Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: QSEC-CEE 2025 Concludes with Breakthroughs in Quantum Cybersecurity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KOŠICE, SLOVAKIA, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Decent Cybersecurity concluded its highly anticipated conference QSEC-CEE 2025 on post-quantum cybersecurity, bringing together experts and innovators at Bistro HÁJE and online, on Jan 31, 2025. The sold-out hybrid event gathered leading cybersecurity professionals from across Central and Eastern Europe, fostering critical discussions on the future of quantum-resistant security solutions.

    The conference, organized by Decent Cybersecurity, a founding member of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (Asociácia kritickej infraštruktúry Slovenskej republiky, AKI), showcased the region’s emerging leadership in quantum security innovation.

    The day opened with powerful keynotes from industry leaders. Matej Michalko, CEO of Decent Cybersecurity, delivered an inspiring vision of Central Europe’s role in quantum security, followed by Michaela Abel, COO, who outlined practical steps for building quantum-ready organizations.

    The program flowed seamlessly through technical and strategic presentations. Ing. Pavol Krcho, PhD. traced the fascinating evolution from punch cards to post-quantum cryptography, while doc. Ing. Jaroslav Sivák CSc. delivered crucial insights on critical infrastructure security. Marek Procháska brought fresh perspectives on the post-quantum future of DevOps.

    The afternoon sessions saw Ing. Hana Krchová, Ph.D., MBA tackling the future of R&D project management, followed by Mgr. Jozef Binder’s exploration of agile methodologies in the quantum era. Certified cybersecurity auditor and manager Ing. Pavol Adámek rounded out the program with a comprehensive overview of NIS2 implementation in Slovakia.

    “The quantum threat isn’t coming – it’s here,” warned Michaela Abel during her keynote. “And today showed that Central Europe isn’t waiting for solutions from Silicon Valley or Tel Aviv. We’re building them ourselves.”

    The carefully curated single-track format ensured all attendees, both in-person and virtual, shared the same powerful experience. Live translation services in English, Slovak, and Czech enabled seamless communication across the region.

    “The energy here is different,” noted one attendee from Prague. “It’s not just another tech conference – there’s real work getting done, whether you’re here in person or joining remotely.”

    The choice of venue proved inspired. Bistro HÁJE, perched in Košice’s Lorinčík district, offered a refreshing break from sterile conference centers. Between sessions, in-person attendees networked over local specialties while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while virtual participants engaged through dedicated networking channels.

    About Decent Cybersecurity

    A founding member of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic, Decent Cybersecurity leads the charge in European cybersecurity solutions, with a laser focus on post-quantum security and critical infrastructure protection. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications from TÜV SÜD, and maintains national, EU, and NATO security clearances at the “Secret” level. As a certified provider of cybersecurity audit by the National Security Authority, Decent Cybersecurity brings the highest level of security expertise to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

    About Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic

    The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (Asociácia kritickej infraštruktúry Slovenskej republiky, AKI) unites key players in Slovakia’s critical infrastructure security sector, driving innovation in national security solutions.

    About Bistro HÁJE

    Tucked away at Pod Hájmi 28, Košice-Lorinčík, Bistro HÁJE has become Košice’s go-to venue for high-stakes business gatherings. Its blend of professional facilities and stunning natural surroundings offers a welcome departure from conventional conference spaces.

    For conference materials and future events: www.decentcybersecurity.eu and www.akisr.sk

    Contact

    Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o.

    media@decentcybersecurity.eu

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese government bans DeepSeek from official devices on security grounds

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

    The Albanese government is banning DeepSeek – the Chinese artificial intelligence model – from all government systems and devices on national security grounds.

    It says this is in line with the actions of a number of other countries and is based on “risk and threat information” from security and intelligence agencies.

    The Chinese platform TikTok is already banned from government systems and devices.

    Under the decision, announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, government bodies must immediately remove all DeepSeek products, applications and services from systems and mobile devices. No new installations are allowed.

    But politicians can still have DeepSeek on their personal non-government devices. This presently happens with TikTok – for example opposition leader Peter Dutton has a TikTok account.

    While the direction only applies to official systems and devices, the government is also urging all Australians to inform themselves about how their data can be used online and to carefully review a company’s privacy policy on how customer data is managed.

    Burke said: “The Albanese government is taking swift and decisive action to protect Australia’s national security and national interest.

    “AI is is a technology full of potential and opportunity, but the government will not hesitate to act when our agencies identify a national security risk.

    “Our approach is country-agnostic and focused on the risk to the Australian government and our assets.‘

    The NSW Department of Customer Service acted late last month to ban DeepSeek from official devices and systems.

    The department told Cyber Daily it had “taken a precautionary approach to restrict corporate access to DeepSeek AI, consistent with the approach taken for many new and emerging applications, systems and services”.

    Commenting on the NSW department’s decision Dana Mckay, Senior Lecturer in Innovative Interactive Technologies at RMIT, said: “The reason Chinese-made and-owned tools are being banned is that the data they collect is available to the Chinese government not just when a crime has been committed, but also for economic or social reasons.

    “DeepSeek even collects keystroke patterns, which can be used to identify individuals, potentially allowing them to match in-work searches with leisure time searches, potentially leading to national security risks,” she said.

    “It is fair to ask whether DeepSeek is more dangerous to Australian national security than, say, OpenAI which collects similar data: the difference is that OpenAI will only give data to government to comply with relevant laws, and this typically means where a crime may have been committed.

    “Whether governments should be concerned about the level of data collected by commercial companies, such as OpenAI and Google, is still a significant question, but one that is separate to the national security concerns raised by China’s data sovereignty laws.”

    Among those banning Deepseek are the Pentagon, the United States Navy, NASA, Italy and Taiwan.

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

    ref. Albanese government bans DeepSeek from official devices on security grounds – https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-bans-deepseek-from-official-devices-on-security-grounds-249022

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation on permit application for Fleetwood landfill opens

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has opened a consultation on a permit variation application from the operator of Jameson Road Landfill in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

    Transwaste Recycling & Aggregates has applied to the Environment Agency for permission to operate a dedicated tipping bay for waste brought on to the site.

    The tipped waste would be transferred to dump trucks that would take the waste to final disposal in the landfill.

    To be able to do this, the company needs to apply for a change to its existing environmental permit for the site.

    The Environment Agency is seeking views from the local community and interested groups on the application.

    The consultation runs from Monday 3 February until Monday 17 March, 2025.

    John Neville, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    We understand the ongoing public interest and concerns around this landfill site.

    I’d like to reassure people that we will carry out a detailed and rigorous assessment of Transwaste’s permit variation application

    Our regulatory controls are in place to protect people and the environment.

    We welcome comments from the public and interested groups on local environmental factors related to this permit consultation.

    In its application, the company proposes that the tipping bay would have sealed drainage and containment. It also proposes the bay would be surrounded by nets to minimise the potential for litter escaping.

    The application includes screening, which would act as a wind shield and visual screen for the tipping operation.

    The Environment Agency assesses applications for environmental permits, or to vary existing environmental permits, under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR).

    Its role is to assess the application and decide if it meets all requirements under relevant environmental legislation and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health.

    It will only vary the environmental permit for the site to allow the tipping bay if it is satisfied this would be the case.

    The consultation is live on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Electronic House”: platform specialists answered the five most popular questions from Muscovites

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Platform “Electronic House” has become an indispensable tool for Muscovites. It helps to participate in the life of the house, saving time and effort on solving both routine household issues and those that are important for all residents of an apartment building. Thanks to the platform, you can, for example, hold general meetings of owners (GMOs) and surveys, send requests about problems in the house or in the yard, post ads, transmit meter readings, and also pay utility bills.

    The platform’s specialists help Muscovites understand the functionality and intricacies of the “Electronic House”. They answered the most popular questions from users, which they ask on social networks and in the “Feedback” section on the website and in the application.

    Questions about the OSS: what does an administrator do and who can become one

    Questions related to general meetings of owners are most often received from city residents. Last year alone, the platform hosted more than 10 thousand OSS.

    Experts note that when holding a general meeting of owners in an apartment building using the platform, an important role is assigned to the administrator. He creates a new general meeting of owners in the system at the request of the initiator, notifies residents of the upcoming meeting, and also collects paper ballots if the owners do not want or have the opportunity to vote electronically.

    “Any owner of premises in an apartment building or a management organization can become an administrator of the general meeting of owners. At the same time, according to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, at the first general meeting of owners in the system, the role of the administrator is performed by the initiator of such a meeting, and for subsequent ones, his candidacy is approved by a decision of the owners also within the framework of the general meeting of owners. The owners can change the candidacy of the administrator by including this issue in the agenda of any subsequent meeting,” said Alena Krutakova, head of the Electronic House project.

    Where to view the results after the completion of the general meeting of owners

    Based on the results of the AGM, a protocol is formed with the decisions of the owners on all issues on the agenda, signed with the electronic signature of the operator of the Electronic House system. All users of the platform can get acquainted with it in the section “Polls and meetings of owners” of the personal account (the “Meetings” tab). There, the initiator of the AGM can also download appendices to the protocol, which contain decisions, powers of attorney for representatives of the owners and other documents.

    Is it possible to hold a general meeting of owners in a house with a homeowners association?

    According to experts, if the management method chosen in the house is through a homeowners’ association (HOA), then the meeting can be held in exactly the same way on the “Electronic House” platform. However, it is worth paying attention to the agenda items.

    “It is important to distinguish between the general meeting of owners and the general meeting of members of the HOA: their competence includes different issues, enshrined in Articles 44 and 145 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. For example, determining the amount of the contribution for major repairs is an agenda item exclusively for the general meeting of owners; HOA members cannot make such decisions. At the same time, the meeting of HOA members can consider issues of approving the annual plan for the maintenance and repair of common property in an apartment building or changing the chairman of the HOA board. In the “Electronic House”, owners of premises in buildings managed by the HOA can only hold a general meeting of owners; holding a meeting of HOA members on the platform is not provided for,” explained Alena Krutakova.

    Who is responsible for troubleshooting in the house and yard?

    The platform’s specialists explain that the proper condition of the common property in the building is monitored by the management organization or HOA (depending on the chosen management method). They are also responsible for eliminating deficiencies in the yard if the adjacent territory is part of the common property.

    Where to find information about city points received for activity on the platform

    On the platform there are points of the city loyalty program “A Million Prizes” are awarded for active participation in the life of the house. For example, for transmitting meter readings, paying utility bills, holding and participating in the general meeting of owners, or posting an ad for the first time. They are displayed in the user’s personal account in the “My points” section. The total number of city points received for active participation in all electronic projects of the capital is also visible there. It is also convenient to go from this section to the “Million Prizes” website, where city points can be used to receive goods and services from program partners. In addition, points can be donated to charity.

    You can find answers to most questions, as well as get more detailed information about the platform’s capabilities, in the Knowledge Base on the website and in the Electronic Home app. If you cannot find the answer to your question, users can leave a message in the Feedback section on the ed.mos.ru website or in the More tab of the Technical Support section in the mobile app.

    The Electronic Home platform was launched in November 2020. It helps manage your home online using a website or app. Users have the opportunity to receive important notifications about events in the house in a timely manner, such as hot water supply outages or elevator repairs. You can also report problems in your apartment, house, and yard to the management company, pay for utilities, transmit meter readings, communicate with neighbors in a chat, and hold general meetings of owners electronically.

    The project is being developed by the State Institution “New Management Technologies” together withDepartment of Information Technology the city of Moscow.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant, as well as other services and services in electronic form, corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the Moscow regional project “Digital Public Administration”.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149659073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 100 thousand gas stoves have been checked in Moscow since the beginning of the year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of this year, specialists from the city services complex have checked more than 100 thousand gas stoves installed in Muscovites’ apartments. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “In January, we checked the functionality and compliance with safety requirements of over 100 thousand gas stoves. If violations are detected, gas workers eliminate the safety threat and give recommendations for further operation and repair. Information about the dates and times of inspections is posted on stands installed in entrances and courtyards,” noted Petr Biryukov.

    Gas safety issues are under special control. According to the head of the city economy complex, specialists conduct scheduled maintenance of all gasified housing stock annually.

    In the capital, about 1.8 million families use gas stoves. In order for the equipment to operate safely, it is very important to check it in a timely manner. Responsibility for maintaining and replacing gas equipment lies with the owner or tenant of the residential premises.

    The service life of a gas stove is on average 10-12 years. After that, gas taps wear out, burner diffusers become deformed, and the thermal insulation of the oven is damaged. It is impossible to maintain the safe operation of such devices; replacement is necessary.

    The stove must be equipped with a gas control system that stops the gas supply if the flame in the burner goes out.

    You can find out more about dates and times of gas equipment inspections on the official website of Mosgaz and with the help of a special telegram bot companies. In addition, residents of the capital can subscribe to notifications about an upcoming inspection and then evaluate the specialist’s work.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149693073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A production complex will appear in Yuzhnoye Butovo as part of a large-scale investment project

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The city has leased a plot of land to an investor at a preferential rate of one ruble per year for the construction of an industrial complex in the Yuzhnoye Butovo district. The industrial facility will be built as part of a large-scale investment project (MaIP). This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Large-scale investment projects allow us to develop infrastructure and create jobs in different areas of the capital. In 2024, a record amount of land was allocated for the implementation of the MaIP — more than 360 hectares. Of these, over 177 are for the construction of industrial facilities. As part of one of the large-scale investment projects, a food equipment manufacturing plant with an area of 10.4 thousand square meters will be built on Bartenevskaya Street. The investor will invest 0.9 billion rubles in the implementation of this project,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The investor will also be provided with a benefit under the program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities.

    “By order of Sergei Sobyanin, more than 20 measures to support industry are being implemented in the city. Investors can combine these measures and receive the greatest economic effect from the project. Thus, a production complex for the production of food equipment will appear in Yuzhnoye Butovo thanks to two support measures at once – assigning the status of a large-scale investment project and participation in the program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities. As a result, 240 jobs will be created at the enterprise,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    Since 2022, by decision of the Mayor of Moscow, the city provides land at a preferential rate of one ruble per year for the development of production. This helps attract investment to the capital’s economy and create jobs.

    According to the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman, the lease agreement for the 0.77 hectare plot was concluded for five years. During this time, the investor must complete the construction of the production complex. The land is provided at a preferential rate of one ruble per year, which will be valid for the entire term.

    A large-scale investment project is a special status that can be obtained by objects whose creation is aimed at developing the capital’s infrastructure. These are, for example, production, sports and business complexes, innovation centers, social institutions. For their construction, the city provides land plots for lease without bidding.

    Previously Sergei Sobyanin said, that since 2022 Moscow has provided entrepreneurs with about 700 hectares of land without bidding for the implementation of large-scale investment projects.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149665073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 20,000 live animals seized, 365 suspects arrested in largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    4 February 2025

    138 countries and regions join forces to target fauna and flora trafficking worldwide

    LYON, France – Nearly 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, have been seized in a global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks, jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

    Operation Thunder 2024 (11 November – 6 December) brought together police, customs, border control, forestry and wildlife officials from 138 countries and regions, marking the widest participation since the first edition in 2017.

    Authorities arrested 365 suspects and identified six transnational criminal networks suspected of trafficking animals and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Such species are illegally trafficked to meet specific market demands, whether for food, perceived medicinal benefits, “luxury” and collector items or as pets and competition animals.

    Globally, more than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species were identified.

    The operation led to the rescue of 18 big cats, including these tiger cubs in the Czech Republic.

    The seized animals were sent to conservation centres, where their health was assessed while awaiting repatriation or rehabilitation.

    Organized crime networks profit from the demand for rare plants and animals, like this bird seized in Mexico.

    More than 5,877 live turtles were seized during Operation Thunder, including these ones in Tanzania.

    Morocco conducted intelligence-led investigations and seized over 50 snakes of various species.

    12 live pangolins were seized during the action weeks, such as this one in Mozambique.

    These Oryx were seized in Iraq. The collection of DNA is a crucial part of supporting prosecutions.

    1,731 other reptiles were seized live, like these blue-tongued lizards in Australia.

    Overall, nearly 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, were rescued.

    33 protected primates were seized during the operation, this one was discovered in Chile.

    An example of a deer seized in North Macedonia during the operation that was jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

    This primate was rescued in Indonesia during Operation Thunder.

    The live animals, which included big cats, birds, pangolins, primates and reptiles were rescued in connection with 2,213 seizures made worldwide.

    Where possible, wildlife forensic experts collected DNA samples before transferring the animals to conservation centres, where their health was assessed while awaiting repatriation or rehabilitation, in line with national frameworks and relevant protocols.

    The collection of DNA is a crucial part of supporting prosecutions, as it helps confirm the type of species and its origin or distribution, shedding light on new trafficking routes and emerging trends.

    Large-scale trafficking of animal parts, plants and endangered species

    In addition to the live animals, participating countries seized hundreds of thousands of protected animal parts and derivatives, trees, plants, marine life and arthropods.

    Timber cases represent the most significant seizures, primarily occurring in sea cargo container shipments, while most other seizures took place at airports and mail processing hubs.

    Authorities also investigated online activities and found suspects using multiple profiles and linked accounts across social media platforms and marketplaces to expand their reach.

    More than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species were also identified.

    Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General said:

    “Organized crime networks are profiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to fuel human greed. This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to climate change and even fuels conflict and instability.

    “Environmental crimes are uniquely destructive, and INTERPOL, in cooperation with its partners, is committed to protecting our planet for future generations.”

    Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General, said:

    “Operation Thunder continues to shed light on a crime that is often not a priority for enforcement actors. Through our joint efforts we have established cooperation mechanisms that facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence, and we have refined our enforcement strategies.

    “The illegal wildlife trade is still rapidly growing, highly lucrative and has devastating effects. The WCO remains committed to supporting its members and partners to effectively combat this serious crime.”

    This leopard hide was seized in Namibia, during the largest-ever global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking.

    As well as this leopard skin coat discovered in Poland, Polish authorities also seized 300 seahorse tablets.

    This Mariposa butterfly found in Peru was one of 5,991 pieces and 233kg of arthropods seized globally.

    This wood in Brazil was among 49,572 pieces, 214.9 tonnes and 1340 m3 of timber seized worldwide.

    These sea cucumbers and shark fins were seized in Mozambique.

    Nearly 4.5 tonnes of pangolin scales were seized in Nigeria.

    Mongolia reported the seizure of 40 m3 of timber.

    This skull, discovered by Mexican authorities, was among 53 pieces of big cats seized around the world, including claws, furs, and skulls.

    Python skin products, like this one seized in Italy, are perceived as high-end or luxurious items.

    This coral, found in Italy, was one of 493 pieces and 21.41kg of coral seized globally.

    Indonesia reported two instances of trafficking of African ivory.

    Significant seizures include:

    • Indonesia: 134 tonnes of timber headed to Asia via ocean freight.
    • Kenya: 41 tonnes of exotic timber headed to Asia via ocean freight.
    • Nigeria: 4,472 kg of pangolins scales
    • Türkiye: 6,500 live songbirds discovered during a vehicle inspection at the Syrian border.
    • India: 5,193 live red-eared ornamental slider turtles concealed in passenger suitcases arriving from Malaysia at Chennai Airport.
    • Peru: 3,700 protected plants intercepted en route from Ecuador.
    • Qatar: Eight rhino horns found in a suspect’s luggage while transiting from Mozambique to Thailand.
    • United States: One tonne of sea cucumbers, considered a seafood delicacy, smuggled from Nicaragua.
    • Hong Kong, China: 973 kg of dried shark fins originating from Morocco seized at the airport.
    • Czech Republic: Eight tigers, aged between two months and two years, discovered in a suspected illegal breeding facility.
    • Indonesia: 846 pieces of reticulated python skin, from the world’s longest snake species, concealed on board a ship.
    • More than 300 firearms, vehicles and poaching equipment.

    Building a global intelligence picture of wildlife and timber trafficking

    Regular operations such as Thunder enable investigators to build a comprehensive global intelligence picture and detailed offender profiles, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of enforcement efforts and resolution of cross-border cases.

    Cooperation between various stakeholders is essential for effectively combating transnational criminal networks, from seizure to arrest and prosecution, as the data collected enable customs administrations to refine their risk management and compliance strategies, and stay one step ahead of criminals, ensuring that their contribution to the fight against wildlife crime is dynamic and responsive.

