and liabilities; the effectiveness of TCBI’s risk management processes strategies and monitoring; fluctuations in commercial and residential real estate values, especially as they relate to the value of collateral supporting TCBI’s loans; the failure to identify, attract and retain key personnel and other employees; adverse developments in the banking industry and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity and regulatory responses to these developments, including in the context of regulatory examinations and related findings and actions; negative press and social media attention with respect to the banking industry or TCBI, in particular; claims, litigation or regulatory investigations and actions that TCBI may become subject to; severe weather, natural disasters, climate change, acts of war, terrorism, global or other geopolitical conflicts, or other external events, as well as related legislative and regulatory initiatives; and the risks and factors more fully described in TCBI’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents and filings with the SEC. The information contained in this communication speaks only as of its date. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, we disclaim any obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME          
    Interest income $ 439,567   $ 427,289   $ 437,571   $ 452,533   $ 422,068  
    Interest expense   186,172     191,255     207,964     212,431     205,486  
    Net interest income   253,395     236,034     229,607     240,102     216,582  
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     17,000     18,000     10,000     20,000  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   238,395     219,034     211,607     230,102     196,582  
    Non-interest income   54,069     44,444     54,074     (114,771 )   50,424  
    Non-interest expense   190,276     203,020     172,159     195,324     188,409  
    Income/(loss) before income taxes   102,188     60,458     93,522     (79,993 )   58,597  
    Income tax expense/(benefit)   24,860     13,411     22,499     (18,674 )   16,935  
    Net income/(loss)   77,328     47,047     71,023     (61,319 )   41,662  
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,313     4,312     4,313     4,312  
    Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders $ 73,016   $ 42,734   $ 66,711   $ (65,632 ) $ 37,350  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share $ 1.58   $ 0.92   $ 1.43   $ (1.41 ) $ 0.80  
    Diluted common shares   46,215,394     46,616,704     46,770,961     46,608,742     46,872,498  
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA          
    Total assets $ 31,943,535   $ 31,375,749   $ 30,731,883   $ 31,629,299   $ 29,854,994  
    Loans held for investment   18,035,945     17,654,243     17,234,492     16,764,512     16,700,569  
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,889,589     4,725,541     5,215,574     5,529,659     5,078,161  
    Loans held for sale               9,022     36,785  
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   2,507,691     3,600,969     3,012,307     3,894,537     2,691,352  
    Investment securities   4,608,628     4,531,219     4,396,115     4,405,520     4,388,976  
    Non-interest bearing deposits   7,718,006     7,874,780     7,485,428     9,070,804     7,987,715  
    Total deposits   26,064,309     26,053,034     25,238,599     25,865,255     23,818,327  
    Short-term borrowings   1,250,000     750,000     885,000     1,035,000     1,675,000  
    Long-term debt   620,256     660,521     660,346     660,172     659,997  
    Stockholders’ equity   3,510,070     3,429,774     3,367,936     3,354,044     3,175,601  
               
    End of period shares outstanding   45,746,836     46,024,933     46,233,812     46,207,757     46,188,078  
    Book value per share $ 70.17   $ 68.00   $ 66.36   $ 66.09   $ 62.26  
    Tangible book value per share(1) $ 70.14   $ 67.97   $ 66.32   $ 66.06   $ 62.23  
    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS          
    Net interest margin   3.35 %   3.19 %   2.93 %   3.16 %   3.01 %
    Return on average assets   0.99 %   0.61 %   0.88 % (0.78 )%   0.56 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted(4)   1.02 %   0.61 %   0.88 %   1.00 %   0.57 %
    Return on average common equity   9.17 %   5.56 %   8.50 % (8.87 )%   5.26 %
    Return on average common equity, adjusted(4)   9.48 %   5.56 %   8.50 %   10.04 %   5.31 %
    Efficiency ratio(2)   61.9 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   155.8 %   70.6 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted(2)(4)   61.1 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   62.3 %   70.4 %
    Non-interest income to average earning assets   0.72 %   0.60 %   0.69 % (1.52 )%   0.71 %
    Non-interest income to average earning assets, adjusted(4)   0.74 %   0.60 %   0.69 %   0.86 %   0.71 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets   2.52 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.59 %   2.65 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets, adjusted(4)   2.50 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.52 %   2.65 %
    Common equity to total assets   10.1 %   10.0 %   10.0 %   9.7 %   9.6 %
    Tangible common equity to total tangible assets(3)   10.1 %   10.0 %   10.0 %   9.7 %   9.6 %
    Common Equity Tier 1   11.4 %   11.6 %   11.4 %   11.2 %   11.6 %
    Tier 1 capital   12.9 %   13.1 %   12.8 %   12.6 %   13.1 %
    Total capital   15.3 %   15.6 %   15.4 %   15.2 %   15.7 %
    Leverage   11.8 %   11.8 %   11.3 %   11.4 %   12.2 %

    (1) Stockholders’ equity excluding preferred stock, less goodwill and intangibles, divided by shares outstanding at period end.
    (2) Non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
    (3) Stockholders’ equity excluding preferred stock, less goodwill and intangibles, divided by total assets, less goodwill and intangibles.
    (4) These adjusted measures are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for the computations of these adjusted measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands)
      June 30,
    2025
    March 31,
    2025
    December 31,
    2024
    September 30,
    2024
    June 30,
    2024
    Assets          
    Cash and due from banks $ 182,451   $ 201,504   $ 176,501   $ 297,048   $ 221,727  
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   2,507,691     3,600,969     3,012,307     3,894,537     2,691,352  
    Available-for-sale debt securities   3,774,141     3,678,378     3,524,686     3,518,662     3,483,231  
    Held-to-maturity debt securities   761,907     779,354     796,168     812,432     831,513  
    Equity securities   68,692     71,679     75,261     74,426     74,232  
    Trading securities   3,888     1,808              
    Investment securities   4,608,628     4,531,219     4,396,115     4,405,520     4,388,976  
    Loans held for sale               9,022     36,785  
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,889,589     4,725,541     5,215,574     5,529,659     5,078,161  
    Loans held for investment   18,035,945     17,654,243     17,234,492     16,764,512     16,700,569  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans   277,648     278,379     271,709     273,143     267,297  
    Loans held for investment, net   23,647,886     22,101,405     22,178,357     22,021,028     21,511,433  
    Premises and equipment, net   86,831     84,575     85,443     81,577     69,464  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets   908,552     854,581     881,664     919,071     933,761  
    Goodwill and intangibles, net   1,496     1,496     1,496     1,496     1,496  
    Total assets $ 31,943,535   $ 31,375,749   $ 30,731,883   $ 31,629,299   $ 29,854,994  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Liabilities:          
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 7,718,006   $ 7,874,780   $ 7,485,428   $ 9,070,804   $ 7,987,715  
    Interest bearing deposits   18,346,303     18,178,254     17,753,171     16,794,451     15,830,612  
    Total deposits   26,064,309     26,053,034     25,238,599     25,865,255     23,818,327  
    Accrued interest payable   14,120     25,270     23,680     18,679     23,841  
    Other liabilities   484,780     457,150     556,322     696,149     502,228  
    Short-term borrowings   1,250,000     750,000     885,000     1,035,000     1,675,000  
    Long-term debt   620,256     660,521     660,346     660,172     659,997  
    Total liabilities   28,433,465     27,945,975     27,363,947     28,275,255     26,679,393  
               
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value, $1,000 liquidation value:          
    Authorized shares – 10,000,000          
    Issued shares(1)   300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000  
    Common stock, $.01 par value:          
    Authorized shares – 100,000,000          
    Issued shares(2)   517     517     515     515     515  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,065,083     1,060,028     1,056,719     1,054,614     1,050,114  
    Retained earnings   2,611,401     2,538,385     2,495,651     2,428,940     2,494,572  
    Treasury stock(3)   (354,000 )   (332,994 )   (301,842 )   (301,868 )   (301,868 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes   (112,931 )   (136,162 )   (183,107 )   (128,157 )   (367,732 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   3,510,070     3,429,774     3,367,936     3,354,044     3,175,601  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 31,943,535   $ 31,375,749   $ 30,731,883   $ 31,629,299   $ 29,854,994  
               
    (1) Preferred stock – issued shares   300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000  
    (2) Common stock – issued shares   51,747,305     51,707,542     51,520,315     51,494,260     51,474,581  
    (3) Treasury stock – shares at cost   6,000,469     5,682,609     5,286,503     5,286,503     5,286,503  
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.        
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)        
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)        
      Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
        2025   2024   2025   2024
    Interest income        
    Interest and fees on loans $ 364,358   $ 345,251 $ 698,508   $ 676,130
    Investment securities   45,991     33,584   92,556     65,728
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   29,218     43,233   75,792     97,588
    Total interest income   439,567     422,068   866,856     839,446
    Interest expense        
    Deposits   174,798     181,280   349,734     356,880
    Short-term borrowings   3,444     12,749   11,690     25,532
    Long-term debt   7,930     11,457   16,003     25,443
    Total interest expense   186,172     205,486   377,427     407,855
    Net interest income   253,395     216,582   489,429     431,591
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     20,000   32,000     39,000
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   238,395     196,582   457,429     392,591
    Non-interest income        
    Service charges on deposit accounts   8,182     5,911   16,022     12,250
    Wealth management and trust fee income   3,730     3,699   7,694     7,266
    Brokered loan fees   2,398     2,131   4,347     4,042
    Investment banking and advisory fees   24,109     25,048   40,587     43,472
    Trading income   7,896     5,650   13,835     10,362
    Available-for-sale debt securities losses   (1,886 )     (1,886 )  
    Other   9,640     7,985   17,914     14,351
    Total non-interest income   54,069     50,424   98,513     91,743
    Non-interest expense        
    Salaries and benefits   120,154     118,840   251,795     247,567
    Occupancy expense   12,144     10,666   22,988     20,403
    Marketing   3,624     5,996   8,633     12,032
    Legal and professional   11,069     11,273   26,058     27,468
    Communications and technology   24,314     22,013   47,956     43,127
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessment   5,096     5,570   10,437     13,991
    Other   13,875     14,051   25,429     26,214
    Total non-interest expense   190,276     188,409   393,296     390,802
    Income before income taxes   102,188     58,597   162,646     93,532
    Income tax expense   24,860     16,935   38,271     25,728
    Net income   77,328     41,662   124,375     67,804
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,312   8,625     8,625
    Net income available to common stockholders $ 73,016   $ 37,350 $ 115,750   $ 59,179
             
    Basic earnings per common share $ 1.59   $ 0.80 $ 2.52   $ 1.26
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.58   $ 0.80 $ 2.49   $ 1.25
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    SUMMARY OF CREDIT LOSS EXPERIENCE
    (dollars in thousands)
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans:          
    Beginning balance $ 278,379   $ 271,709   $ 273,143   $ 267,297   $ 263,962  
    Allowance established for acquired purchase credit deterioration loans               2,579      
    Loans charged-off:          
    Commercial   13,020     10,197     14,100     6,120     9,997  
    Commercial real estate   431     500     2,566     262     2,111  
    Consumer               30      
    Total charge-offs   13,451     10,697     16,666     6,412     12,108  
    Recoveries:          
    Commercial   486     483     4,562     329     153  
    Commercial real estate       413     18          
    Consumer       4     15          
    Total recoveries   486     900     4,595     329     153  
    Net charge-offs   12,965     9,797     12,071     6,083     11,955  
    Provision for credit losses on loans   12,234     16,467     10,637     9,350     15,290  
    Ending balance $ 277,648   $ 278,379   $ 271,709   $ 273,143   $ 267,297  
               
    Allowance for off-balance sheet credit losses:          
    Beginning balance $ 53,865   $ 53,332   $ 45,969   $ 45,319   $ 40,609  
    Provision for off-balance sheet credit losses   2,766     533     7,363     650     4,710  
    Ending balance $ 56,631   $ 53,865   $ 53,332   $ 45,969   $ 45,319  
               
    Total allowance for credit losses $ 334,279   $ 332,244   $ 325,041   $ 319,112   $ 312,616  
    Total provision for credit losses $ 15,000   $ 17,000   $ 18,000   $ 10,000   $ 20,000  
               
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans held for investment   1.16 %   1.24 %   1.21 %   1.23 %   1.23 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to average total loans held for investment   1.19 %   1.29 %   1.22 %   1.24 %   1.27 %
    Net charge-offs to average total loans held for investment(1)   0.22 %   0.18 %   0.22 %   0.11 %   0.23 %
    Net charge-offs to average total loans held for investment for last 12 months(1)   0.18 %   0.18 %   0.19 %   0.20 %   0.22 %
    Total provision for credit losses to average total loans held for investment(1)   0.26 %   0.32 %   0.32 %   0.18 %   0.38 %
    Total allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment   1.40 %   1.48 %   1.45 %   1.43 %   1.44 %

    (1) Interim period ratios are annualized.

    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.          
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS, PAST DUE LOANS AND CRITICIZED LOANS      
    (dollars in thousands)          
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS          
    Non-accrual loans held for investment $ 113,609   $ 93,565   $ 111,165   $ 88,960   $ 85,021  
    Non-accrual loans held for sale                    
    Other real estate owned                    
    Total non-performing assets $ 113,609   $ 93,565   $ 111,165   $ 88,960   $ 85,021  
               
    Non-accrual loans held for investment to total loans held for investment   0.47 %   0.42 %   0.50 %   0.40 %   0.39 %
    Total non-performing assets to total assets   0.36 %   0.30 %   0.36 %   0.28 %   0.28 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-accrual loans held for investment 2.4x 3.0x 2.4x 3.1x 3.1x
    Total allowance for credit losses to non-accrual loans held for investment 2.9x 3.6x 2.9x 3.6x 3.7x
               
    LOANS PAST DUE          
    Loans held for investment past due 90 days and still accruing $ 2,068   $ 791   $ 4,265   $ 5,281   $ 286  
    Loans held for investment past due 90 days to total loans held for investment   0.01 %   %   0.02 %   0.02 %   %
    Loans held for sale past due 90 days and still accruing $   $   $   $   $ 64  
               
    CRITICIZED LOANS          
    Criticized loans $ 637,462   $ 762,887   $ 713,951   $ 897,727   $ 859,671  
    Criticized loans to total loans held for investment   2.66 %   3.41 %   3.18 %   4.03 %   3.95 %
    Special mention loans $ 339,923   $ 484,165   $ 435,626   $ 579,802   $ 593,305  
    Special mention loans to total loans held for investment   1.42 %   2.16 %   1.94 %   2.60 %   2.72 %
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands)
               
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025   2025 2024   2024   2024
    Interest income          
    Interest and fees on loans $ 364,358   $ 334,150 $ 340,388 $ 361,407   $ 345,251
    Investment securities   45,991     46,565   44,102   38,389     33,584
    Interest bearing deposits in other banks   29,218     46,574   53,081   52,737     43,233
    Total interest income   439,567     427,289   437,571   452,533     422,068
    Interest expense          
    Deposits   174,798     174,936   189,061   190,255     181,280
    Short-term borrowings   3,444     8,246   10,678   13,784     12,749
    Long-term debt   7,930     8,073   8,225   8,392     11,457
    Total interest expense   186,172     191,255   207,964   212,431     205,486
    Net interest income   253,395     236,034   229,607   240,102     216,582
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     17,000   18,000   10,000     20,000
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   238,395     219,034   211,607   230,102     196,582
    Non-interest income          
    Service charges on deposit accounts   8,182     7,840   6,989   6,307     5,911
    Wealth management and trust fee income   3,730     3,964   4,009   4,040     3,699
    Brokered loan fees   2,398     1,949   2,519   2,400     2,131
    Investment banking and advisory fees   24,109     16,478   26,740   34,753     25,048
    Trading income   7,896     5,939   5,487   5,786     5,650
    Available-for-sale debt securities losses   (1,886 )       (179,581 )  
    Other   9,640     8,274   8,330   11,524     7,985
    Total non-interest income   54,069     44,444   54,074   (114,771 )   50,424
    Non-interest expense          
    Salaries and benefits   120,154     131,641   97,873   121,138     118,840
    Occupancy expense   12,144     10,844   11,926   12,937     10,666
    Marketing   3,624     5,009   4,454   5,863     5,996
    Legal and professional   11,069     14,989   15,180   11,135     11,273
    Communications and technology   24,314     23,642   24,007   25,951     22,013
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessment   5,096     5,341   4,454   4,906     5,570
    Other   13,875     11,554   14,265   13,394     14,051
    Total non-interest expense   190,276     203,020   172,159   195,324     188,409
    Income/(loss) before income taxes   102,188     60,458   93,522   (79,993 )   58,597
    Income tax expense/(benefit)   24,860     13,411   22,499   (18,674 )   16,935
    Net income/(loss)   77,328     47,047   71,023   (61,319 )   41,662
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,313   4,312   4,313     4,312
    Net income/(loss) available to common shareholders $ 73,016   $ 42,734 $ 66,711 $ (65,632 ) $ 37,350
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    TAXABLE EQUIVALENT NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS (UNAUDITED)(1)
    (dollars in thousands)
      2nd Quarter 2025   1st Quarter 2025   2nd Quarter 2024   YTD June 30, 2025   YTD June 30, 2024
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                                      
    Investment securities(2) $ 4,573,164 $ 45,999 3.93 %   $ 4,463,876 $ 46,565 4.10 %   $ 4,427,023 $ 33,584 2.80 %   $ 4,518,822 $ 92,564 4.01 %   $ 4,363,195 $ 65,728 2.79 %
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   2,661,037   29,218 4.40 %     4,255,796   46,574 4.44 %     3,273,069   43,233 5.31 %     3,454,011   75,792 4.43 %     3,662,348   97,588 5.36 %
    Loans held for sale     %     335   2 2.97 %     28,768   683 9.55 %     167   2 2.97 %     39,966   1,867 9.40 %
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,327,559   58,707 4.42 %     3,972,106   38,527 3.93 %     4,357,288   42,722 3.94 %     4,653,577   97,234 4.21 %     3,937,498   74,177 3.79 %
    Loans held for investment(3)   18,018,626   306,142 6.81 %     17,527,070   296,091 6.85 %     16,750,788   301,910 7.25 %     17,774,206   602,233 6.83 %     16,636,438   600,216 7.26 %
    Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans   278,035   %     272,758         263,145   %     275,411         256,541    
    Loans held for investment, net   23,068,150   364,849 6.34 %     21,226,418   334,618 6.39 %     20,844,931   344,632 6.65 %     22,152,372   699,467 6.37 %     20,317,395   674,393 6.68 %
    Total earning assets   30,302,351   440,066 5.80 %     29,946,425   427,759 5.76 %     28,573,791   422,132 5.86 %     30,125,372   867,825 5.78 %     28,382,904   839,576 5.87 %
    Cash and other assets   1,117,118         1,157,184         1,177,061         1,137,040         1,117,763    
    Total assets $ 31,419,469       $ 31,103,609       $ 29,750,852       $ 31,262,412       $ 29,500,667    
                                           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                      
    Transaction deposits $ 2,213,037 $ 13,731 2.49 %   $ 2,163,250 $ 13,908 2.61 %   $ 2,061,622 $ 16,982 3.31 %   $ 2,188,282 $ 27,639 2.55 %   $ 2,034,057 $ 33,840 3.35 %
    Savings deposits   13,727,095   134,272 3.92 %     13,357,243   133,577 4.06 %     11,981,668   143,173 4.81 %     13,543,190   267,849 3.99 %     11,695,673   279,963 4.81 %
    Time deposits   2,361,525   26,795 4.55 %     2,329,384   27,451 4.78 %     1,658,899   21,125 5.12 %     2,345,543   54,246 4.66 %     1,689,112   43,077 5.13 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   18,301,657   174,798 3.83 %     17,849,877   174,936 3.97 %     15,702,189   181,280 4.64 %     18,077,015   349,734 3.90 %     15,418,842   356,880 4.65 %
    Short-term borrowings   306,176   3,444 4.51 %     751,500   8,246 4.45 %     927,253   12,749 5.53 %     527,608   11,690 4.47 %     919,670   25,532 5.58 %
    Long-term debt   649,469   7,930 4.90 %     660,445   8,073 4.96 %     778,401   11,457 5.92 %     654,927   16,003 4.93 %     818,955   25,443 6.25 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   19,257,302   186,172 3.88 %     19,261,822   191,255 4.03 %     17,407,843   205,486 4.75 %     19,259,550   377,427 3.95 %     17,157,467   407,855 4.78 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits   8,191,402         7,875,244         8,647,594         8,034,196         8,642,685    
    Other liabilities   475,724         552,154         537,754         513,728         523,520    
    Stockholders’ equity   3,495,041         3,414,389         3,157,661         3,454,938         3,176,995    
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 31,419,469       $ 31,103,609       $ 29,750,852       $ 31,262,412       $ 29,500,667    
    Net interest income   $ 253,894       $ 236,504       $ 216,646       $ 490,398       $ 431,721  
    Net interest margin     3.35 %       3.19 %       3.01 %       3.27 %       3.02 %

    (1) Taxable equivalent rates used where applicable.
    (2) Yields on investment securities are calculated using available-for-sale securities at amortized cost.
    (3) Average balances include non-accrual loans.

    GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

    The following items are non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted non-interest income, adjusted non-interest expense, adjusted net income, adjusted net income available to common stockholders, adjusted pre-provision net revenue (“PPNR”), adjusted diluted earnings/(loss) per common share, adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average common equity, adjusted efficiency ratio, adjusted non-interest income to average earning assets and adjusted non-interest expense to average earning assets. These are not measures recognized under GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The table below provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are adjusted for certain items, listed below, that management believes are non-operating in nature and not representative of its actual operating performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. to assist management and investors in evaluating operating results, financial strength, business performance and capital position. Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. As such, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of operating results or capital position as reported under GAAP.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures      
    (dollars in thousands except per share data) 2nd Quarter
    2025
    1st Quarter
    2025
    4th Quarter
    2024
    3rd Quarter
    2024
    2nd Quarter
    2024
    Net interest income $ 253,395   $ 236,034   $ 229,607   $ 240,102   $ 216,582  
               
    Non-interest income   54,069     44,444     54,074     (114,771 )   50,424  
    Available-for-sale debt securities losses, net   1,886             179,581      
    Non-interest income, adjusted   55,955     44,444     54,074     64,810     50,424  
               
    Non-interest expense   190,276     203,020     172,159     195,324     188,409  
    FDIC special assessment               651     (462 )
    Restructuring expenses   (1,401 )           (5,923 )    
    Non-interest expense, adjusted   188,875     203,020     172,159     190,052     187,947  
               
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     17,000     18,000     10,000     20,000  
               
    Income tax expense/(benefit)   24,860     13,411     22,499     (18,674 )   16,935  
    Tax effect of adjustments   774             44,880     104  
    Income tax expense/(benefit), adjusted   25,634     13,411     22,499     26,206     17,039  
               
    Net income/(loss)(1) $ 77,328   $ 47,047   $ 71,023   $ (61,319 ) $ 41,662  
    Net income/(loss), adjusted(1) $ 79,841   $ 47,047   $ 71,023   $ 78,654   $ 42,020  
               
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,313     4,312     4,313     4,312  
               
    Net income/(loss) to common stockholders(2) $ 73,016   $ 42,734   $ 66,711   $ (65,632 ) $ 37,350  
    Net income/(loss) to common stockholders, adjusted(2) $ 75,529   $ 42,734   $ 66,711   $ 74,341   $ 37,708  
               
    PPNR(3) $ 117,188   $ 77,458   $ 111,522   $ (69,993 ) $ 78,597  
    PPNR(3), adjusted $ 120,475   $ 77,458   $ 111,522   $ 114,860   $ 79,059  
               
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted   46,215,394     46,616,704     46,770,961     46,608,742     46,872,498  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share $ 1.58   $ 0.92   $ 1.43   $ (1.41 ) $ 0.80  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share, adjusted $ 1.63   $ 0.92   $ 1.43   $ 1.59   $ 0.80  
               
    Average total assets $ 31,419,469   $ 31,103,609   $ 32,212,087   $ 31,215,173   $ 29,750,852  
    Return on average assets   0.99 %   0.61 %   0.88 % (0.78 )%   0.56 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted   1.02 %   0.61 %   0.88 %   1.00 %   0.57 %
               
    Average common equity $ 3,195,041   $ 3,114,389   $ 3,120,933   $ 2,945,238   $ 2,857,661  
    Return on average common equity   9.17 %   5.56 %   8.50 % (8.87 )%   5.26 %
    Return on average common equity, adjusted   9.48 %   5.56 %   8.50 %   10.04 %   5.31 %
               
    Efficiency ratio(4)   61.9 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   155.8 %   70.6 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted(4)   61.1 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   62.3 %   70.4 %
               
    Average earning assets $ 30,302,351   $ 29,946,425   $ 31,033,803   $ 29,975,318   $ 28,573,791  
    Non-interest income to average earning assets   0.72 %   0.60 %   0.69 % (1.52 )%   0.71 %
    Non-interest income to average earning assets, adjusted   0.74 %   0.60 %   0.69 %   0.86 %   0.71 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets   2.52 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.59 %   2.65 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets, adjusted   2.50 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.52 %   2.65 %

    (1) Net interest income plus non-interest income, less non-interest expense, provision for credit losses and income tax expense/(benefit). On an adjusted basis, net interest income plus non-interest income, adjusted, less non-interest expense, adjusted, provision for credit losses and income tax expense/(benefit), adjusted.
    (2) Net income/(loss), less preferred stock dividends. On an adjusted basis, net income/(loss), adjusted, less preferred stock dividends.
    (3) Net interest income plus non-interest income, less non-interest expense. On an adjusted basis, net interest income plus non-interest income, adjusted, less non-interest expense, adjusted.
    (4) Non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. On an adjusted basis, non-interest expense, adjusted, divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income, adjusted.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Second quarter 2025 net income of $77.3 million and net income available to common stockholders
    of $73.0 million, up 86% and 95%, respectively, year-over-year

    Second quarter 2025 EPS of $1.58 per diluted share and adjusted EPS(1)of $1.63 per
    diluted share, up 98% and 104%, respectively, year-over-year

    Strong balance sheet growth with total loans increasing 7% quarter-over-quarter and 10% year-over-year

    Book Value and Tangible Book Value(2)per share both increasing 13% year-over-year, reaching record levels

    DALLAS, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCBI), the parent company of Texas Capital Bank, announced operating results for the second quarter of 2025.

    “Our multi-year focus on building a differentiated, full-service financial services firm has strengthened our client franchise and consistently delivered high-quality outcomes across our platform, driving strong financial performance this quarter,” said Rob C. Holmes, Chairman, President & CEO. “The strategic actions we’ve taken have structurally enhanced our earnings power, and as we enter the second half of the year, the breadth of our capabilities and the strength of our balance sheet position us to deliver durable, through-cycle results for both clients and shareholders.”

      2nd Quarter   1st Quarter   2nd Quarter
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)   2025       2025       2024  
    OPERATING RESULTS          
    Net income $ 77,328     $ 47,047     $ 41,662  
    Net income available to common stockholders $ 73,016     $ 42,734     $ 37,350  
    Pre-provision net revenue(3) $ 117,188     $ 77,458     $ 78,597  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.58     $ 0.92     $ 0.80  
    Diluted common shares   46,215,394       46,616,704       46,872,498  
    Return on average assets   0.99 %     0.61 %     0.56 %
    Return on average common equity   9.17 %     5.56 %     5.26 %
               
    OPERATING RESULTS, ADJUSTED(1)          
    Net income $ 79,841     $ 47,047     $ 42,020  
    Net income available to common stockholders $ 75,529     $ 42,734     $ 37,708  
    Pre-provision net revenue(3) $ 120,475     $ 77,458     $ 79,059  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.63     $ 0.92     $ 0.80  
    Diluted common shares   46,215,394       46,616,704       46,872,498  
    Return on average assets   1.02 %     0.61 %     0.57 %
    Return on average common equity   9.48 %     5.56 %     5.31 %
               
    BALANCE SHEET          
    Loans held for investment $ 18,035,945     $ 17,654,243     $ 16,700,569  
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,889,589       4,725,541       5,078,161  
    Total loans held for investment   23,925,534       22,379,784       21,778,730  
    Loans held for sale               36,785  
    Total assets   31,943,535       31,375,749       29,854,994  
    Non-interest bearing deposits   7,718,006       7,874,780       7,987,715  
    Total deposits   26,064,309       26,053,034       23,818,327  
    Stockholders’ equity   3,510,070       3,429,774       3,175,601  
               

    (1) These adjusted measures are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for the computations of these adjusted measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
    (2) Stockholders’ equity excluding preferred stock, less goodwill and intangibles, divided by shares outstanding at period end.
    (3) Net interest income plus non-interest income, less non-interest expense.

    SECOND QUARTER 2025 COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER 2025

    For the second quarter of 2025, net income available to common stockholders was $73.0 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, compared to $42.7 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025.

    Provision for credit losses for the second quarter of 2025 was $15.0 million, compared to $17.0 million for the first quarter of 2025. The $15.0 million provision for credit losses recorded in the second quarter of 2025 resulted primarily from an increase in total loans held for investment (“LHI”) and $13.0 million in net charge-offs, partially offset by a decrease in criticized loans.

    Net interest income was $253.4 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $236.0 million for the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to increases in average earning assets and earning asset yields, a decrease in average short-term borrowings and the impact of one additional day in the second quarter. Net interest margin for the second quarter of 2025 was 3.35%, an increase of 16 basis points from the first quarter of 2025. LHI, excluding mortgage finance, yields decreased 4 basis points from the first quarter of 2025 and LHI, mortgage finance, yields increased 49 basis points from the first quarter of 2025. Total cost of deposits was 2.65% for the second quarter of 2025, an 11 basis point decrease from the first quarter of 2025.

    Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $9.6 million compared to the first quarter of 2025 primarily due to increases in investment banking and advisory fees and trading income, partially offset by a $1.9 million loss on sale of available-for-sale debt securities recognized during the second quarter of 2025.

    Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2025 decreased $12.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to decreases in salaries and benefits, related to the effect of seasonal payroll expenses that peak in the first quarter, and legal and professional expense, partially offset by an increase in other non-interest expense.

    SECOND QUARTER 2025 COMPARED TO SECOND QUARTER 2024

    Net income available to common stockholders was $73.0 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $37.4 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024.

    The second quarter of 2025 included a $15.0 million provision for credit losses, reflecting an increase in total LHI and $13.0 million in net charge-offs, partially offset by a decline in criticized loans, compared to a $20.0 million provision for credit losses for the second quarter of 2024.

    Net interest income increased to $253.4 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $216.6 million for the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to an increase in average earning assets and a decrease in funding costs, partially offset by an increase in average interest bearing liabilities. Net interest margin increased 34 basis points to 3.35% for the second quarter of 2025, as compared to the second quarter of 2024. LHI, excluding mortgage finance, yields decreased 44 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024 and LHI, mortgage finance yields increased 48 basis points from the second quarter of 2024. Total cost of deposits decreased 34 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024.

    Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $3.6 million compared to the second quarter of 2024 primarily due to increases in service charges on deposit accounts, trading income and other non-interest income, partially offset by the loss on sale of available-for-sale debt securities mentioned above.

    Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2025 increased $1.9 million compared to the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits, occupancy expense and communications and technology expense, partially offset by a decrease in marketing expense.

    CREDIT QUALITY

    Net charge-offs of $13.0 million were recorded during the second quarter of 2025, compared to net charge-offs of $9.8 million and $12.0 million during the first quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2024, respectively. Criticized loans totaled $637.5 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $762.9 million at March 31, 2025 and $859.7 million at June 30, 2024. Non-accrual LHI totaled $113.6 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $93.6 million at March 31, 2025 and $85.0 million at June 30, 2024. The ratio of non-accrual LHI to total LHI for the second quarter of 2025 was 0.47%, compared to 0.42% for the first quarter of 2025 and 0.39% for the second quarter of 2024. The ratio of total allowance for credit losses to total LHI was 1.40% at June 30, 2025, compared to 1.48% and 1.44% at March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively.

    REGULATORY RATIOS AND CAPITAL

    All regulatory ratios continue to be in excess of “well capitalized” requirements as of June 30, 2025. CET1, tier 1 capital, total capital and leverage ratios were 11.4%, 12.9%, 15.3% and 11.8%, respectively, at June 30, 2025, compared to 11.6%, 13.1%, 15.6% and 11.8%, respectively, at March 31, 2025 and 11.6%, 13.1%, 15.7% and 12.2%, respectively, at June 30, 2024. At June 30, 2025, our ratio of tangible common equity to total tangible assets was 10.1%, compared to 10.0% at March 31, 2025 and 9.6% at June 30, 2024.

    During the second quarter of 2025, the Company repurchased 317,860 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price, including excise tax expense, of $21.0 million, at a weighted average price of $65.50 per share.

    About Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.

    Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ®: TCBI), a member of the Russell 2000®Index and the S&P MidCap 400®, is the parent company of Texas Capital Bank (“TCB”). Texas Capital is the collective brand name for TCB and its separate, non-bank affiliates and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Texas Capital is a full-service financial services firm that delivers customized solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs and individual customers. Founded in 1998, the institution is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, and has built a network of clients across the country. With the ability to service clients through their entire lifecycles, Texas Capital has established commercial banking, consumer banking, investment banking and wealth management capabilities.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, TCBI’s financial condition, results of operations, business plans and future performance. These statements are not historical in nature and may often be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “should,” “plans,” “targets,” “intends” “could,” “would,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “confident,” “optimistic” or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, objectives, estimates, trends, guidance, expectations and future plans.

    Because forward-looking statements relate to future results and occurrences, they are subject to inherent and various uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, may change over time, are based on management’s expectations and assumptions at the time the statements are made and are not guarantees of future results. Numerous risks and other factors, many of which are beyond management’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. While there can be no assurance that any list of risks is complete, important risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: economic or business conditions in Texas, the United States or globally that impact TCBI or its customers; negative credit quality developments arising from the foregoing or other factors, including recent trade policies and their impact on our customers; TCBI’s ability to effectively manage its liquidity and maintain adequate regulatory capital to support its businesses; TCBI’s ability to pursue and execute upon growth plans, whether as a function of capital, liquidity or other limitations; TCBI’s ability to successfully execute its business strategy, including its strategic plan and developing and executing new lines of business and new products and services and potential strategic acquisitions; the extensive regulations to which TCBI is subject and its ability to comply with applicable governmental regulations, including legislative and regulatory changes; TCBI’s ability to effectively manage information technology systems, including third party vendors, cyber or data privacy incidents or other failures, disruptions or security breaches; TCBI’s ability to use technology to provide products and services to its customers; risks related to the development and use of artificial intelligence; changes in interest rates, including the impact of interest rates on TCBI’s securities portfolio and funding costs, as well as related balance sheet implications stemming from the fair value of our assets and liabilities; the effectiveness of TCBI’s risk management processes strategies and monitoring; fluctuations in commercial and residential real estate values, especially as they relate to the value of collateral supporting TCBI’s loans; the failure to identify, attract and retain key personnel and other employees; adverse developments in the banking industry and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity and regulatory responses to these developments, including in the context of regulatory examinations and related findings and actions; negative press and social media attention with respect to the banking industry or TCBI, in particular; claims, litigation or regulatory investigations and actions that TCBI may become subject to; severe weather, natural disasters, climate change, acts of war, terrorism, global or other geopolitical conflicts, or other external events, as well as related legislative and regulatory initiatives; and the risks and factors more fully described in TCBI’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents and filings with the SEC. The information contained in this communication speaks only as of its date. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, we disclaim any obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME          
    Interest income $ 439,567   $ 427,289   $ 437,571   $ 452,533   $ 422,068  
    Interest expense   186,172     191,255     207,964     212,431     205,486  
    Net interest income   253,395     236,034     229,607     240,102     216,582  
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     17,000     18,000     10,000     20,000  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   238,395     219,034     211,607     230,102     196,582  
    Non-interest income   54,069     44,444     54,074     (114,771 )   50,424  
    Non-interest expense   190,276     203,020     172,159     195,324     188,409  
    Income/(loss) before income taxes   102,188     60,458     93,522     (79,993 )   58,597  
    Income tax expense/(benefit)   24,860     13,411     22,499     (18,674 )   16,935  
    Net income/(loss)   77,328     47,047     71,023     (61,319 )   41,662  
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,313     4,312     4,313     4,312  
    Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders $ 73,016   $ 42,734   $ 66,711   $ (65,632 ) $ 37,350  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share $ 1.58   $ 0.92   $ 1.43   $ (1.41 ) $ 0.80  
    Diluted common shares   46,215,394     46,616,704     46,770,961     46,608,742     46,872,498  
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA          
    Total assets $ 31,943,535   $ 31,375,749   $ 30,731,883   $ 31,629,299   $ 29,854,994  
    Loans held for investment   18,035,945     17,654,243     17,234,492     16,764,512     16,700,569  
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,889,589     4,725,541     5,215,574     5,529,659     5,078,161  
    Loans held for sale               9,022     36,785  
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   2,507,691     3,600,969     3,012,307     3,894,537     2,691,352  
    Investment securities   4,608,628     4,531,219     4,396,115     4,405,520     4,388,976  
    Non-interest bearing deposits   7,718,006     7,874,780     7,485,428     9,070,804     7,987,715  
    Total deposits   26,064,309     26,053,034     25,238,599     25,865,255     23,818,327  
    Short-term borrowings   1,250,000     750,000     885,000     1,035,000     1,675,000  
    Long-term debt   620,256     660,521     660,346     660,172     659,997  
    Stockholders’ equity   3,510,070     3,429,774     3,367,936     3,354,044     3,175,601  
               