    Ahead of the operation, countries exchanged actionable intelligence on ongoing cases and high-value targets, updating critical information on 21 INTERPOL Red Notices for suspected traffickers wanted internationally. This exchange continued throughout the operation, with officers using the secure channels provided by both INTERPOL and the WCO to communicate in real time.

    The Operation Thunder series is backed by the CITES Secretariat and carried out under the partnership framework of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC). The 2024 edition was co-funded by the European Union, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Within minutes of the booking opening time CBB: Appointments for the second and final batch of Silver Commemorative Coin minted on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, marking 25 years of His Majesty’s reign fully booked

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    Within minutes of the booking opening time CBB: Appointments for the second and final batch of Silver Commemorative Coin minted on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, marking 25 years of His Majesty’s reign fully booked

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches independent new Nightlife Taskforce to help support capital’s life at night

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq announces the members of London’s new independent Nightlife Taskforce
    • The Taskforce – a Mayoral manifesto commitment – brings together a wide range of experts from the frontline of the capital’s nightlife to examine and address the issues facing the industries
    • Over six months the taskforce will assess the challenges and opportunities facing London’s ever-evolving nightlife to provide recommendations on how to ensure the capital’s night-time economy can thrive

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today revealed the members of a new independent Nightlife Taskforce that has been created to help support the capital’s life at night.

    The Taskforce brings together a range of experts from the frontline of the capital’s nightlife to examine and address the issues facing the industries, and provide recommendations on how to ensure the night-time economy can thrive.

    In recent years London’s nightlife and night-time industries, along with other cities in the UK, have faced a huge range of challenges. These include the long-lasting impact of the pandemic, rising rents and business rates, staffing shortages, licensing and planning issues, and cost-of-living and cost-of-doing business pressures.

    Sadiq is determined to do all he can to work with partners to help the capital’s nightlife communities and industries navigate these challenges and buck global trends, which is why he’s brought together London’s first ever Nightlife Taskforce.

    The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) recently published figures showing a 32.7 per cent decline in nightclubs across the country since 2020. London saw the smallest decline with a 19.7 per cent decrease from March 2020 to November 2024, compared to Manchester which saw a decrease of 33.3 per cent and Birmingham had a drop of 38.5 per cent. 

    Despite these ongoing challenges, the landscape of London’s nightlife continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of Londoners and visitors to the capital. This has seen it diversify from zone one to include a range of other locations including Hackney, Peckham and Tottenham.

    The Taskforce will be chaired by Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director of fabric, and includes representatives from the heart of London’s nightlife, including Nadine Noor, Founder of Pxssy Palace, Nathanael Williams, Founder of Colour Factory, and Alice Hoffman Fuller, Head of Operations at Corsica Studios; as well key industry bodies Kate Nicholls CEO of UK Hospitality, Mike Kill CEO of Night Time Industries Association, and Sophie Brownlee, External Affairs Manager at Music Venue Trust.

    Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and over the next six months they will meet regularly to examine and address the challenges and opportunities facing London’s ever-evolving nightlife.

    They will have access to an advisory group that will includes representatives from the Met Police, TfL, London Councils, trade unions, the broader business community and supply chain businesses. They will also be supported by Nightlife Research consultants Vibe Lab who will be calling on Londoners to help provide evidence to the taskforce to help develop their recommendations.

    The Taskforce will provide a series of recommendations to the Mayor that will then help to build on City Hall’s ongoing work to support nightlife. This includes protecting hundreds of venues from closure through the Culture and Community Spaces at Risk office, working with boroughs to develop London’s first ever local Night Time Strategies, introducing the Night Tube and Overground, creating the most night-friendly London Plan to date, cutting red tape with our Business Friendly Licensing Fund, and launching the Women’s Night Safety Charter.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London’s nightlife industries are vital to the success of our capital, but, as with other cities across the country, they have faced a huge range of challenges in recent years. The rising cost of living and operational costs, shifts in consumer behaviour, staffing shortages and licensing issues have all been hitting businesses hard. I’m determined to do all I can to work alongside our night-time industries, which is why I’ve brought together this independent taskforce of experts to examine and address the opportunities and issues facing the industry. Their expertise and unparalleled knowledge garnered from years of working across a range of night-time industries will help to inform and develop our collective efforts to support nightlife, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

    Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director, fabric, said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to lead this newly assembled independent Nightlife Taskforce. This group that has come together, represents some of the best of what London has to offer, across an incredibly broad spectrum. We are all excited about the future of nightlife in our wonderful city, and are also acutely aware of the stark challenges we face. The Taskforce cannot wave a magic wand to make things better but I truly believe through our experience, expertise, knowledge, relationships and desire we can put forward something meaningful by which all stakeholders and individuals who genuinely want to see London’s vibrant night-time economy thrive and grow can then get behind.”

    Nadine Noor, Founder of Pxssy Palace, said: “I’m looking forward to be part of this Taskforce because I believe collaboration is key. Working together enables us to stay active, hold each other accountable, and drive meaningful change that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of London’s nightlife.”

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “I was delighted to lead the first ground-breaking report into London’s nightlife, and I’m pleased the Mayor is reaffirming his commitment to the night-time economy through this new taskforce. London’s vibrant nightlife is world-renowned and, while there are undoubtedly significant challenges facing our nightlife businesses, it still has the potential to grow and build on that reputation. I look forward to working with the taskforce to develop new solutions that can support businesses in the capital to both survive and thrive.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seven-year ban for former manager of Chinese takeaway who employed illegal workers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Director banned for breaching immigration rules

    • Qiqing He employed three people who were not allowed to work in the UK at his takeaway in Aberdeen 
    • The illegal workers were discovered during a visit to the premises by Immigration Enforcement 
    • He has now been banned as a company director for seven years following investigations by the Insolvency Service 

    The former manager of a Chinese takeaway in Aberdeen has been banned as a company director for seven years after employing three illegal workers. 

    Qiqing He, 54, hired the workers at the former Chinese Cooking takeaway on Holburn Street which was visited by Immigration Enforcement officials in 2022. 

    The three workers, all Chinese nationals in their 50s and 60s, had no right to work in the UK. 

    He, of Denburn Court, Aberdeen, was disqualified as a director at a hearing of the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh last month. 

    His director ban started on Tuesday 4 February. 

    Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Company directors have a responsibility to follow all the rules and regulations expected of them. Qiqing He clearly failed to do this, employing three people who had no right to work in the UK. 

    Illegal working puts some of the most vulnerable people in society at risk of exploitation, undercuts honest employers who pay their taxes, and encourages others to break our immigration laws. 

    Improving director conduct is a key priority for the Insolvency Service and we will continue to work with our partners at the Home Office to clamp down on those who do not meet the standards we expect.

    He was the director of QQ Holburn Limited, the company through which the takeaway traded. The company was incorporated on Companies House in October 2019 with He as its sole director. 

    Immigration Enforcement found the illegal workers when they visited the takeaway in September 2022. 

    Despite formally resigning as director of the company four months earlier in May 2022, He had continued to control and manage the business. 

    In interviews with Immigration Enforcement, He also admitted that he had employed the workers and was responsible for paying them. 

    Immigration Enforcement fined the company £30,000 for the immigration breach, which remains unpaid. 

    Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said:  

    These sanctions demonstrate the serious consequences that await business owners who flout employment regulations. 

    All employers have a responsibility to carry out right to work checks on individuals they hire and we’re ramping up enforcement action against those who fail to do so. 

    I would like to thank the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team and our partners at the Insolvency Service for taking robust action in this case. Together we will continue to make sure those who abuse our immigration system face the full consequences.

    The disqualification order prevents He from becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court until February 2032.  

    QQ Holburn stopped trading as a company in March 2024. 

    A Chinese takeaway with a different company and trading name currently operates from the same address as Chinese Cooking. He is not a director of this company. 

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent businesses shine with nominations at Tourism Awards

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 4th February 2025

    Some of the city’s best hospitality and leisure businesses have been shortlisted for awards at the prestigious Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards 2025.

    The annual awards ceremony – sponsored by the University of Staffordshire – recognises the diverse range of attractions, accommodations and food and drink businesses and will be held in Stoke-on-Trent this year as part of the city’s centenary celebrations.

    This comes as latest figures show that a £2.3 billion tourism boom has seen more visitors flock to the area and numbers using the sector are up 30 per cent since 2019.

    World of Wedgwood has been recognised with several nominations, including for the International Tourism Award, Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and the tea room has been nominated in the Taste of England – Tea Room & Coffee Shop of the Year category.

    Jemma Harrison, Director of Destinations at Fiskars UK Limited, who run World of Wedgwood, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for three awards this year, especially in the new category of International Attraction of the Year.

    “The team at World of Wedgwood have worked hard to build brand awareness within the inbound travel market as well as creating bespoke itineraries and products for our international guests. It’s fantastic news to be shortlisted for an award which reflects such great collaboration between the marketing and operational teams.”

    Doubletree by Hilton, on Festival Park, has been shortlisted for two awards, in the categories of Large Hotel of the Year and their Revenue, Sales & Marketing team have been nominated for Team of the Year.

    Middleport Pottery has been shortlisted for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and two restaurants, including Lunar Restaurant, are finalists for Restaurant of the Year.

    Craig Wilkinson, Director and Owner of Lunar Restaurant, said: “Words cannot express how much it means to everyone at Lunar to be finalists in the category of ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in our home city which we are so proud to serve and celebrate.

    “Our guests travel from near and far to experience our wonderful county which as well as being steeped in history has so many wonderful opportunities, people, organisations and places to explore in 2025.”

    Other local businesses that have been shortlisted at the awards include:

    • Adventure Mini Village (New Tourism Business of the Year)
    • Dusk Beaver Safari at Trentham Estate (Experience of the Year)
    • Trentham Estate (Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award/Large Visitor Attraction)
    • Waterworld Leisure Resort (Large Visitor Attraction)
    • Willow on the Trentham Estate (Restaurant of the Year)

    The hard work and talent of employees has also been recognised with Jodie Knapper being shortlisted for the Unsung Hero Award (Trentham Estate) and Daniel West being shortlisted for the Rising Star Award (The Upper House Hotel).

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is amazing to see so many businesses in Stoke-on-Trent being recognised at the Tourism Awards and the brilliant work of our residents being acknowledged and celebrated.

    “In our centenary year, it is great that we can spotlight the very best that our city has to offer in leisure, hospitality and tourism and we are confident our year-long programme of fantastic events will drive many more people to come and discover what a wonderful part of the world this is.

    “I would like to congratulate all the people and businesses that have been shortlisted at this year’s awards and wish them the best of luck at the ceremony.”

    The winners will be announced live at a ceremony on Thursday 20th March 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent.

    For more information, visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com/awards

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation Announces First Fiscal Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation (NASDAQ: OCSL) (“Oaktree Specialty Lending” or the “Company”), a specialty finance company, today announced its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Financial Highlights for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

    • Oaktree Capital I, L.P. purchased $100.0 million of shares of OCSL common stock on February 3, 2025 at the Company’s net asset value as of January 31, 2025, which was $17.63 per share and represented a 10% premium to the closing stock price and resulted in a nearly 7% increase to NAV. The equity raise will help grow OCSL’s asset base and further diversify the portfolio.
    • Implemented total return hurdle resulting in waived Part I incentive fees of $6.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. In connection with the institution of this incentive fee cap, the calculation of the Part I incentive fee will consider capital gains and losses when determining Part I incentive fees payable. This new arrangement includes a lookback provision that commences effective October 1, 2024, and will build over time to a rolling 12 quarter lookback by the Company’s 2027 fiscal year-end.
    • Total investment income was $86.6 million ($1.05 per share) for the first fiscal quarter of 2025, as compared with $94.7 million ($1.15 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. Adjusted total investment income was $87.1 million ($1.06 per share) for the first fiscal quarter, as compared with $95.0 million ($1.16 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The decrease was driven by (i) lower interest income, which was attributable to decreases in reference rates, the impact of certain investments that were placed on non-accrual status, a smaller investment portfolio and lower original issue discount (“OID”) acceleration from investment repayments, (ii) lower fee income from a decrease in prepayment fees and (iii) lower dividend income from the Company’s investment in Senior Loan Fund JV I, LLC (“SLF JV I”).
    • GAAP net investment income was $44.3 million ($0.54 per share) for the first fiscal quarter of 2025, as compared with $44.9 million ($0.55 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The decrease for the quarter was primarily driven by lower total investment income and higher operating expenses, partially offset by lower interest expense and lower management and income-based (“Part I”) incentive fees (net of fees waived).
    • Adjusted net investment income was $44.7 million ($0.54 per share) for the first fiscal quarter of 2025, as compared with $45.2 million ($0.55 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The decrease for the quarter was primarily driven by lower adjusted total investment income and higher operating expenses, partially offset by lower interest expense and lower management and Part I incentive fees (net of fees waived).
    • Net asset value (“NAV”) per share was $17.63 as of December 31, 2024, down as compared with $18.09 as of September 30, 2024. The decline from September 30, 2024 primarily reflected losses on certain debt and equity investments.
    • Originated $198.1 million of new investment commitments and received $352.4 million of proceeds from prepayments, exits, other paydowns and sales during the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The weighted average yield on new debt investments was 9.6%.
    • Total debt outstanding was $1,610.0 million as of December 31, 2024. The total debt to equity ratio was 1.11x, and the net debt to equity ratio was 1.03x, after adjusting for cash and cash equivalents.
    • Liquidity as of December 31, 2024 was composed of $112.9 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $957.5 million of undrawn capacity under the Company’s credit facilities (subject to borrowing base and other limitations). Unfunded investment commitments were $302.3 million, or $275.2 million excluding unfunded commitments to the Company’s joint ventures. Of the $275.2 million, approximately $243.7 million can be drawn immediately with the remaining amount subject to certain milestones that must be met by portfolio companies or other restrictions.
    • A quarterly and supplemental cash distribution was declared of $0.40 per share and $0.07 per share, respectively, payable in cash on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025. The modification to the dividend policy introduces a stable base dividend, which is anticipated to be sustainable across market cycles, amid fluctuations in rates and spreads.

    Armen Panossian, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer said, “We had several positive outcomes within the portfolio, but continued to face challenges with several names. We remain focused on our underperforming borrowers, working through each situation to identify the appropriate course of action.”

    “We remain committed to our shareholders and growing our business. As part of that process, Oaktree has purchased $100 million of shares at NAV. And, in addition to the permanent fee reduction announced last year and additional support provided via voluntary fee waivers, starting with the quarter ending December 31, 2024, we have instituted a cap in the calculation of our Part I Incentive Fee to consider capital gains and losses, which will build up over time and look back to 12 quarters by our 2027 fiscal year-end. We believe these actions further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our shareholders while providing the capital to execute on our long-term initiatives.”

    Distribution Declaration

    The Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution of $0.40 per share, payable in cash on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025. The Board of Directors also declared a supplemental distribution of $0.07 per share, payable in cash on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025. For the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and going forward, in addition to a quarterly base dividend of $0.40 per share, the Company’s Board of Directors expects to declare, when applicable, a quarterly supplemental dividend in an amount to be determined each quarter.

    Distributions are paid primarily from distributable (taxable) income. To the extent taxable earnings for a fiscal taxable year fall below the total amount of distributions for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to the Company’s stockholders.

    Results of Operations

        For the three months ended
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    GAAP operating results:            
    Interest income   $ 78,422     $ 83,626     $ 91,414  
    PIK interest income     5,728       6,018       3,849  
    Fee income     1,679       3,897       1,307  
    Dividend income     818       1,144       1,415  
    Total investment income     86,647       94,685       97,985  
    Net expenses     42,082       49,764       53,796  
    Net investment income before taxes     44,565       44,921       44,189  
    (Provision) benefit for taxes on net investment income     (263 )            
    Net investment income     44,302       44,921       44,189  
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes     (37,063 )     (8,008 )     (33,654 )
    Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 7,239     $ 36,913     $ 10,535  
    Total investment income per common share   $ 1.05     $ 1.15     $ 1.26  
    Net investment income per common share   $ 0.54     $ 0.55     $ 0.57  
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes per common share   $ (0.45 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.43 )
    Earnings (loss) per common share — basic and diluted   $ 0.09     $ 0.45     $ 0.14  
    Non-GAAP Financial Measures1:            
    Adjusted total investment income   $ 87,070     $ 95,000     $ 98,014  
    Adjusted net investment income   $ 44,725     $ 45,236     $ 44,218  
    Adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes   $ (37,124 )   $ (8,322 )   $ (32,858 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss)   $ 7,601     $ 36,914     $ 11,360  
    Adjusted total investment income per share   $ 1.06     $ 1.16     $ 1.26  
    Adjusted net investment income per share   $ 0.54     $ 0.55     $ 0.57  
    Adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes per share   $ (0.45 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.42 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.09     $ 0.45     $ 0.15  

    ______________________ 
    1 See Non-GAAP Financial Measures below for a description of the non-GAAP measures and the reconciliations from the most comparable GAAP financial measures to the Company’s non-GAAP measures, including on a per share basis. The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to analyze and evaluate financial results and performance and believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing results and trends for the Company and to review the Company’s performance without giving effect to non-cash income/gain/loss resulting from the merger of Oaktree Strategic Income Corporation (“OCSI”) with and into the Company in March 2021 (the “OCSI Merger”) and the merger of Oaktree Strategic Income II, Inc. (“OSI2”) with and into the Company in January 2023 (the “OSI2 Merger”) and, in the case of adjusted net investment income, without giving effect to capital gains incentive fees. The presentation of non-GAAP measures is not intended to be a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation.

         
        As of
    ($ in thousands, except per share data and ratios)   December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    Select balance sheet and other data:              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 112,913     $ 63,966     $ 112,369  
    Investment portfolio at fair value     2,835,294       3,021,279       3,018,552  
    Total debt outstanding (net of unamortized financing costs)     1,577,795       1,638,693       1,622,717  
    Net assets     1,449,815       1,487,811       1,511,651  
    Net asset value per share     17.63       18.09       19.14  
    Total debt to equity ratio     1.11x     1.12x       1.10x  
    Net debt to equity ratio     1.03x     1.07x       1.02x  
                           

    Adjusted total investment income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was $87.1 million and included $78.9 million of interest income from portfolio investments, $5.7 million of payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest income, $1.7 million of fee income and $0.8 million of dividend income. The $7.9 million quarterly decline in adjusted total investment income was primarily due to a $5.4 million decrease in interest income, which resulted from a decreases in reference rates, the impact of certain investments that were placed on non-accrual status, a smaller investment portfolio and lower OID acceleration from investment repayments. Additionally, there was a $2.2 million decrease in fee income driven by lower prepayment fees and a $0.3 million reduction in dividend income from the Company’s investment in SLF JV I.

    Net expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 totaled $42.1 million, down $7.7 million from the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decrease for the quarter was primarily driven by $6.2 million of lower Part I incentive fees (net of fees waived) and $1.5 million of lower interest expense due to lower reference rates on the Company’s floating rate liabilities.

    Adjusted net investment income was $44.7 million ($0.54 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which was down from $45.2 million ($0.55 per share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decline of $0.5 million primarily reflected $7.9 million of lower adjusted total investment income and an increase in income tax expense of $0.3 million, partially offset by $7.7 million of lower net expenses.

    Adjusted net realized and unrealized losses, net of taxes, were $37.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, primarily reflecting realized and unrealized losses on certain debt and equity investments.

    Portfolio and Investment Activity

        As of
    ($ in thousands)   December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    Investments at fair value   $ 2,835,294     $ 3,021,279     $ 3,018,552  
    Number of portfolio companies     136       144       146  
    Average portfolio company debt size   $ 22,000     $ 22,000     $ 20,200  
                 
    Asset class:            
    First lien debt     81.8 %     81.7 %     77.9 %
    Second lien debt     3.0 %     3.5 %     8.4 %
    Unsecured debt     3.9 %     3.6 %     2.5 %
    Equity     4.8 %     5.0 %     4.8 %
    JV interests     6.5 %     6.1 %     6.4 %
                 
    Non-accrual debt investments:            
    Non-accrual investments at fair value   $ 105,326     $ 114,292     $ 120,713  
    Non-accrual investments at cost     138,703       140,748       174,897  
    Non-accrual investments as a percentage of debt investments at fair value     3.9 %     4.0 %     4.2 %
    Non-accrual investments as a percentage of debt investments at cost     5.1 %     4.9 %     5.9 %
    Number of investments on non-accrual     9       9       7  
                 
    Interest rate type:            
    Percentage floating-rate     87.6 %     88.4 %     84.3 %
    Percentage fixed-rate     12.4 %     11.6 %     15.7 %
                 
    Yields:            
    Weighted average yield on debt investments1     10.7 %     11.2 %     12.2 %
    Cash component of weighted average yield on debt investments     9.5 %     10.0 %     11.1 %
    Weighted average yield on total portfolio investments2     10.2 %     10.7 %     11.7 %
                 
    Investment activity:            
    New investment commitments   $ 198,100     $ 259,000     $ 370,300  
    New funded investment activity3   $ 201,300     $ 232,700     $ 367,600  
    Proceeds from prepayments, exits, other paydowns and sales   $ 352,400     $ 338,300     $ 213,500  
    Net new investments4   $ (151,100 )   $ (105,600 )   $ 154,100  
    Number of new investment commitments in new portfolio companies     5       9       14  
    Number of new investment commitments in existing portfolio companies     8       10       10  
    Number of portfolio company exits     13       23       10  

    ______________________
    1 Annual stated yield earned plus net annual amortization of OID or premium earned on accruing investments, including the Company’s share of the return on debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV, and excluding any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and OSI2 Merger.
    2 Annual stated yield earned plus net annual amortization of OID or premium earned on accruing investments and dividend income, including the Company’s share of the return on debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV, and excluding any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and OSI2 Merger.
    3 New funded investment activity includes drawdowns on existing revolver and delayed draw term loan commitments.
    4 Net new investments consists of new funded investment activity less proceeds from prepayments, exits, other paydowns and sales.

    As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of the investment portfolio was $2.8 billion and was composed of investments in 136 companies. These included debt investments in 114 companies, equity investments in 42 companies, and the Company’s joint venture investments in SLF JV I and OCSI Glick JV LLC (“Glick JV”). 22 of the equity investments were in companies in which the Company also had a debt investment.

    As of December 31, 2024, 94.4% of the Company’s portfolio at fair value consisted of debt investments, including 81.8% of first lien loans, 3.0% of second lien loans and 9.6% of unsecured debt investments, including the debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV. This compared to 81.7% of first lien loans, 3.5% of second lien loans and 9.0% of unsecured debt investments, including the debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV, as of September 30, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, there were nine investments on non-accrual status, which represented 5.1% and 3.9% of the debt portfolio at cost and fair value, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, there were nine investments on non-accrual status, which represented 4.9% and 4.0% of the debt portfolio at cost and fair value, respectively.

    SLF JV I

    The Company’s investments in SLF JV I totaled $135.4 million at fair value as of December 31, 2024, up 0.1% from $135.2 million as of September 30, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, SLF JV I had $344.9 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 42 portfolio companies. This compared to $375.8 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 48 portfolio companies, as of September 30, 2024. SLF JV I generated cash interest income of $3.4 million for the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, down from $3.6 million in the prior quarter. In addition, SLF JV I generated dividend income of $0.7 million for the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, down from $1.1 million in the prior quarter. As of December 31, 2024, SLF JV I had $95.0 million of undrawn capacity (subject to borrowing base and other limitations) on its $270 million senior revolving credit facility, and its debt to equity ratio was 1.1x.

    Glick JV

    The Company’s investments in Glick JV totaled $49.6 million at fair value as of December 31, 2024, up 1.4% from $48.9 million as of September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by Glick JV’s use of leverage and unrealized appreciation in the underlying investment portfolio.

    As of December 31, 2024, Glick JV had $127.9 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 39 portfolio companies. This compared to $145.0 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 44 portfolio companies, as of September 30, 2024. Glick JV generated cash interest income of $1.4 million for the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, down from $1.5 million in the prior quarter. As of December 31, 2024, Glick JV had $31.0 million of undrawn capacity (subject to borrowing base and other limitations) on its $100 million senior revolving credit facility, and its debt to equity ratio was 1.2x.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total principal value of debt outstanding of $1,610.0 million, including $660.0 million of outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facilities, $300.0 million of the 3.500% Notes due 2025, $350.0 million of the 2.700% Notes due 2027 and $300.0 million of the 7.100% Notes due 2029. The funding mix was composed of 41% secured and 59% unsecured borrowings as of December 31, 2024. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under its credit facilities as of December 31, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $112.9 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $957.5 million of undrawn capacity on its credit facilities (subject to borrowing base and other limitations). As of December 31, 2024, unfunded investment commitments were $302.3 million, or $275.2 million excluding unfunded commitments to the Company’s joint ventures. Of the $275.2 million, approximately $243.7 million could be drawn immediately with the remaining amount subject to certain milestones that must be met by portfolio companies or other restrictions. The Company has analyzed cash and cash equivalents, availability under its credit facilities, the ability to rotate out of certain assets and amounts of unfunded commitments that could be drawn and believes its liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to invest in market opportunities as they arise.

    As of December 31, 2024, the weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding, including the effect of the interest rate swap agreements was 6.2%, down from 6.7% as of September 30, 2024, primarily driven by the impact of lower interest rates on the Company’s floating rate liabilities.

    The Company’s total debt to equity ratio was 1.11x and 1.12x as of each of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively. The Company’s net debt to equity ratio was 1.03x and 1.07x as of each of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Incentive Fee Lookback

    Effective as of October 1, 2024, Oaktree has agreed to waive incentive fees on income to institute an incentive fee cap (also known as a “total return hurdle”) in the calculation of the Part I Incentive Fee, which will consider capital gains and losses. This new arrangement includes a lookback provision that commences effective October 1, 2024, and will build over time to a rolling 12-quarter lookback by the Company’s 2027 fiscal year-end. Additional details regarding this new arrangement can be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on February 4, 2025.

    Purchase Agreement

    On January 31, 2025, the Company and Oaktree Capital I, L.P., an affiliate of the Adviser, entered into a purchase agreement pursuant to which Oaktree Capital I, L.P. purchased 5,672,149 shares of the Company’s common stock on February 3, 2025 for an aggregate purchase price of $100.0 million. These shares were sold at the Company’s net asset value per share as of January 31, 2025, which was $17.63 per share and calculated in accordance with Section 23 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Oaktree Capital I, L.P. has agreed not to sell the shares acquired in this transaction through February 3, 2026. This transaction represented a 10% premium to the closing stock price on January 31, 2025, and resulted in a nearly 7% increase in net assets, which (coupled with additional leverage) will increase dry powder for deployment, enabling growth and further diversification of the portfolio.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    On a supplemental basis, the Company is disclosing certain adjusted financial measures, each of which is calculated and presented on a basis of methodology other than in accordance with GAAP (“non-GAAP”). The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to analyze and evaluate financial results and performance and believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing results and trends for the Company and to review the Company’s performance without giving effect to non-cash income/gain/loss resulting from the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger and in the case of adjusted net investment income, without giving effect to capital gains incentive fees. The presentation of the below non-GAAP measures is not intended to be a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation.

    • “Adjusted Total Investment Income” and “Adjusted Total Investment Income Per Share” – represents total investment income excluding any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger.
    • “Adjusted Net Investment Income” and “Adjusted Net Investment Income Per Share” – represents net investment income, excluding (i) any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger and (ii) capital gains incentive fees (“Part II incentive fees”).
    • “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes” and “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes Per Share” – represents net realized and unrealized gains (losses) net of taxes excluding any net realized and unrealized gains (losses) resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger.
    • “Adjusted Earnings (Loss)” and “Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share” – represents the sum of (i) Adjusted Net Investment Income and (ii) Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes and includes the impact of Part II incentive fees1, if any.

    The OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger (the “Mergers”) were accounted for as asset acquisitions in accordance with the asset acquisition method of accounting as detailed in ASC 805-50, Business Combinations—Related Issues (“ASC 805”). The consideration paid to each of the stockholders of OCSI and OSI2 were allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the relative fair values of the net identifiable assets acquired other than “non-qualifying” assets, which established a new cost basis for the acquired investments under ASC 805 that, in aggregate, was different than the historical cost basis of the acquired investments prior to the OCSI Merger or the OSI2 Merger, as applicable. Additionally, immediately following the completion of the Mergers, the acquired investments were marked to their respective fair values under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, which resulted in unrealized appreciation/depreciation. The new cost basis established by ASC 805 on debt investments acquired will accrete/amortize over the life of each respective debt investment through interest income, with a corresponding adjustment recorded to unrealized appreciation/depreciation on such investment acquired through its ultimate disposition. The new cost basis established by ASC 805 on equity investments acquired will not accrete/amortize over the life of such investments through interest income and, assuming no subsequent change to the fair value of the equity investments acquired and disposition of such equity investments at fair value, the Company will recognize a realized gain/loss with a corresponding reversal of the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on disposition of such equity investments acquired.

    The Company’s management uses the non-GAAP financial measures described above internally to analyze and evaluate financial results and performance and to compare its financial results with those of other business development companies that have not adjusted the cost basis of certain investments pursuant to ASC 805. The Company’s management believes “Adjusted Total Investment Income”, “Adjusted Total Investment Income Per Share”, “Adjusted Net Investment Income” and “Adjusted Net Investment Income Per Share” are useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing results and trends for the Company without giving effect to the income resulting from the new cost basis of the investments acquired in the Mergers because these amounts do not impact the fees payable to Oaktree Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) under its investment advisory agreement (as amended and restated from time to time, the “A&R Advisory Agreement”), and specifically as its relates to “Adjusted Net Investment Income” and “Adjusted Net Investment Income Per Share”, without giving effect to Part II incentive fees. In addition, the Company’s management believes that “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes”, “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes Per Share”, “Adjusted Earnings (Loss)” and “Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share” are useful to investors as they exclude the non-cash income and gain/loss resulting from the Mergers and are used by management to evaluate the economic earnings of its investment portfolio. Moreover, these metrics more closely align the Company’s key financial measures with the calculation of incentive fees payable to the Adviser under with the A&R Advisory Agreement (i.e., excluding amounts resulting solely from the lower cost basis of the acquired investments established by ASC 805 that would have been to the benefit of the Adviser absent such exclusion).

    The following table provides a reconciliation of total investment income (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted total investment income for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    GAAP total investment income   $ 86,647     $ 1.05     $ 94,685     $ 1.15     $ 97,985     $ 1.26  
    Interest income amortization (accretion) related to merger accounting adjustments     423       0.01       315             29        
    Adjusted total investment income   $ 87,070     $ 1.06     $ 95,000     $ 1.16     $ 98,014     $ 1.26  
                                                     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net investment income (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted net investment income for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    GAAP net investment income   $ 44,302     $ 0.54     $ 44,921     $ 0.55     $ 44,189     $ 0.57  
    Interest income amortization (accretion) related to merger accounting adjustments     423       0.01       315             29        
    Part II incentive fee                                    
    Adjusted net investment income   $ 44,725     $ 0.54     $ 45,236     $ 0.55     $ 44,218     $ 0.57  
                                                     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    GAAP net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes   $ (37,063 )   $ (0.45 )   $ (8,008 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (33,654 )   $ (0.43 )
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to merger accounting adjustments     (61 )           (314 )           796       0.01  
    Adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes   $ (37,124 )   $ (0.45 )   $ (8,322 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (32,858 )   $ (0.42 )
                                                     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted earnings (loss) for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 7,239     $ 0.09     $ 36,913     $ 0.45     $ 10,535     $ 0.14  
    Interest income amortization (accretion) related to merger accounting adjustments     423       0.01       315             29        
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to merger accounting adjustments     (61 )           (314 )           796       0.01  
    Adjusted earnings (loss)   $ 7,601     $ 0.09     $ 36,914     $ 0.45     $ 11,360     $ 0.15  
                                                     

    Conference Call Information

    Oaktree Specialty Lending will host a conference call to discuss its first fiscal quarter 2025 results at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 4, 2025. The conference call may be accessed by dialing (877) 507-3275 (U.S. callers) or +1 (412) 317-5238 (non-U.S. callers). All callers will need to reference “Oaktree Specialty Lending” once connected with the operator. Alternatively, a live webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the Investors section of Oaktree Specialty Lending’s website, www.oaktreespecialtylending.com. During the conference call, the Company intends to refer to an investor presentation that will be available on the Investors section of its website.

    For those individuals unable to listen to the live broadcast of the conference call, a replay will be available on Oaktree Specialty Lending’s website, or by dialing (877) 344-7529 (U.S. callers) or +1 (412) 317-0088 (non-U.S. callers), access code 1211943, beginning approximately one hour after the broadcast.

    About Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation

    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation (NASDAQ:OCSL) is a specialty finance company dedicated to providing customized one-stop credit solutions to companies with limited access to public or syndicated capital markets. The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation by providing companies with flexible and innovative financing solutions including first and second lien loans, unsecured and mezzanine loans, and preferred equity. The Company is regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and is externally managed by Oaktree Fund Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. For additional information, please visit Oaktree Specialty Lending’s website at www.oaktreespecialtylending.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to: future operating results of the Company and distribution projections; business prospects of the Company and the prospects of its portfolio companies; and the impact of the investments that the Company expects to make. In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate,” “project” and “intend” indicate forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with (i) changes in the economy, financial markets and political environment, including the impacts of inflation and elevated interest rates; (ii) risks associated with possible disruption in the operations of the Company or the economy generally due to terrorism, war or other geopolitical conflict (including the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel), natural disasters, pandemics or cybersecurity incidents; (iii) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities); (iv) conditions in the Company’s operating areas, particularly with respect to business development companies or regulated investment companies; and (v) other considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s publicly disseminated documents and filings. The Company has based the forward-looking statements included in this press release on information available to it on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that it may make directly to you or through reports that the Company in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:
    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation
    Dane Kleven
    (213) 356-3260
    ocsl-ir@oaktreecapital.com

    Media Relations:
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    Moira Conlon
    (310) 478-2700
    mediainquiries@oaktreecapital.com

     
    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
           
      December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024
    ASSETS      
    Investments at fair value:      
    Control investments (cost December 31, 2024: $374,509; cost September 30, 2024: $372,901) $ 267,782     $ 289,404  
    Affiliate investments (cost December 31, 2024: $37,358; cost September 30, 2024: $38,175)   35,180       35,677  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments (cost December 31, 2024: $2,576,053; cost September 30, 2024: $2,733,843)   2,532,332       2,696,198  
    Total investments at fair value (cost December 31, 2024: $2,987,920; September 30, 2024: $3,144,919)   2,835,294       3,021,279  
    Cash and cash equivalents   112,913       63,966  
    Restricted cash   13,159       14,577  
    Interest, dividends and fees receivable   25,290       38,804  
    Due from portfolio companies   408       12,530  
    Receivables from unsettled transactions   55,661       17,548  
    Due from broker   21,880       17,060  
    Deferred financing costs   10,936       11,677  
    Deferred offering costs   162       125  
    Derivative assets at fair value   6,652        
    Other assets   1,437       775  
    Total assets $ 3,083,792     $ 3,198,341  
           
    LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS      
    Liabilities:      
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 3,371     $ 3,492  
    Base management fee and incentive fee payable   8,930       15,517  
    Due to affiliate   1,508       4,088  
    Interest payable   17,600       16,231  
    Payables from unsettled transactions         15,666  
    Derivative liabilities at fair value   24,759       16,843  
    Deferred tax liability   14        
    Credit facilities payable   660,000       710,000  
    Unsecured notes payable (net of $4,401 and $4,935 of unamortized financing costs as of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively)   917,795       928,693  
    Total liabilities   1,633,977       1,710,530  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Net assets:      
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 250,000 shares authorized; 82,245 and 82,245 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively   822       822  
    Additional paid-in-capital   2,264,449       2,264,449  
    Accumulated overdistributed earnings   (815,456 )     (777,460 )
    Total net assets (equivalent to $17.63 and $18.09 per common share as of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively)   1,449,815       1,487,811  
    Total liabilities and net assets $ 3,083,792     $ 3,198,341  
     
    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
                 
        Three months ended
    December 31, 2024 (unaudited)
      Three months ended
    September 30, 2024 (unaudited)
      Three months ended
    December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    Interest income:            
    Control investments   $ 5,226     $ 6,012     $ 6,005  
    Affiliate investments     166       159       324  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     71,809       76,476       82,721  
    Interest on cash and cash equivalents     1,221       979       2,364  
    Total interest income     78,422       83,626       91,414  
    PIK interest income:            
    Control investments     830       765       544  
    Affiliate investments     28       45        
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     4,870       5,208       3,305  
    Total PIK interest income     5,728       6,018       3,849  
    Fee income:            
    Control investments           12       13  
    Affiliate investments                 5  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     1,679       3,885       1,289  
    Total fee income     1,679       3,897       1,307  
    Dividend income:            
    Control investments     700       1,050       1,400  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     118       94       15  
    Total dividend income     818       1,144       1,415  
    Total investment income     86,647       94,685       97,985  
    Expenses:            
    Base management fee     8,144       8,550       11,477  
    Part I incentive fee     7,913       8,943       9,028  
    Professional fees     1,067       862       1,504  
    Directors fees     160       160       160  
    Interest expense     30,562       32,058       32,170  
    Administrator expense     437       465       366  
    General and administrative expenses     926       704       591  
    Total expenses     49,209       51,742       55,296  
    Management fees waived     (750 )     (750 )     (1,500 )
    Part I incentive fees waived     (6,377 )     (1,228 )      
    Net expenses     42,082       49,764       53,796  
    Net investment income before taxes     44,565       44,921       44,189  
    (Provision) benefit for taxes on net investment income     (263 )            
    Net investment income     44,302       44,921       44,189  
    Unrealized appreciation (depreciation):            
    Control investments     (23,230 )     (12,909 )     1,339  
    Affiliate investments     320       207       (925 )
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     (7,198 )     60,159       (17,615 )
    Foreign currency forward contracts     10,494       (4,278 )     (7,824 )
    Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (19,614 )     43,179       (25,025 )
    Realized gains (losses):            
    Control investments                 786  
    Affiliate investments     (288 )            
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     (17,056 )     (50,349 )     (13,340 )
    Foreign currency forward contracts     34       (1,499 )     4,101  
    Net realized gains (losses)     (17,310 )     (51,848 )     (8,453 )
    (Provision) benefit for taxes on realized and unrealized gains (losses)     (139 )     661       (176 )
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes     (37,063 )     (8,008 )     (33,654 )
    Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 7,239     $ 36,913     $ 10,535  
    Net investment income per common share — basic and diluted   $ 0.54     $ 0.55     $ 0.57  
    Earnings (loss) per common share — basic and diluted   $ 0.09     $ 0.45     $ 0.14  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic and diluted     82,245       82,245       77,840  

    1 Adjusted earnings (loss) includes accrued Part II incentive fees. As of and for the three months ended December 31, 2024, there was no accrued Part II incentive fee liability. Part II incentive fees are contractually calculated and paid at the end of the fiscal year in accordance with the A&R Advisory Agreement, which differs from Part II incentive fees accrued under GAAP. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, no amounts were payable under the A&R Advisory Agreement.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Unlock Your Trading Edge with Axi at the 2025 Money Expo Mexico

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi announced that it is attending this year’s Money Expo Mexico, taking place on February 26-27, 2025, at Centro Citibanamex.

    Event attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Axi Select, Axi’s innovative capital allocation program designed to empower ambitious traders on their trading journey, as well as meet Axi Select traders who are well on their way to reaching the $1million milestone. “We invite all traders to visit our team at Booth 14 and uncover the future of trading with Axi,” says Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select at Axi, before adding “We look forward to networking with fellow traders and showcasing the exceptional benefits of Axi Select. Our program features zero registration fees, capital funding of up to $1,000,000 USD, the opportunity to earn up to 90% of the profits, and advanced tools to accelerate traders’ trading potential.”

    Additionally, visitors can explore their Introducing Broker (IB) and Affiliate programs or learn more about Axi’s longstanding partnership with Manchester City, Premier League Champions. Man City memorabilia and the club’s mascots will be on-site for photos and attendees stand the chance to win exciting prizes from the broker, including signed player shirts and other merchandise.