    End of period shares outstanding   45,746,836     46,024,933     46,233,812     46,207,757     46,188,078  
    Book value per share $ 70.17   $ 68.00   $ 66.36   $ 66.09   $ 62.26  
    Tangible book value per share(1) $ 70.14   $ 67.97   $ 66.32   $ 66.06   $ 62.23  
    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS          
    Net interest margin   3.35 %   3.19 %   2.93 %   3.16 %   3.01 %
    Return on average assets   0.99 %   0.61 %   0.88 % (0.78 )%   0.56 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted(4)   1.02 %   0.61 %   0.88 %   1.00 %   0.57 %
    Return on average common equity   9.17 %   5.56 %   8.50 % (8.87 )%   5.26 %
    Return on average common equity, adjusted(4)   9.48 %   5.56 %   8.50 %   10.04 %   5.31 %
    Efficiency ratio(2)   61.9 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   155.8 %   70.6 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted(2)(4)   61.1 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   62.3 %   70.4 %
    Non-interest income to average earning assets   0.72 %   0.60 %   0.69 % (1.52 )%   0.71 %
    Non-interest income to average earning assets, adjusted(4)   0.74 %   0.60 %   0.69 %   0.86 %   0.71 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets   2.52 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.59 %   2.65 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets, adjusted(4)   2.50 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.52 %   2.65 %
    Common equity to total assets   10.1 %   10.0 %   10.0 %   9.7 %   9.6 %
    Tangible common equity to total tangible assets(3)   10.1 %   10.0 %   10.0 %   9.7 %   9.6 %
    Common Equity Tier 1   11.4 %   11.6 %   11.4 %   11.2 %   11.6 %
    Tier 1 capital   12.9 %   13.1 %   12.8 %   12.6 %   13.1 %
    Total capital   15.3 %   15.6 %   15.4 %   15.2 %   15.7 %
    Leverage   11.8 %   11.8 %   11.3 %   11.4 %   12.2 %

    (1) Stockholders’ equity excluding preferred stock, less goodwill and intangibles, divided by shares outstanding at period end.
    (2) Non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
    (3) Stockholders’ equity excluding preferred stock, less goodwill and intangibles, divided by total assets, less goodwill and intangibles.
    (4) These adjusted measures are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for the computations of these adjusted measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands)
      June 30,
    2025
    March 31,
    2025
    December 31,
    2024
    September 30,
    2024
    June 30,
    2024
    Assets          
    Cash and due from banks $ 182,451   $ 201,504   $ 176,501   $ 297,048   $ 221,727  
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   2,507,691     3,600,969     3,012,307     3,894,537     2,691,352  
    Available-for-sale debt securities   3,774,141     3,678,378     3,524,686     3,518,662     3,483,231  
    Held-to-maturity debt securities   761,907     779,354     796,168     812,432     831,513  
    Equity securities   68,692     71,679     75,261     74,426     74,232  
    Trading securities   3,888     1,808              
    Investment securities   4,608,628     4,531,219     4,396,115     4,405,520     4,388,976  
    Loans held for sale               9,022     36,785  
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,889,589     4,725,541     5,215,574     5,529,659     5,078,161  
    Loans held for investment   18,035,945     17,654,243     17,234,492     16,764,512     16,700,569  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans   277,648     278,379     271,709     273,143     267,297  
    Loans held for investment, net   23,647,886     22,101,405     22,178,357     22,021,028     21,511,433  
    Premises and equipment, net   86,831     84,575     85,443     81,577     69,464  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets   908,552     854,581     881,664     919,071     933,761  
    Goodwill and intangibles, net   1,496     1,496     1,496     1,496     1,496  
    Total assets $ 31,943,535   $ 31,375,749   $ 30,731,883   $ 31,629,299   $ 29,854,994  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Liabilities:          
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 7,718,006   $ 7,874,780   $ 7,485,428   $ 9,070,804   $ 7,987,715  
    Interest bearing deposits   18,346,303     18,178,254     17,753,171     16,794,451     15,830,612  
    Total deposits   26,064,309     26,053,034     25,238,599     25,865,255     23,818,327  
    Accrued interest payable   14,120     25,270     23,680     18,679     23,841  
    Other liabilities   484,780     457,150     556,322     696,149     502,228  
    Short-term borrowings   1,250,000     750,000     885,000     1,035,000     1,675,000  
    Long-term debt   620,256     660,521     660,346     660,172     659,997  
    Total liabilities   28,433,465     27,945,975     27,363,947     28,275,255     26,679,393  
               
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value, $1,000 liquidation value:          
    Authorized shares – 10,000,000          
    Issued shares(1)   300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000  
    Common stock, $.01 par value:          
    Authorized shares – 100,000,000          
    Issued shares(2)   517     517     515     515     515  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,065,083     1,060,028     1,056,719     1,054,614     1,050,114  
    Retained earnings   2,611,401     2,538,385     2,495,651     2,428,940     2,494,572  
    Treasury stock(3)   (354,000 )   (332,994 )   (301,842 )   (301,868 )   (301,868 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes   (112,931 )   (136,162 )   (183,107 )   (128,157 )   (367,732 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   3,510,070     3,429,774     3,367,936     3,354,044     3,175,601  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 31,943,535   $ 31,375,749   $ 30,731,883   $ 31,629,299   $ 29,854,994  
               
    (1) Preferred stock – issued shares   300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000     300,000  
    (2) Common stock – issued shares   51,747,305     51,707,542     51,520,315     51,494,260     51,474,581  
    (3) Treasury stock – shares at cost   6,000,469     5,682,609     5,286,503     5,286,503     5,286,503  
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.        
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)        
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)        
      Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
        2025   2024   2025   2024
    Interest income        
    Interest and fees on loans $ 364,358   $ 345,251 $ 698,508   $ 676,130
    Investment securities   45,991     33,584   92,556     65,728
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   29,218     43,233   75,792     97,588
    Total interest income   439,567     422,068   866,856     839,446
    Interest expense        
    Deposits   174,798     181,280   349,734     356,880
    Short-term borrowings   3,444     12,749   11,690     25,532
    Long-term debt   7,930     11,457   16,003     25,443
    Total interest expense   186,172     205,486   377,427     407,855
    Net interest income   253,395     216,582   489,429     431,591
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     20,000   32,000     39,000
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   238,395     196,582   457,429     392,591
    Non-interest income        
    Service charges on deposit accounts   8,182     5,911   16,022     12,250
    Wealth management and trust fee income   3,730     3,699   7,694     7,266
    Brokered loan fees   2,398     2,131   4,347     4,042
    Investment banking and advisory fees   24,109     25,048   40,587     43,472
    Trading income   7,896     5,650   13,835     10,362
    Available-for-sale debt securities losses   (1,886 )     (1,886 )  
    Other   9,640     7,985   17,914     14,351
    Total non-interest income   54,069     50,424   98,513     91,743
    Non-interest expense        
    Salaries and benefits   120,154     118,840   251,795     247,567
    Occupancy expense   12,144     10,666   22,988     20,403
    Marketing   3,624     5,996   8,633     12,032
    Legal and professional   11,069     11,273   26,058     27,468
    Communications and technology   24,314     22,013   47,956     43,127
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessment   5,096     5,570   10,437     13,991
    Other   13,875     14,051   25,429     26,214
    Total non-interest expense   190,276     188,409   393,296     390,802
    Income before income taxes   102,188     58,597   162,646     93,532
    Income tax expense   24,860     16,935   38,271     25,728
    Net income   77,328     41,662   124,375     67,804
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,312   8,625     8,625
    Net income available to common stockholders $ 73,016   $ 37,350 $ 115,750   $ 59,179
             
    Basic earnings per common share $ 1.59   $ 0.80 $ 2.52   $ 1.26
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.58   $ 0.80 $ 2.49   $ 1.25
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    SUMMARY OF CREDIT LOSS EXPERIENCE
    (dollars in thousands)
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans:          
    Beginning balance $ 278,379   $ 271,709   $ 273,143   $ 267,297   $ 263,962  
    Allowance established for acquired purchase credit deterioration loans               2,579      
    Loans charged-off:          
    Commercial   13,020     10,197     14,100     6,120     9,997  
    Commercial real estate   431     500     2,566     262     2,111  
    Consumer               30      
    Total charge-offs   13,451     10,697     16,666     6,412     12,108  
    Recoveries:          
    Commercial   486     483     4,562     329     153  
    Commercial real estate       413     18          
    Consumer       4     15          
    Total recoveries   486     900     4,595     329     153  
    Net charge-offs   12,965     9,797     12,071     6,083     11,955  
    Provision for credit losses on loans   12,234     16,467     10,637     9,350     15,290  
    Ending balance $ 277,648   $ 278,379   $ 271,709   $ 273,143   $ 267,297  
               
    Allowance for off-balance sheet credit losses:          
    Beginning balance $ 53,865   $ 53,332   $ 45,969   $ 45,319   $ 40,609  
    Provision for off-balance sheet credit losses   2,766     533     7,363     650     4,710  
    Ending balance $ 56,631   $ 53,865   $ 53,332   $ 45,969   $ 45,319  
               
    Total allowance for credit losses $ 334,279   $ 332,244   $ 325,041   $ 319,112   $ 312,616  
    Total provision for credit losses $ 15,000   $ 17,000   $ 18,000   $ 10,000   $ 20,000  
               
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans held for investment   1.16 %   1.24 %   1.21 %   1.23 %   1.23 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to average total loans held for investment   1.19 %   1.29 %   1.22 %   1.24 %   1.27 %
    Net charge-offs to average total loans held for investment(1)   0.22 %   0.18 %   0.22 %   0.11 %   0.23 %
    Net charge-offs to average total loans held for investment for last 12 months(1)   0.18 %   0.18 %   0.19 %   0.20 %   0.22 %
    Total provision for credit losses to average total loans held for investment(1)   0.26 %   0.32 %   0.32 %   0.18 %   0.38 %
    Total allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment   1.40 %   1.48 %   1.45 %   1.43 %   1.44 %

    (1) Interim period ratios are annualized.

    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.          
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS, PAST DUE LOANS AND CRITICIZED LOANS      
    (dollars in thousands)          
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS          
    Non-accrual loans held for investment $ 113,609   $ 93,565   $ 111,165   $ 88,960   $ 85,021  
    Non-accrual loans held for sale                    
    Other real estate owned                    
    Total non-performing assets $ 113,609   $ 93,565   $ 111,165   $ 88,960   $ 85,021  
               
    Non-accrual loans held for investment to total loans held for investment   0.47 %   0.42 %   0.50 %   0.40 %   0.39 %
    Total non-performing assets to total assets   0.36 %   0.30 %   0.36 %   0.28 %   0.28 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-accrual loans held for investment 2.4x 3.0x 2.4x 3.1x 3.1x
    Total allowance for credit losses to non-accrual loans held for investment 2.9x 3.6x 2.9x 3.6x 3.7x
               
    LOANS PAST DUE          
    Loans held for investment past due 90 days and still accruing $ 2,068   $ 791   $ 4,265   $ 5,281   $ 286  
    Loans held for investment past due 90 days to total loans held for investment   0.01 %   %   0.02 %   0.02 %   %
    Loans held for sale past due 90 days and still accruing $   $   $   $   $ 64  
               
    CRITICIZED LOANS          
    Criticized loans $ 637,462   $ 762,887   $ 713,951   $ 897,727   $ 859,671  
    Criticized loans to total loans held for investment   2.66 %   3.41 %   3.18 %   4.03 %   3.95 %
    Special mention loans $ 339,923   $ 484,165   $ 435,626   $ 579,802   $ 593,305  
    Special mention loans to total loans held for investment   1.42 %   2.16 %   1.94 %   2.60 %   2.72 %
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands)
               
      2nd Quarter 1st Quarter 4th Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter
        2025   2025 2024   2024   2024
    Interest income          
    Interest and fees on loans $ 364,358   $ 334,150 $ 340,388 $ 361,407   $ 345,251
    Investment securities   45,991     46,565   44,102   38,389     33,584
    Interest bearing deposits in other banks   29,218     46,574   53,081   52,737     43,233
    Total interest income   439,567     427,289   437,571   452,533     422,068
    Interest expense          
    Deposits   174,798     174,936   189,061   190,255     181,280
    Short-term borrowings   3,444     8,246   10,678   13,784     12,749
    Long-term debt   7,930     8,073   8,225   8,392     11,457
    Total interest expense   186,172     191,255   207,964   212,431     205,486
    Net interest income   253,395     236,034   229,607   240,102     216,582
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     17,000   18,000   10,000     20,000
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   238,395     219,034   211,607   230,102     196,582
    Non-interest income          
    Service charges on deposit accounts   8,182     7,840   6,989   6,307     5,911
    Wealth management and trust fee income   3,730     3,964   4,009   4,040     3,699
    Brokered loan fees   2,398     1,949   2,519   2,400     2,131
    Investment banking and advisory fees   24,109     16,478   26,740   34,753     25,048
    Trading income   7,896     5,939   5,487   5,786     5,650
    Available-for-sale debt securities losses   (1,886 )       (179,581 )  
    Other   9,640     8,274   8,330   11,524     7,985
    Total non-interest income   54,069     44,444   54,074   (114,771 )   50,424
    Non-interest expense          
    Salaries and benefits   120,154     131,641   97,873   121,138     118,840
    Occupancy expense   12,144     10,844   11,926   12,937     10,666
    Marketing   3,624     5,009   4,454   5,863     5,996
    Legal and professional   11,069     14,989   15,180   11,135     11,273
    Communications and technology   24,314     23,642   24,007   25,951     22,013
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessment   5,096     5,341   4,454   4,906     5,570
    Other   13,875     11,554   14,265   13,394     14,051
    Total non-interest expense   190,276     203,020   172,159   195,324     188,409
    Income/(loss) before income taxes   102,188     60,458   93,522   (79,993 )   58,597
    Income tax expense/(benefit)   24,860     13,411   22,499   (18,674 )   16,935
    Net income/(loss)   77,328     47,047   71,023   (61,319 )   41,662
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,313   4,312   4,313     4,312
    Net income/(loss) available to common shareholders $ 73,016   $ 42,734 $ 66,711 $ (65,632 ) $ 37,350
    TEXAS CAPITAL BANCSHARES, INC.
    TAXABLE EQUIVALENT NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS (UNAUDITED)(1)
    (dollars in thousands)
      2nd Quarter 2025   1st Quarter 2025   2nd Quarter 2024   YTD June 30, 2025   YTD June 30, 2024
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income/
    Expense
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                                      
    Investment securities(2) $ 4,573,164 $ 45,999 3.93 %   $ 4,463,876 $ 46,565 4.10 %   $ 4,427,023 $ 33,584 2.80 %   $ 4,518,822 $ 92,564 4.01 %   $ 4,363,195 $ 65,728 2.79 %
    Interest bearing cash and cash equivalents   2,661,037   29,218 4.40 %     4,255,796   46,574 4.44 %     3,273,069   43,233 5.31 %     3,454,011   75,792 4.43 %     3,662,348   97,588 5.36 %
    Loans held for sale     %     335   2 2.97 %     28,768   683 9.55 %     167   2 2.97 %     39,966   1,867 9.40 %
    Loans held for investment, mortgage finance   5,327,559   58,707 4.42 %     3,972,106   38,527 3.93 %     4,357,288   42,722 3.94 %     4,653,577   97,234 4.21 %     3,937,498   74,177 3.79 %
    Loans held for investment(3)   18,018,626   306,142 6.81 %     17,527,070   296,091 6.85 %     16,750,788   301,910 7.25 %     17,774,206   602,233 6.83 %     16,636,438   600,216 7.26 %
    Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans   278,035   %     272,758         263,145   %     275,411         256,541    
    Loans held for investment, net   23,068,150   364,849 6.34 %     21,226,418   334,618 6.39 %     20,844,931   344,632 6.65 %     22,152,372   699,467 6.37 %     20,317,395   674,393 6.68 %
    Total earning assets   30,302,351   440,066 5.80 %     29,946,425   427,759 5.76 %     28,573,791   422,132 5.86 %     30,125,372   867,825 5.78 %     28,382,904   839,576 5.87 %
    Cash and other assets   1,117,118         1,157,184         1,177,061         1,137,040         1,117,763    
    Total assets $ 31,419,469       $ 31,103,609       $ 29,750,852       $ 31,262,412       $ 29,500,667    
                                           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                      
    Transaction deposits $ 2,213,037 $ 13,731 2.49 %   $ 2,163,250 $ 13,908 2.61 %   $ 2,061,622 $ 16,982 3.31 %   $ 2,188,282 $ 27,639 2.55 %   $ 2,034,057 $ 33,840 3.35 %
    Savings deposits   13,727,095   134,272 3.92 %     13,357,243   133,577 4.06 %     11,981,668   143,173 4.81 %     13,543,190   267,849 3.99 %     11,695,673   279,963 4.81 %
    Time deposits   2,361,525   26,795 4.55 %     2,329,384   27,451 4.78 %     1,658,899   21,125 5.12 %     2,345,543   54,246 4.66 %     1,689,112   43,077 5.13 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   18,301,657   174,798 3.83 %     17,849,877   174,936 3.97 %     15,702,189   181,280 4.64 %     18,077,015   349,734 3.90 %     15,418,842   356,880 4.65 %
    Short-term borrowings   306,176   3,444 4.51 %     751,500   8,246 4.45 %     927,253   12,749 5.53 %     527,608   11,690 4.47 %     919,670   25,532 5.58 %
    Long-term debt   649,469   7,930 4.90 %     660,445   8,073 4.96 %     778,401   11,457 5.92 %     654,927   16,003 4.93 %     818,955   25,443 6.25 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   19,257,302   186,172 3.88 %     19,261,822   191,255 4.03 %     17,407,843   205,486 4.75 %     19,259,550   377,427 3.95 %     17,157,467   407,855 4.78 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits   8,191,402         7,875,244         8,647,594         8,034,196         8,642,685    
    Other liabilities   475,724         552,154         537,754         513,728         523,520    
    Stockholders’ equity   3,495,041         3,414,389         3,157,661         3,454,938         3,176,995    
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 31,419,469       $ 31,103,609       $ 29,750,852       $ 31,262,412       $ 29,500,667    
    Net interest income   $ 253,894       $ 236,504       $ 216,646       $ 490,398       $ 431,721  
    Net interest margin     3.35 %       3.19 %       3.01 %       3.27 %       3.02 %

    (1) Taxable equivalent rates used where applicable.
    (2) Yields on investment securities are calculated using available-for-sale securities at amortized cost.
    (3) Average balances include non-accrual loans.

    GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

    The following items are non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted non-interest income, adjusted non-interest expense, adjusted net income, adjusted net income available to common stockholders, adjusted pre-provision net revenue (“PPNR”), adjusted diluted earnings/(loss) per common share, adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average common equity, adjusted efficiency ratio, adjusted non-interest income to average earning assets and adjusted non-interest expense to average earning assets. These are not measures recognized under GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The table below provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are adjusted for certain items, listed below, that management believes are non-operating in nature and not representative of its actual operating performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. to assist management and investors in evaluating operating results, financial strength, business performance and capital position. Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. As such, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of operating results or capital position as reported under GAAP.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures      
    (dollars in thousands except per share data) 2nd Quarter
    2025
    1st Quarter
    2025
    4th Quarter
    2024
    3rd Quarter
    2024
    2nd Quarter
    2024
    Net interest income $ 253,395   $ 236,034   $ 229,607   $ 240,102   $ 216,582  
               
    Non-interest income   54,069     44,444     54,074     (114,771 )   50,424  
    Available-for-sale debt securities losses, net   1,886             179,581      
    Non-interest income, adjusted   55,955     44,444     54,074     64,810     50,424  
               
    Non-interest expense   190,276     203,020     172,159     195,324     188,409  
    FDIC special assessment               651     (462 )
    Restructuring expenses   (1,401 )           (5,923 )    
    Non-interest expense, adjusted   188,875     203,020     172,159     190,052     187,947  
               
    Provision for credit losses   15,000     17,000     18,000     10,000     20,000  
               
    Income tax expense/(benefit)   24,860     13,411     22,499     (18,674 )   16,935  
    Tax effect of adjustments   774             44,880     104  
    Income tax expense/(benefit), adjusted   25,634     13,411     22,499     26,206     17,039  
               
    Net income/(loss)(1) $ 77,328   $ 47,047   $ 71,023   $ (61,319 ) $ 41,662  
    Net income/(loss), adjusted(1) $ 79,841   $ 47,047   $ 71,023   $ 78,654   $ 42,020  
               
    Preferred stock dividends   4,312     4,313     4,312     4,313     4,312  
               
    Net income/(loss) to common stockholders(2) $ 73,016   $ 42,734   $ 66,711   $ (65,632 ) $ 37,350  
    Net income/(loss) to common stockholders, adjusted(2) $ 75,529   $ 42,734   $ 66,711   $ 74,341   $ 37,708  
               
    PPNR(3) $ 117,188   $ 77,458   $ 111,522   $ (69,993 ) $ 78,597  
    PPNR(3), adjusted $ 120,475   $ 77,458   $ 111,522   $ 114,860   $ 79,059  
               
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted   46,215,394     46,616,704     46,770,961     46,608,742     46,872,498  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share $ 1.58   $ 0.92   $ 1.43   $ (1.41 ) $ 0.80  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share, adjusted $ 1.63   $ 0.92   $ 1.43   $ 1.59   $ 0.80  
               
    Average total assets $ 31,419,469   $ 31,103,609   $ 32,212,087   $ 31,215,173   $ 29,750,852  
    Return on average assets   0.99 %   0.61 %   0.88 % (0.78 )%   0.56 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted   1.02 %   0.61 %   0.88 %   1.00 %   0.57 %
               
    Average common equity $ 3,195,041   $ 3,114,389   $ 3,120,933   $ 2,945,238   $ 2,857,661  
    Return on average common equity   9.17 %   5.56 %   8.50 % (8.87 )%   5.26 %
    Return on average common equity, adjusted   9.48 %   5.56 %   8.50 %   10.04 %   5.31 %
               
    Efficiency ratio(4)   61.9 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   155.8 %   70.6 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted(4)   61.1 %   72.4 %   60.7 %   62.3 %   70.4 %
               
    Average earning assets $ 30,302,351   $ 29,946,425   $ 31,033,803   $ 29,975,318   $ 28,573,791  
    Non-interest income to average earning assets   0.72 %   0.60 %   0.69 % (1.52 )%   0.71 %
    Non-interest income to average earning assets, adjusted   0.74 %   0.60 %   0.69 %   0.86 %   0.71 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets   2.52 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.59 %   2.65 %
    Non-interest expense to average earning assets, adjusted   2.50 %   2.75 %   2.21 %   2.52 %   2.65 %

    (1) Net interest income plus non-interest income, less non-interest expense, provision for credit losses and income tax expense/(benefit). On an adjusted basis, net interest income plus non-interest income, adjusted, less non-interest expense, adjusted, provision for credit losses and income tax expense/(benefit), adjusted.
    (2) Net income/(loss), less preferred stock dividends. On an adjusted basis, net income/(loss), adjusted, less preferred stock dividends.
    (3) Net interest income plus non-interest income, less non-interest expense. On an adjusted basis, net interest income plus non-interest income, adjusted, less non-interest expense, adjusted.
    (4) Non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. On an adjusted basis, non-interest expense, adjusted, divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income, adjusted.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: More than 1 in 4 Canadians (27%) Say They Can’t Pay All Their Bills at a Time When Millions Face Mortgage Rate Increases – TransUnion Study  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • 44% of Canadians surveyed say they plan to cut discretionary spending.
    • Among Canadians who said they don’t anticipate being able to pay all their bills and loans in full, 68% said it’s their credit card payments they won’t be able to make.
    • While 46% of Canadians said they were targeted by fraud in the last three months, 37% reported taking no action in response to cybersecurity concerns.
    • Over half (53%) of Gen X Canadians feel their financial situation is worse than planned, compared to only 30% of Gen Z.

    TORONTO, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Canadians continue to navigate economic uncertainty, many are adjusting their financial behaviours in response to affordability pressures and rising costs. According to TransUnion’s (NYSE: TRU) Q2 2025 Canada Consumer Pulse Study1, 51% of Canadians surveyed had a recession in their top three household financial concerns over the next six months, and nearly half of all surveyed (44%) plan to reduce discretionary spending in the next three months. Canadians are also shifting to thriftier shopping options – 63% said they look for sales and discounts more frequently, 40% shop more frequently at more affordable retailers, and 31% use more coupons. These changes come at a time when over a quarter (27%) of Canadians say they won’t be able to pay all their current bills and loans in full and millions of Canadians’ mortgage payments face potential repayment increases.

    Among Canadians who said they won’t be able to pay of their bills, 68% reported they won’t be able to pay off their total credit card payments. This could be due to these consumers prioritizing other credit payments, like mortgages. Despite the overall inflation rate returning to the Bank of Canada’s target, 96% of Canadians remain concerned about the current rate of inflation and the vast majority (83%) of all surveyed Canadian consumers had inflation in their top three household financial concerns over the next six months.

    “Canadians are navigating a challenging financial landscape, with many adjusting their spending and prioritizing bill payments in response to rising costs and economic uncertainty,” said Matt Fabian, director of financial services research and consulting at TransUnion Canada. “Our latest Consumer Pulse data shows that affordability concerns are top of mind, and many are taking proactive steps to stay financially resilient.”

    Mortgage Renewal Stress Drives Payment Shock and Shifts in Financial Priorities
    Additional research from TransUnion Canada shows that mortgage renewal stress is a key factor contributing to financial strain. As Canadians who purchased homes during the COVID-19 pandemic – when interest rates were at historic lows – begin renewing their mortgages, many are facing significantly higher payments, resulting in payment shock. This financial pressure is particularly evident among Gen X Canadians, with over half (53%) saying in the latest Consumer Pulse Study that their financial situation is worse than planned, the highest by far than any other generation surveyed.

    According to The Bank of Canada’s Financial Stability Report – 2025, around 60% of Canadians’ mortgages are up for renewal in 2025 or 2026. TransUnion’s analysis shows that many of those who purchased homes during the COVID-19 pandemic – when interest rates were at historic lows – are now facing higher interest rates as they begin renewing their mortgages. The Consumer Pulse data suggests that this is leading to payment shock, a significant and often expected increase in debt payments.

    TransUnion analysis shows that since March 2022, over two million consumers have experienced an increase in monthly mortgage payments, with the average monthly mortgage payment for these consumers increasing by 25% in the last three years from $1,527 in March 2022 to $1,908 in March 2025.

    Consumers whose monthly mortgage payments have increased by 25% or more are also accumulating greater credit card debt – more than double the rate of those who did not have an increase in their mortgage payment. Overall, Canadians are prioritizing making mortgage payments over other credit obligations, which is leading to higher delinquencies.

    Uncertainty and continued high interest rates have most likely negatively impacted mortgage demand. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Canadians indicated in the latest Consumer Pulse Study that they are not considering purchasing a home in the next year. This may point to many consumers may be continuing to hold out for interest rate relief from the Bank of Canada.

    “We’re at a critical moment where many Canadians who took on mortgages during the pandemic—when interest rates were at historic lows—are now facing rising payments and affordability pressures,” said Fabian. “With nearly CA$1.8 trillion in outstanding mortgage balances and 60% of mortgage holders up for renewal by 2026, millions could experience payment shock. Yet, despite these challenges, Canadians continue to demonstrate financial resilience—adapting their spending habits, prioritizing bill payments, and taking steps to help recession-proof their finances.”

    Consumers Wary of Carrying Debt and Shift Shopping Habits as Economic Volatility Persists
    Economic volatility has remained top of mind for many Canadians as over half (51%) in the Q2 2025 Consumer Pulse Study cite a recession as one of their top three financial concerns in the next six months. This uncertainty has continued to limit credit participation among Canadians of all generations, with nearly a third (30%) of all surveyed saying they are uncomfortable with owning credit products.

    In effort to balance their household budgets and remain financially resilient, 74% of Canadians who said we’re currently in a recession or will be in one by the end of Q2 reported they plan on reducing their spending in order to prepare for one. Among all Canadians surveyed, many said they adjusted their shopping habits in the last three months, including:

    • Looking more frequently for sales and discounts (63%)
    • Buying more generic or store brands (41%)
    • Shopping more frequently at affordable retailers (40%)
    • Shopping at retailers with loyalty programs more often (33%)
    • Using more coupons (31%)
    • Taking advantage of credit card offers for special discounts more often (16%)

    To curb spending, Canadians are making various cutbacks, such as digital subscriptions, with 25% reporting they cancelled a subscription or membership in the past three months.

    Fraud Awareness Remains High, but Nearly 4 in 10 Canadians are Taking No Action
    Canadians remain aware of fraud risks and nearly half (46%) of those TransUnion surveyed reported being targeted by email, online, phone call or text message fraud attempts in the past three months. Despite these risks, the Consumer Pulse data indicates that over a third (37%) of Canadians said they took no action in the last 60 days in response to cybersecurity concerns. Of these individuals, 44% said they did nothing because they were unsure of what actions to take.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries, including Canada, where we’re the credit bureau of choice for the financial services ecosystem and most of Canada’s largest banks. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this by providing an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care.

    Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.

    For more information visit: transunion.ca

    For more information or to request an interview, contact:

    Contact: Katie Duffy
    E-mail: katie.duffy@ketchum.com
    Telephone: +1 647-772-0969

    1 TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse Survey of 982 adults was conducted May 5–18, 2025

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London Launches the London to Accra Campaign

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mayor of London Launches the London to Accra Campaign

    UK leading a new era of diaspora-driven growth in Ghana

    The British High Commission in Accra has officially launched the “London to Accra Economic Growth Campaign” – a bold, series of activities aimed at strengthening economic ties between the UK and Ghana, by leveraging the two countries’ greatest shared asset, the British Ghanaian diaspora. 

    The launch took place at a vibrant reception attended by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, alongside 100 entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders from the business communities both in Ghana and the UK. 

    London to Accra transcends symbolism. It is about unlocking untapped opportunities. The campaign will raise awareness of the role that the British Ghanaian diaspora plays in driving economic growth through their people-to-people connections, creativity and cultural relations between the two cities, London and Accra, and for that matter the two countries, Great Britain and Ghana. It will also highlight the range of support available to help entrepreneurs strengthen their trade and investment activities between the two capitals. 

    Kicking off with the launch, the campaign will include a series of webinars focused on doing business between the UK and Ghana, a digital storytelling series showcasing diaspora success stories, and a roadshow of diaspora-led businesses in Accra. The culmination of this bold campaign will be the inaugural Diaspora Economic Growth Summit in January 2026 in Accra. This flagship event will serve as both the grand finale and the beginning of a new tradition in diaspora economic collaboration. 

    Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Accra, set the tone at the launch saying: 

    The London to Accra campaign is a practical approach to supporting the UK’s growth mission. Our two capitals are not just linked by culture. These connections are increasingly economic, with entrepreneurs building businesses that bridge both capitals and create prosperity in both nations. By strengthening these connections, we are creating new pathways for investment and economic growth that benefit citizens in both countries.

    The launch event featured a panel discussion with key figures including Ghana’s Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Otchere Darko; Pamela Bassah, Head of Diaspora Relations and Strategic Partnerships at the British High Commission; Dr. Vanessa Apea; CEO of Accra London Health Centre; Giselle Agyare, Country Director of the UK Department for Business and Trade in Ghana; and Shirgade Laryea from the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce. The discussion highlighted the wide range of support available through initiatives such as Growth Gateway. 

    The campaign follows the success of the annual Diaspora New Year Networking Mixer, which began in January 2023 and has become a cornerstone event for the British Ghanaian community. The 2025 edition attracted over 500 stakeholders from the UK-Ghana diaspora, business community, and Government of Ghana, demonstrating the strong appetite for greater engagement between the two countries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo Shows Global Focus on Cooperation and Openness

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — The 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened in Beijing on Wednesday, with global business leaders and officials unanimously calling for stronger supply chains through open markets, innovation and multilateral cooperation.

    “This event is not just a trade show. It is a forest of connections between economies, industries and people,” said John Denton, secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in his speech. “We are here to promote our shared prosperity.”

    His words reflected a broad consensus among participants: building trust and deepening integration – from AI innovation to global manufacturing cooperation – are essential to effectively address growing global uncertainties.

    CISCE 2025, held from July 16 to 20, brought together more than 650 companies and institutions from 75 countries, regions and international organizations, as well as over 500 of their upstream and downstream partners.

    Foreign exhibitors accounted for 35 percent of the total number of participants, indicating sustainable business interest despite the strengthening geopolitical and economic headwinds.

    Organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the event is the world’s first national-level exhibition dedicated exclusively to supply chains.

    Ahead of the event, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said the active participation of multinational companies reflects “the continuing momentum and irreversibility of globalization.”

    He noted that China, with the world’s most complete and largest industrial system, is playing an increasingly important role in driving global development through digital and green transformation and is increasingly seen as a laboratory for innovation.

    China’s expanding role in global innovation ecosystems, especially in AI, was highlighted by US tech giant Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who spoke at CISCE for the first time.

    Calling China’s supply chain a “phenomenon,” he highlighted the country’s rapidly advancing AI technologies and their global reach. “China’s open-source AI is a catalyst for global progress,” he said, as it enables greater access to innovation and supports international cooperation on standards and safeguards.

    In an interview on the sidelines of the show, Jensen Huang reiterated Nvidia’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market. “If you want to stay in the game, you have to invest,” he said. “The market is moving so fast and the competition is so intense – we have to keep growing.”

    He added that China’s tech market is growing rapidly and remains a key focus for the company, calling it “a very important market with dynamic, innovative customers.”

    The exhibition comes as China has announced economic growth of 5.3 percent in the first half of 2025, despite growing challenges and external uncertainties.

    “China is entering a new cycle of market opportunities,” Lin Chunmei, general manager of Corning Greater China, told Xinhua. “With the rise of AI and cloud computing technologies, the AI infrastructure market is growing faster than ever.”

    She noted that China’s stable and resilient economy, along with a stable and open business environment, continues to support enterprise growth. “We have seen consistent improvements in China’s business environment over the past decades,” she added.

    At the opening ceremony, CCPIT and global business representatives launched a joint initiative calling for supply chain stability and security, digital and green transformation, and stronger international cooperation.

    CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin said the expo has become a platform for China’s high-level opening-up, calling for joint efforts to safeguard multilateralism and build a more connected future. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What will batteries of the future be made of? Four scientists discuss the options – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    The majority of the world’s rechargeable batteries are now made using lithium-ion. Most rely on a combination of different rare earth metals such as cobalt or nickel for their electrodes. But around the world, teams of researchers are looking for alternative – and more sustainable – materials to build the batteries of the future.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to four scientists  who are testing a variety of potential battery materials about the promises they may offer.

    When lithium-ion batteries emerged in the 1990s, they were a huge breakthrough, says Laurence Hardwick, a professor of electrochemistry at the University of Liverpool in the UK. He explains that lithium-ion batteries “ became commercialised at the same time as the mobile electronics industry really took off”. But their subsequent use in electric cars now presents “a challenge of scale”, given the use of rare earth minerals within their components.

    Hardwick is director of the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, named after the 19th-century engineer George Stephenson – builder of the world’s first inter-city rail link between Liverpool and Manchester, which passed close by to the University of Liverpool’s campus.

    Hardwick’s work focuses on what other materials could be used either in conjunction with lithium, or on their own, to diversify battery manufacturing away from rare earth metals. Part of this includes research on solid-state batteries, which use ceramic plates rather than a solvents to conduct the ions that provide the charge. “ Solid-state batteries offer a lot of potential energy-gaining benefits and safety benefits,” he says.

    Sodium-ion is also being touted as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Robert Armstrong, principal research fellow in chemistry at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, is part of a consortium of UK-based researchers working on questions around sodium-ion batteries, including what type of electrodes and electrolytes work best.

    Like potassium-ion, which is also a potential battery candidate, sodium-ion is heavier than lithium-ion, but Armstrong says sodium is  fairly evenly abundant: “So you don’t have the supply issues that might affect lithium-ion, and you’re not like to see the same price volatility.”