    The broker has a longstanding partnership with Premier League club, Manchester City FC, as well as LaLiga club, Girona FC, and Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia. In 2023, they also announced England international John Stones as their Brand Ambassador. More recently, the broker was recognised with the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award at the 2024 Dubai Forex Expo, as well as being named ‘Most Innovative Proprietary Trading Firm’ by Finance Feeds.

    The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service.

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Gold, Oil, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Picus Security Finds 3X Increase in Malware Targeting Password Stores

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Picus Security, the leading security validation company, today released The Red Report™ 2025. Based on an in-depth analysis of more than 1 million pieces of malware collected in 2024, the fifth annual report reveals that 25% of malware targets credentials in password stores — a 3X increase from 2023. For the first time ever, stealing credentials from password stores is in the top 10 techniques listed in the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. The report reveals that these top 10 techniques accounted for 93% of all malicious actions in 2024.

    “Threat actors are leveraging sophisticated extraction methods, including memory scraping, registry harvesting and compromising local and cloud-based password stores, to obtain credentials that give attackers the keys to the kingdom,” said Picus Security co-founder and VP of Picus Labs, Dr. Suleyman Ozarslan. “It’s vital that password managers are used in tandem with multi-factor authentication, and that employees never reuse a password, especially for their password manager.”

    Picus observed that attackers are prioritizing complex, prolonged, multi-stage attacks that require a new generation of malware to succeed. Picus Labs researchers coined the term “SneakThief” to represent the evolution of info-stealing malware, which involves increased stealth, persistence and automation. They liken the increasingly sophisticated approach to “the perfect heist,” noting that most malware samples now contain more than a dozen malicious actions designed to help attackers evade defenses, increase permissions and exfiltrate data.

    “Focusing on Top 10 MITRE ATT&CK techniques is the most viable way to stop the kill chain of sophisticated malware strains as early as possible”, said Volkan Ertürk, CTO and co-founder of Picus. “SneakThief malware is not an exception, enterprise security teams can stop ninety percent of malware by focusing on just 10 of MITRE’s entire library of techniques.”

    Additional key findings from the report include:

    • Malware samples now contain an average of 14 malicious actions. This means each individual piece of malware is more complex and can perform more actions in the cyber kill chain.
    • Exfiltration and stealth tactics made up 11.3 million actions in 2024. Adversaries are shifting to covert exfiltration methods — “whispering channels” like encrypted communications (HTTPS, DoH) — and living-off-the-land techniques to blend malicious activity into legitimate traffic. It is more common than ever to see tactics like process injection and application layer protocols used as key enablers, allowing attackers to persist in environments and exfiltrate data without triggering an alert.
    • No evidence that cybercriminals are using AI-driven malware. Despite the widespread hype surrounding AI and its potential applications in cybersecurity, Picus’s analysis revealed no significant increase in the use of AI-driven malware techniques in 2024.

    Methodology
    Picus Labs processed 1,094,744 pieces of malware collected between January and December 2024. From the identified malicious files, 14,010,853 malicious actions were detected, averaging approximately 14 actions per malware sample. These malicious actions were systematically mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The Picus Red Report offers a more in-depth description of the research methodology.

    To learn more, download the Picus Red Report 2025 and register to explore the report results with the Picus Research team during a (live) webinar on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. EST.

    Resources

    About Picus Security 
    Picus Security, the leading security validation company, gives organizations a clear picture of their cyber risk based on business context. Picus transforms security practices by correlating, prioritizing and validating exposures across siloed findings so teams can focus on critical gaps and high-impact fixes. With Picus, security teams can quickly take action with one-click mitigations to stop more threats with less effort.

    The pioneer of Breach and Attack Simulation, Picus delivers award-winning, threat-centric technology that allows teams to pinpoint fixes worth pursuing, offering a 95% recommendation in Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for 2024 in the BAS tools category.

    Contact Info:
    Jennifer Tanner
    Look Left Marketing
    picus@lookleftmarketing.com 

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73c8bf25-cd5e-41a8-8b6d-4561fe99df09

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/009eaa50-d2e3-4bee-aadb-f2140af1864c

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: WTW Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Revenue1 increased 4% over prior year to $3.0 billion for the quarter and increased 5% to $9.9 billion for the year
    • Organic Revenue growth of 5% for both the quarter and the year
    • Diluted Earnings per Share was $12.25 for the quarter, up 105% over prior year, and Diluted Loss2 was $0.96 for the year.
    • Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share was $8.13 for the quarter, up 9% from prior year, and $16.93 for the year, up 17% over prior year 
    • Operating Margin was 29.7% for the quarter, up 300 basis points over prior year, and 6.3% for the year, down 810 basis points from prior year
    • Adjusted Operating Margin was 36.1% for the quarter, up 190 basis points from prior year, and 23.9% for the year, up 190 basis points over prior year

    LONDON, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) (the “Company”), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    “WTW is entering 2025 with considerable momentum after delivering on our 2024 financial targets through solid revenue growth, robust margin expansion and earnings growth,” said Carl Hess, WTW’s chief executive officer. “The successful completion of our Grow, Simplify and Transform strategy has primed all of our businesses to perform, and we are now stronger, more connected and more efficient than we have ever been. I’m confident our new strategy to accelerate our performance, enhance our efficiency and optimize our portfolio will produce innovative solutions for our customers and create more value for shareholders. I’m proud of our team’s dedication and look forward to executing on our strategic and financial goals in the years ahead.”

    Consolidated Results

    Fourth Quarter 2024, as reported, USD millions, except %

    Key Metrics Q4-24 Q4-23 Y/Y Change
    Revenue1 $3,035 $2,914 Reported 4% | CC 5% | Organic 5%
    Income from Operations $901 $779 16%
    Operating Margin % 29.7% 26.7% 300 bps
    Adjusted Operating Income $1,096 $998 10%
    Adjusted Operating Margin % 36.1% 34.2% 190 bps
    Net Income $1,248 $623 100%
    Adjusted Net Income $827 $775 7%
    Diluted EPS $12.25 $5.97 105%
    Adjusted Diluted EPS $8.13 $7.44 9%

    Revenue was $3.04 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 4% as compared to $2.91 billion for the same period in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, revenue increased 5%. On an organic basis, revenue increased 5%. See Supplemental Segment Information for additional detail on book-of-business settlements and interest income included in revenue.

    Net Income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.25 billion compared to Net Income of $623 million in the prior-year fourth quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $1.2 billion, or 38.6% of revenue, an increase of 9%, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 billion, or 37.1% of revenue, in the prior-year fourth quarter. The U.S. GAAP tax rate for the fourth quarter was 26.0%, and the adjusted income tax rate for the fourth quarter used in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share was 21.3%.

    Full Year 2024, as reported, USD millions, except %

    Key Metrics FY-24 FY-23 Y/Y Change
    Revenue1 $9,930 $9,483 Reported 5% | CC 5% | Organic 5%
    Income from Operations $627 $1,365 (54)%
    Operating Margin % 6.3% 14.4% (810) bps
    Adjusted Operating Income $2,378 $2,082 14%
    Adjusted Operating Margin % 23.9% 22.0% 190 bps
    Net (Loss)/Income2 $(88) $1,064 NM
    Adjusted Net Income $1,730 $1,536 13%
    Diluted EPS2 $(0.96) $9.95 NM
    Adjusted Diluted EPS $16.93 $14.49 17%
    1 The revenue amounts included in this release are presented on a U.S. GAAP basis except where stated otherwise. This excludes reinsurance revenue which is reported in discontinued operations. The segment discussion is on an organic basis.
    2 Net Loss and Diluted Loss Per Share for the year ended 2024 primarily includes impairment charges of over $1.0 billion related to the sale of TRANZACT.
    NM Not meaningful

    Revenue was $9.93 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 5% as compared to $9.48 billion for the prior year. On an organic basis, revenue increased 5%. See Supplemental Segment Information for additional detail on book-of-business settlements and interest income included in revenue.

    Net Loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $88 million, compared to Net Income of $1.1 billion in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $2.7 billion, or 27.3% of revenue, an increase of $278 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 billion, or 25.6% of revenue, in the prior year.

    The U.S. GAAP tax rate for 2024 was 184.7%, and the adjusted income tax rate for 2024 used in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share was 21.5%.

    Cash Flow and Capital Allocation 

    Cash flows from operating activities were $1.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.3 billion for the prior year. Free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, an increase of $184 million, primarily driven by operating margin expansion, partially offset by cash outflows related to transformation and discretionary compensation payments. During the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased $395 million and $901 million of WTW shares, respectively.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Segment Highlights

    Health, Wealth & Career (“HWC”)

    As reported, USD millions, except %

    Health, Wealth & Career Q4-24 Q4-23 Y/Y Change
    Total Revenue $1,853 $1,798 Reported 3% | CC 3% | Organic 3%
    Operating Income $776 $729 6%
    Operating Margin % 41.9% 40.5% 140 bps

    The HWC segment had revenue of $1.85 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 3% (3% increase constant currency and organic) from $1.80 billion in the prior year. Health had organic revenue growth led by increased project work and brokerage income in North America and the continued expansion of our Global Benefits Management client portfolio in International and Europe. Wealth generated organic revenue growth from higher levels of Retirement work globally, an increase in our Investments business due to growth of our LifeSight solution and capital market improvements. Career had organic revenue growth from increased advisory services and product revenue. Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing (BD&O) had an organic revenue decline for the quarter primarily as a result of deliberately moderating growth in TRANZACT.

    Operating margins in the HWC segment increased 140 basis points from the prior-year fourth quarter to 41.9%, primarily from Transformation savings. Please refer to the Supplemental Slides for TRANZACT’s standalone historical financial results.

    Risk & Broking (“R&B”)

    As reported, USD millions, except %

    Risk & Broking Q4-24 Q4-23 Y/Y Change
    Total Revenue $1,141 $1,076 Reported 6% | CC 7% | Organic 7%
    Operating Income $383 $354 8%
    Operating Margin % 33.5% 32.9% 60 bps

    The R&B segment had revenue of $1.14 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 6% (7% increase constant currency and organic) from $1.08 billion in the prior year. Corporate Risk & Broking (CRB) had organic revenue growth driven by higher levels of new business activity and strong client retention. Insurance Consulting and Technology (ICT) had organic revenue growth for the quarter primarily due to strong software sales in Technology.

    Operating margins in the R&B segment increased 60 basis points from the prior-year fourth quarter to 33.5%, primarily due to operating leverage driven by organic revenue growth and disciplined expense management, as well as Transformation savings which were partially offset by headwinds from book-of-business activity and foreign currency fluctuations.

    Select 2025 Financial Considerations

    Changes to Non-GAAP financial measures:

    • All reported non-GAAP metrics will exclude non-cash net periodic pension and postretirement benefit credits
    • Free cash flow and free cash flow margin will capture cash outflows for capitalized software costs
    • Refer to Supplemental Slides for recast of historical Non-GAAP measures

    Business mix:

    • Divested TRANZACT business, which contributed $1.14 to adjusted diluted earnings per share in 2024, is no longer part of the business portfolio
    • Reinsurance joint venture expected to be a headwind on adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.25 to $0.35

    Free cash flow:

    • Expect cash outflows in 2025 from the settlement of accrued costs related to the Transformation program which concluded in 2024
    • Cash taxes related to receipt of earnout from reinsurance divestiture will be classified as Cash Flows from Operating Activities on Statement of Cash Flows

    Capital allocation:

    • Expect share repurchases of ~$1.5 billion, subject to market conditions and potential capital allocation to organic and inorganic investment opportunities

    Foreign exchange:

    • Expect a foreign currency headwind on adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.18 in 2025 at today’s rates

    Adjusted operating margin outlook:

    • ~100 basis points of average annual margin expansion over next 3 years in R&B
    • Incremental annual margin expansion at HWC and enterprise levels

    The 2025 Financial Considerations above include Non-GAAP financial measures. We do not reconcile forward-looking Non-GAAP measures for reasons explained under “WTW Non-GAAP Measures” below.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a live webcast and conference call to discuss the financial results for the fourth quarter 2024. It will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available on WTW’s website here. The conference call will include a question-and-answer session. To participate in the question-and-answer session, please register here. An online replay will be available at www.wtwco.com shortly after the call concludes.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance. Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at www.wtwco.com.

    WTW Non-GAAP Measures

    In order to assist readers of our consolidated financial statements in understanding the core operating results that WTW’s management uses to evaluate the business and for financial planning, we present the following non-GAAP measures: (1) Constant Currency Change, (2) Organic Change, (3) Adjusted Operating Income/Margin, (4) Adjusted EBITDA/Margin, (5) Adjusted Net Income, (6) Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, (7) Adjusted Income Before Taxes, (8) Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate, (9) Free Cash Flow and (10) Free Cash Flow Margin.

    We believe that those measures are relevant and provide pertinent information widely used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in our industry to provide a baseline for evaluating and comparing our operating performance, and in the case of free cash flow, our liquidity results.

    Within the measures referred to as ‘adjusted’, we adjust for significant items which will not be settled in cash, or which we believe to be items that are not core to our current or future operations. Some of these items may not be applicable for the current quarter, however they may be part of our full-year results. Additionally, we have historically adjusted for certain items which are not described below, but for which we may adjust in a future period when applicable. Items applicable to the quarter or full year results, or the comparable periods, include the following:

    • Restructuring costs and transaction and transformation – Management believes it is appropriate to adjust for restructuring costs and transaction and transformation when they relate to a specific significant program with a defined set of activities and costs that are not expected to continue beyond a defined period of time, or significant acquisition-related transaction expenses. We believe the adjustment is necessary to present how the Company is performing, both now and in the future when the incurrence of these costs will have concluded.
    • Impairment – Adjustment to remove the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our Benefits, Delivery and Administration reporting unit related to the sale of our TRANZACT business.
    • Provisions for specified litigation matters – We will include provisions for litigation matters which we believe are not representative of our core business operations. Among other things, we determine this by reference to the amount of the loss (net of insurance and other recovery receivables) and by reference to whether the matter relates to an unusual and complex scenario that is not expected to be repeated as part of our ongoing, ordinary business. These amounts are presented net of insurance and other recovery receivables. See the footnotes to the respective reconciliation tables below for more specificity on the litigation matter excluded from adjusted results.
    • Gains and losses on disposals of operations – Adjustment to remove the gains or losses resulting from disposed operations that have not been classified as discontinued operations.
    • Pension settlement – Adjustment to remove significant pension settlement to better present how the Company is performing.
    • Tax effect of significant adjustments – Relates to the incremental tax expense or benefit resulting from significant or unusual events including significant statutory tax rate changes enacted in material jurisdictions in which we operate, internal reorganizations of ownership of certain businesses that reduced the investment held by our U.S.-controlled subsidiaries and the recovery of certain refunds or payment of taxes related to businesses in which we no longer participate.

    We evaluate our revenue on an as reported (U.S. GAAP), constant currency and organic basis. We believe presenting constant currency and organic information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our comparable results, consistent with how we evaluate our performance internally.

    We consider Constant Currency Change, Organic Change, Adjusted Operating Income/Margin, Adjusted EBITDA/Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Income Before Taxes, Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate and Free Cash Flow to be important financial measures, which are used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating and liquidity results against our competitors. These non-GAAP measures are important in illustrating what our comparable operating and liquidity results would have been had we not incurred transaction-related and non-recurring items. Reconciliations of these measures are included in the accompanying tables with the following exception: The Company does not reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, due to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections and/or certain information not being ascertainable or accessible; and because not all of the information, such as foreign currency impacts necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is available to the Company without unreasonable efforts. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. The Company provides non-GAAP financial measures that it believes will be achieved, however it cannot accurately predict all of the components of the adjusted calculations and the U.S. GAAP measures may be materially different than the non-GAAP measures.

    Our non-GAAP measures and their accompanying definitions are presented as follows:

    Constant Currency Change – Represents the year-over-year change in revenue excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. To calculate this impact, the prior year local currency results are first translated using the current year monthly average exchange rates. The change is calculated by comparing the prior year revenue, translated at the current year monthly average exchange rates, to the current year as reported revenue, for the same period. We believe constant currency measures provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to performance by excluding the effects that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on period-over-period comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

    Organic Change – Excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as described above and the period-over-period impact of acquisitions and divestitures on current-year revenue. We believe that excluding transaction-related items from our U.S. GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to our investors, and it is important in illustrating what our core operating results would have been had we not included these transaction-related items, since the nature, size and number of these transaction-related items can vary from period to period.

    Adjusted Operating Income/Margin – (Loss)/Income from operations adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted operating income margin is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income by revenue. We consider adjusted operating income/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.

    Adjusted EBITDA/Margin – Net (Loss)/Income adjusted for provision for income taxes, interest expense, impairment, depreciation and amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue. We consider adjusted EBITDA/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations, to benchmark our operating results against our competitors and to evaluate and measure our performance-based compensation plans.

    Adjusted Net Income – Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to WTW adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results and the related tax effect of those adjustments and the tax effects of internal reorganizations. This measure is used solely for the purpose of calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share.

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share – Adjusted Net Income divided by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares, diluted. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.

    Adjusted Income Before Taxes – (Loss)/Income from operations before income taxes adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted income before taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate.

    Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate – Benefit from/(provision for) income taxes adjusted for taxes on certain items of impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations, the tax effects of internal reorganizations, and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results, divided by adjusted income before taxes. Adjusted income taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate. Management believes that the adjusted income tax rate presents a rate that is more closely aligned to the rate that we would incur if not for the reduction of pre-tax income for the adjusted items and the tax effects of internal reorganizations, which are not core to our current and future operations.

    Free Cash Flow – Cash flows from operating activities less cash used to purchase fixed assets and software for internal use. Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure and is not meant to represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Management believes that free cash flow presents the core operating performance and cash-generating capabilities of our business operations.

    Free Cash Flow Margin – Free Cash Flow as a percentage of revenue, which represents how much of revenue would be realized on a cash basis. We consider this measure to be a meaningful metric for tracking cash conversion on a year-over-year basis due to the non-cash nature of our pension income, which is included in our GAAP and Non-GAAP earnings metrics presented herein.

    These non-GAAP measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the information contained within our condensed consolidated financial statements.

    WTW Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations or certain considerations relating to our future results. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook, plans and references to future performance, including our future financial and operating results (including our revenue, costs, or margins), short-term and long-term financial goals, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, including with respect to organic revenue growth, free cash flow generation, adjusted net revenue, adjusted operating margin and adjusted earnings per share; future share repurchases; demand for our services and competitive strengths; strategic goals; existing and evolving business strategies including those related to acquisition and disposition activity; the benefits of new initiatives; the growth of our business and operations; the sustained health of our product, service, transaction, client, and talent assessment and management pipelines; our ability to successfully manage ongoing leadership, organizational, and technology changes, including investments in improving systems and processes; our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of any cost-savings initiatives including our multi-year operational transformation program; the potential impact of natural or man-made disasters like health pandemics and other world health crises; future capital expenditures; ongoing working capital efforts; the impact of changes to tax laws on our financial results; and our recognition of future impairment charges or write-off of receivables, are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘continues’, ‘seek’, ‘target’, ‘goal’, ‘focus’, ‘probably’, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature.

    There are important risks, uncertainties, events and factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, including the following: our ability to successfully establish, execute and achieve our global business strategy as it evolves; our ability to fully realize the anticipated benefits of our growth strategy, including inorganic growth through acquisitions; our ability to execute strategic transactions, including both acquisitions and dispositions, including our ability to receive adequate consideration or any earnout proceeds in return for any dispositions or integrate or manage acquired businesses or effect internal reorganizations; incremental risks relating to the transitional arrangements in effect subsequent to our previously completed sale of TRANZACT; our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes, investments in improving systems and processes, and in connection with our acquisition and divestiture activities; risks relating to changes in our management structures and in senior leadership; our ability to achieve our short-term and long-term financial goals, such as with respect to our cash flow generation, and the timing with respect to such achievement; the risks related to changes in general economic conditions, business and political conditions, changes in the financial markets, inflation, credit availability, increased interest rates and changes in trade policies; the risks to our short-term and long-term financial goals from any of the risks or uncertainties set forth herein; the risks relating to the adverse impacts of macroeconomic trends, including inflation, changes in interest rates and trade policies, as well as political events, war, such as the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, and other international disputes, terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues and other business interruptions on the global economy and capital markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and long-term goals; our ability to successfully hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency rates; the risks relating to the adverse impacts of natural or man-made disasters such as health pandemics and other world health crises on the demand for our products and services, our cash flows and our business operations; material interruptions to or loss of our information processing capabilities, or failure to effectively maintain and upgrade our information technology resources and systems and related risks of cybersecurity breaches or incidents; our ability to comply with complex and evolving regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence; significant competition that we face and the potential for loss of market share and/or profitability; the impact of seasonality and differences in timing of renewals and non-recurring revenue increases from disposals and book-of-business sales; the insufficiency of client data protection, potential breaches of information systems or insufficient safeguards against cybersecurity breaches or incidents; the risk of increased liability or new legal claims arising from our new and existing products and services, and expectations, intentions and outcomes relating to outstanding litigation; the risk of substantial negative outcomes on existing litigation or investigation matters; changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, including, among other risks, the impacts of pending competition law and regulatory investigations; various claims, government inquiries or investigations or the potential for regulatory action; our ability to integrate direct-to-consumer sales and marketing solutions with our existing offerings and solutions; disasters or business continuity problems; our ability to successfully enhance our billing, collection and other working capital efforts, and thereby increase our free cash flow; our ability to properly identify and manage conflicts of interest; reputational damage, including from association with third parties; reliance on third-party service providers and suppliers; the loss of key employees or a large number of employees and rehiring rates; our ability to maintain our corporate culture; doing business internationally, including the impact of foreign currency exchange rates; compliance with extensive government regulation; the risk of sanctions imposed by governments, or changes to associated sanction regulations (such as sanctions imposed on Russia) and related counter-sanctions; our ability to effectively apply technology, data and analytics changes for internal operations, maintaining industry standards and meeting client preferences; changes and developments in the insurance industry or the U.S. healthcare system, including those related to Medicare, any legislative actions from the current U.S. Congress, the recent Final Rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for contract year 2025 and any judicial claims, rulings and appeals related thereto, and any other changes and developments in legal, regulatory, economic, business or operational conditions that could impact our Medicare benefits businesses; the inability to protect our intellectual property rights, or the potential infringement upon the intellectual property rights of others; fluctuations in our pension assets and liabilities and related changes in pension income, including as a result of, related to, or derived from movements in the interest rate environment, investment returns, inflation, or changes in other assumptions that are used to estimate our benefit obligations and their effect on adjusted earnings per share; our capital structure, including indebtedness amounts, the limitations imposed by the covenants in the documents governing such indebtedness and the maintenance of the financial and disclosure controls and procedures of each; our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all; adverse changes in our credit ratings; the impact of recent or potential changes to U.S. or foreign laws, and the enactment of additional, or the revision of existing, state, federal, and/or foreign laws and regulations, recent judicial decisions and development of case law, other regulations and any policy changes and legislative actions, including those that may impose additional excise taxes or impact our effective tax rate; U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. persons owning at least 10% of our shares; changes in accounting principles, estimates or assumptions; our recognition of future non-cash pre-tax losses and related impairment charges; risks relating to or arising from environmental, social and governance practices; fluctuation in revenue against our relatively fixed or higher than expected expenses; the laws of Ireland being different from the laws of the U.S. and potentially affording less protections to the holders of our securities; and our holding company structure potentially preventing us from being able to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries.

    The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. For more information, please see Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies are available online at www.sec.gov or www.wtwco.com.

    Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. Given the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

    Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. With regard to these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document may not occur, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements.

    Contact

    INVESTORS
    Claudia De La Hoz | Claudia.Delahoz@wtwco.com

     

    WTW
    Supplemental Segment Information
    (In millions of U.S. dollars)
    (Unaudited)
     
    REVENUE    
                  Components of Revenue Change(i)
                        Less:       Less:    
        Three Months Ended
     December 31,
        As Reported   Currency   Constant Currency   Acquisitions/   Organic
        2024     2023     % Change   Impact   Change   Divestitures   Change
                                     
    Health, Wealth & Career                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 1,847     $ 1,791     3%   0%   3%   0%   3%
    Interest income     6       7                      
    Total     1,853       1,798     3%   0%   3%   0%   3%
                                     
    Risk & Broking                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 1,115     $ 1,049     6%   (1)%   7%   0%   7%
    Interest income     26       27                      
    Total     1,141       1,076     6%   (1)%   7%   0%   7%
                                     
    Segment Revenue   $ 2,994     $ 2,874     4%   (1)%   5%   0%   5%
    Corporate, reimbursable expenses and other     37       35                      
    Interest income     4       5                      
    Revenue   $ 3,035     $ 2,914     4%   (1)%   5%   0%   5%(ii)
                  Components of Revenue Change(i)
                        Less:       Less:    
        Years Ended December 31,    As Reported   Currency   Constant Currency   Acquisitions/   Organic
        2024    2023    % Change   Impact   Change   Divestitures   Change
                                     
    Health, Wealth & Career                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 5,745     $ 5,557     3%   0%   3%   0%   4%
    Interest income     32       25                      
    Total     5,777       5,582     3%   0%   4%   0%   4%
                                     
    Risk & Broking                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 3,926     $ 3,656     7%   0%   8%   0%   8%
    Interest income     112       79                      
    Total     4,038       3,735     8%   (1)%   9%   0%   8%
                                     
    Segment Revenue   $ 9,815     $ 9,317     5%   0%   6%   0%   6%
    Corporate, reimbursable expenses and other     93       125                      
    Interest income     22       41                      
    Revenue   $ 9,930     $ 9,483     5%   0%   5%   0%   5%(ii)

    (i)  Components of revenue change may not add due to rounding.
    (ii)  Interest income did not contribute to organic change for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

    BOOK-OF-BUSINESS SETTLEMENTS AND INTEREST INCOME

        Three Months Ended December 31,  
        HWC    R&B    Corporate    Total 
        2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023 
    Book-of-business settlements   $ 5     $ 1     $ 6     $ 14     $     $     $ 11     $ 15  
    Interest income     6       7       26       27       4       5       36       39  
    Total   $ 11     $ 8     $ 32     $ 41     $ 4     $ 5     $ 47     $ 54  
        Years Ended December 31,  
        HWC    R&B    Corporate    Total 
        2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023 
    Book-of-business settlements   $ 8     $ 1     $ 14     $ 25     $     $     $ 22     $ 26  
    Interest income     32       25       112       79       22       41       166       145  
    Total   $ 40     $ 26     $ 126     $ 104     $ 22     $ 41     $ 188     $ 171  


    SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME (i)

        Three Months Ended
    December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Health, Wealth & Career   $ 776     $ 729  
    Risk & Broking     383       354  
    Segment Operating Income   $ 1,159     $ 1,083  
        Years Ended
    December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Health, Wealth & Career   $ 1,717     $ 1,565  
    Risk & Broking     958       813  
    Segment Operating Income   $ 2,675     $ 2,378  


    (i)
    Segment operating income excludes certain costs, including amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation expenses, certain litigation provisions, and to the extent that the actual expense based upon which allocations are made differs from the forecast/budget amount, a reconciling item will be created between internally-allocated expenses and the actual expenses reported for U.S. GAAP purposes.

    SEGMENT OPERATING MARGINS

        Three Months Ended December 31,
        2024    2023 
    Health, Wealth & Career   41.9%   40.5%
    Risk & Broking   33.5%   32.9%
        Years Ended
    December 31,
        2024    2023 
    Health, Wealth & Career   29.7%   28.0%
    Risk & Broking   23.7%   21.8%


    RECONCILIATIONS OF SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME TO INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

        Three Months Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Segment Operating Income   $ 1,159     $ 1,083  
    Amortization     (50 )     (60 )
    Restructuring costs     (32 )     (38 )
    Transaction and transformation(i)     (113 )     (121 )
    Unallocated, net(ii)     (63 )     (85 )
    Income from Operations     901       779  
    Interest expense     (66 )     (63 )
    Other income, net     853       23  
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 1,688     $ 739  
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Segment Operating Income   $ 2,675     $ 2,378  
    Impairment(iii)     (1,042 )      
    Amortization     (226 )     (263 )
    Restructuring costs     (61 )     (68 )
    Transaction and transformation(i)     (409 )     (386 )
    Unallocated, net(ii)     (310 )     (296 )
    Income from Operations     627       1,365  
    Interest expense     (263 )     (235 )
    Other (loss)/income, net     (260 )     149  
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 104     $ 1,279  

     (i) In 2024 and 2023, in addition to legal fees and other transaction costs, includes primarily consulting fees and compensation costs related to the Transformation program.
     (ii) Includes certain costs, primarily related to corporate functions which are not directly related to the segments, and certain differences between budgeted expenses determined at the beginning of the year and actual expenses that we report for U.S. GAAP purposes.
     (iii) Represents the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our BDA reporting unit related to the completed sale of our TRANZACT business.

    WTW
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)

    RECONCILIATIONS OF NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

        Three Months Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Net income attributable to WTW   $ 1,246     $ 622  
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Amortization     50       60  
    Restructuring costs     32       38  
    Transaction and transformation     113       121  
    Pension settlement     23        
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (853 )     1  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     216       (67 )
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 827     $ 775  
                 
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted     102       104  
                 
    Diluted Earnings Per Share   $ 12.25     $ 5.97  
    Adjusted for certain items:(ii)            
    Amortization     0.49       0.58  
    Restructuring costs     0.31       0.36  
    Transaction and transformation     1.11       1.16  
    Pension settlement     0.23        
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (8.39 )     0.01  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     2.12       (0.64 )
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(ii)   $ 8.13     $ 7.44  
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Net (loss)/income attributable to WTW   $ (98 )   $ 1,055  
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042        
    Amortization     226       263  
    Restructuring costs     61       68  
    Transaction and transformation     409       386  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(iii)     13        
    Pension settlement     23        
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     (276 )     (195 )
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     (7 )     2  
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 1,730     $ 1,536  
                 
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted(iv)     102       106  
                 
    Diluted (Loss)/Earnings Per Share(iv)   $ (0.96 )   $ 9.95  
    Adjusted for certain items:(ii)            
    Impairment     10.20        
    Amortization     2.21       2.48  
    Restructuring costs     0.60       0.64  
    Transaction and transformation     4.00       3.64  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(iii)     0.13        
    Pension settlement     0.23        
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     3.30       (0.41 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     (2.70 )     (1.84 )
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     (0.07 )     0.02  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(ii)   $ 16.93     $ 14.49  

     (i) The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.
    (ii) Per share values and totals may differ due to rounding.
    (iii) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
    (iv) When there is a net loss attributable to WTW for the period, basic and diluted shares and earnings per share are the same values.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF NET INCOME/(LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA

        Three Months Ended December 31,    
        2024    2023   
                   
    Net Income   $ 1,248   41.1% $ 623   21.4%
    Provision for income taxes     440       116    
    Interest expense     66       63    
    Depreciation     54       58    
    Amortization     50       60    
    Restructuring costs     32       38    
    Transaction and transformation     113       121    
    Pension settlement     23          
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (853 )     1    
    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin   $ 1,173   38.6% $ 1,080   37.1%
        Years Ended December 31,    
        2024    2023   
                   
    Net (Loss)/Income   $ (88 ) (0.9)% $ 1,064   11.2%
    Provision for income taxes     192       215    
    Interest expense     263       235    
    Impairment     1,042          
    Depreciation     230       242    
    Amortization     226       263    
    Restructuring costs     61       68    
    Transaction and transformation     409       386    
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13          
    Pension settlement     23          
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )  
    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin   $ 2,708   27.3% $ 2,430   25.6%

     (i) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF INCOME FROM OPERATIONS TO ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME

        Three Months Ended December 31,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    Income from operations and Operating margin   $ 901   29.7% $ 779   26.7%
    Adjusted for certain items:              
    Amortization     50       60    
    Restructuring costs     32       38    
    Transaction and transformation     113       121    
    Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating income margin   $ 1,096   36.1% $ 998   34.2%
        Years Ended December 31,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    Income from operations and Operating margin   $ 627   6.3% $ 1,365   14.4%
    Adjusted for certain items:              
    Impairment     1,042          
    Amortization     226       263    
    Restructuring costs     61       68    
    Transaction and transformation     409       386    
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13          
    Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating income margin   $ 2,378   23.9% $ 2,082   22.0%

    (i) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP INCOME TAXES/TAX RATE TO ADJUSTED INCOME TAXES/TAX RATE

        Three Months Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 1,688     $ 739  
                 
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Amortization     50       60  
    Restructuring costs     32       38  
    Transaction and transformation     113       121  
    Pension settlement     23        
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (853 )     1  
    Adjusted income before taxes   $ 1,053     $ 959  
                 
    Provision for income taxes   $ 440     $ 116  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     (216 )     67  
    Adjusted income taxes   $ 224     $ 183  
                 
    U.S. GAAP tax rate     26.0 %     15.7 %
    Adjusted income tax rate     21.3 %     19.1 %
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 104     $ 1,279  
                 
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042        
    Amortization     226       263  
    Restructuring costs     61       68  
    Transaction and transformation     409       386  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13        
    Pension settlement     23        
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )
    Adjusted income before taxes   $ 2,215     $ 1,953  
                 
    Provision for income taxes   $ 192     $ 215  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     276       195  
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     7       (2 )
    Adjusted income taxes   $ 475     $ 408  
                 
    U.S. GAAP tax rate     184.7 %     16.8 %
    Adjusted income tax rate     21.5 %     20.9 %

    (i) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
    (ii) The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.

    RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW

        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities   $ 1,512     $ 1,345  
    Less: Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use     (136 )     (153 )
    Free Cash Flow   $ 1,376     $ 1,192  
                 
    Revenue   $ 9,930     $ 9,483  
    Free Cash Flow Margin     13.9 %     12.6 %

     

    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended
     December 31, 
      Years Ended
     December 31, 
        2024    2023    2024    2023 
    Revenue   $ 3,035     $ 2,914     $ 9,930     $ 9,483  
                             
    Costs of providing services                        
    Salaries and benefits     1,367       1,325       5,502       5,344  
    Other operating expenses     518       533       1,833       1,815  
    Impairment                 1,042        
    Depreciation     54       58       230       242  
    Amortization     50       60       226       263  
    Restructuring costs     32       38       61       68  
    Transaction and transformation     113       121       409       386  
    Total costs of providing services     2,134       2,135       9,303       8,118  
                             
    Income from operations     901       779       627       1,365  
                             
    Interest expense     (66 )     (63 )     (263 )     (235 )
    Other income/(loss), net     853       23       (260 )     149  
                             
    INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES   1,688       739       104       1,279  
                             
    Provision for income taxes     (440 )     (116 )     (192 )     (215 )
                             
    NET INCOME/(LOSS)   1,248       623       (88 )     1,064  
                             
    Income attributable to non-controlling interests     (2 )     (1 )     (10 )     (9 )
                             
    NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW   $ 1,246     $ 622     $ (98 )   $ 1,055  
                             
    EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE                        
    Basic earnings/(loss) per share   $ 12.32     $ 6.02     $ (0.96 )   $ 10.01  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per share   $ 12.25     $ 5.97     $ (0.96 )   $ 9.95  
                             
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, basic     101       103       102       105  
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted     102       104       102       106  

     

    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
        December 31,    December 31, 
        2024    2023 
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,890     $ 1,424  
    Fiduciary assets     9,504       9,073  
    Accounts receivable, net     2,494       2,572  
    Prepaid and other current assets     1,217       364  
    Total current assets     15,105       13,433  
    Fixed assets, net     661       720  
    Goodwill     8,799       10,195  
    Other intangible assets, net     1,295       2,016  
    Right-of-use assets     485       565  
    Pension benefits assets     530       588  
    Other non-current assets     806       1,573  
    Total non-current assets     12,576       15,657  
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 27,681     $ 29,090  
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
    Fiduciary liabilities   $ 9,504     $ 9,073  
    Deferred revenue and accrued expenses     2,211       2,104  
    Current debt           650  
    Current lease liabilities     118       125  
    Other current liabilities     793       678  
    Total current liabilities     12,626       12,630  
    Long-term debt     5,309       4,567  
    Liability for pension benefits     615       563  
    Deferred tax liabilities     45       542  
    Provision for liabilities     341       365  
    Long-term lease liabilities     502       592  
    Other non-current liabilities     226       238  
    Total non-current liabilities     7,038       6,867  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES     19,664       19,497  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES            
    EQUITY(i)            
    Additional paid-in capital     10,989       10,910  
    Retained earnings     109       1,466  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (3,158 )     (2,856 )
    Total WTW shareholders’ equity     7,940       9,520  
    Non-controlling interests     77       73  
    Total Equity     8,017       9,593  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   $ 27,681     $ 29,090  

    ________________________
    (i)  Equity includes (a) Ordinary shares $0.000304635 nominal value; Authorized 1,510,003,775; Issued 99,805,780 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023); Outstanding 99,805,780 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023) and (b) Preference shares, $0.000115 nominal value; Authorized 1,000,000,000 and Issued none in 2024 and 2023.

     

    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In millions of U.S. dollars)
    (Unaudited)
         
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
    NET (LOSS)/INCOME   $ (88 )   $ 1,064  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to total net cash from operating activities:            
    Depreciation     230       242  
    Amortization     226       263  
    Impairment     1,042        
    Non-cash restructuring charges     41       38  
    Non-cash lease expense     98       105  
    Net periodic benefit of defined benefit pension plans     4       (26 )
    Provision for doubtful receivables from clients     13       6  
    Benefit from deferred income taxes     (213 )     (109 )
    Share-based compensation     121       125  
    Net loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )
    Non-cash foreign exchange (gain)/loss     (31 )     20  
    Other, net     58       31  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of subsidiaries:            
    Accounts receivable     (233 )     (206 )
    Other assets     (373 )     (185 )
    Other liabilities     301       16  
    Provisions     (21 )     4  
    Net cash from operating activities     1,512       1,345  
                 
    CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
    Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use     (136 )     (153 )
    Capitalized software costs     (109 )     (89 )
    Acquisitions of operations, net of cash acquired     (107 )     (6 )
    Proceeds from sale of operations     619       89  
    Cash and fiduciary funds transferred in sale of operations     (5 )     (922 )
    Purchase of investments     (12 )     (4 )
    Net cash from/(used in) investing activities     250       (1,085 )
                 
    CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
    Senior notes issued     746       748  
    Debt issuance costs     (9 )     (7 )
    Repayments of debt     (655 )     (254 )
    Repurchase of shares     (901 )     (1,000 )
    Net proceeds/(payments) from fiduciary funds held for clients     785       (234 )
    Payments of deferred and contingent consideration related to acquisitions     (2 )     (12 )
    Cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares     (56 )     (26 )
    Dividends paid     (354 )     (352 )
    Acquisitions of and dividends paid to non-controlling interests     (13 )     (63 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (459 )     (1,200 )
                 
    INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED
       CASH
        1,303       (940 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (97 )     11  
    CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF
       PERIOD (i)
        3,792       4,721  
    CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD (i)   $ 4,998     $ 3,792  

    ________________________
    (i)  The amounts of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, their respective classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, as well as their respective portions of the increase or decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for each of the periods presented have been included in the Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information section.

    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,890     $ 1,424  
    Fiduciary funds (included in fiduciary assets)     3,108       2,368  
    Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 4,998     $ 3,792  
                 
    Increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and other restricted cash   $ 510     $ 163  
    Increase/(decrease) in fiduciary funds     793       (1,103 )
    Total (i)   $ 1,303     $ (940 )

    (i) Does not include the effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Seeds Corporation Limited Chairman presents dividend cheque to Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Seeds Corporation Limited Chairman presents dividend cheque to Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    NSC declares the highest ever dividend of Rs. 35.30 Crores

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

    National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has announced the declaration of final Dividend of ₹ 35.30 Crores for the Financial Year 2023-24, representing 5% of its net worth, in compliance with Department of Investment and Public Asset Management-DIPAM guidelines. This highest ever dividend underscores NSC’s commitment to contributing to National Agricultural Development while ensuring financial sustainability.

    The Dividend cheque was presented to the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan by Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Chairperson cum Managing Director of NSC, in a ceremony held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. On this occasion Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (Seeds) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India and Senior Officials from NSC and Ministry of Agriculture were also present.

    NSC is a Schedule ‘B’-Mini Ratna Category-I company wholly owned by the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Established in 1963, NSC is engaged in the production and distribution of certified seeds to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security in India.

    During FY 2023-24, NSC recorded significant growth in its financial performance. The revenue from operations increased to ₹1,143.26 Crores from ₹1,078.23 Crores in the previous year, while the total income rose to ₹1,182.48 Crores (ever highest) compared to ₹1,112.13 Crores in 2022-23. The company’s profitability also witnessed a substantial increase, with Profit Before Tax (PBT) surging by 64.74% to ₹86.81 Crores and ever highest Profit After Tax (PAT) growing by 38.15% to ₹73.64 Crores.

    NSC’s operational efficiency and strategic market expansion contributed to this growth. The company achieved seed sales revenue of ₹1005 Crores, marking an increase from ₹947 Crores in the previous year. Notably, non-subsidized seed sales reached ₹920 Crores, up from ₹847.83 Crores. Online seed sales also saw a remarkable rise, reflecting NSC’s efforts in digital transformation. The company strengthened its market presence by appointing 992 new dealers, bringing the total dealer network to 4,665. The Company also appointed 2,126 no. of Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) and PACs and LAMPs.

    On the production front, NSC continued to enhance its capabilities, with raw seed production/procurement reaching 17.10 lakh quintals. The seed processing capacity increased to 25.67 Lakhs quintal, supported by infrastructure improvements. Additionally, NSC played a crucial role in Government agricultural initiatives, supplying seeds to the Government, State Governments, dealers and also selling online via ONDC platform.

    NSC is producing seeds in its five big Farms located at Sardargarh, Suratgarh, Jetsar in Rajasthan, Hisar in Haryana and Raichur in Karnataka with total area of 21,841 Ha. and through 14,166 Registered growers. The Company produces Test seeds to Breeder Seeds to Foundation seeds to Certified seeds, chronologically. The Company operates from 11 Regional Offices, 48 Area Offices, 29 Production Centres, 75 Seed processing plants, having 7 Air conditioned seed storage facilities, and 180 seed storage godowns. The company has 4 Quality control labs and 1 DNA Finger printing lab.

    NSC remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality seeds to farmers across the country. The Corporation continues to prioritize quality and sustainability, ensuring the availability of a diverse range of Bio fortified and climate resilient seed varieties. The product basket comprises of 80 crops and 900 varieties/ hybrids comprising Cereals, Oilseeds, Pulses, Millets, Fodder, Fiber, Green manure and wide range of vegetables. Saplings of fruit crops like Citrus, Pomegranates, Guava, Mango, Aonla, Ornamentals and Forestry saplings/ plants are also being produced. NSC is committed to cater to the varying agro-climatic conditions of India and support farmers to contribute to the Nation’s Agricultural growth.

    All NSC Seeds and most of the Planting Materials are available on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The same can be ordered online and it is home delivered through the logistic partners. NSC Seeds and Planting Material can be searched on any of the 30+ ONDC App, which are interoperable, and order can be placed online.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tourism as a Key Driver for Employment and Growth Budget 2025-26 Focuses on Infrastructure, Medical Tourism, and Heritage Conservation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 2:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    India’s tourism sector, rich in heritage, culture, and diversity, is emerging as a global favorite and a key driver of economic growth. Recognizing its potential for employment-led development, the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹2541.06 crore to enhance infrastructure, skill development, and travel facilitation. A major initiative includes developing 50 top tourist destinations in partnership with states through a challenge mode, ensuring world-class facilities and connectivity. With committed efforts, tourism is set to drive India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

    Employment-Led Growth in Tourism

     

    The tourism sector’s contribution to GDP regained the pre-pandemic level of 5 per cent in FY23. The tourism sector created 7.6 crore jobs in FY23.  International tourist arrivals (ITAs) in India have rebounded to pre-pandemic level in 2023. The share of India’s ITAs in World ITAs stands at 1.45 per cent in 2023. Foreign exchange earnings through tourism were 28 billion USD. India received 1.8 per cent of world tourism receipts and attained a rank of 14th worldwide in world tourism receipts during 2023.

    Measures to Facilitate Employment-Led Growth in the 2025-26 Budget:

    1) Organizing intensive skill-development programmes for our youth including in Institutes of Hospitality Management

    2) Providing MUDRA loans for homestays

    3) Improving ease of travel and connectivity to tourist destinations

    4) Providing performance-linked incentives to states for effective destination management including tourist amenities, cleanliness, and marketing efforts and

    5) Introducing streamlined e-visa facilities along with visa-fee waivers for certain tourist groups.

    Transforming Tourism Infrastructure: Enhancing Connectivity and Investment

    Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced a landmark initiative to develop 50 top tourist destinations in partnership with states through a challenge mode. This initiative aims to elevate tourism infrastructure, improve ease of travel, and strengthen connectivity to key sites. As part of this framework, states will be required to provide land for critical infrastructure, including hotels, which will be classified under the Infrastructure Harmonized Master List (HML) to attract investments and boost hospitality services.

    Furthering this commitment, 40 projects across 23 states will receive interest-free loans for 50 years, amounting to ₹3,295.8 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment. This funding will support the creation of globally recognized tourist destinations by facilitating their development and strategic marketing. Additionally, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 (SD 2.0), which focuses on sustainable and responsible tourism, will continue to expand, with 34 projects already approved under this initiative, receiving ₹793.2 crore in total funding. To strengthen employment opportunities in the tourism sector, Government has allocated ₹60 crore for skill development in the financial year 2025-26. This funding will support intensive skill-development programs for youth, including training in hospitality management and other tourism-related services.

    Revitalizing Spiritual Tourism: A Focus on Heritage and Pilgrimage

    Recognizing the deep cultural and spiritual significance of religious tourism, the government will prioritize the development of sites associated with pilgrimage and heritage. Special emphasis will be placed on destinations linked to the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, aligning with India’s vision to become a key center for Buddhist tourism.

    The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure at major pilgrimage sites and heritage cities, ensuring world-class amenities and accessibility for visitors. By strengthening spiritual tourism, the government aims to position India as a global cultural hub while driving economic growth and employment generation in the sector.

    Medical Tourism: Strengthening India’s Global Position Through “Heal in India”

    Recognizing the immense potential of India’s healthcare sector, the Union Budget 2025-26 prioritizes medical tourism as a key growth driver. Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that medical tourism and the “Heal in India” initiative will be promoted in partnership with the private sector, enhancing India’s position as a premier global healthcare destination. By leveraging world-class medical expertise, cutting-edge infrastructure, and traditional wellness systems like Ayurveda and Yoga, India aims to attract a larger share of international patients seeking high-quality, cost-effective treatment.

    Growing Potential of Medical Value Travel (MVT)

    India’s Medical Value Travel (MVT) sector is witnessing significant growth. The market, valued at $2.89 billion in 2020, is projected to reach $13.42 billion by 2026, driven by increasing foreign patient arrivals seeking high-quality and cost-effective treatment.

     India’s key advantages in this sector include:

    Specialties in Focus

    The Indian Healthcare Ecosystem is delivering world-class medical care/treatment across the healthcare spectrum ranging from Modern Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, and other Traditional Systems of Healthcare. It provides tertiary-quaternary care, treatment for serious chronic and non-communicable diseases, comprehensive rehabilitation across all major medical specialties such as cardiac care, orthopedics, neurosciences, oncology, and promotive health-revitalization, functional health, and therapeutic wellbeing.

    Medical Visa Introduction

    Gyan Bharatam Mission

    Finance Minister also said that documentation and conservation of our manuscript heritage with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors will be undertaken to cover more than 1 crore manuscripts. She added that Government will set up a National Digital Repository of Indian knowledge systems for knowledge sharing.

    Conclusion

    The Government of India is committed to positioning the country as a global leader in tourism by enhancing infrastructure, boosting employment, and promoting diverse tourism segments, including spiritual, medical, and heritage tourism. The “Heal in India” initiative and Medical Value Travel sector underscore India’s growing prominence as a premier healthcare destination. Additionally, the Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to preserve and digitize India’s rich manuscript heritage, ensuring knowledge accessibility for future generations. With a strong emphasis on ‘Seva’ and ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ India is set to redefine its tourism landscape and establish itself as a world-class destination.

    ***

    References:

     

    1. https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe99.pdf
    2. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2098371
    3. https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/echapter.pdf 
    4. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2098371
    5. https://www.investindia.gov.in/blogs/unlocking-potential-medical-value-travel-india-importance-and-key-factors-developing
    6. https://healinindia.gov.in/

    Click here to see in PDF:

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interest rate of third interest payment for Silver Bond Series due 2026

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Interest rate of third interest payment for Silver Bond Series due 2026
    Interest rate of third interest payment for Silver Bond Series due 2026
    ***********************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, announced today (February 4) the relevant per annum interest rate for the third interest payment of Silver Bond Series due 2026 (Issue Number 03GB2608R) (the Bonds) issued under the Retail Bond Issuance Programme of the Government Bond Programme.           According to the Issue Circular dated July 14, 2023 for the Bonds, the third interest payment of the Bonds is scheduled to be made on February 18, 2025, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on February 4, 2025 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate.            On February 4, 2025, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:Floating Rate: +1.90 per cent (Annex)Fixed Rate: +5.00 per cent       Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the third interest payment is determined and announced as 5.00 per cent per annum.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 4, 2025Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Web-portal of NYPS 2.0 enables citizens to participate in Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

    Source: Government of India

    Web-portal of NYPS 2.0 enables  citizens to participate in  Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

    Aim is to strengthen roots of democracy and to enable  students  to know about practices and procedures of Parliament

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The key objectives of the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0 is to strengthen the roots of democracy, inculcate healthy habits of discipline, and tolerance of the views of others and to enable the student community to know about practices and procedures of the Parliament and to enhance their knowledge of the functioning of the Government, Constitutional values and for living their life in a democratic way.

    The web-portal of NYPS 2.0 enables all the citizens of the country to participate in the Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry through 3 different ways:

                                    (i)            Institution Participation: All educational institution can participate in this category by organizing the Youth Parliament sittings as per the guidelines available on the portal. The students from classes VI to XII may be selected for the “Kishore Sabha” sub-category and Under Graduate and Post Graduate level students may be selected for the “Tarun Sabha” sub-category.

                                    (ii)           Group Participation: A group of citizens can participate in this category by organizing the Youth Parliament sittings as per the guidelines available on the portal.

                                    (iii)          Individual Participation: An individual citizen can participate in this category by attempting a quiz on the theme of ‘Bhartiya Democracy in Action’.

    The e-training material viz. Literature on Youth Parliament, Model Debate, Model Questions, Model List of Business, Model Scripts, Video Tutorials, etc. are available as training resources on the web-portal of NYPS 2.0.

    This information was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Information &  Broadcasting ,Dr. L. Murugan  in a written reply to Rajya Sabha yesterday.

    ****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CLIMATE-RESILIENT CROP VARIETIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 1:31PM by PIB Delhi

    National Agricultural Research System (NARS) including ICAR Institutes and State/Central Agricultural Universities (CAU/SAU) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 2900 varieties of different crops during 2014-2024, out of which 2661 varieties are climate resilient. During this period, 63 field crop varieties have been developed for Kerala state, comprising of 23 of cereals, 2 of oilseeds; 10 of pulses; 15 of forage crops and 13 of sugarcane of which 58 are climate resilient. 

    Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) of Govt. of India, has been implemented since 2015-16 which focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through micro Irrigation system like drip and sprinkler Irrigation systems. The PDMC was implemented as a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) during 2015-16 to 2021-22 and under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) from 2022-23 onwards. The various components of this scheme helps in water saving as well as reduced fertilizer usage through fertigation, labour expenses, other input costs and overall income enhancement of the farmers. The Government provides financial assistance @ 55% to the small and marginal farmers and @ 45% to other farmers for installation of drip and sprinkler systems under the PDMC.

    To help the farmers for taking decisions on day-to-day agricultural operations for reduction of crop damage and loss due to extreme weather as well as taking advantages of benevolent weather conditions, India Meteorological Department (IMD) runs a scheme – Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) to render weather forecast based operational Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agriculture Universities

    (SAUs) and other institutions for the benefit of farming community. Under this scheme, presently 130 Agromet Field Units (AMFUs), located at SAUs, institutes of ICAR and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) etc. are operational across the country. Along with the biweekly bulletins, daily weather forecast and nowcast information are also disseminated to the farmers by Regional Meteorological Centers (RMCs) and Meteorological Centers (MCs) of IMD. Out of the 130 AMFUs, 5 AMFUs viz. Ambalavayal, Pillicode, Thrissur, Vellayani and Kumarakomare preparing the district level AAS bulletins for all agriculturally important districts of Kerala. These units are also involved in dissemination of AAS to the farmers through multichannel dissemination system like print and electronic media, Door Darshan, radio, internet etc. including SMS using mobile phones through Kisan Portal and also through private companies under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. SMS-based alerts and warnings along with suitable remedial measures are being sent during extreme weather events like cyclone, deep depression etc. through Kisan Portal.

    Farmers access weather information including alerts and related agromet advisories specific to their districts through the mobile App viz., ‘Meghdoot’ and ‘Mausam’ launched by Govt. of India. To extend real-time weather updates to farmers for taking appropriate decisions on farm operations, AMFUs also use Social media platforms like ‘WhatsApp’, ‘Facebook’, ‘YouTube’ etc. In Kerala, these services have been integrated in Agriculture Information Management System (AIMS), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of Kerala. About 40 lakhs farmers are accessing the information in English and regional language from this platform.

    Recently, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), has launched Panchayat-level weather forecasts for nearly all Gram Panchayats in India on 24th October 2024. These forecasts are accessible on digital platforms such as e-Gramswaraj (https://egramswaraj.gov.in/), the Meri Panchayat app, e-Manchitra of MoPR, and Mausamgram of IMD, Ministry of Earth Science.

    For drought monitoring, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) has developed a Geoportal in collaboration with Space application Centre (SAC), ISRO. This Geoportal hosts data of multiple drought indicators related to rainfall, soil moisture, remote sensing based crop condition, water storages etc. This portal is a single window digital platform which provide drought indicators and enable various stakeholders towards easy, timely and objective assessment of drought situation at district or tehsil level. It also helps in identifying potential drought conditions enabling timely interventions to support effective drought management strategies.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development of Model Fishermen Villages

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying inter-alia provides support to the Coastal State Governments and Union Territories(UTs) for development of Integrated modern coastal fishing villages.  The unit cost envisaged for development of each integrated coastal fishing village is shared between the Central and concerned State Government in 60:40 basis and the Government of India meets 100% unit cost  in case of Union Territories. Under PMMSY, proposals at a total investment of Rs.7756.46 lakh for development of total 11 integrated modern coastal villages have been approved which include (i) nine coastal villages at a cost of Rs. 6106.61 lakh in Kerala, (ii) one costal village at a cost of Rs.899.85 lakh in Lakshadweep and (iii) one coastal village at a cost of Rs. 750 lakh in West Bengal.  As this activity is implemented as non-beneficiary oriented activities of PMMSY on cost sharing basis between the Centre and concerned State Governments, no direct financial assistance is provided to the beneficiaries under the scheme.

    In addition, under the PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in consultation with the coastal States/UTs has also identified a total of 100 coastal fishermen villages situated close to the coastlines for development as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) to make them economically vibrant fishermen villages. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad has been made a nodal agency and the proposal of NFDB for development of the identified 100 coastal villages at a total cost of Rs. 200 crore has been approved under the PMMSY in the current financial year. The need-based fisheries facilities developed in the identified coastal fishermen villages include; common facilities like fish drying yards, processing centers, fish markets, fishing jetty, ice plant, cold storage and emergency rescue facilities. The program also promotes climate-resilient fisheries through initiatives such as seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs, sea ranching, promotion of green fuel, Safety and security measures for fishermen and fishing vessels and taking up alternative livelihood activities like ornamental fisheries. The programs also envisages other activities like insurance, livelihood and nutritional support, Kisan Credit Cards and its saturation of coverage of eligible fishers residing in the identified coastal villages. State-wise details of the identified coastal villages for development as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs) under PMMSY are furnished at Annexure-I.

    Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure has agreed to the extension of PMMSY up to financial year 2025-26 as per the existing scheme design and funding pattern with the approved outlay as already approved by the Union Cabinet.

    *****

    Annexure-I

     

    State-wise details of the identified coastal villages for development as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs) under PMMSY

     

    Sl. No

    Name of the Coastal Villages

    Sl. No

    Name of the Coastal Villages

    Sl. No

    Name of the Coastal Villages

    Gujarat

    Maharashtra

    Tamil Nadu

    1

    Sachana

    1

    Kelwa

    1

    Pasiyavaram

    2

    Navi bandar

    2

    Arnala

    2

    Senjiyamman Nagar

    3

    Madhwad

    3

    Rangaon

    3

    Tharuvaikulam

    4

    Muldwarka

    4

    Gorai Tal

    4

    Paramankeni

    5

    Bhatt

    5

    Nandgoan

    5

    Mandavai Pudhukuppam

    6

    Jodia

    6

    Korlai

    6

    C. Puthupettai

    7

    Juna Bandar

    7

    Bharadkhol

    7

    Puthupettai

    8

    Chorwad

    8

    Srivardhan

    8

    Arcottudurai

    Goa

    9

    Varavade

    9

    Puthupattiam

    1

    Cacra, Tiswadi

    10

    Kalbadevi

    10

    Kumarapanvayal

    2

    Arambol

    11

    Jaigad

    11

    Soliyakudi

    Puducherry

    12

    Nivati

    12

    Kalimankundu

    1

    Narambai

    13

    Redi

    13

    Veerapandian Pattinam

    2

    Pattinacherry

    14

    Tondavalli

    14

    Idinthakarai

    Daman & Diu

    15

    Sarjekot

    15

    Arockiapuram

    1

    Bucharwada

     

     

    16

    Erayumanthurai

    Odisha

    Karnataka

    Andhra Pradesh

    1

    Pakharabad

    1

    Uppunda Madikal

    1

    Pedagangallavanipeta

    2

    Sanadhanadi

    2

    Koteshwara

    2

    Devunaltada

    3

    Majhisahi

    3

    Kadekar

    3

    Iddivanipalem

    4

    Kirtani

    4

    Bailuru

    4

    Pathivada barripeta

    5

    Jambhirai

    5

    Mattadahitlu

    5

    Pedda Uppada

    6

    Amarnagar

    Kerala

    6

    Pentakota

    7

    Chudamani

    1

    Eravipuram

    7

    Konapapapeta

    8

    Jamboo

    2

    Thottapally

    8

    Sorlagondhi

    9

    Kharnasi

    3

    Pallam

    9

    Gullalamoda

    10

    Talachua

    4

    Azheekal

    10

    Adavi Panchayath

    11

    Noliasahi

    5

    Njarakkal

    11

    Gondisamudram

     

     

    6

    Edavanakkadu

    12

    Palipalem

    12

    Sana Nalianugaon

    Lakshadweep

    13

    Tadichetlapalem

    13

    New Boxipalli

    1

    Chetlath island

    14

    Edurupalem

    14

    Patisonapur

    2

    Minicoy island

    15

    Thupilipalem

    15

    Sahan

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    West Bengal

    16

    Noliasahi

    1

    Durgapur

    1

    Akshayanagar

    17

    Penthakata

    2

    Chidiya Tapu

    2

    Madanganj

    18

    Arakhakuda

    3

    Junglighat

    3

    Dera

     

    4

    Hopetown

    4

    Dakshin Kadua

    5

    Shoal Bay

    5

    Tamliporiya – Purba Mukundapur (Maa Nayekali Matsya Khoti)

                   

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fish Production

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 4:07PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing flagship scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)” with investment of ₹20,050 crore in fisheries sector for a period of 5 years with effect from the FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all the States/UTs. PMMSY  inter-alia, envisages to  address critical gaps in fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of value chain, reduction of post-harvest losses, traceability etc including marketing infrastructure.  For creation and strengthening of marketing infrastructure, PMMSY has supported  27189 units of fish transportation facilities (refrigerated vehicles, insulated vehicles, two wheelers/ three wheelers), 21 state of the art wholesale fish markets, 202 fish retail markets, 6694 fish kiosks and 5 E-platform for e-trading and e-marketing of fish and fisheries products with total outlay of Rs. 1654.51 crore in all the States/UTs across the country. To provide real-time and accurate price information to fishers and fish farmers and to help them for negotiating better price and profitability, the Department through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has launched the ‘Fish Market Price Information System’ (FMPIS) during 2018-19 to capture and disseminate fish market prices of commercially important marine and inland fishes from 111 wholesale and retail fish markets in 29 States/UTs.

    Further, the Department of Fisheries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with an objective to provide a digital platform and empower all stakeholders including traditional fishermen, fish farmers producer organization, entrepreneurs from fisheries sector to buy and sell their products through e-market place. Further, PMMSY has supported 2195 fisheries cooperatives as Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) with project outlay of Rs. 544.85 crore through National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) as implementing agencies.

    The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme implemented for overall development of fisheries and aquaculture sector in the country, inter-alia envisages to enhance fisheries exports to Rs 1.0 lakh crores by 2024-25. In order to enhance India’s export competitiveness and higher price realization, the PMMSY supports a basket of interventions/activities along the fisheries value chain including quality fish production, expansion, diversification and intensification of brackish water aquaculture, promotion of export-oriented species, infusion of technology, robust disease management and traceability, training and capacity building, creation of modern post-harvest infrastructure with seamless cold chain, development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres, etc. The seafood exports of India have more than doubled since FY 2013-14. While the seafood exports stood at Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14, the same has increased to Rs. 60,523.89 crore during FY 2023-24. Further, the MPEDA has informed that they have prepared a Vision Document -2030 for the India’s marine products export sector with recommendation to achieve an export turnover of USS$ 18.00 billion by 2030. The details of fish products in the country, State and year-wise during the last five years (2019-20 to 2023-24) is annexed.

     

    Annexure

     

    Information regarding Fish Production:

                 

    Item-Wise Export Of Marine Products From India

    Q: Quantity in M T, V: Value in Rs. Crore

    Item

     

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Frozen Shrimp

    Q:

    652253

    590275

    728123

    711099

    716004

    V:

    34152.03

    32520.29

    42706.04

    43135.58

    40013.54

     

     

     

     

     

    Frozen Fish

    Q:

    223318

    188130

    226586

    368549

    381588

    V:

    3610.01

    2941.65

    3471.91

    5503.18

    5509.69

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Fr Cuttle Fish

    Q:

    70906

    59292

    58992

    54919

    54316

    V:

    2009.79

    1626.34

    2062.63

    2353.34

    2252.63

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Fr Squid

    Q:

    87631

    61176

    75750

    83846

    93509

    V:

    2196.59

    1998.90

    2806.09

    3593.75

    3061.46

     

     

     

     

     

    Dried Item

    Q:

    84417

    85661

    73679

    252918

    300966

    V:

    981.50

    1148.38

    1472.98

    3080.92

    4070.60

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Live Items

    Q:

    7287

    4379

    7032

    7824

    7585

    V:

    324.26

    239.69

    353.36

    440.06

    397.84

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Chilled Items

    Q:

    21202

    17622

    21689

    24428

    35925

    V:

    631.84

    477.99

    733.47

    616.29

    687.19

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Others

    Q:

    142638

    142975

    177414

    231703

    191709

    V:

    2756.84

    2767.74

    3979.99

    5246.03

    4530.92

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total

    Q:

    12,89,651

    11,49,510

    13,69,264

    17,35,286

    17,81,602

     

    V:

    46,662.85

    43,720.98

    57,586.48

    63,969.14

    60,523.89

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    State-Wise Export of Marine Products From India

    Q: Quantity in Tons, V: Value in Rs. Crore

     

     

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Gujarat

    Q

    252712

    203917

    200099

    248863

    284088

     

    V

    5001.43

    4188.52

    4421.10

    5466.94

    5511.36

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Maharashtra

    Q

    151425

    110822

    193999

    214167

    222453

     

    V

    4829.17

    3684.94

    7303.92

    7466.47

    6923.34

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Goa

    Q

    21498

    16549

    36057

    63333

    55167

     

    V

    520.65

    435.25

    730.64

    1007.60

    934.20

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Karnataka

    Q

    111465

    121348

    120427

    312347

    301183

     

    V

    1520.10

    1689.14

    1962.19

    4737.23

    4785.05

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Kerala

    Q

    163563

    157698

    182430

    218629

    196807

     

    V

    5672.27

    5623.12

    6971.56

    8285.03

    7231.84

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Tamil Nadu

    Q

    130377

    110023

    114810

    123157

    134317

     

    V

    6465.71

    5565.48

    6559.64

    6957.67

    6854.22

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Andhra Predesh

    Q

    293314

    279992

    324904

    328160

    347927

     

    V

    15498.64

    15831.74

    20035.49

    19846.95

    19420.38

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Telangana

    Q

    0

    0

    3102

    6676

    11758

     

    V

    0.00

    0.00

    156.91

    358.39

    565.10

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Odisha

    Q

    66671

    60718

    86765

    85308

    84231

     

    V

    3243.93

    3107.68

    4627.91

    4546.47

    3954.60

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    West Bengal

    Q

    98626

    88443

    103398

    125025

    132318

     

    V

    3910.95

    3595.12

    4742.47

    5121.33

    4145.51

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Delhi

    Q

    0

    0

    766

    1083

    1294

     

    V

    0.00

    0.00

    39.00

    63.61

    79.84

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Others

    Q

    0

    0

    2507

    8536

    10058

     

    V

    0.00

    0.00

    35.64

    111.47

    118.46

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total

    Q

    12,89,651

    11,49,510

    13,69,264

    17,35,286

    17,81,602

     

    V

    46,662.85

    43,720.98

    57,586.48

    63,969.14

    60,523.89

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

    AA

    (Release ID: 2099604) Visitor Counter : 49

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pre-event Press release for Chennai Roadshow

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 11:35AM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) will host the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai on February 5, 2025, starting at 3:30 PM at Hotel Hilton, Guindy, Chennai. The event will be inaugurated by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for MDoNER.

    Key officials, including Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER, and Shri Shantanu, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, along with senior representatives from various North Eastern States, will also be in attendance.

    The roadshow will feature B2G meetings, providing a unique opportunity for potential investors to engage directly with state representatives and explore investment opportunities across multiple sectors. This event is organized in collaboration with the State Governments of the North Eastern States, FICCI (Industry Partner), and Invest India (Investment Facilitation Partner).

    This Chennai Roadshow is the eighth event in the ongoing series, showcasing presentations from the eight North Eastern States—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. These states will highlight a diverse range of investment opportunities in key sectors, including agri-food processing, IT & ITES, entertainment & sports, energy, infrastructure & logistics, tourism & hospitality, education & skill development, healthcare, textiles, handloom & handicrafts, all crucial for driving economic growth in the region.

    The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat and Viksit North East’ has driven significant infrastructure development in the region over the past decade, including roadways, airways, railways, and waterways. These efforts have greatly improved the lives of the local population, boosting tourism and economic activities.

    The North East Investor Summit supports this vision by attracting investments and unlocking the region’s untapped potential, further advancing its journey toward prosperity and development.

    Previous roadshows in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, along with the state seminar at Vibrant Gujarat, have garnered substantial interest from potential investors. Building on these successes, MDoNER organized a signing and exchange of MoUs event for the North East Investors Summit on March 6, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, facilitating discussions between senior officials and investors.

    The recent Ahmedabad roadshow, attended by  MoS for MDoNER, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, facilitated numerous B2G meetings that encouraged potential investments.

    The upcoming Chennai Roadshow aims to build on this momentum, providing investors with the opportunity to engage directly with state officials. Given the success of previous editions, this event is anticipated to attract even greater attention and participation, solidifying Chennai’s role as a financial hub for the economic growth of the North East.

    The session will include valuable insights from the  Minister of MDoNER and presentations from various states, highlighting investment opportunities and empowering investors to become part of the dynamic investment landscape of North East India.

    *****

    Samrat/Dheeraj@: donerpib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2099415) Visitor Counter : 89

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Australia’s Windmill Theatre returning to Hong Kong with puppetry show “Grug and the Rainbow” (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Australia’s Windmill Theatre returning to Hong Kong with puppetry show “Grug and the Rainbow” (with photos)
    Australia’s Windmill Theatre returning to Hong Kong with puppetry show “Grug and the Rainbow” (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invited Australia’s Windmill Theatre Company with Grug, a celebrated picture-book character, to return to Hong Kong after a hiatus of 10 years. The Company will perform the puppetry show “Grug and the Rainbow” as the finale of this year’s “Cheers!” Series from February 28 to March 2 (Friday to Sunday), bringing a colourful and heart-warming adventure to toddlers and Grug fans of all ages.     Grug is a character from the much-loved picture books by Australian writer Ted Prior. Grug started out as the top of a burrawang tree that fell to the ground. He is fascinated by the world around him. In “Grug and the Rainbow”, Grug is amazed by the vibrant colours of a rainbow after the rain stops, and wants to have a rainbow of his own. On his journey to gather the colours of a rainbow, Grug encounters a bowerbird and a crab, and sets off on trips to the beach, the city and the snowfields, where he experiences cycling, playing drums, house painting, skiing, and more. His friends Cara the carpet snake and Snoot the echidna join him to experience a series of surprises and fun happenings as he explores a world of colour.      With accessible storytelling, a simple yet delicate set and magical sound effects, “Grug and the Rainbow” is best suited for children aged 2 to 6. The actors skillfully manipulate the exquisite puppets, blending them with vivid and riveting voices, to bring the characters of the picture book to life. There are several audience participation bits throughout the performance, while the company ingeniously integrates daily objects and knowledge into the scenes, enabling young audiences to acquire knowledge through the theatre-going experience, unleashing their imagination and creativity.     Founded in Adelaide, Australia, in 2002, the Windmill Theatre Company has earned a global reputation as a leading producer of theatre for children, teenagers, and families. It was hailed by newspaper The Australian as “the best children’s theatre company in the country”. Over the years, the Company has presented 65 productions in over 3 000 performances in more than 300 cities and towns across 30 countries.      The performance schedule of “Cheers!” Series: “Grug and the Rainbow” by the Windmill Theatre Company (Australia) is as follows:      Performances in English with simple Cantonese interpretation:     February 28 (Friday), 5pm and 7.30pm     March 1 (Saturday), 11.30am     March 2 (Sunday), 2.30pm     Performances in English:     March 1 (Saturday), 2.30pm     March 2 (Sunday), 11.30am     The above-mentioned performances will be held at the Cultural Activities Hall of Sha Tin Town Hall. Each performance will run for about 35 minutes without intermission. An interactive session will be held after each performance. Tickets priced at $280 (half-price tickets for full-time students and children aged 6 or below) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Children must be accompanied by a parent or an adult, and one ticket per person is required regardless of age (including young children). The “Cheers!” Series offers various discount schemes, such as package discounts and family package discounts. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_1779.html.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 4, 2025Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. Announces Common Stock Repurchase Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, Wis., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “CIB Marine”) (OTCQX: CIBH), the parent company of CIBM Bank, has authorized a 2025 share repurchase program for up to $1 million worth of the Company’s outstanding common stock. This marks the Company’s first common stock repurchase program since completing the repurchase of all Company-issued preferred stock in 2024.

    Repurchases are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025. Common stock may be repurchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Common share repurchases will be made at the Company’s discretion, with the timing and amount determined by a number of factors, including, the availability of common shares, general market conditions, trading prices, economic conditions, regulatory requirements, and the Company’s financial performance. All stock purchases will be made in accordance with applicable legal requirements. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase a specific amount of common stock within any particular time frame, and there is no guarantee that any shares will be repurchased upon criteria established by the Company. The Board of Directors will evaluate repurchase conditions at least quarterly to determine the terms and conditions for repurchase activity.

    “Having just completed our very successful preferred stock repurchase plan in October, this common stock repurchase program will build off of the momentum of 2024 as we continue to expand meaningful opportunities for shareholder value,” stated Brian Chaffin, President and CEO. “We recognize the important opportunity that current market conditions afford for stock repurchase activity, and the benefits it provides to our shareholders.”

    CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for CIBM Bank, which operates nine banking offices and has mortgage loan officers and/or offices in nine states. More information on the Company is available at www.cibmarine.com, including recent shareholder letters, links to regulatory financial reports, and audited financial statements.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    CIB Marine has made statements in this release that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. CIB Marine intends these forward-looking statements to be subject to the safe harbor created thereby and is including this statement to avail itself of the safe harbor. Forward-looking statements are identified generally by statements containing words and phrases such as “may,” “project,” “are confident,” “should be,” “intend,” “predict,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect CIB Marine’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance that are subject to many uncertainties and factors relating to CIB Marine’s operations and the business environment, which could change at any time.

    There are inherent difficulties in predicting factors that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements.

    Stockholders should note that many factors, some of which are discussed elsewhere in this release and in the documents that are incorporated by reference, could affect the future financial results of CIB Marine and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document. These factors, many of which are beyond CIB Marine’s control, include but are not limited to:

    • operating, legal, execution, credit, market, security (including cyber), and regulatory risks;
    • economic, political, and competitive forces affecting CIB Marine’s banking business;
    • the impact on net interest income and securities values from changes in monetary policy and general economic and political conditions; and
    • the risk that CIB Marine’s analyses of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

    These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. CIB Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and CIB Marine’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements.

    FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
    J. Brian Chaffin, President & CEO
    (217) 355-0900
    brian.chaffin@cibmbank.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Civil Society Organizations Brief the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on the Situation of Women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Belarus and Luxembourg

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    GENEVA, Switzerland, February 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women was this afternoon briefed by representatives of civil society organizations on the situation of women’s rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Belarus and Luxembourg, the reports of which the Committee will review this week.

    In relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speakers raised concerns regarding gender-based violence and abuse of internally displaced women and girls in the context of the escalating conflict, and the impact of the withdrawal of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    On Nepal, speakers addressed discrimination against vulnerable women, including indigenous women and girls, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women, and women sex workers; anti-discrimination legislation; and the participation of women in political processes.

    Non-governmental organizations speaking on Belarus raised topics including the dissolution of civil society organizations, imprisonment of women human rights defenders, and barriers to access to justice for women.

    Regarding Luxembourg, a speaker raised issues related to a lack of gender sensitive policies and measures to address intersecting forms of discrimination, and the subordination of women through the social system.

    The National Human Rights Commissioner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo spoke on the country, as did the following non-governmental organizations: Centre for Migration, Gender, and Justice; Groupe d’Action pour les Droits de la Femme; and SAVIE ASBL LGBT.

    Regarding Nepal, the following non-governmental organizations spoke: Forum for Women, Law and Development; Feminist Dalit Organization; Nepal Indigenous Women Federation; Sex Workers and Allies South Asia and Team; Campaign for Change, Mitini Nepal, and Intersex Asia; and Visible Impact.

    The following non-governmental organizations spoke on Belarus: Belarusian Helsinki Committee; Human Constanta; Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions; Coalition against gender-based and domestic violence; and Our House.

    A representative of the Consultative Commission of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg on Human Rights spoke on Luxembourg.

    The Committee also held an informal meeting with the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and representatives from civil society and the business sector on “increasing the bottom line through smart, gender-inclusive, rights-focused approaches in digitisation.”

    Opening the meeting, Nahla Haidar, the newly elected Committee Chairperson, said artificial intelligence and digital technologies had revolutionised everyday life and business practices across sectors in ways that were never envisioned in the past. She called for action to prevent bias and discrimination against women through cyber-enabled modalities; expand women’s economic opportunities in the new digital era; and equip women and girls with necessary skills, capacities and tools to contribute to providing digital solutions.

    In the meeting, speakers discussed topics such as measures to prevent discrimination of women in the private sector, and particularly in the field of technology; measures to promote access to science, technology, engineering and maths education for women; measures to address the impacts of artificial intelligence on women; and measures to protect women’s rights in the energy transition era.

    Committee Experts and members of the Working Group spoke in the meeting, as did representatives of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the World Trade Organization, and various private sector and civil society organizations.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s ninetieth session is being held from 3 to 21 February. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 4 February to consider the report of the Democratic Republic of the Congo submitted under the exceptional reporting procedure (CEDAW/C/COD/EP/1).

    Opening Remarks by the Committee Chair

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chairperson, said that during each session, the Committee invited national and international non-governmental organizations to informal public meetings to provide specific information on the States parties that were scheduled for consideration by the Committee. She welcomed the representatives of non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions that had come to provide information on the States parties whose reports were being considered this week: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Belarus and Luxembourg.

    Statements by Non-Governmental Organizations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal and Belarus

    Democratic Republic of the Congo

    On the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speakers, among other things, said violence against displaced persons was on the rise in the State. Gender-based violence, specifically, was rampant, leaving survivors with limited access to justice. Displaced women had a lack of access to reproductive health care and were giving birth in unsafe conditions. The economic struggles that displaced women and girls faced were equally alarming. With scarce income opportunities, many were driven to survival sex, which exposed them to sexual exploitation and abuse.

    The withdrawal of the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo raised real concerns. Plans from national authorities to take on the responsibilities of the Mission remained lacking. Armed militias and members of the security forces continued to abuse women with impunity. There were also “tolerance houses” where internally displaced women and girls were sexually abused. Justice remained inaccessible for most survivors.

    Speakers called on the Government to bolster administrative capacities; ensure the transfer of United Nations facilities to the armed forces; investigate “tolerance houses” and hold perpetrators of gender-based violence criminally liable; control the spread of weapons; and ensure justice and dignity for all women in the State. Speakers also called for a national migration strategy that was gender-responsive; mechanisms for gender-based violence prevention, mitigation, and response; provision of health services and resources, especially with regards to maternity health, that connected to related concerns such as food insecurity and nutrition; and programmes to expand livelihood provisions that supported displaced women and girls.

    Nepal

    Speakers said Nepal had yet to enact a robust anti-discrimination law, making women more vulnerable to abuse. There was a need to criminalise discrimination against women and eliminate all discriminatory legal provisions against them. The State party also needed to allocate sufficient human and financial resources to public bodies working on women’s rights. Appropriate support needed to be provided to women victims of violence.

    Fifteen per cent of Nepal’s population of women faced multiple forms of discrimination; many women faced social exclusion and violence. Some girls did not report crimes due to a lack of trust in the justice system.

    Nepal needed to amend the Constitution to address historical discrimination of indigenous women and to recognise the customary laws of indigenous people. The Government needed to amend the act on the rights of persons with disabilities to address the rights of indigenous women with disabilities. Access to justice needed to be promoted for indigenous women and women with disabilities.

    Nepal had failed to ratify the Palermo Protocol, and human trafficking and sex work were treated as the same in the country. Sex workers faced various forms of discrimination and violence. Nepal’s legislation had a direct impact on sex workers’ access to citizenship. Legislation on trafficking in persons needed to be amended to differentiate between trafficking and sex work. The Government also needed to facilitate sex workers’ access to citizenship and promote awareness raising campaigns on the rights of sex workers.

    Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex girls faced harmful treatment and violence, and systematic discrimination in education and healthcare in Nepal, and the Government had failed to act in response. The Government needed to ensure such women could access single women’s allowances, redefine marriage to include gender-free terminology, and support this group’s access to rights.

    Education on sexual and reproductive health remained optional and inadequate in Nepal. It needed to be made compulsory. Legislation needed to be amended to fully decriminalise abortion, particularly abortions in cases of rape. The State also needed to amend legislation to include sexual and reproductive health and rights and sensitise health care providers and community members on safe births. It further needed to decriminalise sexual relations between consenting adolescents under the age of 18.

    The meaningful participation of women in political processes was lacking; many women politicians faced violence. Nepal needed to investigate historic violence against marginalised women, collect disaggregated data on women, enhance women’s leadership capacities, take measures to eliminate discrimination against marginalised women and girls, and provide quality health services to all women and girls, particularly indigenous women, at a minimal cost.

    Belarus

    Speakers on Belarus said the Constitution did not provide effective protection against discrimination. Women’s rights to education and health care were limited. Belarus had institutionalised discriminatory food provisions; women and girls were not able to access fruit and nuts, leading to long-term health risks.

    Access to justice for women was undermined by the persistent persecution of women human rights defenders. Women activists had been falsely labelled as terrorists despite their peaceful actions. The State had systematically dissolved various civil society organizations, including many that supported women. Almost 2,000 non-governmental organizations had been forced to liquidate. All women’s organizations that had prepared shadow reports to the Committee for the last review had been liquidated. It was immensely difficult to find legal assistance due to the political suppression of lawyers. In 2022, the Government had forcibly liquidated all trade unions. Six women trade union activists remained in prisons.