    Some Chinese manufacturers in China, such as BYD and CATL, are pushing ahead with sodium-ion batteries for cars, despite the fact they’re heavier than lithium-ion batteries. There’s also interest in sodium-based technology in countries in the Arabian Gulf that use desalination plants. “They’ve got all this sodium kicking around. Why not make use of it?” says Armstrong.

    Batteries which biodegrade

    Terracell on display at the Prototypes for Humanity 2024 showcase in Dubai.
    Gemma Ware, CC BY-SA

    Other researchers are looking at how to make batteries out of plant-based materials that are biodegradable. Bill Yen, a PhD candidate in electrical engineering at Stanford University, is part of a team who are developing Terracell, a type of battery that generates power using microbes in the soil.

    Their inspiration was how to power environmental sensors in damp environments without leaving lots of electronic waste behind at the end of the battery’s life. Terracell won the energy category of the Prototypes for Humanity 2024 event in 2024 in Dubai, a  showcase for sustainable solutions to the world’s problems.

    Also in Dubai was Ulugbek Asimov, a professor of mechanical and construction engineering at Northumbria University in the UK, who is developing BioPower Cells, a type of rechargeable battery made from waste products such as coffee which doesn’t contain any rare earth metals. “  And at the end of its lifespan, we drop it into boiling water and it will be turned into liquid ionic fertilizer,” Asimov said.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly to hear the conversations with these four scientists about their work and the batteries of the future.


    Applications are now open for early career researchers to submit their projects for the Prototypes for Humanity 2025 awards and showcase in Dubai.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Gemma Ware with assistance from Mend Mariwany and Katie Flood. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    Bill Yen has received funding for his work on Terracell from National Science Foundation, the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative and support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation,VMware Research, and 3M. Laurence Hardwick has received funding from the Faraday Institution and is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Ulugbek Asimoz has received funding from the Northern Accelerator Proof of Concept to develop certain stages of the BioPower Cells project, which will be a spinout company from Northumbria University in the future. Robert Armstrong has received funding from the Faraday Institution and funding from EPSRC and Leverhulme Trust.

    ref. What will batteries of the future be made of? Four scientists discuss the options – podcast – https://theconversation.com/what-will-batteries-of-the-future-be-made-of-four-scientists-discuss-the-options-podcast-261294

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • UK to lower voting age to 16 in landmark electoral reform

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The British government said on Thursday it planned to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all UK elections in a major overhaul of the country’s democratic system.

    The government said the proposed changes, which are subject to parliament approvals, would align voting rights across the UK with Scotland and Wales, where younger voters already participate in devolved elections.

    “We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy,” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said in a statement.

    Turnout at the 2024 general election was 59.7%, the lowest at a general election since 2001, according to a parliamentary report.

    According to the House of Commons library, research from countries that have lowered the voting age to 16 shows it has had no impact on election outcomes, and that 16-year-olds were more likely to vote than those first eligible at 18.

    Labour, whose popularity has fallen sharply in government after being elected by a landslide a year ago, had said it would lower the voting age if elected.

    The reforms would also expand acceptable voter ID to include UK-issued bank cards and digital formats of existing IDs, such as driving licences and Veteran Cards.

    To tackle foreign interference, the government said it also planned to tighten rules on political donations, including checks on contributions over 500 pounds ($670) from unincorporated associations and closing loopholes used by shell companies.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN to welcome Foreign Minister of Indonesia to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    At the invitation of H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Sugiono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, will undertake his first official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, on 18 July 2025. H.E. Sugiono will have a guided tour of the premises, including the historic Heritage Building, and will hold a meeting with SG Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. There will also be a meet-and-greet between H.E. Sugiono and the Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, and dedicated Ambassadors to ASEAN. This visit underscores Indonesia’s continued commitment to strengthening ASEAN and its institutions.
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to welcome Foreign Minister of Indonesia to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cyfamod y Gymdeithas Sifil: Cyngor Dinas Belfast

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Cyfamod y Gymdeithas Sifil: Cyngor Dinas Belfast

    Rhaglen Dinasyddion Creadigol Belfast 2024.

    | Yn 2020 cyhoeddodd Cyngor Dinas Belfast strategaeth ddiwylliannol 10 mlynedd oedd wedi’i gyd-ddylunio, A City Imagining, er mwyn datblygu “a people-focused approach to cultural development by facilitating citizen, community and creative, cultural and heritage sector participation”. Yn y strategaeth roedd yna gynlluniau ar gyfer digwyddiad diwylliant, Belfast 2024, sef prosiect “sbarduno” blwyddyn o hyd a fwriadwyd i roi gwerthoedd y strategaeth ar waith, gan ymgysylltu’n uniongyrchol â chymunedau o fewn y strategaeth, a sadio’r momentwm tuag at greadigrwydd fel grym ar gyfer datblygu dinesig a rhanbarthol. Un peth oedd yn ganolog i Belfast 2024 oedd y rhaglen Dinasyddion Creadigol, sef ymgysylltiad cyhoeddus helaeth a pharhaus nid yn unig i gyd-ddylunio’r rhaglen, y themâu a’r gweithgareddau am y flwyddyn, ond i rymuso dinasyddion a chymunedau mewn gwirionedd. Trwy ddull cyllidebu cyfranogol o’r enw The Bank of Ideas, y dinasyddion oedd yn penderfynu’n uniongyrchol ar ddyrannu’r gyllideb, gan gynnig a dewis prosiectau creadigol ar gyfer y ddinas. Yn ogystal â throsglwyddo’r pŵer i wneud penderfyniadau, roedd y cynllun yn anelu at leihau’r rhwystrau oedd yn atal mynediad at gyllid er mwyn i ystod ehangach o ddinasyddion, grwpiau cymunedol a sefydliadau eraill gymryd rhan.

    Yn fersiwn gyntaf y cynllun yn 2024, cyflwynwyd 93 o syniadau i’r cyhoedd mewn diwrnod pleidleisio yn Neuadd y Ddinas, gyda mwy na 2000 o bleidleiswyr yn penderfynu beth ddylai fynd yn ei flaen. O ganlyniad, cynhaliwyd 28 o brosiectau a drefnwyd gan grwpiau cymunedol, mudiadau gwirfoddol a phractisau creadigol bach mewn cymunedau a chymdogaethau ledled Belfast.  Roedd y prosiectau’n cynnwys carnifal amrywiaeth, llyfrgell deithiol, theatr ryngweithiol aml-synhwyraidd i blant ag anableddau, a phrosiectau bioamrywiaeth oedd yn defnyddio creadigrwydd fel offeryn ar gyfer addysg gymunedol. Roedd y prosiectau hyn yn helpu dinasyddion a grwpiau ymylol i ddod yn fwy cysylltiedig â chymunedau lleol.

    Mae’r ymagwedd a gymerwyd gan y ddinas, sef creu’r amodau ar gyfer cyfranogiad gweithredol yn y gymdeithas trwy wrando, ymateb a grymuso cymunedau lleol, wedi cael ei chydnabod yn lleol ac yn rhyngwladol, gan ennill Gwobr Ymgysylltu Cymunedol Gwobrau Llywodraeth NILocal yn 2025 a chael ei chydnabod gan reithgor rhyngwladol Llywodraethau Lleol Dinasoedd Unedig fel yr arferion gorau o dan Agenda 21 y Cenhedloedd Unedig ar gyfer Diwylliant.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 16 year olds to be given right to vote through seismic government election reforms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    16 year olds to be given right to vote through seismic government election reforms

    Sixteen year olds will be given the right to vote in all UK elections as part of seismic changes to modernise UK democracy

    • Modernisation of UK democracy will see 16 and 17 year olds able to vote in next general election
    • Voter ID to be extended to include bank cards to help more people exercise their democratic right
    • Tougher new rules to guard against foreign political interference and abuse of campaigners

    Sixteen year olds will be given the right to vote in all UK elections as part of seismic changes to modernise UK democracy, delivering a key manifesto commitment and helping to restore trust in politics through our Plan for Change.         

    This will mean young people, who already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military, will be given the right to vote on the issues that affect them. This will bring UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales and is a major step towards meeting a manifesto commitment, ushering in the biggest change to UK democracy in a generation. 

    The plans, published today [17 July] in a new strategy paper, will boost democratic engagement in a changing world, and help to restore trust in UK democracy.     

    As part of the plans, the government is going further to make sure eligible voters are not deterred from voting, by expanding voter ID to permit the use of UK-issued bank cards as an accepted form of ID at the polling station. This is alongside harnessing more digital options to support voters and polling station staff, including allowing accepted IDs such as the Veteran Card and UK driving licence to be used at polling stations when they become available in digital format.  

    A new digital Voter Authority Certificate will also be created to ensure Electoral Registration Officers can meet the digital needs of voters, reduce printing costs and ensure faster delivery.  

    An increasingly automated voter registration system will also make it easier for people to register to vote and reduce the need to fill out their details across different government services on multiple occasions.      

    Major new changes will boost transparency and accountability in politics by closing loopholes that would allow foreign donors via ‘shell companies’ to influence UK political parties. Meanwhile, new requirements on unincorporated associations will mandate checks on donations over £500 to tackle foreign interference and protect UK democracy from those who attempt to undermine it.   

    Alongside this, the reforms will allow the Electoral Commission to take action and enforce heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach political finance rules, and enable tougher sentences for those who abuse election campaigners – stabilising the foundations of UK democracy.     

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:       

    “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.       

    “We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give sixteen year olds the right to vote.   

    “We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”       

    Minister for Democracy, Rushanara Ali, said:    

    “We are modernising our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century. By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change.    

    “By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.”   

    Alongside expanding the right to vote, we are going further to restore and maintain public trust by ensuring elections are as accessible as possible for legitimate voters.      

    That’s why the government is making common sense changes to move towards an automated electoral registration system, stripping complexities and barriers for voters to make their lives easier. Learning from countries such as Australia and Canada, which have high rates of legitimate voter registration via automated systems, the government will bring the UK’s democracy into the 21st century.    

    At the same time, far too many people are being deterred from voting because of voter ID rules, with the Electoral Commission finding that 4% of non-voters at the 2024 General Election saying that a lack of voter ID was a key reason they didn’t vote, equating to around three quarters of a million people across Great Britain.   

    Boosting participation is crucial to restoring faith in democracy, and adding the Veteran ID card last year to the accepted forms of Voter ID was just the start of this. Through the new plans, the government is going further to allow UK-issued bank cards to be used as ID when voting, making it far easier for more voters to meet the requirements.     

    This change will allow us to continue to protect the integrity of the UK electoral system, while allowing greater accessibility. Bank cards, which are issued after the applicant has passed necessary security checks for a bank account, will add a widely and commonly carried item to the range of documents already accepted. Research on the ownership of bank cards shows that over 96% of the UK population has a bank account, with the majority expected to also have a bank card.   

    These measures will strike the right balance by continuing to protect voters from the risk of impersonation, while also removing barriers to ensure legitimate voters are not prevented or discouraged from exercising their right to vote.      

    Another key aspect of the reforms is ensuring UK democracy is protected and all voters, candidates, campaigners and electoral staff are safe from intimidation, harassment and abuse.    

    This behaviour is on the rise, particularly against women and ethnic minorities – with recent Electoral Commission research showing 55% of candidates at the 2024 General Election experienced abuse. The reforms will crack down on these unacceptable practices, delivering tougher sentences for those who intimidate campaigners and stronger protections for candidates in public life by removing the requirement for their home address to be published and openly available.    

    This supports ongoing work including through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, which was given a new mandate by the Prime Minister to coordinate and drive forward government’s response to the full range of threats to UK democracy.    

    That includes working across government with the police, parliamentary authorities, and the Electoral Commission to actively review our levers to tackle the harassment and intimidation of elected representatives, candidates, and electoral staff.  

    In relation to political finance, the changes being brought by the government will effectively meet an evolving and sophisticated threat of illicit money being funnelled from abroad to political parties. Tough new rules will ensure that in the future, ‘shell companies’ will not be permitted to make political donations to UK political parties.  

    This will end the status quo, where a new company registered today, owned by anyone, funded from anywhere, without even a single day of trade, can donate and have influence in UK politics.     

    The introduction of ‘Know your Donor’ checks will increase scrutiny of donations, requiring recipients to conduct enhanced checks to decrease the risk of illegitimate donations entering our system, guarding against foreign interference. This will close loopholes, reinforce our democracy and protect our citizens from those who seek to undermine and harm our society.    

    Further information:      

    • To deliver these changes, we will bring forward an elections bill. The bill will deliver the Government’s manifesto commitments and wider ambitions set out in this Strategy by putting in place the legislation required for these important reforms.
    • A subsequent programme of secondary legislation will set out the detail for implementation and we will provide more detail on implementation timings in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sadiq to host first-ever mayoral London-Africa business summit to attract new foreign investment to the capital and boost trade links across the continent

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announces City Hall’s first-ever London-Africa business summit to be held next year
    • Sadiq is in Africa this week – he is the first ever London Mayor to lead a trade delegation to the continent to drive trade and investment and strengthen cultural links
    • Summit in London next year will bring together entrepreneurs and investors, state officials, mayors, trade groups and stock exchanges from across the African continent, to attract foreign investment to the capital and boost trade links
    • Sadiq declares that expanding ties with Africa will be key to delivering his international trade ambitions for London
    • New figures reveal that UK bilateral trade with Africa is currently worth almost £50 billion [1] and projected to be worth £62 billion by 2030

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that City Hall will host its first-ever London-Africa business summit next year as he revealed that the UK’s bilateral trade with the African continent is likely to reach £62 billion ($79 billion) by 2030. [2]

    The Summit will bring together entrepreneurs and investors, state officials, mayors, trade groups and stock exchanges from across the continent, with the aim of promoting London as the best global city for African businesses to expand and invest in.

    It will focus on strengthening trade and investment links both ways, and the opportunities that can be unlocked for both London and Africa via key growth sectors, including fintech, creative industries, education and sustainability.

    The announcement comes as Sadiq this week leads a trade mission to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa to bang the drum for London as a place to invest and do business, making him the first London Mayor to do so.

    The Mayor is determined to meet the goals of his Growth Plan and has doubled down on his commitment to attract foreign direct investment to help grow London’s economy by £107 billion by 2035 and create 150,000 good jobs by 2028.

    Africa’s economic growth is expected to accelerate, with several African countries projected to rank among the top 10 fastest-growing economies globally in 2025. [3]

    The bilateral trade relationship between Africa and the UK has shown consistent growth over recent years, despite global challenges. More businesses from London expand into Africa than from any other city globally and the UK stands as one of Africa’s significant trading partners, with trade between the UK and Africa worth nearly £50 billion ($63 billion) in 2024 and UK exports up seven per cent year on year [4].

    Since 2013, London has been the leading destination city for African FDI in Europe and the US with 72 projects, and ranks as the second most popular destination globally outside Africa — behind only Dubai (202 projects) and ahead of Paris (63 projects). [5] Over the past decade, there have been a total of 71 projects recorded from Africa to London, accounting for an estimated £578 million in Capital Expenditure and creating 2,145 jobs. [6]

    Sadiq is visiting Lagos in Nigeria, Accra in Ghana, and Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa this week to build on extensive connections between the region and the capital’s growing African diaspora, and boost trade links with London. Alongside the visit, the Mayor’s growth agency London & Partners is hosting a trade delegation of 36 London-based companies that are looking to grow their business and access opportunities in Africa.   

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Trade between the UK and Africa is projected to be worth £62 billion by 2030. Whether its their tech start ups or business and financial services, London is perfectly placed to benefit from Africa’s growth.

    “Today I am announcing that City Hall will host the first-ever mayoral London-Africa business summit to tap into the huge economic opportunities that a strong, mutual relationship with the continent can bring.

    “Expanding ties with Africa will be key to delivering our international trade ambitions, creating thousands of good jobs in the next five years and beyond.

    “London has a rich history with the continent through our diaspora communities. I’m proud to be the first Mayor of London to visit Africa to drive trade and investment and strengthen our cultural links as we work to build a better, more prosperous city for everyone.”

    With nearly eight per cent of Londoners being of African heritage [7] and African students studying in London accounting for four per cent of all international students, half of whom are studying at post-graduate level, [8] the Summit will be a landmark opportunity for London to build on its strong cultural links and history with the African continent.

    The Mayor is keen to tap into Africa’s successes as a growing tech hub and has already begun to establish relationships with cities leading in this space, including Lagos in Nigeria which has generated five tech ‘unicorns’ [9] – startup companies valued at over US$1 billion – and is ranked as the world’s fastest-growing tech hub by global data analysts Dealroom [10].

    Accra, the capital of Ghana has also been highlighted by Dealroom [11] as an up-and-coming business sector with a tech hub that punches above its weight in innovation startup activity, research output, and university-industry collaboration.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “London is a global city, where the world comes to do business.

    “The UK is committed to a new approach with African countries – rooted in partnership, not paternalism and built on mutual respect. By bringing together investors, innovators and decisions-makers the London-Africa Business Summit will strengthen those ties and unlock growth and prosperity.

    Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners said: “We’re proud to be joining the Mayor on this historic visit to Africa. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore the continent’s dynamic growth sectors, as well as discovering how their innovation and ambition can inspire new approaches back home in London. With next year’s first Africa–London Summit, this trip is a pivotal moment to build lasting partnerships, unlock new opportunities, and strengthen business ties between our regions.”

    Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s first-ever London-Africa business summit next year, to forge deeper, mutually prosperous ties between London and Ghana.

    “As Accra continues to emerge as a vibrant tech hub, this summit will be a crucial platform to unlock new opportunities, benefiting businesses and ensuring economic prosperity in both London and Accra.

    “As the leading private sector voice of the UK-Ghana business community in Ghana, we are committed to promoting bilateral trade and investment between Ghana and the UK. We are thus encouraged by the summit’s focus on key growth sectors such as fintech, creative industries, education, and sustainability, which hold immense potential for mutual prosperity.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Releases Mid-Year 2025 State of Crypto: Predictions Realised, Trends Solidified

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    21Shares reflects on a transformative first half – where bold forecasts became reality

    Zurich, 17 July 2025 – 21Shares, one of the world’s leading providers of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs), today published its mid-year 2025 edition of the State of Crypto, offering a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of market performance and trends across the digital asset ecosystem.

    The report revisits 21Shares’ bold predictions for 2025, first laid out in December 2024, and evaluates how each thesis has unfolded across key narratives – from nation-state adoption of Bitcoin to stablecoins leading crypto’s real-world adoption. Many of the forward-looking theses put forward at the end of 2024 have already materialised, and the report highlights how early conviction in structural shifts around crypto has proven prescient.