    At least 139 women were political prisoners in Belarus. They lacked access to healthcare and were persistently ill-treated. Imprisoned women faced forced labour and modern forms of slavery. If women refused to work, they were put in “cages of shame” and forced to stand outside for several hours. Women prisoners earned between five and 10 euros per month and faced harsh penalties for not meeting quotas.

    When domestic violence cases were reported to police, police screened the political activities of the victim rather than provide support. Victims and aggressors were invited together to meetings with authorities, promoting impunity.

    Women migrants were vulnerable to trafficking and violence. Domestic violence was not a ground for asylum in Belarus.

    Luxembourg

    No non-governmental organizations spoke on the situation of women in Luxembourg.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said that there were many laws and policies for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but there was weak implementation. How was the transitional justice policy being implemented for women? Was there a plan to promote the security of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

    The Expert shared the non-governmental organizations’ concern regarding the suppression of civil society in Belarus. Were there plans to update the national action plan on human rights in Belarus, and were there plans to establish a national human rights institution?

    Another Expert asked about anti-trafficking activities being carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To what extent were women represented in local governments and decision-making bodies in Nepal?

    One Committee Expert asked about financial resources devoted to implementing the national gender equality plan in Nepal. What were areas of concern related to sexual and reproductive health services in Belarus?

    A Committee Expert asked about problems regarding access to justice for Dalit women in Nepal. How common was the dowry custom in Nepal? Why was the dowry for younger women and girls lower?

    Another Committee Expert asked if the Democratic Republic of the Congo had laws on the accountability of military personnel and contractors involved in violence against women. What social protection system and benefits did Belarus have for women and girls?

    One Committee Expert asked about legal provisions that needed to be challenged. What needed to be done to educate girls and society about the harms of the kumari practice in Nepal, which isolated girls from their community?

    A Committee Expert called for information on the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s national action plan on the development of the security forces. What action had been taken to dismantle non-governmental armed groups in the east? Was it still possible for non-governmental organizations in Belarus to protect women and interact with the Government?

    Responses by Non-Governmental Organizations

    Nepal

    Responding to questions on Nepal, speakers said there was a very low percentage of women in federal and provincial decision-making bodies in Nepal, and an even lower percentage of Dalit women. There needed to be increased representation of women in these bodies. There were several laws that directly discriminated against women, including laws on legal residences, which considered women and girls’ residences as those of their husbands and fathers. Divorced women lost their property rights. It was prohibited to oppose gender biases in cultural and social practices. Nepal’s laws did not recognise lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women as minorities; this needed to be done.

    In Nepal, the parents of women paid dowries, and less dowry was paid for younger women. Dowry payments were most prevalent in the south of the country. The Criminal Code criminalised this practice, but it still existed.

    Sexual and reproductive health education was part of the school curriculum but was no longer a compulsory subject. There were also gaps in sexual and reproductive health legislation, with many marginalised women not able to access sexual and reproductive health services.

    Dalit women and other marginalised women could not easily access the justice system. They were not made aware of where and how to access justice and faced violence and discrimination from the police because of their identity.

    Belarus

    Responding to questions on Belarus, speakers said Belarus’ Gender Equality Council did not include non-governmental organizations working on human rights and gender equality. Belarus’ legislation on incitement to hatred was used to oppress women human rights defenders. One such woman had been imprisoned for seven years under this legislation. Raids, inspections and blocking of websites were tools used by the Government to restrict the activities of civil society organizations.

    Statements by National Human Rights Institutions

    Democratic Republic of the Congo

    GISÈLE KAPINGA NTUMBA, National Human Rights Commissioner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said the Democratic Republic of the Congo was going through one of its darkest times in recent history, marked by the invasion of the M23 rebels in the east of the country, which was facing a protracted, violent crisis. Many women and girls had been displaced and were facing heightened risks of sexual violence and rape. The National Human Rights Commission had conducted investigations into sexual violence linked to conflict, engaging with competent institutions to address this problem and combat impunity.

    The Commission welcomed that the Government had implemented several measures to protect women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence, including a law criminalising such violence and enshrining access to justice for victims. However, there was still a long way to go until these measures could effectively protect civilians from sexual and gender-based violence. The number of internally displaced persons continued to grow, and there had been many cases of rape reported. There needed to be increased funds to limit the circulation of small arms and light weapons, build new camps, and increase humanitarian aid for internally displaced persons. Care for victims of sexual and gender-based violence needed to be given by trained professionals.

    The national fund for compensation for the victims of gender-based violence had helped victims to access care. The Commission also welcomed the organisation of travelling courts to combat impunity. The Government needed to restore peace in the east and take steps to protect civilians from gender-based violence, and provide internally displaced persons with adequate aid. Armed groups needed to respect the rules of international humanitarian law and implement an immediate ceasefire. The international community needed to promote peace by adopting sanctions against M23 and other armed groups.

    Luxembourg

    LAURA CAROCHA, Human and Social Sciences Expert,Commission consultative des Droits de l’Homme du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg [Consultative Commission of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg on Human Rights], welcomed the efforts made by Luxembourg to combat discrimination against women since the last report, while noting persistent shortcomings, including a social system that kept women in a subordinate position to men. Luxembourg’s policy favoured a “neutral” approach that was not gender sensitive. Ms. Carocha urged politicians to openly acknowledge this systemic patriarchal domination and to make the deconstruction of this mechanism a priority. To this end, it was imperative that the Government finally implemented the principle of gender mainstreaming in a cross-cutting manner in all its policies.

    Luxembourg’s equality efforts lacked an intersectional approach and the Government rarely addressed multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Disability was conspicuously absent from the National Action Plan for Equality between Women and Men, while the gender dimension was neglected in the National Action Plan on Disability. It was essential to have detailed data, disaggregated by gender, age, ethnicity, disability and education level, to better understand and address the different forms of discrimination that women faced. The Government also needed to impose concrete actions on companies, municipalities and administrations in terms of gender equality and the fight against discrimination against women.

    All actions taken in the fight against discrimination against women needed to be carried out in close collaboration with civil society. This cooperation needed to be translated into lasting partnerships and political will to ensure that the contributions of civil society were seriously considered in the decision-making process.

    Ms. Carocha concluded by calling for the recognition of multiple forms of discrimination, and a proactive and participatory response from the Government to gender inequalities rooted in societal dynamics. This meant adopting structural solutions that addressed the root causes of discrimination.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert offered condolences to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including families of civilians who had lost their lives. What did the National Human Rights Commission wish the Committee to highlight in the dialogue with the State party?

    Another Committee Expert asked about measures to prevent conflict-related gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    One Committee Expert asked if humanitarian aid groups were able to access Goma and deliver food, health and menstrual products?

    A Committee Expert expressed concern regarding the lack of participation from women’s organizations from Luxembourg in the dialogue. What progress had been made in reforming the Constitution? Was there an initiative to amend the timeframe for authorising abortions in the State? The State party did not publish data broken down by origin. Could data be provided on migrant workers in Luxembourg?

    Another Committee Expert asked about Luxembourg’s process for identifying stateless persons.

    Responses by National Human Rights Institutions

    GISÈLE KAPINGA NTUMBA, National Human Rights Commissioner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said that in Goma, people in displacement camps had been bombarded. They had no power and no water, and the Rwandese army was on its way in. The international community needed to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo in creating humanitarian corridors to assist internally displaced persons fleeing the region. The State had approved laws and measures on preventing sexual violence, but implementing these was a challenge, particularly in regions where the Government did not have control. In the dialogue, the Committee needed to ask the Government to choose diplomacy over other means, as the population was dying for nothing. Those involved in the conflict needed to be prosecuted. The international community needed to condemn the situation in the east and promote diplomacy.

    Meeting with the Working Group on Business and Human Rights

    Statements

    ANDREA ORI, Director, Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Treaties Branch, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the meeting would address the nexus between business and human rights, and gender and digital technologies. Cooperation and practices in digital fields needed to not perpetrate discrimination against women. There was room for improvement on measures addressing gender discrimination in the workplace, representation of women in leadership positions, workplace harassment, and labour rights for women. Women were over-represented in low-paying jobs. Stereotypes hindered women’s access to finance and investments, and women had less access to technology and digital services. Today’s discussion would focus on enhancing the promotion and protection of women.

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chairperson, said artificial intelligence and digital technologies had revolutionised everyday life and business practices across sectors in ways that were never envisioned in the past. Strategic, innovative modalities to better safeguard the rights of women and girls called for partnerships, joint approaches and harmonised frameworks. Women needed to be engaged in digital developments from the beginning. States needed to avoid the re-inventing of stereotypes, bias and discrimination and the perpetuation of violence against women through cyber-enabled modalities; safeguard women’s livelihoods and expand economic opportunities in the new digital era for them; and equip women and girls with necessary skills, capacities and tools to contribute to providing digital solutions.

    This briefing was anticipated to be the first in a series of collaborative efforts to address substantive issues on women’s economic rights in a digital world based on the provisions of the Convention. Business and human rights principles and the jurisprudence of the Committee and standards could be systematically deployed to uphold and respond to women’s rights protection and economic empowerment, particularly through inclusive digital technologies.

    Sadly, gender equality had often been constrained by interpretations outside the text of the Convention, resulting in persistent gender gaps and disparities. Critical partnerships would enable the Committee to explore a collaborative and coordinated approach for bridging digital gender inequalities to create a more inclusive and equitable digital future for women and girls, one that was not only free of all forms of violence but also offered them equal opportunities to access and utilise digital technologies to boost their livelihoods and human capital assets.

    LYRA JAKULEVIČIENĖ, Chairperson of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, said that this year, the Working Group was preparing a report on the use of artificial intelligence in businesses and its human rights impacts. It focused on the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies and procurement by States and businesses, looking at biases and other issues. The use of artificial intelligence and other technologies had many benefits and but also created concerns, including related to gender, and these would be captured in the report. Synergy with the Committee would help both bodies to advance their agendas and strengthen the global protection of human rights, particularly for vulnerable women and girls.

    ESTHER EGHOBAMIEN-MSHELIA, Committee Expert, said 300 million fewer women than men had access to mobile internet globally. Although about a third of small and medium enterprises were owned by women, women were under-represented in discussions on the global value chain. States needed to focus on the energy transition and artificial intelligence technologies, as if they did not address issues in these fields, the gender gaps would widen.

    FERNANDA HOPENHAYM, Gender Focal Point of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, said the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights had a cross-cutting gender perspective, and this needed to be addressed by States and businesses. The Guiding Principles said that States needed to include a gender perspective in all policies on business and human rights. It also called on businesses to respect human rights and to implement measures promoting diversity and inclusion. Women needed to be able to access remedies in cases in which their rights were violated. Technologies needed to be gender sensitive, responsive and transformative.

    Panel Discussion

    In the ensuing discussion, speakers, among other things, said women faced many barriers to accessing the labour market; these needed to be addressed. Countries needed to change company cultures to address discrimination against women employees, and promote diversity and family-friendly policies. Businesses needed to consider documents outlining the rights of women and girls, such as the Convention, and use tools to assess the effectiveness of gender equality measures. They also needed to create an enabling environment for women. Another key requirement was to conduct human rights due diligence with a gender lens.

    Some speakers expressed concerns related to discrimination against women in the technology sector. Many companies lacked a gender lens when assessing their value chains and were not carrying out gender-related due diligence. There was evidence of disproportionate harm to non-binary women and the targeting of women human rights defenders online. Companies were actively amplifying gender biases. The Committee and the Working Group needed to work with civil society and to call out companies by name when they violated human rights. They also needed to promote corporate accountability and prevent regression.

    Speakers presented measures to change cultural mindsets to support women to succeed professionally; to promote a healthy work-life balance for women; to raise awareness of women’s rights among businesses; and to develop rules and tools to protect women and girls on social media platforms.

    Some speakers said technology could allow for greater access to education for women and girls, so women needed increased access to it. One speaker said girls had less opportunities to study in fields such as programming and robotics. With simple reforms and measures encouraging participation, more and more women and girls would choose information technology as a profession, they said.

    Some speakers expressed concerns that artificial intelligence technology was not sufficiently regulated. It was possible for artificial intelligence systems to learn and reproduce societal biases and there were also privacy concerns regarding the data that these systems used. One speaker presented efforts to eliminate biases in artificial intelligence systems and to develop tools to ensure that such systems respected human rights.

    One speaker called for respect for women’s rights in the energy transition. Women had strong roles to play in preventing child labour in the energy sector and supporting children’s access to education. Businesses needed to ensure women’s experiences were incorporated in energy transition programmes, and to finance science, technology, engineering and maths education programmes for women, speakers said.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Euro area bank interest rate statistics: December 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    4 February 2025

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    Chart 1

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area corporations

    (percentages per annum)

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rates for corporations (Chart 1)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to corporations, decreased in December 2024. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months decreased by 11 basis points to 4.31%. The rate on new loans of the same size with an initial rate fixation period of over three months and up to one year fell by 14 basis points to 4.06%. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years decreased by 6 basis points to 3.42%, mainly driven by the weight effect. In the case of new loans of up to €250,000 with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months, the average rate charged fell by 17 basis points to 4.63%.
    As regards new deposit agreements, the interest rate on deposits from corporations with an agreed maturity of up to one year fell by 13 basis points to 2.80% in December 2024. The interest rate on overnight deposits from corporations fell by 4 basis points to 0.77%.
    The interest rate on new loans to sole proprietors and unincorporated partnerships with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 29 basis points to 4.63%.

    Table 1

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for corporations (Table 1)

    Bank interest rates for households

    Chart 2

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area households

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rate for households (Chart 2)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to households for house purchase, decreased in December 2024. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 12 basis points to 4.15%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over one and up to five years fell by 5 basis points to 3.57%. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with an initial rate fixation period of over five and up to ten years decreased by 7 basis points to 3.36%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years fell by 7 basis points to 3.09%. In the same period the interest rate on new loans to households for consumption decreased by 22 basis points to 7.36%.
    As regards new deposits from households, the interest rate on deposits with an agreed maturity of up to one year decreased by 16 basis points to 2.45%. The rate on deposits redeemable at three months’ notice stayed constant at 1.74%. The interest rate on overnight deposits from households showed no change at 0.35%.

    Table 2

    Bank interest rates for households

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories; deposits placed by households and corporations are allocated to the household sector. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.
    ** For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for households (Table 2)

    Further information

    The data in Tables 1 and 2 can be visualised for individual euro area countries on the bank interest rate statistics dashboard. Additionally, tables containing further breakdowns of bank interest rate statistics, including the composite cost-of-borrowing indicators for all euro area countries, are available from the ECB Data Portal. The full set of bank interest rate statistics for both the euro area and individual countries can be downloaded from ECB Data Portal. More information, including the release calendar, is available under “Bank interest rates” in the statistics section of the ECB’s website.

    For media queries, please contact Nicos Keranis, tel.: +49 69 1344 7806

    Notes:

    • In this press release “corporations” refers to non-financial corporations (sector S.11 in the European System of Accounts 2010, or ESA 2010), “households” refers to households and non-profit institutions serving households (ESA 2010 sectors S.14 and S.15) and “banks” refers to monetary financial institutions except central banks and money market funds (ESA 2010 sector S.122).
    • The composite cost-of-borrowing indicators are described in the article entitled “Assessing the retail bank interest rate pass-through in the euro area at times of financial fragmentation” in the August 2013 issue of the ECB’s Monthly Bulletin (see Box 1). For these indicators, a weighting scheme based on the 24-month moving averages of new business volumes has been applied, in order to filter out excessive monthly volatility. For this reason the developments in the composite cost of borrowing indicators in both tables cannot be explained by the month-on-month changes in the displayed subcomponents. Furthermore, the table on bank interest rates for corporations presents a subset of the series used in the calculation of the cost of borrowing indicator.
    • Interest rates on new business are weighted by the size of the individual agreements. This is done both by the reporting agents and when the national and euro area averages are computed. Thus changes in average euro area interest rates for new business reflect, in addition to changes in interest rates, changes in the weights of individual countries’ new business for the instrument categories concerned. The “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” presented in this press release are derived from the Bennet index, which allows month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates resulting from changes in individual country rates (the “interest rate effect”) to be disentangled from those caused by changes in the weights of individual countries’ contributions (the “weight effect”). Owing to rounding, the combined “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” may not add up to the month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates.
    • In addition to monthly euro area bank interest rate statistics for December 2024, this press release incorporates revisions to data for previous periods. Hyperlinks in the main body of the press release lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Unless otherwise indicated, these euro area statistics cover the EU Member States that had adopted the euro at the time to which the data relate.
    • As of reference period December 2014, the sector classification applied to bank interest rates statistics is based on the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA 2010). In accordance with the ESA 2010 classification and as opposed to ESA 95, the non-financial corporations sector (S.11) now excludes holding companies not engaged in management and similar captive financial institutions.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Thierry Breton’s appointment to the Bank of America advisory council – E-000275/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000275/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)

    The former European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, has recently taken up a consultative role on Bank of America’s global advisory council. His appointment was approved by the Commission which, in spite of the requisite two-year waiting period for former commissioners, appeared to deem it consistent with EU ethics rules.

    The case is a concerning one, not least given the sensitive nature of Mr Breton’s Commission portfolio, his possible impact on EU policies, the influence that some major financial institutions may have wielded over the Commission in the past, and the obligation incumbent on the EU to uphold transparency and integrity.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.On the basis of what criteria did the Commission deem Mr Breton’s advisory role with Bank of America to be consistent with EU ethics rules, including the two-year waiting period?
    • 2.How could the Commission strengthen oversight measures to ensure that former commissioners do not take up roles liable to undermine trust in the impartiality of the EU institutions?
    • 3.What specific steps could it take to review the existing rules and prevent such cases from compromising the integrity and transparency of the EU?

    Submitted: 22.1.2025

    Last updated: 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Thierry Breton, Bank of America advisor – E-000255/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000255/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    According to reports in the Le Figaro newspaper[1], the Commission has given its approval to former Commissioner (2019-2024) Thierry Breton to join Bank of America’s global advisory council. He will perform this role three days a year (and will not be a member of staff or receive a salary[2]).

    It is highly symbolic, as Thierry Breton was one of the Commission’s few champions of European strategic autonomy. One can hardly imagine General de Gaulle wanting to work for Bank of America.

    Thierry Breton is the former CEO of French digital and security giant Atos, which is currently in deep trouble. Atos says it received more than EUR 12 million from the Commission in 2023[3] and a cyberdefence contract in 2024[4].

    In 2021, the Commission imposed a EUR 371 million fine on the Bank of America and a number of banks for forming a cartel on EU government bonds. Bank of America’s fine was eventually waived, however[5]. Bank of America bought and sold millions of shares in Atos in 2024[6].

    • 1.What remuneration, allowances or benefits has Thierry Breton declared for three days’ work for Bank of America in 2025 in order to receive the Commission’s approval?
    • 2.Does the recruitment of a former Commissioner by a bank fined by the Commission damage the institution’s reputation?

    Submitted: 21.1.2025

    • [1] https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/l-ex-commissaire-europeen-thierry-breton-va-integrer-le-conseil-consultatif-international-de-bank-of-america-20250116; https://urlr.me/yVK95r; Article 245 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that when entering upon their duties, Members of the Commission give a solemn undertaking to respect their duty to behave with integrity and discretion as regards the acceptance, after they have ceased to hold office, of certain appointments or benefits. https://urlr.me/xHfVQM
    • [2] Thierry Breton said on 21 January 2025 that he would not be a member of staff or receive a salary; https://x.com/SudRadio/status/1881612253717237932
    • [3] https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/atos-se?rid=249876817241-03
    • [4] https://urlr.me/4GRVmS; https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/informatics/items/28799/en
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2565
    • [6] https://urlr.me/XqFNCc; https://urlr.me/QuzKkE; In 2009, Bank of America received USD 120 billion from the US Government; https://urlr.me/GzD8Yf
    Last updated: 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – RENEWI PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
       
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    Renewi PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    03 February 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 100p ordinary (GB00BNR4T868)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 2,287,078 2.84 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 2,287,078 * 2.84 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 7,989 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

     
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

     
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    100p ordinary (GB00BNR4T868) Purchase 25,067 8.0113 GBP  

    Please note, there were net transfers in of 5,886

     
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 04 February 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network