    Among the standout findings:

    • Nation-states are adopting Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset: Our prediction that another nation would adopt Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset in 2025 has largely come to fruition. By launching its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the U.S. became the largest public Bitcoin holder with over 200,000 BTC. Countries like Bhutan and El Salvador continue to maintain sizable Bitcoin holdings, Japan and the Czech Republic are now actively exploring Bitcoin reserve strategies, and Pakistan recently announced the creation of its own Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
    • Crypto ETPs will drive further institutional adoption, and will reach $250 billion in AUM globally: Total AUM in global crypto ETPs has already reached $180 billion, and, if macro conditions improve, a 38% rise in valuations alone would push global AUM past our prediction of $250 billion. Another key sub-prediction has also come to pass – one Bitcoin ETF has officially entered the world’s top 25 ETFs by AUM.
    • Solana will continue to eat Ethereum’s market share and will reach an all-time high in total value locked: Our prediction that Solana would cement its position as Ethereum’s top challenger has been decisively confirmed. Real economic value, a measure of actual blockchain usage via user-paid fees shows a shifting landscape. Solana has narrowed the gap with Ethereum from $73M vs. $142M in October 2024 to $30.5M vs. $39M in June 2025. Despite softer market activity, the reality is that Solana is gaining momentum and biting into Ethereum’s market share.
    • Many jurisdictions are reconsidering retail crypto bans: We predicted that 2025 would mark a turning point in global retail access to crypto, and that shift is now visibly underway. In the UK, regulators are moving to lift the retail ban on crypto ETNs, exactly as forecasted. Japan has proposed legalizing Bitcoin ETFs, while South Korea lifted its corporate crypto trading ban and is preparing to open the door to crypto ETFs. 
    • Stablecoins lead crypto’s real-world adoption: Stablecoin AUM stands at an all-time high of $252 billion, with 35.7 million active addresses. Our prediction that nation-states, financial institutions, and Web2 companies would deepen their stablecoin adoption is playing out. In the US, stablecoin legislation through the GENIUS Act is gaining momentum. Internationally, Hong Kong has launched a stablecoin sandbox alongside a licensing regime, and Thailand is piloting a retail baht-backed stablecoin. In traditional finance, global banks are beginning to step in. 

    “This report reflects just how much the industry has matured,” said Adrian Fritz, Head of Research at 21Shares. “We’re seeing Bitcoin redefined as a macro asset, Solana leading real-world adoption, and stablecoins transforming global finance – all while institutional and regulatory frameworks finally catch up.”

    The State of Crypto is produced by 21Shares’ research team and is part of the firm’s broader commitment to investor education.

    To read the full report, click here.

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialised research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralised finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com

    Contact: matteo.valli@21shares.com

    DISCLAIMER

    This report has been prepared and issued by 21Shares AG for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Crypto asset trading involves a high degree of risk. The crypto asset market is new to many and unproven and may have the potential to not grow as expected.

    Currently, there is relatively small use of crypto assets in the retail and commercial marketplace in comparison to relatively large use by speculators, thus contributing to price volatility that could adversely affect an investment in crypto assets. In order to participate in the trading of crypto assets, you should be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment and be able to bear the economic risk of losing your entire investment.

    Nothing should be considered as an offer by 21Shares AG and/or its affiliates to sell or solicitation by 21Shares AG or its parent of any offer to buy bitcoin or other crypto assets or derivatives. This report is provided for information and research purposes only and should not be construed or presented as an offer or solicitation for any investment. The information provided does not constitute a prospectus or any offering and does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to invest in any jurisdiction.

    Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The information contained herein may not be considered as economic, legal, tax, or other advice and users are cautioned against basing investment decisions or other decisions solely on the content hereof.

    ###

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: 12 countries agree to confront Israel collectively over Gaza after Bogotá summit

    ANALYSIS: By Mick Hall

    Collective measures to confront Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people have been agreed by 12 nations after an emergency summit of the Hague Group in Bogotá, Colombia.

    A joint statement today announced the six measures, which it said were geared to holding Israel to account for its crimes in Palestine and would operate within the states’ domestic legal and legislative frameworks.

    Nearly two dozen other nations in attendance at the summit are now pondering whether to sign up to the measures before a September deadline set by the Hague Group.

    New Zealand and Australia stayed away from the summit.

    The measures include preventing the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, military fuel and dual-use items to Israel and preventing the transit, docking or servicing of vessels if there is a risk of vessels carrying such items. No vessel under the flag of the countries would be allowed to carry this equipment.

    The countries would also “commence an urgent review of all public contracts, in order to prevent public institutions and public funds, where applicable, from supporting Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory, to ensure that our nationals, and companies and entities under our jurisdiction, as well as our authorities, do not act in any way that would entail recognition or provide aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.

    The countries will prosecute “the most serious crimes under international law through robust, impartial and independent investigations and prosecutions at national or international levels, in compliance with our obligation to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes”.

    They agreed to support universal jurisdiction mandates, “as and where applicable in our legal constitutional frameworks and judiciaries, to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes in the Occupied Palestine Territory”.

    This will mean IDF soldiers and others accused of war crimes in Palestine would face arrest and could go through domestic judicial processes in these countries, or referrals to the ICC.

    The statement said the measures constituted a collective commitment to defend the foundational principles of international law.

    It also called on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to commission an immediate investigation of the health and nutritional needs of the population of Gaza, devise a plan to meet those needs on a continuing and sustained basis, and report on these matters before the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

    Following repeated total blockades of Gaza since October 7, 2023, Gazans have been dying of starvation as they continue to be bombed and repeatedly displaced and their means of life destroyed.

    The official death toll stands at nearly 59,000, mostly women and children, although some estimates put that number at over 200,000.

    The joint statement recognised Israel as a threat to regional peace and the system of international law and called on all United Nations member states to enforce their obligations under the UN charter.

    It condemned “unilateral attacks and threats against United Nations mandate holders, as well as key institutions of the human rights architecture and international justice” and committed to build “on the legacy of global solidarity movements that have dismantled apartheid and other oppressive systems, setting a model for future co-ordinated responses to international law violations”.

    Countries face wrath of US
    Ministers, high-ranking officials and envoys from 30 nations attended the two-day event, from July 15-16, called to come up with the measures. It is now hoped some of those attendees will sign up to the statement by September.

    For countries like Ireland, which sent a delegation, signing up would have profound implications. The Irish government has been heavily criticised by its own citizens for continuing to allow Shannon Airport as a transit point for military equipment from the United States to be sent to Israel.

    It would also face the prospect of severe reprisals by the US, as would others thinking of adding their names to the collective statement. The US is now expected to consult with nations that attended and warn them of the consequences of signing up.

    The summit had been billed by the UN Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, as “the most significant political development of the last 20 months”.

    Albanese had told attendees that “for too long, international law has been treated as optional — applied selectively to those perceived as weak, ignored by those acting as the powerful”.

    “This double standard has eroded the very foundations of the legal order. That era must end,” she said.

    Co-chaired by Colombia and South Africa, the Hague group was established by nine nations in late January at The Hague in the Netherlands to hold Israel to account for its crimes and push for Palestinian self-determination.

    Colombia last year ended diplomatic relations with Israel, while South Africa in late December 2023 filed an application at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide, which was joined by nearly two dozen countries.

    The ICJ has determined a plausible genocide is taking place and issued orders for Israel to protect Palestinians and take measures to stop genocide taking place, a call ignored by the Zionist state.

    Representatives from the countries arrived in Bogota this week in defiance of the United States, which last week sanctioned Albanese for attempts to have US and Israeli political officials and business leaders prosecuted by the ICC over Gaza.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it an illegitimate “campaign of political and economic warfare”.

    It followed the sanctioning of four ICC judges after arrest warrants were issued in November last year for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    Ahead of the Bogota meeting, the US State Department accused The Hague Group of multilateral attempts to “weaponise international law as a tool to advance radical anti-Western agendas” and warned the US would “aggressively defend” its interests.

    Signs of division in the West
    Most of those attending came from nations in the Global South, but not all.

    Founding Hague Group members Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa attended the Summit. Joining them were Algeria, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Djibouti, Indonesia, Iraq, Republic of Ireland, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

    However, in a sign of increasing division in the West, NATO members Spain, Portugal, Norway, Slovenia and Turkey also attended.

    Inside the summit, former US State Department official Annelle Sheline, who resigned in March over Gaza, defended the right of those attending “to uphold their obligations under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide”.

    “This is not the weaponisation of international law. This is the application of international law,” she told delegates.

    The US and Israel deny accusations that genocide is taking place in Gaza, while Western media have collectively refused to adjudicate the claims or frame stories around Israel’s ethnic cleansing of the strip, despite ample evidence by the UN and genocide experts.

    Since 7 October 2023, US allies have offered diplomatic cover for Israel by repeating it had “a right to defend itself” and was engaged in a legitimate defensive “war against Hamas”.

    Israel now plans to corral starving Gazans into a concentration camp in the south of the strip, with many analysts expecting the IDF to exterminate anyone found outside its boundaries, while preparing to push those inside across the border into Egypt.

    Asia Pacific and EU allies shun Bogota summit
    Addressing attendees at the summit yesterday, Albanese criticised the EU for its neo-colonialism and support for Israel, criticisms that can be extended to US allies in the Asia Pacific region.

    Independent journalist Abby Martin reported Albanese as saying: “Europe and its institutions are guided more by colonial mindset than principle, acting as vessels to US Empire even as it drags us from war to war, misery to misery.

    “The Hague Group is a new moral centre in world politics. Millions are hoping for leadership that can birth a new global order, rooted in justice, humanity and collective liberation. It’s not just about Palestine. This is about all of us.”

    The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was asked why Foreign Minister Penny Wong did not take up an invite to attend the Hague Group meeting. In a statement to Mick Hall in Context, a spokesperson said she had been unable to attend, but did not explain why.

    She said Australia was a “resolute defender of international law” and added: “Australia has consistently been part of international calls that all parties must abide by international humanitarian law. Not enough has been done to protect civilians and aid workers.

    “We have called on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    “We have also called on Israel to comply with the binding orders of the ICJ, including to enable the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale.”

    When asked why New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters had failed to take up the invitation or send any of his officials, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson simply refused to comment.

    She said MFAT media advisors would only engage with “recognised news media outlets”.

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as well as a number of his ministers, have been referred to the ICC by domestic legal teams, accused of complicity in the genocide.

    Evidence against Albanese was accepted into the ICC’s wider investigation of crimes in Gaza in October last year, while Luxon’s referral earlier this month is being assessed by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office.

    Delegates told humanity at stake
    Delegates heard several impassioned addresses from speakers on what was at stake during the two-day event in Bogota.

    Palestinian-American trauma surgeon, Dr Thaer Ahmad, told the gathering that Palestinians seeking food were being met with bullets, describing aid distribution facilities set up by the US contractor-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as “slaughterhouses”. More than 800 starving Gazans have been killed at the GHF aid points so far.

    “People know they could die but cannot sit idly by and watch their families starve,” he said.

    “The bullets fired by GHF mercenaries are just one part of the weaponisation of aid, where Palestinians are ghettoised into areas where somebody in military fatigues decides if you are worthy of food or not.”

    Palestinian diplomat Riyad Mansour had urged the summit attendees to take decisive action to not only save the Palestinian people, but redeem humanity.

    “Instead of outrage at the crimes we know are taking place, we find those who defend, normalise, and even celebrate them,” he said.

    “The core values we believed humanity agreed were universal are shattered, blown to pieces like the tens of thousands of starved, murdered and injured civilians in Palestine.

    “The mind and heart cannot fathom or process the immense pain and horror that has taken hold of the lives of an entire people. We must not fail — not just for Palestine’s sake — but for humanity’s sake.”

    At the beginning of the summit, Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir told summit delegates the Palestinian genocide threatened the entire international system.

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote in The Guardian last week: “We can either stand firm in defence of the legal principles that seek to prevent war and conflict, or watch helplessly as the international system collapses under the weight of unchecked power politics.”

    Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers, as well as Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, met in Brussels at the same time as the Bogota summit, to discuss Middle East co-operation, but also possible options for action against Israel.

    At the EU–Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas put forward potential actions after Israel was found to have breached the EU economic cooperation deal with the bloc on human rights grounds. As expected, no sanctions, restricted trade or suspension of the co-operation deal were agreed.

    The EU has been one of Israel’s most strident backers in its campaign against Gaza, with EU members Germany and France in particular supplying weapons, as well as political support.

    The UK government has continued to supply arms and operate spy planes over Gaza over the past 21 months, launched from bases in Cyprus, while its military has issued D-Notices to censor media reports that its special forces have been operating inside the occupied territories.

    Mick Hall is an independent Irish-New Zealand journalist, formerly of RNZ and AAP, based in New Zealand since 2009. He writes primarily on politics, corporate power and international affairs. This article is republished from his substack Mick Hall in Context with permission.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: 12 countries agree to confront Israel collectively over Gaza after Bogotá summit

    ANALYSIS: By Mick Hall

    Collective measures to confront Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people have been agreed by 12 nations after an emergency summit of the Hague Group in Bogotá, Colombia.

    A joint statement today announced the six measures, which it said were geared to holding Israel to account for its crimes in Palestine and would operate within the states’ domestic legal and legislative frameworks.

    Nearly two dozen other nations in attendance at the summit are now pondering whether to sign up to the measures before a September deadline set by the Hague Group.

    New Zealand and Australia stayed away from the summit.

    The measures include preventing the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, military fuel and dual-use items to Israel and preventing the transit, docking or servicing of vessels if there is a risk of vessels carrying such items. No vessel under the flag of the countries would be allowed to carry this equipment.

    The countries would also “commence an urgent review of all public contracts, in order to prevent public institutions and public funds, where applicable, from supporting Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory, to ensure that our nationals, and companies and entities under our jurisdiction, as well as our authorities, do not act in any way that would entail recognition or provide aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.

    The countries will prosecute “the most serious crimes under international law through robust, impartial and independent investigations and prosecutions at national or international levels, in compliance with our obligation to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes”.

    They agreed to support universal jurisdiction mandates, “as and where applicable in our legal constitutional frameworks and judiciaries, to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes in the Occupied Palestine Territory”.

    This will mean IDF soldiers and others accused of war crimes in Palestine would face arrest and could go through domestic judicial processes in these countries, or referrals to the ICC.

    The statement said the measures constituted a collective commitment to defend the foundational principles of international law.

    It also called on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to commission an immediate investigation of the health and nutritional needs of the population of Gaza, devise a plan to meet those needs on a continuing and sustained basis, and report on these matters before the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

    Following repeated total blockades of Gaza since October 7, 2023, Gazans have been dying of starvation as they continue to be bombed and repeatedly displaced and their means of life destroyed.

    The official death toll stands at nearly 59,000, mostly women and children, although some estimates put that number at over 200,000.

    The joint statement recognised Israel as a threat to regional peace and the system of international law and called on all United Nations member states to enforce their obligations under the UN charter.

    It condemned “unilateral attacks and threats against United Nations mandate holders, as well as key institutions of the human rights architecture and international justice” and committed to build “on the legacy of global solidarity movements that have dismantled apartheid and other oppressive systems, setting a model for future co-ordinated responses to international law violations”.

    Countries face wrath of US
    Ministers, high-ranking officials and envoys from 30 nations attended the two-day event, from July 15-16, called to come up with the measures. It is now hoped some of those attendees will sign up to the statement by September.

    For countries like Ireland, which sent a delegation, signing up would have profound implications. The Irish government has been heavily criticised by its own citizens for continuing to allow Shannon Airport as a transit point for military equipment from the United States to be sent to Israel.

    It would also face the prospect of severe reprisals by the US, as would others thinking of adding their names to the collective statement. The US is now expected to consult with nations that attended and warn them of the consequences of signing up.

    The summit had been billed by the UN Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, as “the most significant political development of the last 20 months”.

    Albanese had told attendees that “for too long, international law has been treated as optional — applied selectively to those perceived as weak, ignored by those acting as the powerful”.

    “This double standard has eroded the very foundations of the legal order. That era must end,” she said.

    Co-chaired by Colombia and South Africa, the Hague group was established by nine nations in late January at The Hague in the Netherlands to hold Israel to account for its crimes and push for Palestinian self-determination.

    Colombia last year ended diplomatic relations with Israel, while South Africa in late December 2023 filed an application at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide, which was joined by nearly two dozen countries.

    The ICJ has determined a plausible genocide is taking place and issued orders for Israel to protect Palestinians and take measures to stop genocide taking place, a call ignored by the Zionist state.

    Representatives from the countries arrived in Bogota this week in defiance of the United States, which last week sanctioned Albanese for attempts to have US and Israeli political officials and business leaders prosecuted by the ICC over Gaza.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it an illegitimate “campaign of political and economic warfare”.

    It followed the sanctioning of four ICC judges after arrest warrants were issued in November last year for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    Ahead of the Bogota meeting, the US State Department accused The Hague Group of multilateral attempts to “weaponise international law as a tool to advance radical anti-Western agendas” and warned the US would “aggressively defend” its interests.

    Signs of division in the West
    Most of those attending came from nations in the Global South, but not all.

    Founding Hague Group members Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa attended the Summit. Joining them were Algeria, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Djibouti, Indonesia, Iraq, Republic of Ireland, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

    However, in a sign of increasing division in the West, NATO members Spain, Portugal, Norway, Slovenia and Turkey also attended.

    Inside the summit, former US State Department official Annelle Sheline, who resigned in March over Gaza, defended the right of those attending “to uphold their obligations under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide”.

    “This is not the weaponisation of international law. This is the application of international law,” she told delegates.

    The US and Israel deny accusations that genocide is taking place in Gaza, while Western media have collectively refused to adjudicate the claims or frame stories around Israel’s ethnic cleansing of the strip, despite ample evidence by the UN and genocide experts.

    Since 7 October 2023, US allies have offered diplomatic cover for Israel by repeating it had “a right to defend itself” and was engaged in a legitimate defensive “war against Hamas”.

    Israel now plans to corral starving Gazans into a concentration camp in the south of the strip, with many analysts expecting the IDF to exterminate anyone found outside its boundaries, while preparing to push those inside across the border into Egypt.

    Asia Pacific and EU allies shun Bogota summit
    Addressing attendees at the summit yesterday, Albanese criticised the EU for its neo-colonialism and support for Israel, criticisms that can be extended to US allies in the Asia Pacific region.

    Independent journalist Abby Martin reported Albanese as saying: “Europe and its institutions are guided more by colonial mindset than principle, acting as vessels to US Empire even as it drags us from war to war, misery to misery.

    “The Hague Group is a new moral centre in world politics. Millions are hoping for leadership that can birth a new global order, rooted in justice, humanity and collective liberation. It’s not just about Palestine. This is about all of us.”

    The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was asked why Foreign Minister Penny Wong did not take up an invite to attend the Hague Group meeting. In a statement to Mick Hall in Context, a spokesperson said she had been unable to attend, but did not explain why.

    She said Australia was a “resolute defender of international law” and added: “Australia has consistently been part of international calls that all parties must abide by international humanitarian law. Not enough has been done to protect civilians and aid workers.

    “We have called on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    “We have also called on Israel to comply with the binding orders of the ICJ, including to enable the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale.”

    When asked why New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters had failed to take up the invitation or send any of his officials, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson simply refused to comment.

    She said MFAT media advisors would only engage with “recognised news media outlets”.

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as well as a number of his ministers, have been referred to the ICC by domestic legal teams, accused of complicity in the genocide.

    Evidence against Albanese was accepted into the ICC’s wider investigation of crimes in Gaza in October last year, while Luxon’s referral earlier this month is being assessed by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office.

    Delegates told humanity at stake
    Delegates heard several impassioned addresses from speakers on what was at stake during the two-day event in Bogota.

    Palestinian-American trauma surgeon, Dr Thaer Ahmad, told the gathering that Palestinians seeking food were being met with bullets, describing aid distribution facilities set up by the US contractor-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as “slaughterhouses”. More than 800 starving Gazans have been killed at the GHF aid points so far.

    “People know they could die but cannot sit idly by and watch their families starve,” he said.

    “The bullets fired by GHF mercenaries are just one part of the weaponisation of aid, where Palestinians are ghettoised into areas where somebody in military fatigues decides if you are worthy of food or not.”

    Palestinian diplomat Riyad Mansour had urged the summit attendees to take decisive action to not only save the Palestinian people, but redeem humanity.

    “Instead of outrage at the crimes we know are taking place, we find those who defend, normalise, and even celebrate them,” he said.

    “The core values we believed humanity agreed were universal are shattered, blown to pieces like the tens of thousands of starved, murdered and injured civilians in Palestine.

    “The mind and heart cannot fathom or process the immense pain and horror that has taken hold of the lives of an entire people. We must not fail — not just for Palestine’s sake — but for humanity’s sake.”

    At the beginning of the summit, Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir told summit delegates the Palestinian genocide threatened the entire international system.

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote in The Guardian last week: “We can either stand firm in defence of the legal principles that seek to prevent war and conflict, or watch helplessly as the international system collapses under the weight of unchecked power politics.”

    Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers, as well as Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, met in Brussels at the same time as the Bogota summit, to discuss Middle East co-operation, but also possible options for action against Israel.

    At the EU–Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas put forward potential actions after Israel was found to have breached the EU economic cooperation deal with the bloc on human rights grounds. As expected, no sanctions, restricted trade or suspension of the co-operation deal were agreed.

    The EU has been one of Israel’s most strident backers in its campaign against Gaza, with EU members Germany and France in particular supplying weapons, as well as political support.

    The UK government has continued to supply arms and operate spy planes over Gaza over the past 21 months, launched from bases in Cyprus, while its military has issued D-Notices to censor media reports that its special forces have been operating inside the occupied territories.

    Mick Hall is an independent Irish-New Zealand journalist, formerly of RNZ and AAP, based in New Zealand since 2009. He writes primarily on politics, corporate power and international affairs. This article is republished from his substack Mick Hall in Context with permission.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Yinson Production’s Titus de Greeff Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Discuss Innovative Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Solutions

    Source: APO – Report:

    Titus de Greeff, Head of Corporate Finance for Western Hemisphere at Yinson Production, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His participation comes as Yinson Production scales up its low-carbon energy solutions and deepens its footprint across Africa’s offshore oil and gas sector through innovation, strategic investments and clean technology integration.

    As Yinson Production continues to expand its footprint across the continent, the company recently made a strategic stopover in Namibia, engaging with regional stakeholders and presenting its sustainability-focused offshore energy solutions. As Namibia rapidly rises as a frontier market for hydrocarbons, Yinson Production’s presence underscores its intent to support responsible development through FPSO systems equipped with carbon-reducing technologies.

    Yinson Production’s pioneering efforts are further exemplified by the FPSO Agogo, which will operate offshore Angola has part of the Agogo Integrated West Hub development. The vessel incorporates a suite of low-carbon technologies including a close flare system, hydrocarbon blanketing, combined cycle systems, automated process controls and all-electric drives. These innovations are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions from FPSO operations and support Yinson Production’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The Agogo project will develop two deepwater discoveries – Agogo and Ndungu – in Block 15/06, located approximately 20km west of the operational FPSO N’Goma. This development positions Yinson Productions at the center of Angola’s next wave of deepwater growth while reinforcing the company’s commitment to cleaner offshore production.

    Recognizing the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the global energy transition, Yinson Production has also expanded its decarbonization portfolio through key investments. In 2024, the company acquired Norway-based CCS business Stella Maris and made a strategic investment in Ionada, a technology firm specializing in compact carbon capture systems. These moves reflect Yinson Production’s intent to integrate CCS into its FPSO operations and further reduce the environmental footprint of offshore energy projects.

    “Yinson Production is redefining what sustainable offshore development looks like, combining cutting-edge FPSO innovation with bold carbon reduction strategies. As Africa advances oil and gas developments – from onshore to shallow water to deepwater – solutions introduced by Yinson Productions will support successful project development,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

    De Greeff’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 is set to highlight the company’s role as a trailblazer in low-carbon energy, its support for Africa’s energy security and its contributions to sustainable oil and gas production.

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Financing Africa’s Minerals: Momentum Builds Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    International finance institutions are playing an increasingly pivotal role in Africa’s mining sector, providing essential capital and technical support to unlock the continent’s vast mineral potential. Last month, Angola became a sovereign shareholder in the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) through a $184.8 million equity investment. This milestone builds on over $1 billion in AFC financing that Angola has already received, including for the Lobito Corridor – an integrated logistics project connecting Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), African Development Bank (AfDB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD) are actively funding mining projects throughout the continent. As such, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1-3, 2025, in Cape Town – will showcase strategic moves by African mineral-rich countries to enhance cooperation with global financiers. A dedicated panel titled The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization will discuss the investment landscape for African mineral industrialization.

    Algeria officially joined the New Development Bank – a multilateral institution founded by BRICS countries – in May this year, enhancing the country’s access to capital and technical support for its oil, gas and mineral industries. That same month, Benin, Ivory Coast – one of Africa’s largest gold producers – and Nigeria were designated as recipient countries by the EBRD, broadening their access to energy and mining project funding.

    Meanwhile, Ghana – Africa’s largest gold producer – recently joined Nigeria and Angola in completing their capital contributions to the forthcoming Africa Energy Bank. Spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the bank will serve as a dedicated financing institution for African extractive sector projects.

    In March 2025, Somalia also became the 53rd member of Afreximbank, a move expected to unlock new financing channels for the country’s gold mining and trade-related developments. In 2024, the Ivory Coast and Botswana – the world’s largest diamond producer – joined the AFC as sovereign shareholders, while Libya became the 53rd member of Afreximbank.

    In line with growing efforts to align financial innovation with mineral sector development, the AfDB approved a $150 million senior loan to Mauritania’s state-owned mining firm, Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM). The funding supports a $467 million logistics expansion program aimed at doubling SNIM’s iron ore railway transport capacity by 2030 and scaling up production of higher value-added products like iron ore pellets. The project integrates renewable energy through the construction of a 12 MW solar plant and includes climate resilience measures backed by the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program.

    Amidst these developments, AMW connects African policymakers with global investors to strengthen existing and forge new investment partnerships aimed at unlocking the continents full potential of its extractive sector.

    – on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Trade – Premium Beverages from Around the World Make Their Mark in China with Gebrüder Weiss

    Source: Gebrüder Weiss

    From Australian Ginger Beer to Fiji Water, and Vita Coconut Water: Jebsen Group relies on Gebrüder Weiss’s logistics expertise for nationwide beverage distribution across China.

    Shanghai / Lauterach, July 17, 2025. The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is driving the dynamic growth of Jebsen Group’s beverage business line in China through comprehensive warehousing and distribution solutions. 

    Headquartered in Hong Kong, Jebsen Group is a well-established trading company known for bringing international premium brands to Greater China and marketing them across the region. 

    Featured brands include renowned products such as Bundaberg Ginger Beer, Fiji Water, and Vita Coconut Water. From Shanghai, the brands are distributed nationwide to supermarkets, wholesalers, and e-commerce platforms.

    “Thanks to Gebrüder Weiss’s modern supply chain infrastructure and professional team, we’ve been able to significantly expand our market position,” said Gary Chan, Head of Supply Chain, Beverage at Jebsen. Customers include leading retailers such as Hema – the Alibaba-owned supermarket chain, as well as JD.com and numerous other retailers and wholesalers throughout China.

    The partnership dates back to 2017, when Gebrüder Weiss provided Sanyi Wine Trading with a warehouse solution to support the market entry of the Australian Bundaberg brand. Following Jebsen Group’s acquisition of Sanyi in 2022, the focus shifted to the premium beverage segment in Greater China. Since then, the collaboration with Gebrüder Weiss has evolved into a comprehensive logistics solution, currently handling over 2,700 orders annually – and growing.

    At the company’s 4,000-square-meter logistics facility in Shanghai, specialized professionals ensure seamless operations. The warehouse was recently certified at Security Level 3 for meeting high safety standards. Services include temperature- and humidity-controlled storage, order processing using the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) method, expiry date monitoring, labeling and packaging, as well as inventory management.

    “The beverage market in China is fast-paced and highly demanding. Our goal is to work closely with the Jebsen team to develop tailored solutions and respond flexibly to changing needs,” said Yongquan Chen, General Manager of Gebrüder Weiss China. Looking ahead, Gebrüder Weiss and Jebsen Group plan to further deepen their successful collaboration and expand their beverage portfolio.

    With extensive experience in beverage logistics in China, Gebrüder Weiss also operates a second logistics hub in Chengdu. There, the company supports leading Baijiu brands – China’s most well-known and best-selling spirit – with customized e-commerce and fulfillment solutions.

    About Gebrüder Weiss

    Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.71 billion euros in 2024. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Trade – Premium Beverages from Around the World Make Their Mark in China with Gebrüder Weiss

    Source: Gebrüder Weiss

    From Australian Ginger Beer to Fiji Water, and Vita Coconut Water: Jebsen Group relies on Gebrüder Weiss’s logistics expertise for nationwide beverage distribution across China.

    Shanghai / Lauterach, July 17, 2025. The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is driving the dynamic growth of Jebsen Group’s beverage business line in China through comprehensive warehousing and distribution solutions. 

    Headquartered in Hong Kong, Jebsen Group is a well-established trading company known for bringing international premium brands to Greater China and marketing them across the region. 

    Featured brands include renowned products such as Bundaberg Ginger Beer, Fiji Water, and Vita Coconut Water. From Shanghai, the brands are distributed nationwide to supermarkets, wholesalers, and e-commerce platforms.

    “Thanks to Gebrüder Weiss’s modern supply chain infrastructure and professional team, we’ve been able to significantly expand our market position,” said Gary Chan, Head of Supply Chain, Beverage at Jebsen. Customers include leading retailers such as Hema – the Alibaba-owned supermarket chain, as well as JD.com and numerous other retailers and wholesalers throughout China.

    The partnership dates back to 2017, when Gebrüder Weiss provided Sanyi Wine Trading with a warehouse solution to support the market entry of the Australian Bundaberg brand. Following Jebsen Group’s acquisition of Sanyi in 2022, the focus shifted to the premium beverage segment in Greater China. Since then, the collaboration with Gebrüder Weiss has evolved into a comprehensive logistics solution, currently handling over 2,700 orders annually – and growing.

    At the company’s 4,000-square-meter logistics facility in Shanghai, specialized professionals ensure seamless operations. The warehouse was recently certified at Security Level 3 for meeting high safety standards. Services include temperature- and humidity-controlled storage, order processing using the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) method, expiry date monitoring, labeling and packaging, as well as inventory management.

    “The beverage market in China is fast-paced and highly demanding. Our goal is to work closely with the Jebsen team to develop tailored solutions and respond flexibly to changing needs,” said Yongquan Chen, General Manager of Gebrüder Weiss China. Looking ahead, Gebrüder Weiss and Jebsen Group plan to further deepen their successful collaboration and expand their beverage portfolio.

    With extensive experience in beverage logistics in China, Gebrüder Weiss also operates a second logistics hub in Chengdu. There, the company supports leading Baijiu brands – China’s most well-known and best-selling spirit – with customized e-commerce and fulfillment solutions.

    About Gebrüder Weiss

    Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.71 billion euros in 2024. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The East is a promising business: Polytechnic and Chinese institutes on the way to new projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A delegation from Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) and Tsinghua University Suzhou Automobile Research Institute (TSARI) arrived at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to strengthen their strategic partnership. The visit was led by JITRI First Deputy Director Gao Jun.

    China is a key partner of SPbPU: the university has more than 60 active agreements with Chinese universities and companies, including two large joint institutes in Jiangsu and Xi’an, where over a thousand students study. SPbPU itself has 2,200 Chinese students — almost half of the foreign contingent.

    The meeting participants discussed the expansion of academic mobility programs. Of particular interest was the JITRI Co-op internship program, which provides paid internships at leading Chinese research institutes and companies in the following areas: new materials, information and communication technologies, energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. The Polytechnic University confirmed its readiness to organize an open competition among talented students and young scientists to participate in the program.

    Scientific cooperation will also receive a boost: the parties agreed to intensify joint projects in the field of digital twins of power plants, artificial intelligence for industrial systems and polymer composite materials. Three major projects are already being implemented, including the BRICS grant won in sustainable development management with Nanjing University.

    “Today, our laboratories are looking to the East,” said Dmitry Arsenyev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU. “China has not only caught up with the technological leaders, but is setting new standards, and the Polytechnic University will orient students toward internships at JITRI, in your laboratories and at production facilities. This is a new vector — from the fundamental research of the Polytechnic University to Chinese industrial practice.”

    In response, the JITRI delegation proposed the creation of working groups to develop specific initiatives, including joint workshops and the involvement of industrial partners.

    Prospects for cooperation include the participation of the Russian Academy of Sciences: SPbPU is closely connected with its St. Petersburg branch, which unites 50 research institutes. Rector of SPbPU and Chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy signed a cooperation agreement in 2023 with Director of the Shanghai branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Hu Jinbo.

    “The doors of any institute of the Academy of Sciences are open to JITRI,” said Dmitry Germanovich, proposing to synchronize efforts with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. To ensure prompt work, the parties plan to hold a virtual round table in the coming months.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China calls for strengthening trade and economic cooperation within the SCO

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — Gao Yunlong, chairman of the China Association of Industry and Commerce, called for improving the quality and level of economic and trade cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), speaking at the opening of the SCO Business Forum in Beijing on Thursday.

    Gao Yunlong, also vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), noted that trade and economic cooperation is a powerful engine for the dynamic development of the SCO.

    According to him, China is ready to work with all parties to further align regional development strategies, promote the improvement of the quality and level of trade and economic cooperation, and ensure the stability and continuity of production chains and supply chains.

    Gao Yunlong stressed that these efforts will be aimed at building a closer SCO community with a shared future and promoting long-term peace and common prosperity throughout the world.

    The forum, organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, brought together about 400 government and business representatives from China and abroad. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s rail passenger traffic hits record high in first half of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — China’s rail passenger traffic rose 6.7 percent year-on-year to a record 2.24 billion person-times in the first half of 2025, hitting a new all-time high, data released by China State Railway Corporation (CSRC) showed Thursday.

    According to the KGZhK, in the period from January to June of this year, the average daily number of passenger trains running in the country was 11,183, which is 7.5 percent more than a year earlier.

    The highest average daily passenger traffic was recorded on May 1, the first day of the May Day holidays, when more than 23 million passengers were carried in one day, which is a record figure, the company said in a statement.

    China Railways also saw a rapid increase in the number of foreign passengers as visa policies were further relaxed. In the first half of 2025, foreign travelers took nearly 9.15 million train trips in China, up 30.1 percent from a year earlier.

    In the first half of 2025, the passenger traffic on the China-Laos railway reached 139,000 person-times, an increase of 19.1 percent year-on-year. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first freight train departed from Hubei Province as part of the multimodal cargo transportation “China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    WUHAN, July 17 (Xinhua) — The first China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan multimodal international freight train departed from Wujiashan Station in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province on Wednesday.

    The train, number 75179, loaded with food containers and other goods, is expected to arrive in Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where the containers will be transferred to trucks and leave China via the Irkeshtan checkpoint, after which they will be delivered to the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

    In recent years, trade between Hubei Province and Central Asian countries has gradually increased. In 2021, China Railways Wuhan launched the first freight train service from Wuhan to Almaty. In April this year, freight trains from Wuhan to Central Asia were included in regular routes, achieving a monthly throughput of up to 440 standard containers /TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units/ and more than 7,500 tons of cargo.

    According to Zhang Lin, a responsible representative of the international transport and logistics company Hubei Railway Corporation, thanks to the new logistics scheme, products from Hubei Province will be able to reach customers in Central Asian countries faster. The new logistics scheme will reduce the cost of transportation and insurance by 30 percent, and reduce the transportation time from about 20 to 10 days.

    The Wuhan branch of China Railway said the launch of the new cargo route will be an opportunity to further work together with stakeholders to optimize transportation procedures, expand the logistics network and build highly efficient international logistics corridors. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s rail passenger traffic hits record high in first half of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — China’s rail passenger traffic rose 6.7 percent year-on-year to a record 2.24 billion person-times in the first half of 2025, hitting a new all-time high, data released by China State Railway Corporation (CSRC) showed Thursday.

    According to the KGZhK, in the period from January to June of this year, the average daily number of passenger trains running in the country was 11,183, which is 7.5 percent more than a year earlier.

    The highest average daily passenger traffic was recorded on May 1, the first day of the May Day holidays, when more than 23 million passengers were carried in one day, which is a record figure, the company said in a statement.

    China Railways also saw a rapid increase in the number of foreign passengers as visa policies were further relaxed. In the first half of 2025, foreign travelers took nearly 9.15 million train trips in China, up 30.1 percent from a year earlier.

    In the first half of 2025, the passenger traffic on the China-Laos railway reached 139,000 person-times, an increase of 19.1 percent year-on-year. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – India gains trade momentum amid tariff and global supply chain shakeup, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    In a rapidly evolving global trade landscape, India stands out with its competitive advantage stemming from relatively lower tariff rates compared to several key trading partners. With a tariff rate of 26%, as of July 2025, which might reduce to below 20% amid speculations of a trade deal with the US, India is positioned to leverage its trade potential, particularly in sectors such as chemicals, electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles and agricultural goods, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Ramnivas Mundada, Director of Economic Research and Companies at GlobalData, comments: “India’s tariff rate is relatively lower than other countries, including China (30%), Mexico (30%), and the EU (30%). This favorable environment not only presents a unique opportunity for Indian exporters to but also enhances the price competitiveness of Indian goods and encourages foreign investment, fostering innovation and growth. Against this backdrop, GlobalData forecasts an average growth rate of 6.5% from 2025 to 2027, positioning India to become the third-largest economy by 2027.”

    According to NITI Aayog, India can capitalize on 78 product categories (HS 4 codes) for exports to the US, accounting for 52% of its current exports. In the HS 2 code category, India enjoys lower tariffs than competitors in 22 of the top 30 products. This advantage arises from significant tariff hikes on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico. Although India faces slightly higher tariffs in six product categories, there remains a substantial growth potential, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electrical machinery, enhancing India’s export competitiveness.

    Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reveals that India’s exports to the US increased by 23.5% in June 2025 and by 22.2% from April to June 2025 compared to the same period last year. This growth has positioned the US as India’s largest trading partner for the quarter.

    Sector-wise opportunities

    India has a notable comparative advantage in the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors. With China facing increased tariffs, Indian exporters have a prime opportunity to capture the US chemical import market.

    India accounted for about 5% of the US apparel and clothing accessories imports in 2024, according to the ITC Trade Map. With new tariffs affecting Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Indonesia, Indian manufacturers have a significant opportunity. To achieve this, improvements in cost efficiency, lead times, and support for large-scale textile manufacturers will be essential.

    The tariff hikes on Asian countries create an opportunity for India to boost its agricultural exports to the US. With relatively lower tariffs, India can position itself as a viable alternative supplier of a range of products, including agricultural goods, livestock, processed foods, and scrap materials.

    Companies shifting operations to India

    In the first half of 2025, several multinational companies have begun shifting their manufacturing bases to India to capitalize on tariff advantages and reduce reliance on China. Notably, Apple rerouted 97% of Foxconn’s Indian iPhone exports to the US during March to May 2025, up from 50.3% in 2024, reflecting a strategic pivot amid US-China trade tensions. Similarly, in July 2025, Samsung Electronics announced plans to diversify smartphone production by moving some manufacturing from Vietnam to India.

    India’s trade competitiveness

    To capitalize on the evolving trade dynamics, India must extend Production-Linked Incentive schemes to labor-intensive sectors like leather and handicrafts, while rationalizing electricity tariffs to enhance competitiveness. Additionally, pursuing a services-centric trade agreement with the US is essential, focusing on IT, finance, and digital trade. Addressing non-tariff barriers in sectors like pharmaceuticals is also crucial for unlocking export potential.

    In June 2025, India urged the WTO to address non-tariff barriers impacting its merchandise exports, highlighting issues like opaque regulations and delays in dispute resolution that hinder competitiveness for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs.

    Mundada concludes: “Even if India’s anticipated trade deal with the US falls short of expectations, the broader shifts in global tariffs present a strategic opportunity for India to reposition itself as a key export partner. With its resilience and sectoral strengths, India is well-equipped to diversify its export base. By implementing supportive trade and industrial policies, India can transform global tariff challenges into significant economic advantages. As the world navigates these changing trade landscapes, India’s potential as a competitive exporter remains bright, promising growth and resilience in the face of adversity.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Civil Society Covenant: Belfast City Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Civil Society Covenant: Belfast City Council

    Belfast 2024’s Creative Citizens programme.

    In 2020 Belfast City Council published a co-designed 10 year cultural strategy, A City Imagining, to develop “a people-focused approach to cultural development by facilitating citizen, community and creative, cultural and heritage sector participation”. In the strategy were plans for a culture event, Belfast 2024 – a year-long “accelerator” project designed to implement the values of the strategy, directly engage communities within the strategy, and galvanise momentum for creativity as a force for city and regional development. 

    Participatory budgeting

    Central to Belfast 2024 was the Creative Citizens programme, an extensive and ongoing public engagement to not only co-design the year long programme, themes and activities, but to really empower citizens and communities. Through a participatory budgeting approach called The Bank of Ideas, citizens directly decided on the allocation of a budget, proposing and collectively choosing creative projects for the city. As well as handing over decision-making power, the aim of the scheme was to reduce barriers to accessing funding so that a greater range of citizens, community groups and other organisations could participate. 

    Projects supporting citizens

    At the first iteration of the scheme in 2024, 93 ideas were presented to the public at a voting day in City Hall, with over 2000 voters deciding what to take forward. As a result, 28 projects organised by community groups, voluntary organisations and small creative practices took place in communities and neighbourhoods right across Belfast. 

    Projects included a diversity carnival, a touring library, a multi-sensory interactive theatre for children with disability, and biodiversity projects that used creativity as a tool for community education. These projects supported citizens and marginalised groups to become more connected to local communities. 

    Outcomes

    The approach taken by the city, creating the conditions for active participation in society through listening, responding and empowering local communities, has been recognised locally and internationally; winning the NILocal Government Awards Engaging Community Award in 2025 and recognised by United Cities Local Governments international jury as best practice of the UN Agenda 21 for Culture.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New action to tackle unpaid internships as Government seeks to protect younger workers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New action to tackle unpaid internships as Government seeks to protect younger workers

    Call for Evidence launched into unpaid internships as some employers fail to pay young workers despite ban.

    • Evidence will be collected to better protect younger workers from being exploited by illegal unpaid internships. 

    • Tackling this issue would put money back into the pockets of interns across the UK. 

    • This delivers on a commitment to stop employers flouting the rules around unpaid internships, ensuring fair career pathways are accessible to all, breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of the Plan for Change. 

    Younger workers will be protected from employers flouting the rules on the use exploitative unpaid internships, as government takes a step closer on delivering its manifesto commitment to ban the practice. 

    Today (Thursday 17 July) the government has launched its call for evidence on the issue. This forms part of the Make Work Pay agenda, the biggest upgrade to worker’s rights in a generation which will directly benefit over 15 million workers – half of all workers in the UK.  

    Internships offer young people invaluable experience as they build their careers. When these are unpaid or paid below the National Minimum Wage, barriers to equal opportunity are created based on where people live, how old they are, or their social background.  

    Unpaid internships are already largely banned under current law, when they are not part of an educational or training course. The government is committed to strengthening these protections by gathering more evidence on how unpaid internships affect young people, and how businesses use them to assess candidates.  

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    Every young person deserves the chance to build their career through quality work experience, but good employers are still being undercut by those exploiting interns by illegally asking them to work for free. 

    Our Plan for Change seeks to break down barriers to opportunity, which is why we will strengthen protections for younger workers so that internships are accessible to everyone, ensuring they have the foundations to build a strong and successful career.

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:  

    Internships provide a strong platform from which to build a career, allowing young people to learn new skills and giving employers a pipeline of future talent to hire from to grow their business. 

    Employers should not be taking advantage of the opportunities on offer by not paying their interns. This move will help us crack down on those not following the rules, so that the next generation of interns are able to gain that crucial experience whilst earning a fair wage.

    Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, said:

    Taking action on internships with low or no pay is absolutely the right thing to do. We’ve found that 61% of internships undertaken by recent graduates were ‘unpaid or underpaid’, effectively excluding those who can’t rely on financial support from family.  

    Employers will benefit from the wider pool of talent available to them, and three quarters of employers told us a ban wouldn’t impact the number of opportunities they provide. Today’s announcement marks a significant step in the right direction.

    The Call for Evidence will run for [12 weeks, closing on 9 October 2025]. 

    NOTES TO EDITORS: 

    • The Sutton Trust’s report, Unpaid and underpaid internships, was published on 23rd January 2025.  

    • The Sutton Trust surveyed 1,232 recent graduates (aged between 21 and 29) were surveyed between 10 and 11 December 2024 via Public First. 623 recent graduates reported completing at least one internship. All results are weighted using Iterative Proportional Fitting, or ‘Raking’. The results are weighted by age, gender and region to census data proportions. 

    • For the Sutton Trust’s report, employers were surveyed with a sample of 1,009 senior HR decision makers at businesses across Great Britain. Fieldwork was conducted online, between 10 and 18 December 2024, via YouGov, with quotas set by business size targeting 50% in small (10 to 49 employees), 25% in medium (50 to 249 employees) and 25% in large (250+ employees) businesses, to give statistically robust data.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: Third China International Supply Chain Expo opens in Beijing

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

    The third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened in Beijing on Wednesday, bringing together 651 companies and organizations from 75 countries, regions and international organizations.

    The expo, themed “Connecting the World, Creating the Future,” aims to showcase new technologies, products and services across various supply chain sectors while promoting global cooperation.

    Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated solely to supply chains. The event provides a platform to promote synergy across upstream and downstream sectors and integration among businesses of all sizes.

    This year’s expo features six key industrial chains and one exhibition area: advanced manufacturing chain, smart vehicle chain, green agriculture chain, clean energy chain, digital technology chain, healthy life chain, alongside a dedicated supply chain services exhibition area.

    CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin emphasized the expo’s role as a platform for China’s high-standard opening up. He urged collective efforts to safeguard multilateralism and build a more interconnected future.

    John Denton, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, cited an old Chinese proverb to underscore the importance of reviving collaborative efforts for mutual prosperity. He warned of severe disruption to the global trade system if current tensions escalate. “This event is much more than an expo,” Denton said. “It is a forest of connections between economies, industries and people.”

    U.S. tech giant Nvidia, a new exhibitor this year, was represented by founder and CEO Jensen Huang. In his opening address, Huang praised China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, describing the Chinese market as both “large” and “dynamic.” He affirmed Nvidia’s commitment to collaborating with partners to create a prosperous future in the AI era.

    The expo is expected to generate significant cooperation. Organizers said 170 international delegations will visit for discussions and business negotiations, a 120% increase from the previous session.

    MIL OSI China News

  • PM to visit Bihar and West Bengal; inaugurate key infrastructure projects

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar and West Bengal on Friday to launch a series of development projects worth over ₹12,000 crore, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, connectivity, and socio-economic growth in the two states.

    PM in Bihar

    Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation development projects catering to Rail, Road, Rural Development, Fisheries, Electronics and Information Technology sectors.

    In line with his commitment to boost connectivity and infrastructure, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation multiple rail projects. It includes automatic signalling between Samastipur-Bachhwara rail line that will enable efficient train operations in this section. Doubling of Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur rail line part of Darbhanga-Samastipur doubling project worth over Rs 580 crore that will enhance the capacity of train operations and reduce delays.

    The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for multiple rail projects. These include the development of infrastructure for the maintenance of Vande Bharat trains at Patliputra, and the installation of automatic signalling on the 114 km Bhatni–Chhapra Gramin rail line to enable streamlined train operations. The upgradation of the traction system in the Bhatni–Chhapra Gramin section will allow higher train speeds by strengthening traction infrastructure and optimising energy efficiency. Additionally, the Darbhanga–Narkatiaganj rail line doubling project, worth around ₹4,080 crore, will increase sectional capacity, enable the operation of more passenger and freight trains, and strengthen connectivity between North Bihar and the rest of the country.

    Furthering road connectivity in the region, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Ara bypass of NH-319 and inaugurate the Parariya to Mohania section of NH-319. This corridor, which connects Ara Town to the Golden Quadrilateral, is expected to enhance both passenger and freight transport. He will also inaugurate a two-lane paved shoulder road from Sarwan to Chakai under NH-333C, which serves as a vital link between Bihar and Jharkhand.

    In the digital infrastructure sector, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga and a state-of-the-art incubation centre in Patna. These facilities are designed to support the growth of the IT and startup ecosystem in Bihar, promoting software exports and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

    Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), several fisheries development projects will also be inaugurated. These projects include the setting up of hatcheries, biofloc units, ornamental fish farming units, and integrated aquaculture infrastructure. The new projects are expected to generate employment and uplift the rural economy through increased fish production and entrepreneurship.

    In line with the vision for a modern and accessible railway network, the Prime Minister will flag off four new Amrit Bharat trains connecting key cities such as Patna, Motihari, Darbhanga, and Malda Town with major destinations like New Delhi and Lucknow, enhancing regional and interstate rail connectivity.

    Further, the Prime Minister will release ₹400 crore to approximately 61,500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). He will also hand over keys to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin as part of a Griha Pravesh event for 12,000 families, and release over ₹160 crore to 40,000 beneficiaries of the scheme.

    PM in West Bengal

    Later in the day, around 3 PM, the Prime Minister will visit Durgapur in West Bengal, where he will launch and dedicate several development projects in Oil and Gas, Power, Road, and Rail sectors, cumulatively worth over ₹5,000 crore.

    In a major push to energy infrastructure, he will lay the foundation stone for the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia districts. The ₹1,950 crore project aims to provide piped natural gas to households and CNG for vehicles, boosting employment and supporting clean energy usage.

    He will also dedicate the 132-km Durgapur to Kolkata section of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline to the nation. This segment, worth over ₹1,190 crore, is part of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project and will facilitate the supply of natural gas across multiple districts including Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Nadia.

    In keeping with the focus on clean energy, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems at Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station under the Damodar Valley Corporation. These pollution control systems, worth over ₹1,457 crore, are expected to improve air quality and support sustainable power generation in the region.

    Rail infrastructure in West Bengal will also see enhancement with the inauguration of the doubling of the Purulia-Kotshila rail line, a 36-km stretch worth over ₹390 crore. The project will boost industrial connectivity from Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad to Ranchi and Kolkata, improving logistics and reducing transit time.

    The Prime Minister will also inaugurate two road overbridges at Topsi and Pandabeshwar in Paschim Bardhaman, constructed under the Setu Bharatam programme at a cost of over ₹380 crore. These bridges are expected to ease traffic flow and reduce accidents at railway level crossings.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Positioning Youth at the Forefront of Africa’s Energy Future: African Energy Chamber (AEC) Endorses Youth in Oil & Gas Summit 2025

    Source: APO


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    With first oil production on the horizon in Namibia, the country is on track for rapid growth across its oil, gas and broader energy sectors. This highlights a strategic opportunity for the country’s youth, and the upcoming Youth in Oil & Gas Summit – taking place July 25-26, 2025, in Walvis Bay – seeks to position young professionals at the forefront of Namibia’s energy development.

    Held under the theme Drilling into the Future: Empowering Youth in Namibia’s Oil & Gas Revolution, the second edition of the Youth in Oil & Gas Summit represents a vital platform for advancing youth-led innovation and inclusion. Offering a vibrant platform for dialogue, education and strategic collaboration, the summit provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement between youth and energy leaders, thereby positioning youth at the helm of Namibia’s energy future. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – offers its full support and endorsement of the upcoming summit. As a strong advocate for the role youth play in the oil and gas sector, the AEC considers this a vital platform for enhancing collaboration, fostering dialogue and advancing projects.

    The Youth in Oil & Gas Summit comes at a critical time for Namibia’s oil and gas industry. Having emerged as one of the world’s most promising frontiers, the country has witnessed a series of exploration success across its offshore market in recent years. The country is on track for first oil production by 2029, led by the TotalEnergies-operated Venus field, which anticipates a final investment decision in 2026. Other projects such as the Galp-led Mopane development are also driving this production timeline. The company has made a string of discoveries at its exploration wells at the Mopane field – situated in PEL 93 -, with the latest made in February 2025. These discoveries have revealed the potential of over 10 billion barrels of oil.

    Additional exploration campaigns in the Orange basin include in PEL 85, where energy company Rhino Resources is exploring. Energy services firm Halliburton announced the delivery of two exploration wells at Block 2914 in PEL 85 in May 2025. This follows a discovery made by Rhino Resources at the Capricornus-1X well in April 2025 and the confirmation of a hydrocarbon reservoir at the Sagittarius-1X well in February 2025. Other players such as Stamper Oil & Gas Corp and Pancontinental are also pursuing exploration projects, with interests in the Orange basin’s Block 2712A and PEL 87, respectively.

    Beyond the Orange basin, Stamper Oil & Gas Corp secured stakes in Block 2914B in the Lüderitz Basin in 2025, as well as Blocks 2213, Block 2011B and Block 2111A in the Walvis Basin. The Lüderitz asset is situated in the southern part of the basin, with drilling expected to start in 2025. Energy major Chevron also acquired an 80% operating stake in Blocks 2112B and 2212A in the Walvis Basin, highlighting the level of global interest in Namibian assets. The country is also accelerating the development of the Kudu gas field – spearheaded by BW Energy. The field is situated in PEL 003 and, following completion, will be a key gas-to-power project in Namibia, utilizing a floating production unit to harness gas resources from the Kudu prospect. An appraisal well is set to be spud in late 2025, targeting the Kharaas Prospect in the north-west section of the Kudu formation.

    Namibia is also making a strong play for onshore exploration, with campaigns led by energy company ReconAfrica. With stakes in the onshore Kavango basin, ReconAfrica is advancing its 2024 drilling campaign, targeting 3.4 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the Damara Fold Belt. Preparations are underway to spud a second exploration well. The company has since raised C$18 million to finance exploration activities, including drilling the Kavango West 1X well. The well targets 346 million barrels of gross unrisked prospective crude oil and 1,839 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Drilling is set to commence after rig mobilization – planned for June/July 2025, pending final permits. These exploration campaigns have not only unlocked opportunities for domestic oil and gas production, but highlighted the level of commercial opportunity available in Namibia’s oil and gas sector.

    Beyond upstream, the country is also aligning investments with broader goals of enhancing fuel security through modernized infrastructure. Notably, Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is expected to construct a 1.6-million-barrel fuel storage facility in Namibia. A tripartite agreement was also signed between the Namibian ports Authority and the respective national oil companies of Angola and Namibia to establish an integrated logistics base in Namibia. These introduce strategic opportunities for youth across the entire oil and gas value chain and the upcoming Youth in Oil & Gas Summit will outline opportunities, challenges and potential collaborations.

    “This is our opportunity to promote youth and encourage them to be drivers of the future. Namibia is on track for rapid growth across its oil and gas, but without youth, it will fail to unlock the full potential of the sector. This is the time to establish mechanisms that encourage participation, foster inclusion and place collaboration at the forefront of development,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa