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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Valour Launches Curve DAO (CRV) and Litecoin (LTC) ETPs on Spotlight Stock Market, Expands Nordic Presence and Reveals New Products in Roadmap to 100 ETPs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Valour Launches CRV and LTC ETPs on Spotlight: Valour, a subsidiary of DeFi Technologies, has listed the Valour Curve DAO (CRV) and Valour Litecoin (LTC) SEK ETPs on Sweden’s Spotlight Stock Market, further expanding its Nordic footprint.
    • Comprehensive Digital Asset Exposure: With over 65 ETPs live, Valour is advancing toward its 100 ETP goal with new single-asset, thematic basket, and leveraged products—including upcoming listings for Tron (TRX), Stellar (XLM), BTC 2x, and ETH 2x.
    • Continued Product Innovation Across Europe: Valour’s growing pipeline of regulated digital asset ETPs reinforces its leadership in Europe, offering investors diversified access to blockchain assets through familiar and secure investment structures.

    TORONTO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DeFi Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “DeFi Technologies”) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF), a financial technology company that focuses on the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralised finance (“DeFi”), is pleased to announces that its subsidiary Valour Inc. (“Valour“), a leading issuer of exchange-traded products (“ETPs“) providing simplified access to digital assets, has launched two new ETPs on the Spotlight Stock Market in Sweden: the Valour Curve DAO (CRV) SEK ETP (ISIN: CH1108679064) and the Valour Litecoin (LTC) SEK ETP (ISIN: CH1108679072).

    These new listings expand Valour’s presence in the Nordics and reinforce its mission to offer regulated, easy-to-access digital asset investment products globally.

    Valour Curve DAO (CRV) ETP
    Curve is a decentralized exchange (“DEX”) tailored for stablecoin and low-slippage trading. The CRV token governs the Curve DAO and plays a central role in DeFi infrastructure through liquidity provisioning, governance, and incentive mechanisms. The CRV ETP provides straightforward exposure to this protocol without the complexities of self-custody. Curve (CRV) currently holds a market capitalization of $940 million, placing it among the top 75 digital assets globally.

    Valour Litecoin (LTC) ETP
    Litecoin is one of the longest-standing cryptocurrencies and a foundational layer-1 blockchain. Known for its fast settlement times and low transaction costs, it has long been considered the “digital silver” complement to Bitcoin. The LTC ETP offers investors direct access to Litecoin through a secure, exchange-traded structure. Litecoin (LTC) has a market capitalization of $6.6 billion, ranking it among the top 25 digital assets worldwide.

    Each product carries a 1.9% management fee and provides seamless access through traditional brokerage accounts.

    Johanna Belitz, Head of Nordics at Valour, commented:
    “Nordic investors are increasingly seeking regulated and transparent ways to access the digital asset market. The region has a mature and engaged trading community that’s now looking beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum toward altcoins with strong use cases. By launching ETPs on Curve and Litecoin on the Spotlight Stock Market, we’re meeting that demand and expanding access to a broader range of digital assets. These additions reflect our commitment to leading in product innovation and staying responsive to investor needs.”

    Elaine Buehler, Head of Products, added:
    “When developing new ETPs, we look closely at assets that combine strong market fundamentals with real-world utility. Curve and Litecoin both meet those criteria — one driving innovation in decentralized finance, the other proving itself over a decade as a fast and efficient payment network. These ETPs are built to give investors simple, regulated access to these assets through platforms they already trust, aligning with Valour’s goal of removing complexity from digital asset investing.”

    With these new additions, Valour now offers over 65 unique digital asset ETPs—the most comprehensive lineup of its kind globally. This expansion marks continued progress toward Valour’s strategic goal of launching 100 ETPs by the end of 2025, with product rollouts planned not only across existing European exchanges like Spotlight, Börse Frankfurt, and Euronext but also in upcoming jurisdictions across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

    Upcoming Product Releases

    Valour continues to advance its mission to provide secure, regulated, and diversified digital asset exposure through traditional financial infrastructure. As part of its strategic roadmap to launch 100 ETPs by the end of 2025, the company is actively developing a range of new offerings, including:

    Planned Single-Asset ETPs

    • Valour Tron (TRX) ETP
      Tron is a high-throughput blockchain optimized for decentralized applications. It consistently ranks among the top digital assets by market capitalization and transaction volume, making it a compelling addition to Valour’s expanding lineup.
    • Valour Stellar (XLM) ETP
      Stellar enables fast, low-cost cross-border payments and asset transfers. Its strong adoption in financial infrastructure use cases positions it well for institutional and retail investor interest.
    • Valour OM SEK, MOVE SEK, and MOVE EUR ETPs
      These upcoming single-asset listings will offer exposure to the emerging digital assets MANTRA (OM) and Move (MOVE), in both SEK and EUR denominations.

    Thematic Basket ETPs in Development

    • Real-World Asset (RWA) & Tokenization Basket
      This basket will include leading projects focused on asset tokenization and on-chain financial infrastructure, such as Mantra, Ondo, Paxos Gold (PAXG), Tether Gold (XAUt), BUIDL, Centrifuge, Maple, and Polymesh.
    • Digital Gold Basket
      Combining traditional and digital store-of-value assets, this product will feature Bitcoin (BTC), Paxos Gold (PAXG), and Tether Gold (XAUt), offering investors a diversified hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
    • Institutional Layer-1 Basket
      This basket will highlight blockchain networks with strong enterprise and government partnerships, including Avalanche, Algorand, Hedera, Polkadot, Sei, and BUIDL.

    Leveraged ETPs

    • Valour BTC 2x and ETH 2x ETPs
      These leveraged products are designed to provide 2x daily exposure to the price movements of Bitcoin and Ethereum, catering to investors pursuing high-conviction or tactical trading strategies.

    Continued Product Innovation

    In addition to these forthcoming launches, Valour is actively progressing on additional products across a wide range of digital assets. This continued innovation underscores Valour’s position as a leader in the European digital asset ETP market and further accelerates its progress toward the 100-ETP milestone by year-end.

    About DeFi Technologies
    DeFi Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF) is a financial technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). With a dedicated focus on industry-leading Web3 technologies, DeFi Technologies aims to provide widespread investor access to the future of finance. Backed by an esteemed team of experts with extensive experience in financial markets and digital assets, we are committed to revolutionising the way individuals and institutions interact with the evolving financial ecosystem. Follow DeFi Technologies on Linkedin and X/Twitter, and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/  

    About Valour
    Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, “Valour”) issues exchange traded products (“ETPs”) that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF). For more information about Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates, visit valour.com.

    Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:
    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the the listing of Valour Curve DAO (CRV) and Valour Litecoin (LTC) ETPs; the development of the Curve DAO and Litecoin blockchains; development of additional ETPs and the number of ETPs anticipated by end of 2025; investor confidence in Valour’s ETPs; investor interest and confidence in digital assets; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour ETPs by exchanges; growth and development of decentralised finance and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    THE CBOE CANADA EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

    For further information, please contact:

    Olivier Roussy Newton
    Chief Executive Officer
    ir@defi.tech
    (323) 537-7681

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: EAT & BEYOND COMPLETES THE ACQUISITION OF 100% OF MILO MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES INC.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eat & Beyond Global Holdings Inc. (CSE: EATS) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Eat & Beyond” or the “Company”), an investment issuer focused on incubating first-mover opportunities in emerging markets, is pleased to announce, further to its news release of January 31, 2025, that the Company has completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Milo Media Technologies Inc. (“Milo Media”) in exchange for securities of Eat & Beyond pursuant to the terms and conditions of a securities exchange agreement dated January 31, 2025 (the “Definitive Agreement”) among the Company, Milo Media, the shareholders and the warrant holders of Milo Media (the “Transaction”).

    Transaction Terms

    Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement and in consideration for 100% of the issued and outstanding shares, Eat & Beyond has issued an aggregate of 15,000,000 common shares of Eat & Beyond (the “Payment Shares”) to Milo shareholders at a deemed price of $0.185 per Payment Share and issued 15,000,000 common share purchase warrants (the “Replacement Warrants”) as consideration for the disposition of all of the warrants of Milo (the “Milo Warrants”). Each Replacement Warrant permits the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of Eat & Beyond (a “Share”) at a price of $0.075 per Share on or before January 30, 2025, the same exercise price and expiry date of the original Milo Warrants surrendered for cancellation.

    There is no statutory hold period for the Payment Shares or the Replacement Warrants pursuant to applicable securities laws, however, the Payment Shares are subject to voluntary hold periods as follows: 10% of the Payment Shares will become freely tradable upon the Company filing a Business Acquisition Report for the Transaction (the “BAR”), and the remaining 90% of the Payment Shares will be subject to a hold period expiring four months after the BAR is filed.

    The Transaction is an arms-length transaction and there is no change in management or the Board of Directors of Eat & Beyond.

    Strategic Significance of the Acquisition

    The acquisition of Milo Media has provided Eat & Beyond with a first-mover advantage as the first publicly traded company – to the best of the Company’s knowledge – to actively participate in the XRPL ecosystem. Milo Media’s financial infrastructure solutions are expected to enable Eat & Beyond to acquire Ripple (XRP) through active participation on the XRP network, akin to how Bitcoin miners earn Bitcoin. This unique model is expected to position Eat & Beyond to generate value directly from the network’s growth and adoption.

    “With the acquisition complete and Liquid Link now officially launched, we’re entering a new era, one where everyday users, developers, and institutions can interact with the XRPL and beyond in ways never before possible. The XRP Army has always believed in utility. Now, we’re helping deliver it” said Young Bann, CEO of Eat & Beyond.

    About Milo Media

    Milo Media is a private company existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Following the closing of the Transaction, Milo Media Technologies will now operate under the trade name Liquid Link and is proud to unveil its new home at www.liquidlink.ai.

    Introducing Liquid Link: Built for the Web3 Era

    Liquid Link is developing Xrpfy, a next-generation discovery and analytics platform purpose-built for the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Designed for client-side transitions and as a self-custody-first interface, Xrpfy enables users to:

    • Search for real-world assets (RWAs), stablecoins, and the full spectrum of Web3 tokens on the XRPL ledger.
    • Discover the least-cost trading routes and identify arbitrage opportunities across the XRPL decentralized exchange (DEX).
    • Navigate the XRPL with no middlemen — Liquid Link does not facilitate trades or custody funds, but instead empowers users with powerful analytics and user-friendly tools.

    Future versions of the platform may incorporate AI agent capabilities, providing even smarter, faster ways to interact with the XRPL.

    Expanding Beyond XRPL

    While Liquid Link is laser-focused on unleashing the full potential of the XRP Ledger, it is also charting a bold multi-chain future. The company plans to build and support tools for emerging Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystems, including:

    • The Lightning Network
    • Liquid Network
    • RGB
    • Taproot Assets

    Additionally, support for Axelar and the broader Web3 ecosystem is being actively considered, with timelines to be determined.

    These integrations will enable enterprise-grade adoption of RWAs, stablecoins, and Web3 applications across the decentralized economy.

    The Opportunity Ahead

    The global market for tokenized assets — from real estate to carbon credits, commodities to currencies — is projected to exceed $16 trillion by 2030, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group and ADDX¹1. With its ultra-fast, low-cost transaction environment, the XRP Ledger is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution.

    Liquid Link’s Xrpfy platform is built to be the gateway to this future.

    By combining intelligent search, seamless discovery, and powerful routing tools, Xrpfy will give individuals and businesses the tools they need to build, trade, and scale confidently in the Web3 economy.

    Launch Timeline

    The Xrpfy platform is currently in active development and is scheduled to launch by the end of Q2 2025.

    Join the Movement

    For updates, partnerships, and early access to Xrpfy, visit www.liquidlink.ai and follow us on social media.

    Marketing Agreements

    The Company is also pleased to announce the following marketing service agreements. The Company’s engagement of the service providers is intended to improve the Company’s visibility and prominence in the capital markets.

    On May 1, 2025, the Company entered into a marketing agreement with an arm’s length firm, Senergy Communications Capital Inc. (“Senergy”). Senergy has agreed to provide content development and digital marketing services. The agreement will remain in effect for one month with the option to renew. The Company has agreed to pay an aggregate cash fee of $150,000, plus applicable taxes. Senergy does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Senergy’s business is located at 122 Mainland Street (Suite 228) Vancouver, BC, V6B-5L1. The contact person is Aleem Fidai, email: info@senergy.capital.

    On May 1, 2025, the Company has entered into a marketing agency agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) with an arm’s length firm, Global One Media Limited (“Global One”) to provide, among other things, social media management, marketing and distribution services to the Company. The Marketing Agreement has an initial term of six months, and the Company will pay Global One a monthly retainer fee of US$4,500. Global One Media does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Global One’s business is located 100 Tras Street #16-01, 100 AM Singapore, 079027. The contact person is Bastien Boulay, email: bastien@globalonemedia.com.

    On May 1, 2025, the Company has entered into a marketing consultant agreement with an arm’s length firm, Bergskogar Limited (“Bergskogar”) to provide marketing services to the Company. The agreement commences May 1, 2025 and continues to April 30, 2026, except if terminated or extended by mutual written agreement. The Company will pay Bergskogar an aggregate cash fee of EUR 75,000. Bergskogar does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Bergkogar’s business is located 1203, 12/F, Tower 3, 33 Canton Road, Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong. The contact person is Paul Druce, tel: +44 20 3290 3801.

    The Company has engaged with an arm’s length firm, Aktien Check (“Aktien”) to provide European marketing awareness services to the Company. Aktien will provide its services for a period of three months commencing on May 1, 2025 and ending on July 31, 2025. The Company will pay Aktien a cash fee of EUR 50,000. Aktien does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Aktien’s business is located at Bad Marienberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. The contact person is Mr. Stefan Lindam, email: Stefan.lindam@aktiencheck.de.

    About Eat & Beyond

    Eat & Beyond (CSE: EATS) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. Led by a team of industry experts, Eat & Beyond provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors.   Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Liquid Link, the Company is entering the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://eatandbeyond.com/

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s business plans and expected future growth, the expected benefits of the Transaction, the Company’s future cryptocurrency plans and strategies, the Company’s proposed strategic expansion and growth strategies, the Company’s ability to provide investors with exposure to digital assets, the potential success of the Company’s business and its brand, the growth of XRP and other digital assets and the mainstream adoption of various cryptocurrencies. Forward-looking information reflects the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, including the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute on its business plans; the Company’s ability to raise debt or equity through future financing activities; the Company’s ability to increase its business in cryptocurrency-based technologies; any adverse changes and developments regarding XRP, XRPL or the cryptocurrency ecosystem; the growth and development of decentralized finance and the digital asset sector; any new rules and regulations with respect to decentralized finance and digital assets; the inherent volatility in the prices of certain cryptocurrencies including XRP; increasing competition in the crypto and blockchain industries; general economic, political and social uncertainties in Canada and the United States; currency exchange rates and interest rates; the limited resources of the Company; the Company’s reliance on the expertise and judgment of senior management and the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel; the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies in general; and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

    There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.


    1   BCG & ADDX Report: “Relevance of On-Chain Asset Tokenization in ‘Traditional Finance’” — Boston Consulting Group, 2022

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Announces New Bitcoin-Centric Identity as it Expands into Technology and Investment Activities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Highlights

    • Refreshed brand identity reflects Matador’s evolution into a vertically integrated Bitcoin-focused company.
    • Core strategy: hold Bitcoin, launch Bitcoin-native products, and reinvest proceeds into additional BTC.
    • Introduction of the Matador Bitcoin Model: a self-reinforcing approach combining treasury management, infrastructure development, and ecosystem engagement.
    • Proposed change of business to a Technology/Investment Issuer provides greater operational and strategic flexibility.
    • Matador is a participant in Strategy’s “Bitcoin for Corporations” initiative and has institutional backing from UTXO Management, Kitco Metals, and Gold Fields.

    Introducing Matador: A Bitcoin Ecosystem Company

    TORONTO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA, OTCQB: MATAF) today unveiled its refreshed brand identity, marking a new chapter in its evolution as a vertically integrated Bitcoin ecosystem company.

    Matador’s mission is simple and powerful: buy and hold Bitcoin, launch revenue-generating products on top of Bitcoin infrastructure, and reinvest cash flow to accumulate more Bitcoin. Matador views Bitcoin as both a long-term treasury reserve asset and a foundational platform for developing digital financial products.

    Matador’s Bitcoin-Centric Brand Identity

    As part of this transformation, Matador has adopted a new logo, design system, and narrative that reflect its role in the next generation of decentralized finance. The visual identity draws inspiration from Bitcoin’s fixed rules and open architecture, while the brand voice emphasizes resilience, clarity, and long-term vision. The new brand identity, including updated visuals and messaging, is now available on the Company’s website at www.matador.network.

    The new brand embodies three core principles:

    • Bitcoin First – Everything we do starts with Bitcoin.
    • Ecosystem Aligned – We contribute to and benefit from the broader Bitcoin network.
    • Compounding by Design – Our strategy is engineered to build long-term BTC per share.

    The Matador Bitcoin Model

    Matador’s strategy is built on a compounding flywheel:

    1. Strategically Accumulate Bitcoin – Acquire BTC in a shareholder-friendly manner to maximize Bitcoin per Share (BPS).
    2. Generate Treasury Yield – Monetize Bitcoin volatility through structured yield strategies and synthetic mining (“BTC Volatility Capture Yield Mining”)
    3. Build Real-World Applications – Launch Bitcoin-native products, such as the Digital Gold Platform, which uses Grammies (1g gold units) as Bitcoin Ordinals in collaboration with leading artists.
    4. Support the Ecosystem – Partner with promising builders in the Ordinals, Layer 2, and DeFi space to advance Bitcoin’s adoption and utility.

    The model aims to create a feedback loop where product cash flows support further Bitcoin acquisition, which in turn enables the launch of new products and ecosystem partnerships.

    Strategic Shift: Proposed Change of Business

    To better support its growth trajectory and strategic mandate, Matador has proposed a change of business from a Tier 2 Technology Issuer to a Tier 2 Technology/Investment Issuer under TSXV Policy 5.2 (“Proposed COB”). This change reflects the natural progression of the Company’s business over the past six months and unlocks greater flexibility to participate in high-growth areas of the digital asset economy.

    The proposed change will allow Matador to:

    • Expand its investment mandate to include not only Bitcoin, but also tokenized real-world assets, Ordinals, NFTs, DeFi protocols, staking strategies, blockchain infrastructure, and other digital asset-based income streams.
    • Strategically issue securities to fund additional acquisitions of Bitcoin and digital assets.
    • Participate in network operations across the Bitcoin stack.
    • Build and invest in decentralized applications and tokenized platforms.
    • Develop vertically and horizontally integrated business lines across digital assets, physical assets, and Web3-native products.

    Matador will retain its core management team and Board of Directors, while adopting an investment policy that provides flexibility to pursue innovative and diversified strategies across the Bitcoin and digital asset landscape. The proposed changes are dependent on receiving TSX Venture Exchange approval of the Change of Business submission.

    Executive Commentary

    Deven Soni, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

    “Matador’s updated brand reflects the evolution of our business over the past year. We’ve structured the company around a focused Bitcoin strategy and are taking steps to align our identity, platform, and capital allocation accordingly.”

    Mark Moss, Chief Visionary Officer, added:

    “We believe Bitcoin will continue to serve as the foundation for innovation across value, ownership, and digital infrastructure. Matador’s strategy is designed to participate in and contribute to that evolution through focused development and investment.”

    For additional information, please contact:

    Media Contact:
    Sunny Ray
    President
    Email: sunny@matador.network

    Phone: 647-932-2668

    About Matador Technologies Inc.
    Matador Technologies Inc. is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company that holds Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and builds products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Through a self-reinforcing model that combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, Matador aims to grow long-term shareholder value without dilution.

    The Company’s flagship offering, the Digital Gold Platform, allows users to buy, sell, and trade 1-gram gold units inscribed as Bitcoin Ordinals—bridging traditional value with decentralized technology. With a Bitcoin-first strategy, a debt-free balance sheet, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is helping shape the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin.

    Learn more at www.matador.network.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

    Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Proposed COB and Investment Policy as currently proposed or at all, the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy and the launch of its mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, potential acquisition of Bitcoin and/or US dollars and/or other investments, the pricing of any acquisitions and/or dispositions and the timing and nature of future operations. Specifically, risks related to Bitcoin holdings and treasury strategies include, but are not limited to, significant price volatility, evolving and uncertain regulatory landscapes, potential security breaches and cyber threats, risks associated with custody solutions, market adoption and sentiment, network vulnerabilities, and the potential for technological obsolescence. Furthermore, the implementation of the Company’s strategies may be subject to unforeseen challenges and delays. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces First Carbon Futures Delivery on Abaxx Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announced the successful first delivery under a carbon futures contract on Abaxx Exchange.

    The delivery, involving 50 lots of May 2025 CORSIA¹ Phase 1 Carbon Offset Unit Futures (“CP1”) priced at USD $24.25/tCO₂e², validates the clearing, delivery, and settlement processes underpinning Abaxx Exchange’s physically-deliverable futures contracts. It marks the first live exercise of Abaxx’s end-to-end infrastructure for managing the transfer of environmental assets through a regulated futures market.

    The transaction was completed between Mercuria Energy Trading SA (METSA) and a U.S. based counterparty, with Eagle Commodities, a division of Marex, facilitating the original trade. Clearing services were provided by KGI Securities, Marex, and another bank clearing firm.

    The delivery involved the transfer of eligible CORSIA Phase 1 carbon units from Mercuria to a registry account established for the buyer, fulfilling the delivery obligations under the May 2025 CP1 futures contract.

    “This marks the first delivery through Abaxx’s carbon futures infrastructure, a contract structure designed to support price formation, risk management, and forward planning,” said Alasdair Were, Head of Environmental Markets at Abaxx Exchange. “These are the functions needed to make environmental markets investable and connect capital to climate-linked exposures.”

    “We are proud to support the execution, clearing and delivery of the May 2025 CORSIA Phase 1 Carbon Offset Unit Futures,” said Ken Ong, CEO of KGI Securities. “This transaction underscores the strength of Abaxx Exchange’s infrastructure and our commitment to sustainable finance, empowering clients in the evolving environmental asset landscape.”

    The CORSIA Phase 1 Carbon Offset Unit Futures contract, launched in June 2024, is part of Abaxx Exchange’s growing suite of physically-deliverable products across energy, environmental, battery materials, and precious metals markets.

    Abaxx’s full suite of futures contracts is open for trading 14 hours a day, Monday through Friday. For a full list of clearing firms and execution brokers, visit our market directory.

    About Abaxx Technologies

    Abaxx Technologies is building Smarter Markets: markets empowered by better tools, better benchmarks, and better technology to drive market-based solutions to the biggest challenges we face as a society, including the energy transition.

    In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is the majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte. Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, and the parent company of wholly owned subsidiary Abaxx Spot Pte. Ltd., the operator of Abaxx Spot.

    Abaxx Exchange delivers the market infrastructure critical to the shift toward an electrified, low-carbon economy through centrally-cleared, physically-deliverable futures contracts in LNG, carbon, battery materials, and precious metals, meeting the commercial needs of today’s commodity markets and establishing the next generation of global benchmarks.

    Abaxx Spot modernizes physical gold trading through a digitally integrated, physically-backed gold pool in Singapore. It is set to become the first market infrastructure to align spot and futures gold markets in the same location—enabling secure electronic transactions, efficient OTC transfers, and physical delivery for Abaxx Exchange’s gold futures contracts to deliver smarter gold markets.

    For more information, visit abaxx.tech | abaxx.exchange | abaxxspot.com | basecarbon.com | smartermarkets.media

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    ¹ Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation
    ² Tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward- looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: the business plans and objectives of Abaxx; the development of new products, futures contracts, markets and technologies and associated benefits. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the inability to receive regulatory approvals in connection with financings or inability to finalize transaction documentation; risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions; protection of intellectual property rights; contractual risk; third-party risk; clearinghouse risk; malicious actor risks; third-party software license risk; system failure risk; risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; changes in the price of commodities; capital market conditions; restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains; and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward- looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Bank of Canada releases the 2025 Financial Stability Report

    Source: Bank of Canada

    OTTAWA – The Financial Stability Report will be released on Thursday, May 8, 2025. 

    Description

    The Financial Stability Report (FSR) gives an assessment of the stability of Canada’s financial system and highlights risks that could threaten that stability.  

    Time

    10:00 (Eastern Time)

    Lock-Up

    At 07:30 (ET), journalists are invited to review the Financial Stability Report, under embargo, at the Bank’s head office in Ottawa (please use the Bank of Canada Museum entrance, located at 30 Bank Street, on the corner of Bank and Wellington), as well as at the regional office in Toronto (Boardroom, 20th Floor, 150 King Street West).  

    For security reasons, journalists wishing to attend must confirm their presence by contacting Media Relations before noon (ET) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Those who have not registered will not be admitted to the lock-up. Please be sure to bring photo ID. 

    At 10:00 (ET), the lock-up ends and the embargo is lifted. 

    Media Briefing Session

    At 08:30 (ET), senior Bank officers will provide background information and respond to questions on the content of the FSR. Information gathered at the session may be used freely in news reports and commentaries, provided it is not attributed to the Bank or its officers. Electronic recording is not permitted.

    Distribution

    The Financial Stability Report will be available at 10:00 (ET) on the Bank’s website.

    Media Availability

    At 11:00 (ET), Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, and Carolyn Rogers, Senior Deputy Governor, will hold a press conference in the Bank of Canada’s auditorium. 

    For security reasons, all media wishing to attend must register with the Bank in advance.To register, please contact Media Relations before 17:00 (ET) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Journalists, camera operators and still photographers who have not registered will not be admitted to the press conference. 

    Please use the Bank of Canada Museum entrance, located at 30 Bank Street (corner of Bank and Wellington), and bring photo ID. 

    Broadcasters needing to set up equipment will be granted access beginning at 10:00 (ET). 

    Please note that journalists not attending the press conference in person can register to dial in and ask questions. Journalists who would like to ask questions via teleconference should contact Media Relations. 

    Webcast

    Audio and video webcasts of the press conference will be accessible from the Bank’s website. 

    Note

    For more information, please contact Media Relations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos: JACKBIT Rated As Top Crypto Casino with BTC Bonuses & No KYC Policy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUSSELLVILLE, Ark., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the surge in popularity of cryptocurrency, the number of crypto gambling sites has skyrocketed, offering players a blend of anonymity, rapid transactions, and diverse gaming options. However, navigating this crowded market to find the best crypto casino can be challenging.

    After an exhaustive review of numerous platforms, our team has identified JACKBIT as the top crypto casino for 2025. Renowned for its no KYC policy, extensive game library, and lightning-fast payouts, JACKBIT stands out among the best crypto casinos.

    PLAY SECURELY AND PRIVATELY WITH JACKBIT – JOIN TODAY!

    Whether you’re spinning slots, betting on sports, or enjoying live dealer games, JACKBIT delivers an unparalleled experience that sets it apart from other crypto gambling sites. In this detailed review, we explore the factors that make JACKBIT the best crypto casino, including its bonuses, game variety, payment methods, and commitment to player satisfaction.

    This article covers why JACKBIT is our favorite, its pros and cons, how to join, our selection process, available games, supported payment methods, and responsible gambling tools.

    A Closer Look At The Best Crypto Casino: JACKBIT

    JACKBIT has earned its place as the leading crypto casino through a combination of innovative features and player-focused services. Here’s why it’s the top choice among the best Bitcoin casinos:

    • No KYC Policy: JACKBIT allows players to register and play without identity verification, ensuring privacy and quick access.
    • Massive Game Library: With over 7,000 games, including slots, table games, live dealer options, and a comprehensive sportsbook, JACKBIT caters to all preferences.
    • Instant Payouts: Cryptocurrency withdrawals are processed in under 10 minutes, making it a leader among top crypto casinos.
    • Generous Bonuses: New players receive 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, and existing users benefit from reload bonuses, rakeback, and tournaments.
    • Flexible Payments: Supports over 17 cryptocurrencies and fiat methods like Visa and Apple Pay, ensuring seamless transactions.
    • 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock customer support via live chat and email ensures prompt assistance.

    CLAIM YOUR 100 FREE SPINS BONUS

    These features make JACKBIT a standout in the realm of new crypto casinos, offering a seamless and rewarding experience.

    JACKBIT Casino – Our Favorite Crypto Casino

    JACKBIT tops our list of the best crypto casinos due to its exceptional offerings. The no KYC policy allows players to dive into gaming without delays, a significant advantage for those valuing privacy. The welcome bonus of 100 free spins on Book of Dead provides a risk-free way to explore the platform. Regular promotions, such as weekly giveaways and a VIP rakeback program, keep players engaged.

    The game selection is a major draw, with thousands of slots, table games, and live dealer options from top providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. The sportsbook covers over 140 sports, appealing to betting enthusiasts.

    Payment flexibility, with support for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, ensures fast and secure transactions. Coupled with responsive customer support, JACKBIT delivers a comprehensive gaming experience.

    Pros And Cons

    Pros Cons
    Over 7,000 games from leading providers Not regulated by the UKGC
    Instant crypto withdrawals (under 10 minutes) No dedicated mobile app (mobile-optimized site available)
    No KYC for enhanced privacy Limited fiat withdrawal options
    Supports 17+ cryptocurrencies and fiat methods  
    24/7 multilingual customer support  
    Generous bonuses with no wagering requirements  

    While the lack of UKGC licensing may concern some, JACKBIT’s Curacao license ensures a regulated and fair environment, making it a compelling choice among crypto gambling sites.

    How To Join JACKBIT Casino? Step By Step Guide

    Joining JACKBIT is simple and designed for ease, especially for players new to crypto casinos:

    1. Visit JACKBIT: Go to the JACKBIT sign-up page.
    2. Create Account: Click “Register” and enter your email and password.
    3. No KYC Required: Skip identity verification for instant setup.
    4. Make First Deposit: Choose a payment method (crypto or fiat) and deposit at least $50 to claim the welcome bonus.
    5. Claim Bonus: The 100 free spins are credited automatically for use on Book of Dead.
    6. Start Playing: Explore the game library and sportsbook with your funds and bonus.

    Ensure accurate details during registration to avoid issues. The no KYC policy makes JACKBIT one of the best no KYC casinos, ideal for quick access.

    How We Selected JACKBIT as The Best Crypto Casino

    Our team followed a rigorous evaluation process to identify the top crypto casino, focusing on:

    • License and Security: A valid license and robust encryption are essential. JACKBIT’s Curacao license and SSL encryption ensure safety.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: We prioritized casinos with fair and generous offers. JACKBIT’s no-wagering bonuses stood out.
    • Game Variety: A diverse library from reputable providers is key. JACKBIT’s 7,000+ games cover all categories.
    • Game Providers: Partnerships with top developers ensure quality. JACKBIT works with NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and others.
    • Banking Methods: Flexible and fast payment options are crucial. JACKBIT supports multiple cryptocurrencies and fiat methods.
    • Customer Support: 24/7 availability and responsiveness are vital. JACKBIT’s multilingual support excels.

    JACKBIT met and exceeded these criteria, earning its place as the best crypto casino for 2025.

    License and Security

    JACKBIT operates under a Curacao Gaming License, ensuring compliance with fair gaming standards. Advanced SSL encryption protects player data and transactions. Provably fair games allow outcome verification, enhancing transparency. These measures make JACKBIT a trusted choice among new crypto casinos.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    JACKBIT offers a range of bonuses to maximize player value:

    • Best Bonus: 30% Rakeback + 100 Wager Free Spins + No KYC
    • Welcome Bonus: 100 free spins on Book of Dead with no wagering requirements ($50 minimum deposit).
    • Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% cashback on a losing first sports bet (minimum $20).
    • Weekly Giveaways: Compete for $10,000 cash and 10,000 free spins.
    • VIP Rakeback: Up to 30% rakeback through the Rakeback VIP Club.
    • Pragmatic Drops & Wins: Tournaments with a €2,000,000 prize pool.
    • Social Media Bonuses: Exclusive rewards via X engagement.

    These promotions position JACKBIT among the best crypto casinos for rewarding experiences.

    JOIN JACKBIT NOW AND ENJOY 30% RAKEBACK + WAGER-FREE SPINS!

    Best Crypto Casino Games

    JACKBIT’s game library is a cornerstone of its appeal, offering over 7,000 titles across multiple categories:

    Online Slots

    Slots dominate with thousands of options, from classic 3-reel games to modern video slots. Popular titles include:

    • Book of Dead (Play’n GO): High-volatility slot with up to 5,000x stake wins.
    • Starburst (NetEnt): Low-volatility slot with vibrant graphics and expanding wilds.
    • Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play): Features tumbling reels and multipliers up to 500x.
    • Mega Moolah (Microgaming): Progressive jackpot slot with massive payout potential.

    Slots offer diverse themes, bonus rounds, and high RTPs, making them a favorite among players.

    Blackjack

    Blackjack combines skill and luck, with players aiming to beat the dealer by reaching 21. JACKBIT offers variants like:

    • Classic Blackjack
    • European Blackjack
    • Multi-hand Blackjack

    These options cater to different strategies and preferences.

    Roulette

    Roulette is a classic game of chance where players bet on a spinning wheel’s outcome. JACKBIT provides:

    • European Roulette (2.7% house edge)
    • American Roulette
    • French Roulette (1.35% house edge with La Partage)

    Each variant offers unique betting options and excitement.

    Poker

    Poker variants at JACKBIT include:

    • Texas Hold’em
    • Caribbean Stud
    • Three Card Poker
    • Video Poker (e.g., Jacks or Better)

    These games appeal to strategic players seeking to outsmart the house.

    Live Dealer Games

    Powered by Evolution Gaming, JACKBIT’s live dealer section delivers an authentic casino experience:

    • Live Blackjack: Multiple tables with varying limits.
    • Live Roulette: Interactive gameplay with real dealers.
    • Live Baccarat: Fast-paced action.
    • Game Shows: Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, and Deal or No Deal.

    Live games stream in real-time, allowing player-dealer interaction.

    Sportsbook

    JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers over 140 sports, including:

    • Football: Major leagues and international tournaments.
    • Basketball: NBA, EuroLeague, and more.
    • Tennis: Grand Slams and ATP/WTA events.
    • eSports: Dota 2, League of Legends, CS:GO.
    • Live Betting: Real-time wagering with dynamic odds.

    With over 82,000 live monthly events, the sportsbook is a major draw.

    Specialty Games

    For casual play, JACKBIT offers:

    • Lottery: Instant-result games.
    • Scratch Cards: Quick wins with simple mechanics.
    • Virtual Sports: Simulated events for continuous betting.

    This diversity ensures JACKBIT remains a top crypto casino for all players.

    Casino Game Providers

    JACKBIT partners with 85 leading providers to deliver its extensive library:

    • NetEnt: Renowned for Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest.
    • Evolution Gaming: Leader in live dealer games.
    • Pragmatic Play: Offers Gates of Olympus and Drops & Wins.
    • Microgaming: Pioneer with Mega Moolah and more.
    • Play’n GO: Creator of Book of Dead.
    • Others: Yggdrasil, Betsoft, Red Tiger, and more.

    These partnerships ensure high-quality, fair, and engaging games, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status among the best Bitcoin casinos.

    READY TO WIN? JOIN JACKBIT NOW AND GAMBLE WITH CONFIDENCE!

    Best Crypto Casino Payment Methods

    JACKBIT supports a wide array of payment methods, prioritizing speed and security:

    Cryptocurrencies

    Over 17 cryptocurrencies are accepted, including:

    • Bitcoin (BTC): Secure and widely used, with instant deposits.
    • Ethereum (ETH): Fast transactions via smart contracts.
    • Litecoin (LTC): Low fees and quick confirmations.
    • Ripple (XRP): Ideal for cross-border payments.
    • Tether (USDT): Stablecoin for reduced volatility.
    • Solana (SOL): High-speed blockchain with minimal fees.
    • Others: Dogecoin, Cardano, Binance Coin, and more.

    Advantages Of Crypto:

    • Anonymity: No personal details required.
    • Speed: Instant deposits; withdrawals in under 10 minutes.
    • Low Fees: Minimal transaction costs.
    • Global Access: No geographic restrictions.

    Debit Card / Credit Card

    JACKBIT accepts Visa and MasterCard for secure deposits. These methods are familiar but may involve longer processing times for withdrawals.

    E-Wallets

    While PayPal is not supported, JACKBIT offers Google Pay and Apple Pay for quick, mobile-friendly deposits. These e-wallets provide convenience without sharing bank details.

    Bank Transfer

    Bank transfers are available for larger transactions, ideal for high rollers. However, they may incur higher fees and take several days to process.

    Cryptocurrency vs. Fiat

    Cryptocurrencies are the preferred choice at JACKBIT due to their speed and privacy. Fiat methods are reliable but slower, catering to players not yet using crypto.

    This flexibility ensures JACKBIT meets the needs of all players, solidifying its place among top crypto casinos.

    Customer Support at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s customer support is a hallmark of its reliability:

    • Live Chat: Available 24/7, with agents fluent in English, Spanish, French, and more. Response times are typically under a minute.
    • Email Support: Contact support@jackbit.com for detailed inquiries, with replies within hours.
    • FAQ Section: Covers registration, payments, bonuses, and technical issues, allowing self-service solutions.
    • Multilingual Support: Caters to a global audience with multiple language options.

    The support team’s professionalism and accessibility enhance the player experience, making JACKBIT a trusted crypto gambling site.

    User Experience And Mobile Compatibility

    JACKBIT’s website is designed for ease of use:

    • Intuitive Navigation: Clear menus for games, promotions, and support.
    • Search Functionality: Quickly find specific games or providers.
    • Game Filters: Sort by type, popularity, or provider.
    • Mobile Optimization: Fully responsive site works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets, no app required.
    • Fast Loading: Optimized for quick access, even for graphics-heavy games.
    • Language Options: Supports English, French, German, Japanese, and more.

    This user-centric design ensures a smooth experience, whether on desktop or mobile, positioning JACKBIT among the best crypto casinos.

    VIP Program And Loyalty Rewards

    JACKBIT rewards loyalty through its Rakeback VIP Club:

    • Rakeback: Earn up to 30% rakeback based on wagering activity.
    • VIP Levels: Higher tiers unlock better rakeback and perks.
    • Exclusive Bonuses: Personalized offers, free spins, and cashback.
    • Priority Support: Dedicated account managers for top-tier players.
    • Tournaments: Events like the Grand Holidays Tournament ($500,000 prize pool).

    Additional promotions include:

    • Weekly Giveaways: $10,000 cash and 10,000 free spins.
    • Drops & Wins: €2,000,000 prize pool.
    • Social Media Rewards: Bonuses via X engagement.

    These incentives make JACKBIT a rewarding choice for long-term players.

    Security Measures

    JACKBIT prioritizes player safety:

    • Curacao License: Ensures regulatory compliance.
    • SSL Encryption: Protects data and transactions.
    • Provably Fair Games: Allows outcome verification.
    • Two-Factor Authentication: Optional for enhanced account security.
    • Responsible Gambling Tools: Deposit limits, session reminders, self-exclusion.

    These measures create a secure environment, reinforcing JACKBIT’s credibility.

    Responsible Gambling At Crypto Casinos

    JACKBIT promotes responsible gambling with tools to manage gaming:

    • Deposit Limits: Cap spending to control budgets.
    • Loss Limits: Restrict losses over a period.
    • Wagering Limits: Set betting caps.
    • Session Time Limits: Monitor gaming duration.
    • Cooling-Off Periods: Temporary account suspension.
    • Reality Checks: Notifications about playtime.

    These features align with industry standards, ensuring player well-being at one of the best crypto casinos.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Crypto Casino

    After evaluating numerous crypto gambling sites, JACKBIT emerges as the best crypto casino for 2025. Its vast game library, instant payouts, no KYC policy, and generous bonuses create an unmatched experience. The support for multiple cryptocurrencies and fiat methods ensures accessibility, while 24/7 customer support and robust security measures build trust. The mobile-optimized platform and rewarding VIP program further enhance its appeal.

    Whether you’re a slot enthusiast, table game strategist, or sports bettor, JACKBIT delivers. Join today at JACKBIT to experience the future of crypto gambling.

    UNLOCK 30% RAKEBACK AND 100 WAGER-FREE SPINS – SIGN UP NOW!

    FAQs About The Best Crypto Casinos

    Is JACKBIT safe to use?

    JACKBIT’s Curacao license and SSL encryption ensure a secure environment. Provably fair games add transparency, making it a trusted crypto casino.

    What cryptocurrencies does JACKBIT support?

    JACKBIT accepts over 17 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Tether, Solana, and Dogecoin, for instant deposits and withdrawals.

    Does JACKBIT require KYC verification?

    No, JACKBIT’s no KYC policy allows anonymous registration and play, enhancing privacy and speeding up the process for new crypto casino users.

    What is JACKBIT’s welcome bonus?

    New players get 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on a $50 minimum deposit, usable on Book of Dead.

    How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    Cryptocurrency withdrawals are processed in under 10 minutes, making JACKBIT a leader in payout speed among top crypto casinos.

    Can I play on JACKBIT from my mobile?

    Yes, JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized site offers seamless gameplay on smartphones and tablets via web browsers, no app needed.

    What games are available at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers over 7,000 games, including slots, table games, live dealer options, sports betting, and specialty games like lottery.

    Is there a VIP program at JACKBIT?

    Yes, the Rakeback VIP Club offers up to 30% rakeback, exclusive bonuses, and priority support for loyal players.

    Can I use fiat currency at JACKBIT?

    Yes, JACKBIT supports Visa, MasterCard, bank transfers, Google Pay, and Apple Pay for secure fiat transactions.

    How do I contact JACKBIT support?

    Support is available 24/7 via live chat or email at support@jackbit.com, with prompt, multilingual assistance.

    EMAIL: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    General Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The content is based on research and user reviews, but no warranties are made. Players must verify all information before acting, as online gambling carries inherent risks. Ensure you meet your jurisdiction’s legal gambling age before participating.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling involves risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Gambling laws vary by jurisdiction, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling, and participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for any losses or disputes arising from its use. Always gamble responsibly and seek professional advice if needed.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may contain affiliate links, which earn us a commission at no additional cost to you for qualifying actions. These links help support our content creation. Our reviews remain unbiased, and we only recommend products and platforms we believe offer genuine value. Conduct your own research before signing up or making deposits to ensure JACKBIT meets your needs.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b39b2889-fe38-4424-8931-e5912e823686

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Press Conference: Financial Stability Report—2025

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Canadian economy ended 2024 in a strong position. However, the trade conflict and tariffs are expected to slow growth and add to price pressures. The outlook is very uncertain because of the unpredictability of US trade policy and the magnitude of its impact on the Canadian economy.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Nigeria/UK: “Historic moment” as community devastated by Shell oil spills have final chance for justice   

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of Thursday’s start of the trial of Renaissance, an oil company to which Shell recently sold its stake in onshore oil extraction in Nigeria, for the damage caused by oil spills which impacted a large area of land belonging to the Bodo Community in the Niger Delta, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria Director said: 

    “Almost two decades since oil spills by Shell’s then-Nigerian subsidiary SPDC devastated huge swathes of mangrove habitat, the Bodo community whose lives and livelihoods were – and continue to be – affected by the pollution, have a final chance for justice. 

    This long-overdue trial must provide the Bodo communities the justice and remediation they have fought for

    “Despite Shell admitting responsibility for the pollution over a decade ago, this case aims to prove that their promised clean-up is far from complete and contamination continues to pose a serious health risk to tens of thousands of people. 

    “It is shameful that it has taken so long and required legal action to get the companies responsible for this environmental destruction to face their responsibilities. We hope that this long-overdue trial will provide the affected Bodo communities the justice and remediation they have fought for and deserve. This is a historic moment that should serve as a reminder that a just transition to clean energy also means holding polluters to account for the harm they have caused in the past.”  

    Background 

    In 2008 there were two massive oil spills, caused by poorly maintained Shell pipelines, in a creek close to the Bodo community. Crude oil continuously leaked into the water for five weeks on each occasion. Shell settled with the community in 2014 but has yet to clean up Bodo’s devastated waterways despite a mediation process that started in 2015. 

    The Court of Appeal heard the Shell Nigeria oil spill appeal on 8 October 2024. On 11 October 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Nigerian communities over alleged pollution by oil giant Shell. On 6 December 2024, a full trial of Nigerian communities’ claims against Shell was given the go ahead. 

    The Bodo community’s legal claim is being brought against Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC), which was formed after Shell divested from its Nigerian subsidiary Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) in March 2025. Ahead of the sale, Amnesty International called for Shell to be held accountable for the environmental damage they had caused in the Niger Delta. 

    Over the past 20 years, Amnesty International has conducted extensive research and documented the human rights and environmental impact of Shell’s operations in the Niger Delta. In Amnesty’s 2023 report, Nigeria: Tainted Sale?, the organization recommended a series of safeguards to protect the rights of people potentially affected by Shell’s planned disposal of its oil interests in Nigeria. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cyber is a poster child for growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Cyber is a poster child for growth

    The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster spoke about the cyber threat landscape and how the government is using cyber to drive economic growth in a speech at CyberUK 2025 in Manchester.

    Introduction:

    Good morning everyone, 

    It’s really great to be here with you in Manchester.

    This is one of Britain’s great cities.

    From music to sport to industry, Manchester has made its mark on the world in so many ways…

    And today I want to talk to you about an area where I believe Manchester, the North West, the whole country can grow in strength in the future.

    There might have been times when a government minister making a speech about cyber security was thought to be something routine. 

    Ritual calls for preparedness, and it might not seem to have much connection to the real world.

    But not today. Not this time. Not this week. Not with what we have been seeing happening over the past few weeks. 

    Great British businesses. Household names like M&S, the Co-op, Harrods, all the subject of serious cyber incidents.

    These cyber attacks are not a game. They’re not a clever exercise. They are serious organised crime.

    The purpose is to damage and extort good businesses. It’s the digital version of an old-fashioned shake down. Either straight theft or a protection racket where your business will be safe as long as you pay the gangsters.  

    And what we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks should serve as a wake-up call for everyone – for government and the public sector, for businesses and organisations up and down the country, as if we needed one, that cybersecurity is not a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity. 

    Whether it is a system failure or a deliberate attack, no organisation can afford to treat cyber security as an afterthought.

    So it’s not routine. It’s a good time to be gathering today, to discuss what we can do to make our defences as strong as possible.

    Now it’s one of the paradoxes of modern life: technology brings huge benefits, and there’s no going back – but it also brings risks.  

    The internet is one of the greatest engines for creativity and innovation in modern history. It has transformed the way we live, work and learn. 

    Just think of the applications. Busy parents who can save so much time by ordering goods online, students with an unfathomable range of knowledge at their fingertips, families all around the world able to share pictures of those precious moments – birthdays, christenings, weddings – just at the press of a screen. All of us benefit from this astounding level of connectedness.

    Yet the technology that underpins it can be weaponised by those who want to destabilise our infrastructure, our information systems, or our industrial base.

    The UK’s critical infrastructure is now more interconnected than ever. That is empowering…

    But it also carries risks, because there are vulnerabilities –  and more than we had years ago. Right down to the household level.

    As the cost of the tech has plummeted, and broadband speeds have risen, more and more devices are connected online. In 2020, it was thought to be about 50 billion. By 2030 – which isn’t that far away now – it will be 500 billion, according to projections. 

    More connections, more interconnectedness. 

    Technological leaps are rarely born in comfort; more often, they are forged during conflict, or competition or by sheer necessity. And history shows us that innovation always accelerates when the stakes are highest, from nuclear energy to the space race.

    The stakes are high right now. And we are in the middle of another huge technological leap – a “technology shock” if you like – with AI and other emerging technologies developing at breakneck speeds. 

    It’s a duty for Government and all of us to keep up. 

    Because in the modern world, where everything is connected, and so much of it’s online, it doesn’t take much if that is attacked to cause serious disruption. 

    Just ask anyone in Spain or Portugal who went through the power outage last week. Passengers stuck in underground trains. Payment systems disabled and suddenly, for a day, cash is king again. And a host of other effects. 

    I experienced last July, just a couple of weeks after the general election, the CrowdStrike incident. We worked closely with one of the sponsors of this conference, CrowdStrike, to manage the fallout of that.

    That wasn’t a cyber attack but it did cause ripples right across the country and the world. 

    Flights grounded. Hospital appointments disrupted. Holidays cancelled. GP services cut off.

    We worked closely with the company to resolve it. But what did we learn?

    Lessons:

    First, you’ve got to bring people together and coordinate. We had the National Cyber Security Centre, the Cabinet Office – the department I lead – Microsoft and CrowdStrike, all the different parts of government to understand what the incident was. 

    Secondly, Government cannot do it alone. You have to have good partnerships between the public and private sector. 

    And thirdly, even though it exposed a responsibility, there is also a prize to be grasped here. 

    Because if interconnectedness that I’ve spoken about requires greater protection and powers of recovery, then those countries that think about this, that invest in the cybersecurity services, will be able to offer those services to those that need them. 

    Just think about previous waves of interconnectedness and how the UK led the way in protecting them. Think about how Lloyds of London, for example, insured shipping right across the globe, well so too can the UK play a major role in cyber security. A new kind of technological insurance.

    We are already the third largest exporter of these products and services in the world.

    And as the technology continues to develop, I believe that our cyber companies and start-ups can use that current competitive advantage as a launchpad for greater success – for the benefit of the entire UK economy.

    So my message this morning to you is that it’s not just about vulnerability and risk – it’s about economic growth too.  

    Later this year, we’ll publish a new National Cyber Strategy that will set out how we want to approach these challenges and opportunities in the years to come. 

    Today I want to touch on three aspects of that today: threats, security and growth.

    Threat landscape

    Scale of activity:

    The threat is growing. 

    Last year the NCSC received almost 2,000 reports of cyber attacks – of which 90 were deemed significant, and 12 at the top end of severity. 

    That is three times the number of severe attacks compared to the year before (2023).

    They’re targeted both Government and private systems.

    Combatting it is a constant challenge. I can’t stand here this morning and tell you that Government systems are bombproof. That is not the case.

    These are new systems, built on top of legacy systems, and we’re doing everything in our power to modernise the state, and to upgrade those core systems . But the Government, and the country as a whole, has to take this seriously if we’re going to do it securely in the future.

    Artificial Intelligence:

    It’s our strong conviction that Artificial Intelligence will bring huge opportunities to the UK. We want this country to be a good home both for investment and adoption in this field. But like all general purpose technologies, it can be used for good or ill.

    And just as people and businesses across the country are using AI in all sorts of applications, so too are our adversaries. 

    Today, we are declassifying an intelligence assessment that shows AI is going to increase not only the frequency, but the intensity, of cyber attacks in the coming years.

    Our security systems will only remain secure if they keep pace with what our adversaries are doing. 

    And that’s why it’s imperative to understand what they’re doing and why.

    State-actors:

    And today state-backed cyber hacking has become the new normal.

    Hostile states constantly working to degrade our military advantage. With cyber criminals who will routinely sell their services to other states. These cyber mercenaries can cause huge harm.

    Sometimes to steal money. For example, it is thought that North Korea stole $1.34bn through cryptocurrency theft last year, causing US officials to describe their hackers as the “world’s leading bank robbers”.

    The cyber activity we are seeing in countries like North Korea reflects that grey area that exists between some states and cyber criminals. 

    My colleagues at the Home Office, under the leadership of the Home Secretary and the Security Minister, are working hard to strengthen our overall response to cyber crime. They have been consulting on a number of ransomware proposals designed to thwart our enemies.

    Other state-backed hacking is done as part of a wider war – and we’ve seen that with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

    How Ukraine is putting up an incredibly brave fight against cyberwarfare unleashed by the Russians, and we have vowed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes to defend their sovereignty. 

    And so we’re going to invest £8 million in the Ukraine Cyber Programme over the next year to counter the Kremlin’s cyber aggression.

    What Russia is doing doesn’t stop in Ukraine. There have been a number of other attacks and disinformation campaigns in other countries.

    For example, in Moldova’s presidential election last year. And we know that they will keep trying. So we will be investing £1 million in cyber capabilities in Moldova, to help give that country the tools to combat Russian cyber attacks and ensure their upcoming parliamentary election can be as democratic, fair and open as possible.

    Our country has always defended freedom.

    This is part of the defence of freedom and democracy that has been part of our country’s history.

    But defence today is not just about troops and missiles.

    It’s also about this cyber realm, too – and this Government is absolutely committed to making sure we and our allies are strong in this domain. 

    China:

    And let me say a word about China.

    When we think about international activity in cyberspace, we need to be clear-eyed about the challenge posed by China. 

    It is well on its way to becoming a cyber superpower. It has the sophistication. The scale. And the seriousness.

    It’s one of the world leaders in AI, as the world’s second largest economy it’s deeply embedded in global supply chains and markets.

    We need to view China’s approach to cyberspace with open eyes. Disengagement economically from China is not an option. Neither’s naivety. 

    The job of a responsible Government is to protect our people and constructively engage with the world as it is.

    “Stop the world I want to get off” is not in the United Kingdom’s interests.

    Rather, our approach should be to engage constructively and consistently with China where it is in the UK’s economic interests, but also to be clear that we will robustly defend our own cyberspace.

    Bolstering our defences

    And I want to thank the organisations that do that. GCHQ, NCSC, the National Cyber Force – they keep watch, working tirelessly with our allies, with the Five Eyes alliance, to stay ahead of our competitors.

    Our intelligence agencies also play a key role in growing our overall cyber ecosystem – acting as a training bed for all kinds of experts who go on to be successful cyber entrepreneurs.

    LASR:

    And we’re investing in new capabilities in this regard. 

    Last year, I launched a new public-private partnership to keep the UK on top of some of the risks emerging on how we harness AI.

    The idea behind the Laboratory for AI Security Research – or LASR, as we’ve come to call it – is simple: accelerate innovation and research into how AI can protect our national security.

    Since November, its funded 10 PhDs at Oxford University; funded an in-house team of 9 researchers at The Turing Institute; and its funded research at 8 other leading UK universities including Queen’s University Belfast and Lancaster University.

    And we are committing an extra £7million to LASR’s research over the next financial year. 

    And I’m pleased to announce it has agreed a new partnership with one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Cisco.

    They are going to be collaborating with GCHQ and the NCSC, and other partners to expand the research and innovation capacity of the Lab.

    They will be running challenges across the UK, and build a demonstrator here in the North West to showcase how our scientists and entrepreneurs can work together to manage the risks, build the skills and grasp the opportunities of AI security.

    This is the first collaboration of its kind with LASR, and will be a trailblazer and it will help LASR drive cutting-edge research into the impact of AI on national security.

    Cyber Security and Resilience Bill:

    We’re also modernising the way the state approaches this, through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. 

    That legislation will bolster our national defences. It will grant new powers to the Technology Secretary to direct regulated organisations to reinforce their defences.

    And as we begin scrutiny of that Bill in Parliament, we will be launching a new Software Security Code of Practice – to help all organisations take the measures they need to embed security and resilience. 

    And the prize of all this is growth. Safe economic growth. 

    Growth

    When we’re talking about cyber, it’s easy to focus on the risks and threats. 

    But we also need to think about the reward. There is enormous potential for cyber security to be a driving force in our economy. 

    We already have over 2,000 businesses across the UK. An estimated 67,000 jobs – with an increase of 6,000 in the last 12 months.

    Revenue of more than £13billion.

    And as I said, we’re exporting this across the world.
    But there is still potential on the table.
    So we’re supporting an independent report from Imperial College and Bristol University, who are going to apply their knowledge and expertise to help us establish which levers we need to pull, and how we do that.

    And ahead of the report, we are already making some big investments like the £1billion going into a new state-of-the-art Golden Valley campus near GCHQ’s Cheltenham office.

    That site alone is expected to create 12,000 jobs and be home to hospitality, retail businesses, as well as 3,700 new homes. It is all growth. 

    Industrial Strategy:

    And that is why cyber is part of our Industrial Strategy too. It is a significant part of our economic future.

    Conclusion:

    So as I said at the start of my remarks, we are in a new world.

    In fact, it’s incredible to think it’s been only 36 years since Tim Berners Lee invented the World Wide Web. 

    I have teenage children and sometimes I try to explain to them the world before the internet. It’s not something they find easy to understand. The pace of change that we have seen during that time is unlikely to slow down.

    So we have got to take the long view: not just think about the technologies of today, but what it might look like in 10 or 20 years.

    Cyber attacks and cyber hacking are likely to be permanent features of this new global order – there is no point in pretending otherwise.

    But the opportunities are also huge, and I believe that this country, in its position of creativity and innovation, will be at the vanguard of cyberspace and cybersecurity for decades to come.

    Seizing the opportunities to grow the sector, protecting and defending other parts of the economy.

    Standing by our allies in an ever changing world, and defending democracy right across the world.

    It is at once one of the challenges and opportunities of our time, and we have to work together to meet it. 

    –ENDS–

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 May 2025 Departmental update Low-cost, quality-assured HIV tests to sustain access to life-saving services

    Source: World Health Organisation

    HIV testing is an essential health service and is the critical gateway to both prevention and treatment. With several countries facing significant financial uncertainty, it is urgent for countries to adopt pragmatic cost-saving measures. By prioritizing low-cost and effective differentiated HIV testing solutions, countries can ensure continuity of services for people living with HIV on life-saving treatment and protect hard-won public health gains.

    To adapt to this new environment, WHO encourages countries to adopt low-cost WHO pre-qualified HIV rapid tests as the first test in their testing strategy and update their national algorithms accordingly. This also applies to the HIV syphilis dual tests in antenatal care. Adopting a high quality and low-cost first test in a national HIV testing algorithm will result in an immediate and substantial reduction in testing costs for countries. Countries can refer to WHO’s Toolkit to optimize HIV testing algorithms to select a listed low-cost product and to be able to rapidly transition their testing programmes. 

    WHO recommends flexible algorithms and supports verification studies during or after the algorithm transition, using multiple WHO prequalified products as the first test. 

    For additional savings, WHO urges countries to adopt low-cost and quality-assured HIV self-tests (blood or oral). Programmes with limited health workers and testing capacity may also consider using HIV self-tests as an alternative first test, especially in contexts where gaps in maintaining service delivery remain. Further guidance on using HIV self-tests can be found in the 2024 WHO Consolidated guidelines on differentiated HIV testing service. This includes a recommendation on facility-based self-testing. It also aims to help countries sustain and expand HIV testing coverage amid constrained budgets.  

    “The global HIV response and epidemic control is at risk,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes. “We must continue to do everything we can to support countries in delivering life-saving HIV services. Providing countries flexibility and shifting to low-cost, quality-assured HIV rapid tests  , dual HIV/syphilis and self-tests will ensure impact, quality and allow more resources to reach people living with HIV and prevent new infections.”

    WHO can support countries to expedite product availability in countries, such as through waivers to expedite regulatory approvals, which are needed to make this rapid transition. Existing national regulatory pathways can also help fast-track the introduction and registration of new products.

    There is a wide selection of low-cost, WHO-prequalified HIV tests available. Countries can use the WHO diagnostic catalogue and product selection tool to review these options and optimize their national testing strategies. “This guidance is only possible thanks to   WHO’s Prequalification (PQ) Programme, which ensures that quality-assured diagnostics are accessible and affordable for all low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr Rogerio Gaspar, Director of WHO Department of Regulation and Prequalification. 

    The WHO PQ Programme evaluates HIV in vitro diagnostics against international standards of quality, safety and performance. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that countries can provide high-quality diagnosis, effective prevention, and access to treatment for those who need it.

    Engagement with procurers and those hosting pooled procurement mechanisms is critical as well. 

    “The Global Fund welcomes this important guidance from the World Health Organization, which will help countries sustain life-saving HIV services,” said Marijke Wijnroks, the Global Fund’s Head of Strategic Investment and Impact. “We look forward to working with countries to support adoption and implementation of this guidance to both minimize the costs of HIV tests and ensure sustained provision and access to HIV testing services.”

    With support from global partners,  WHO continues to work to secure access to HIV diagnostics in all countries and across all settings to ensure life-saving services continue and no one is left behind.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin leads cross-sector delegation to US state of Texas

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin leads cross-sector delegation to US state of Texas

    Date:2025-05-06
    Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

    May 6, 2025  
    No. 140  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on May 6 is traveling to the US state of Texas, leading a delegation representing industry, government, academia, and research institutes. The delegation includes representatives of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, the AI Innovation and Application Alliance, and Taiwan’s Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association. Minister Lin will attend and address the Texas-Taiwan AI and Innovation Summit on May 9.
     
    Since taking office, Minister Lin has actively advocated a policy of integrated diplomacy. His visit to Texas aims primarily to promote a Taiwan investment team for the United States and a US investment team for Taiwan as part of a roadmap introduced by President Lai Ching-te to deepen bilateral trade relations. This will facilitate the formation of a joint Taiwan-US economic task force that applies a new model for the division of labor, helping Taiwanese businesses expand into the US market and employ local technology, capital, and human resources to integrate into the US innovation ecosystem. It is further hoped that exchanges of views among frontline industry, government, academia, and research institutes will lead to an increase in bilateral investments, attract US companies to invest in Taiwan, and contribute to Taiwan’s industrial innovation and development.
     
    Minister Lin’s visit is expected to steadily deepen exchanges between Taiwan and US states. Since President Lai assumed office, six US state governors, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have led delegations to Taiwan. Their concrete actions to support bilateral collaboration have enhanced Taiwan-US economic and trade exchanges and created substantive business opportunities. In recent years, the US federal government has issued three letters encouraging US states and the top 500 US businesses to foster relations with Taiwan, explicitly showing support for strengthening exchanges with Taiwan at all levels and across all areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs anticipates that the visit to Texas by Minister Lin and the industrial groups will further deepen reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships across various economic domains between Taiwan and the United States and Texas. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Calls on CBS Owner to Stand Up for First Amendment, Not Surrender to Trump 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 7 – As President Trump continues his attempts to intimidate the media and those who are critical of him, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today warned Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone not to capitulate to Trump.
    Lawyers for Trump and Paramount, the parent of CBS News, have begun mediation over a lawsuit brought by Trump that accuses ’60 Minutes’ of deceptively editing an interview with Kamala Harris. Legal experts have called the suit baseless and an easy victory for CBS. But Paramount is entering the talks prepared to make a deal. It has been reported that Shari Redstone, the company’s controlling shareholder, is considering settling with Trump in return for his administration’s approval of Paramount’s $8 billion sale to Skydance.
    “This lawsuit is an attack on the United States Constitution and the First Amendment. It has absolutely no merit and it cannot stand,” Sanders and the senators wrote. “In the United States of America, presidents do not get to punish or censor the media for criticizing them. Freedom of the press is what sets us apart from tin pot dictatorships and authoritarian regimes.”
    It was also reported that Redstone asked the CEO of CBS to “delay sensitive stories about Trump” until the Skydance merger was completed. If the Skydance merger is approved, the Redstone family could gain up to $2.4 billion.
    “Rewarding Trump with tens of millions of dollars for filing this bogus lawsuit will not cause him to back down on his war against the media and a free press. It will only embolden him to shakedown, extort and silence CBS and other media outlets that have the courage to report about issues that Trump may not like,” the senators continue. “We urge you and the board of directors at Paramount to make it clear to President Trump today that Paramount will not surrender to his attack on the First Amendment.”
    Sanders and the senators conclude: “Stand up for freedom of the press and our democracy. Do not capitulate to this dangerous move to authoritarianism.”
    Read the text of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin leads cross-sector delegation to US state of Texas

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin leads cross-sector delegation to US state of Texas

    • Date:2025-05-06
    • Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

    May 6, 2025  

    No. 140  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on May 6 is traveling to the US state of Texas, leading a delegation representing industry, government, academia, and research institutes. The delegation includes representatives of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, the AI Innovation and Application Alliance, and Taiwan’s Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association. Minister Lin will attend and address the Texas-Taiwan AI and Innovation Summit on May 9.

     

    Since taking office, Minister Lin has actively advocated a policy of integrated diplomacy. His visit to Texas aims primarily to promote a Taiwan investment team for the United States and a US investment team for Taiwan as part of a roadmap introduced by President Lai Ching-te to deepen bilateral trade relations. This will facilitate the formation of a joint Taiwan-US economic task force that applies a new model for the division of labor, helping Taiwanese businesses expand into the US market and employ local technology, capital, and human resources to integrate into the US innovation ecosystem. It is further hoped that exchanges of views among frontline industry, government, academia, and research institutes will lead to an increase in bilateral investments, attract US companies to invest in Taiwan, and contribute to Taiwan’s industrial innovation and development.

     

    Minister Lin’s visit is expected to steadily deepen exchanges between Taiwan and US states. Since President Lai assumed office, six US state governors, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have led delegations to Taiwan. Their concrete actions to support bilateral collaboration have enhanced Taiwan-US economic and trade exchanges and created substantive business opportunities. In recent years, the US federal government has issued three letters encouraging US states and the top 500 US businesses to foster relations with Taiwan, explicitly showing support for strengthening exchanges with Taiwan at all levels and across all areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs anticipates that the visit to Texas by Minister Lin and the industrial groups will further deepen reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships across various economic domains between Taiwan and the United States and Texas. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils supportive measures to boost sci-tech innovation bond issuance

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

    BEIJING, May 7 — Chinese authorities announced a series of supportive measures on Wednesday aimed at promoting the issuance of sci-tech innovation bonds.

    Experts believe the move is set to bolster technology enterprises by facilitating their access to much-needed funding.

    The announcement, jointly unveiled by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, introduces initiatives to diversify the range of sci-tech bond products and strengthen supporting mechanisms.

    To expand the scope of eligible issuers, commercial banks, securities firms, and financial asset investment companies will be allowed to issue these bonds, according to the announcement.

    Other measures to be introduced focus on improving bond issuance management, streamlining information disclosures, and optimizing the credit rating system.

    The push reflects China’s broader efforts to strengthen support for sci-tech enterprises as it advances toward becoming a global technology powerhouse. In March, China announced that it would launch a “sci-tech board” in its bond market to promote the issuance of sci-tech innovation bonds by financial institutions, tech firms and private equity investment institutions.

    According to preliminary figures from the PBOC, nearly 100 market entities are preparing to issue more than 300 billion yuan (about 41.7 billion U.S. dollars) worth of sci-tech innovation bonds, with further participation expected in the future.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Withdrawal of the ‘standard essential patents’ proposal – E-001708/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001708/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    José Cepeda (S&D)

    The Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) has sent a letter to the European Commission requesting that negotiations on the ‘standard essential patents’ file continue – we believe it addresses the problems that arise during negotiations between companies that hold essential patents and other companies that need to use patent-protected technology to develop their products (such as the automotive and domestic appliance industries, etc.). The regulation would benefit many European companies, particularly SMEs, by balancing their positions in negotiations with third parties on an issue as sensitive as telecommunications patents.

    What is more, since the Council of the European Union, seven Member States (possibly joined by a number of others) have sent the Commission an informal document indicating that they do not agree at all with the proposed withdrawal of the ‘standard essential patents’ file.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What is the reason for the proposed withdrawal announced in the Commission’s 2025 work programme?
    • 2.Will the Commission answer Parliament and the requests of all those Member States?

    Submitted: 29.4.2025

    Last updated: 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Sprott Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprott Inc. (NYSE/TSX: SII) (“Sprott” or the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Management commentary

    “Sprott’s Assets Under Management (“AUM”) ended the first quarter of 2025 at $35.1 billion, up 11% from $31.5 billion as at December 31, 2024,” said Whitney George, Chief Executive Officer of Sprott. “Our AUM growth during the quarter was driven by surging gold prices and strong inflows to our physical gold and silver strategies. During the first three months of the year, we benefited from over $3.1 billion of market value appreciation. We also delivered approximately $407 million of net flows. Subsequent to quarter-end, we generated another $816 million of net flows, primarily into our flagship Sprott Physical Gold Trust and benefited from $629 million of market value appreciation, bringing our AUM to $36.5 billion as at May 2, 2025, up 4% from March 31, 2025”.

    “While financial markets have been volatile in 2025, at Sprott we are fortunate to be extremely well positioned with an asset base divided between precious metals and critical materials. We have a balanced product suite that offers both safe havens and growth opportunities – all of which offer some inflation protection. We are in a strong position to create value for our clients and shareholders in any environment,” continued Mr. George.

    Key AUM highlights1

    • AUM was $35.1 billion as at March 31, 2025, up 11% from $31.5 billion as at December 31, 2024. On a three months ended basis, we benefited from strong market value appreciation and net inflows to our precious metals physical trusts which were partially offset by weaker market valuations of our critical materials products.

    Key revenue highlights

    • Management fees were $40 million for the quarter, up 9% from $36.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net fees were $35.6 million for the quarter, up 9% from $32.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Our revenue performance in the quarter was primarily due to higher average AUM on strong market value appreciation and inflows to our precious metals physical trusts, partially offset by ongoing weaker market valuations of our critical materials product offerings.
    • Commission revenues were $0.3 million for the quarter, down 73% from $1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net commissions were $0.2 million for the quarter, down 64% from $0.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Commission revenue was lower in the quarter mainly due to a lack of at-the-market (“ATM”) activity in our critical materials physical trusts.
    • Finance income was $1.4 million for the quarter, down 23% from $1.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in the quarter was due to lower income generation in co-investment positions we hold in our LPs managed in our private strategies segment.

    Key expense highlights

    • Net compensation expense was $17.5 million for the quarter, up 8% from $16.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The increase in the quarter was primarily due to higher incentive compensation on increased net fee generation. Our net compensation ratio was 47% in the quarter, unchanged from this same time last year (March 31, 2024 – 47%).
    • SG&A expense was $4.1 million for the quarter, down 1% from $4.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in the quarter was primarily due to lower marketing costs.

    Earnings summary

    • Net income for the quarter was $12 million ($0.46 per share), up 3% from $11.6 million ($0.45 per share) for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Our earnings in the quarter benefited from higher average AUM on strong market value appreciation and inflows to our precious metals physical trusts partially offset by ongoing weaker market valuations of our critical materials product offerings.   
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $21.9 million ($0.85 per share) for the quarter, up 11% from $19.8 million ($0.78 per share) for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter benefited from higher average AUM on strong market value appreciation and inflows to our precious metals physical trusts partially offset by ongoing weaker market valuations of our critical materials product offerings.

    Subsequent events

    • Subsequent to quarter-end, as at May 2, 2025, AUM was $36.5 billion, up 4% from $35.1 billion as at March 31, 2025. Our performance subsequent to quarter-end was the result of $0.8 billion of net inflows and $0.6 billion of market value appreciation, primarily in our physical gold trust.
    • On May 6, 2025, the Sprott Board of Directors announced a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share.

    1 See “non-IFRS financial measures” section in this press release and schedule 2 and 3 of “Supplemental financial information”

    Supplemental financial information

    Please refer to the March 31, 2025 quarterly financial statements of the Company and the related management discussion and analysis filed earlier this morning for further details into the Company’s financial position as at March 31, 2025 and the Company’s financial performance for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Schedule 1 – AUM continuity

    3 months results              
    (In millions $) AUM
    Dec. 31,
    2024
    Net
    inflows
    (1)
    Market
    value
    changes
    Other net
    inflows (1)
    AUM
    Mar. 31,
    2025
      Net management
    fee rate (2)
    Exchange listed products              
    – Precious metals physical trusts and ETFs              
    – Physical Gold Trust 8,608 475 1,649 – 10,732   0.35%
    – Physical Silver Trust 5,227 80 928 – 6,235   0.45%
    – Physical Gold and Silver Trust 5,013 (162) 913 – 5,764   0.40%
    – Precious Metals ETFs 354 43 119 2 518   0.28%
    – Physical Platinum & Palladium Trust 168 14 14 – 196   0.50%
      19,370 450 3,623 2 23,445   0.39%
    – Critical materials physical trusts and ETFs              
    – Physical Uranium Trust 4,862 – (600) – 4,262   0.31%
    – Critical Materials ETFs 2,020 90 (403) – 1,707   0.50%
    – Physical Copper Trust 90 – 10 – 100   0.33%
      6,972 90 (993) – 6,069   0.37%
                   
    Total exchange listed products 26,342 540 2,630 2 29,514   0.38%
                   
    Managed equities (3) 2,873 7 525 (27) 3,378   0.82%
                   
    Private strategies 2,320 (115) (20) – 2,185   0.83%
                   
    Total AUM (4) 31,535 432 3,135 (25) 35,077   0.46%
                   
    (1) See “Net inflows” and “Other net inflows” in the key performance indicators and non-IFRS and other financial measures section of the MD&A.
    (2) Net management fee rate represents the weighted average fees for all funds in the category, net of fund expenses.
    (3) Managed equities is made up of primarily precious metal strategies (56%), high net worth managed accounts (37%) and U.S. value strategies (7%).
    (4) No performance fees are earned on exchange listed products. Certain managed equities products earn either performance fees based on returns above relevant benchmarks or earn carried interest calculated as a predetermined net profit over a preferred return. Private strategies LPs primarily earn carried interest calculated as a predetermined net profit over a preferred return.
     


    Schedule 2 – Summary financial information

    (In thousands $) Q1
    2025
    Q4
    2024
    Q3
    2024
    Q2
    2024
    Q1
    2024
    Q4
    2023
    Q3
    2023
    Q2
    2023
    Management fees 39,989   41,441   38,968   38,325   36,603   34,485   33,116   33,222  
    SG&A recoveries from funds (279 ) (280 ) (275 ) (260 ) (231 ) (241 ) (249 ) (282 )
    Fund expenses (2,464 ) (2,708 ) (2,385 ) (2,657 ) (2,234 ) (2,200 ) (1,740 ) (1,871 )
    Direct payouts (1,602 ) (1,561 ) (1,483 ) (1,408 ) (1,461 ) (1,283 ) (1,472 ) (1,342 )
    Carried interest and performance fees –   2,511   4,110   698   –   503   –   388  
    Carried interest and performance fee payouts –   (830 ) –   (251 ) –   (222 ) –   (236 )
    Net fees 35,644   38,573   38,935   34,447   32,677   31,042   29,655   29,879  
                     
    Commissions 286   819   498   3,332   1,047   1,331   539   1,647  
    Commission expense – internal (52 ) (146 ) (147 ) (380 ) (217 ) (161 ) (88 ) (494 )
    Commission expense – external (47 ) (290 ) (103 ) (1,443 ) (312 ) (441 ) (92 ) (27 )
    Net commissions 187   383   248   1,509   518   729   359   1,126  
                     
    Finance income 1,402   1,441   1,574   4,084   1,810   1,391   1,795   1,650  
    Co-investment income 151   296   418   416   274   170   462   1,327  
    Less: Carried interest and performance fees (net of payouts) –   (1,681 ) (4,110 ) (447 ) –   (281 ) –   (152 )
    Total net revenues (1) 37,384   39,012   37,065   40,009   35,279   33,051   32,271   33,830  
    Add: Carried interest and performance fees (net of payouts) –   1,681   4,110   447   –   281   –   152  
    Gain (loss) on investments 1,534   (3,889 ) 937   1,133   1,809   2,808   (1,441 ) (1,950 )
    Fund expenses (2) 2,511   2,998   2,488   4,100   2,546   2,641   1,832   1,898  
    Direct payouts (3) 1,654   2,537   1,630   2,039   1,678   1,666   1,560   2,072  
    SG&A recoveries from funds 279   280   275   260   231   241   249   282  
    Total revenues 43,362   42,619   46,505   47,988   41,543   40,688   34,471   36,284  
                     
    Compensation 19,597   19,672   18,547   19,225   17,955   17,096   16,939   21,468  
    Direct payouts (3) (1,654 ) (2,537 ) (1,630 ) (2,039 ) (1,678 ) (1,666 ) (1,560 ) (2,072 )
    Severance, new hire accruals and other (52 ) (166 ) (58 ) –   –   (179 ) (122 ) (4,067 )
    Market value fluctuation on cash-settled equity plans (412 ) 71   (114 ) (252 ) (155 ) (157 ) 79   151  
    Net compensation 17,479   17,040   16,745   16,934   16,122   15,094   15,336   15,480  
    Net compensation ratio 47 % 44 % 46 % 44 % 47 % 47 % 50 % 48 %
    Fund expenses (2) 2,511   2,998   2,488   4,100   2,546   2,641   1,832   1,898  
    Direct payouts (3) 1,654   2,537   1,630   2,039   1,678   1,666   1,560   2,072  
    Severance, new hire accruals and other 52   166   58   –   –   179   122   4,067  
    Market value fluctuation on cash-settled equity plans 412   (71 ) 114   252   155   157   (79 ) (151 )
    SG&A 4,127   4,949   4,612   5,040   4,173   3,963   3,817   4,752  
    Interest expense 280   613   933   715   830   844   882   1,087  
    Depreciation and amortization 541   600   502   568   551   658   731   748  
    Foreign exchange (gain) loss 554   (2,706 ) 1,028   122   168   1,295   37   1,440  
    Other (income) and expenses –   –   –   (580 ) –   3,368   4,809   (18,890 )
    Total expenses 27,610   26,126   28,110   29,190   26,223   29,865   29,047   12,503  
                     
    Net income 11,957   11,680   12,697   13,360   11,557   9,664   6,773   17,724  
    Net income per share 0.46   0.46   0.50   0.53   0.45   0.38   0.27   0.70  
    Adjusted EBITDA (4) 21,901   22,362   20,675   22,375   19,751   18,759   17,854   17,953  
    Adjusted EBITDA per share 0.85   0.88   0.81   0.88   0.78   0.75   0.71   0.71  
    Total assets 386,131   388,798   412,477   406,265   389,784   378,835   375,948   381,519  
    Total liabilities 59,986   65,150   82,198   90,442   82,365   73,130   79,705   83,711  
                     
    Total AUM 35,076,761   31,535,062   33,439,221   31,053,136   29,369,191   28,737,742   25,398,159   25,141,561  
    Average AUM 33,265,327   33,401,157   31,788,412   31,378,343   29,035,667   27,014,109   25,518,250   25,679,214  
                     
    (1) Prior period net revenues excludes revenues from non-reportable segments of: Q4 2024 – $406, Q3 2024 – $497, Q2 2024 – $650, Q1 2024 – $465, Q4 2023 – $749, Q3 2023 – $1,517 and Q2 2023 – $1,589.
    (2) Includes fund expenses and commission expense – external. Together, these amounts are included in “Fund expenses” on the income statement.
    (3) Includes direct payouts, external carried interest and performance fee payouts and commission payouts – internal. Together, these amounts are included in “Compensation” on the income statement.
    (4) Effective Q1 2025, we changed the name of one of our key non-IFRS measures: “adjusted base EBITDA” to “adjusted EBITDA”. This was made to simplify wording and there was no impact to its calculation.
                     


    Schedule 3 – EBITDA reconciliation

      3 months ended
    (in thousands $) Mar. 31, 2025 Mar. 31, 2024
    Net income for the period 11,957   11,557  
    Net income margin (1) 28 % 28 %
    Adjustments:    
    Interest expense 280   830  
    Provision for income taxes 3,795   3,763  
    Depreciation and amortization 541   551  
    EBITDA 16,573   16,701  
    Adjustments:    
    (Gain) loss on investments (2) (1,534 ) (1,809 )
    Stock-based compensation 6,256   4,691  
    Foreign exchange (gain) loss 554   168  
    Severance, new hire accruals and other 52   –  
    Carried interest and performance fees –   –  
    Carried interest and performance fee payouts (3) –   –  
    Adjusted EBITDA (4) 21,901   19,751  
    Adjusted EBITDA margin (5) 59 % 58 %
     
    (1) Calculated as IFRS net income divided by IFRS total revenue.
    (2) This adjustment removes the income effects of certain gains or losses on short-term investments, co-investments, and private holdings to ensure the reporting objectives of our adjusted EBITDA metric are met.
    (3) Includes both internal and external carried interest and performance fee payouts.
    (4) Effective Q1 2025, we changed the name of one of our key non-IFRS measures: “adjusted base EBITDA” to “adjusted EBITDA”. This was made to simplify wording and there was no impact to its calculation.
    (5) Prior period adjusted EBITDA margin excludes adjusted EBITDA from non-reportable segments of ($461).
     

    Conference Call and Webcast

    A webcast will be held today, May 7, 2025 at 10:00 am ET to discuss the Company’s financial results.

    To listen to the webcast, please register at: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/s9sms3g4

    Please note, analysts who cover the Company should register at: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIa4daf41d0475486f809eb3c63ce3096d

    This press release includes financial terms (including AUM, net commissions, net fees, expenses, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and net compensation) that the Company utilizes to assess the financial performance of its business that are not measures recognized under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). These non-IFRS measures should not be considered alternatives to performance measures determined in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Non-IFRS financial measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Our key performance indicators and non-IFRS and other financial measures are discussed below. For quantitative reconciliations of non-IFRS financial measures to their most directly comparable IFRS financial measures please see schedule 2 and schedule 3 of the “Supplemental financial information” section of this press release.

    Net fees

    Net fees are calculated as: (1) total management fees net of SG&A recoveries from funds, fund expenses and direct payouts; and (2) carried interest and performance fees, net of their related payouts. Net fees is a key revenue indicator as it represents revenue contributions after directly associated costs in managing our AUM.

    Net revenues

    Net revenues are calculated as the total of: (1) net fees, excluding carried interest and performance fees, net of their related payouts; (2) net commissions; (3) finance income; and (4) co-investment income.

    Net commissions

    Net commissions are calculated as total commissions, net of commission expenses. Net commissions primarily arise from the purchase and sale of critical materials in our exchange listed products segment.

    Net compensation & net compensation ratio

    Net compensation is calculated as total compensation expense before: (1) commission expenses paid to employees; (2) direct payouts to employees; (3) carried interest and performance fee payouts to employees; (4) severance and new hire accruals; and (5) market value fluctuations on cash-settled equity plans. Net compensation ratio is calculated as net compensation divided by net revenues.

    EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin

    Effective in the first quarter of the year, we changed the name of one of our key non-IFRS measures: “adjusted base EBITDA” to “adjusted EBITDA”. The change was made to simplify wording and there was no impact to the underlying calculation.

    EBITDA in its most basic form is defined as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA (or adjustments thereto) is a measure commonly used in the investment industry by management, investors and investment analysts in understanding and comparing results by factoring out the impact of different financing methods, capital structures, amortization techniques and income tax rates between companies in the same industry. While other companies, investors or investment analysts may not utilize the same method of calculating EBITDA (or adjustments thereto), the Company believes its adjusted EBITDA metric results in a better comparison of the Company’s underlying operations against its peers and a better indicator of recurring results from operations as compared to other non-IFRS financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA margins are a key indicator of a company’s profitability on a per dollar of revenue basis, and as such, is commonly used in the financial services sector by analysts, investors and management.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively referred to herein as the “Forward-Looking Statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-Looking Statements. In particular, but without limiting the forgoing, this press release contains Forward-Looking Statements pertaining to: (i) our positioning will benefit from a highly constructive operating environment for precious metals, critical materials and their related equities; and (ii) the declaration, payment and designation of dividends and confidence that our business will support the dividend level without impacting our ability to fund future growth initiatives.

    Although the Company believes that the Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future results, performance or achievements. A number of factors or assumptions have been used to develop the Forward-Looking Statements, including: (i) the impact of increasing competition in each business in which the Company operates will not be material; (ii) quality management will be available; (iii) the effects of regulation and tax laws of governmental agencies will be consistent with the current environment; (iv) the impact of public health outbreaks; and (v) those assumptions disclosed under the heading “Critical Accounting Estimates and significant judgments” in the Company’s MD&A for the period ended March 31, 2025. Actual results, performance or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Statements should assumptions underlying the Forward-Looking Statements prove incorrect or should one or more risks or other factors materialize, including: (i) difficult market conditions; (ii) poor investment performance; (iii) failure to continue to retain and attract quality staff; (iv) employee errors or misconduct resulting in regulatory sanctions or reputational harm; (v) performance fee fluctuations; (vi) a business segment or another counterparty failing to pay its financial obligation; (vii) failure of the Company to meet its demand for cash or fund obligations as they come due; (viii) changes in the investment management industry; (ix) failure to implement effective information security policies, procedures and capabilities; (x) lack of investment opportunities; (xi) risks related to regulatory compliance; (xii) failure to manage risks appropriately; (xiii) failure to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest; (xiv) competitive pressures; (xv) corporate growth which may be difficult to sustain and may place significant demands on existing administrative, operational and financial resources; (xvi) failure to comply with privacy laws; (xvii) failure to successfully implement succession planning; (xviii) foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar; (xix) litigation risk; (xx) failure to develop effective business resiliency plans; (xxi) failure to obtain or maintain sufficient insurance coverage on favorable economic terms; (xxii) historical financial information being not necessarily indicative of future performance; (xxiii) the market price of common shares of the Company may fluctuate widely and rapidly; (xxiv) risks relating to the Company’s investment products; (xxv) risks relating to the Company’s proprietary investments; (xxvi) risks relating to the Company’s private strategies business; (xxvii) those risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated February 25, 2025; and (xxviii) those risks described under the headings “Managing Financial Risks” and “Managing Non-Financial Risks” in the Company’s MD&A for the period ended March 31, 2025. In addition, the payment of dividends is not guaranteed and the amount and timing of any dividends payable by the Company will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and will be established on the basis of the Company’s earnings, the satisfaction of solvency tests imposed by applicable corporate law for the declaration and payment of dividends, and other relevant factors. The Forward-Looking Statements speak only as of the date hereof, unless otherwise specifically noted, and the Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

    Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Sprott also announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) has approved the Company’s notice of intention to amend its previously announced normal course issuer bid (as amended, the “NCIB”) that commenced on March 11, 2025 and expires on March 10, 2026. The amendment provides that purchases for cancellation may also be made through alternative U.S. trading systems.

    Pursuant to the terms of the NCIB, Sprott may purchase its own common shares for cancellation through the facilities of the TSX, alternative Canadian trading systems, the New York Stock Exchange and/or alternative U.S. trading systems, in each case in accordance with the applicable requirements, through open market purchases at market price and as otherwise permitted under applicable securities laws. The maximum number of common shares which may be purchased by Sprott during the NCIB will not exceed 645,333 common shares being approximately 2.5% of 25,813,335 (representing the number of issued and outstanding common shares as of February 28, 2025). The average daily trading volume (the “ADTV”) of the common shares on the TSX for the six-month period ended February 28, 2025 was 26,765. Under the rules of the TSX, Sprott is entitled to repurchase during the same trading day on the TSX up to 25% of the ADTV of the common shares, being 6,691 common shares, except where such purchases are made in accordance with the “block purchase” exemption under applicable TSX policy. Sprott will effect purchases at varying times commencing on March 11, 2025 and ending on March 10, 2026. In addition to providing shareholders liquidity, Sprott believes that the common shares have been trading in a price range which does not adequately reflect the value of such shares in relation to Sprott’s business and its future prospects.

    About Sprott

    Sprott is a global asset manager focused on precious metals and critical materials investments. We are specialists. We believe our in-depth knowledge, experience and relationships separate us from the generalists. Our investment strategies include Exchange Listed Products, Managed Equities and Private Strategies. Sprott has offices in Toronto, New York, Connecticut and California and the Company’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol (SII). For more information, please visit www.sprott.com.

    Investor contact information:

    Glen Williams
    Senior Managing Partner
    Investor and Institutional Client Relations
    (416) 943-4394
    gwilliams@sprott.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: TransAlta Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and Reaffirms Annual Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “Our business delivered strong operational performance across the fleet during the first quarter. While the Company’s merchant portfolio in Alberta was partially impacted by softer power prices, our hedging strategy and active asset optimization continued to generate realized prices well above spot prices,” said John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer of TransAlta.

    “We have a unique and diversified generating fleet that is complemented by a highly skilled energy marketing and trading team. Though we are operating within a challenging pricing environment in Alberta, our assets continue to perform well, and we remain confident in our 2025 Outlook,” added Mr. Kousinioris.

    “During the quarter, we executed and progressed multiple strategic initiatives. We advanced our growth plan by securing a strategic partnership with Nova Clean Energy, LLC, which grants the Company the exclusive option to purchase late-stage development projects in the western United States. Nova’s team has a successful track record of developing projects across the U.S. and has a development portfolio of over four GW. We continued to advance our data centre strategy in Alberta by moving into the commercialization phase. Negotiations on repowering opportunities at our Centralia facility continue to progress. And, finally, we successfully issued $450 million of medium-term notes and repaid our $400 million term loan that was due later this year, maintaining our financial strength and capital discipline.”

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Achieved strong operational availability of 94.9 per cent in 2025, compared to 92.3 per cent in 2024
    • Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $270 million, compared to $342 million for the same period in 2024
    • Free Cash Flow (FCF)(1) of $139 million, or $0.47 per share, compared to $221 million, or $0.72 per share, for the same period in 2024
    • Adjusted earnings before income taxes(1) of $28 million, or $0.09 per share, compared to $144 million, or $0.47 per share, for the same period in 2024
    • Cash flow from operating activities of $7 million, compared to $244 million from the same period in 2024
    • Net earnings attributable to common shareholders(1) of $46 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to $222 million, or $0.72 per share, for the same period in 2024
    • Declared quarterly dividend of $0.065 per share common share, an increase of eight per cent

    Key Business Developments

    Nova Clean Energy, LLC

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company made a strategic investment in Nova Clean Energy, LLC (Nova), a developer of renewable energy projects. The investment includes a US$75 million term loan and US$100 million revolving facility. At closing of the transaction, US$74 million was drawn by Nova under the credit facilities. The outstanding principal under the term loan and the revolving facility bear interest of seven per cent per annum with interest due quarterly. The terms of the term loan and the revolving facility are six and five years, respectively, unless accelerated. The term loan is convertible to a minority equity interest at any time, prior to maturity, at the option of the Company and any remaining unused term loan commitments at the time of conversion would be terminated. This investment provides the Company with the exclusive right to purchase Nova’s late-stage development projects in the western U.S.

    Annual Shareholder Meeting

    On April 24, 2025 at TransAlta’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, the Company received strong support on all items of business, including the election of all 11 director nominees, re-appointment of auditors, Say-on-Pay, and approval of the Company’s Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan.

    Two directors did not stand for re-election and the Board would like to extend its gratitude to Mr. Harry Goldgut and Ms. Sarah Slusser for their service.

    The Company welcomed Mr. Brian Baker to the Board who brings extensive experience in strategic direction, risk management and growth alongside his extensive background in infrastructure.

    Mothballing of Sundance 6

    As previously communicated, the Company mothballed the Sundance Unit 6 facility on April 1, 2025. The Company initially provided notice to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) on Nov. 4, 2024, that Sundance Unit 6 would be mothballed on April 1, 2025, for a period of up to two years depending on market conditions. TransAlta maintains the flexibility to return the mothballed unit to service when market fundamentals improve or opportunities to contract are secured.

    Senior Notes Offering

    On March 24, 2025, the Company issued $450 million of senior notes with a fixed annual coupon of 5.625 per cent, maturing on March 24, 2032. The notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. Interest payments on the notes are made semi-annually, on March 24 and Sept. 24, with the first payment commencing Sept. 24, 2025.

    On March 25, 2025, the Company repaid its $400 million variable rate term loan facility in advance of the scheduled maturity date of Sept. 7, 2025, with the proceeds received from the $450 million senior notes offering.

    Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) and Automatic Securities Purchase Plan (ASPP)

    TransAlta remains committed to enhancing shareholder returns through appropriate capital allocation such as share buybacks and its quarterly dividend.

    On May 27, 2024, the Company announced that it had received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to purchase up to 14 million common shares during the 12-month period that commenced May 31, 2024, and terminates May 31, 2025. Any common shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled.

    On Feb. 19, 2025 the Company announced it was allocating up to $100 million to be returned to shareholders in the form of share repurchases.

    On March 25, 2025, the Company entered into an ASPP to facilitate repurchases of TransAlta’s common shares under its NCIB. Under the ASPP, the Company’s broker may purchase common shares from the effective date of the ASPP until the termination of the ASPP. All purchases of common shares made under the ASPP will be included in determining the number of common shares purchased under the NCIB. The ASPP will terminate on the earliest of: (a) May 8, 2025; (b) the date on which the maximum purchase limits under the ASPP are reached; or (c) the date on which the Company terminates the ASPP in accordance with its terms.

    As of May 6, 2025, the Company has purchased and cancelled a total of 1,932,800 common shares, at an average price of $12.42 per common share, for a total cost of $24 million, including taxes.

    Declared Increase in Common Share Dividend

    On Feb. 19, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $0.02 annualized increase to the common share dividend, an eight per cent increase, and declared a dividend of $0.065 per common share payable on July 1, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2025. The quarterly dividend of $0.065 per common share represents an annualized dividend of $0.26 per common share.

    First Quarter 2025 Operational and Financial Highlights

      Three Months Ended
    $ millions, unless otherwise stated March 31, 2025 March 31, 2024
    Operational information    
    Availability (%) 94.9 92.3
    Production (GWh) 6,832 6,178
    Select financial information    
    Revenues 758 947
    Adjusted EBITDA(1) 270 342
    Adjusted earnings before income taxes(1) 28 144
    Earnings before income taxes 49 267
    Adjusted net earnings after taxes attributable to common shareholders(1) 30 128
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders 46 222
    Cash flows    
    Cash flow from operating activities 7 244
    Funds from operations(1) 179 254
    Free cash flow(1) 139 221
    Per share    
    Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders per share(1) 0.10 0.41
    Net earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted 0.15 0.72
    Funds from operations per share(1) 0.60 0.82
    FCF per share(1) 0.47 0.72
    Dividends declared per common share 0.07 —
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 298 308

    Segmented Financial Performance

      Three Months Ended
     
    $ millions  March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024  
    Hydro 47   87  
    Wind and Solar 102   89  
    Gas 104   125  
    Energy Transition 37   27  
    Energy Marketing 21   39  
    Corporate (41 ) (25 )
    Total adjusted EBITDA(1) 270   342  
    Adjusted earnings before income taxes(1) 28   144  
    Earnings before income taxes 49   267  
    Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders(1) 30   128  
    Net earnings attributable to common shareholders 46   222  

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Summary

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company delivered strong operational performance, while financial performance was partially impacted by softer power prices in Alberta. The Company remains confident in its ability to achieve results within its previously stated guidance range. On Dec. 4, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Heartland Generation, which added 1,747 MW to gross installed capacity, excluding the Poplar Hill and Rainbow Lake facilities, (collectively, the Planned Divestitures). IFRS financial statements include the results attributable to the Planned Divestitures, which the Company agreed to divest pursuant to a consent agreement entered into with the Commissioner of Competition for Canada. Our non-IFRS measures and operational KPIs exclude the results of the Planned Divestitures.

    Availability for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was 94.9 per cent, compared to 92.3 per cent in the same period 2024, an increase of 2.6 percentage points, primarily due to:

    • The addition of new facilities, including the Heartland gas facilities in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities in the first and second quarters of 2024, which operated at higher availability during the first quarter of 2025;
    • Lower unplanned outages at the Centralia facility in the Energy Transition segment; and
    • Lower planned major maintenance outages in the Hydro fleet.

    Total production for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased by 654 GWh, or 11 per cent, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to:

    • Production from the Heartland gas facilities acquired in December 2024;
    • Production from new wind and solar facilities, including the White Rock West and East wind facilities commissioned in January and April 2024, respectively, and the Horizon Hill wind facility commissioned in May 2024;
    • Improved availability at the Centralia facility due to lower unplanned outages; and
    • Higher wind resource across all regions; partially offset by
    • Higher dispatch optimization in Alberta due to lower market prices; and
    • Lower production in Australia due to lower customer demand.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $270 million, compared to $342 million in the same period last year, a decrease of $72 million, or 21 per cent. The major factors impacting adjusted EBITDA include:

    • Hydro adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $40 million, or 46 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to lower spot power prices and ancillary services prices in the Alberta market, partially offset by higher merchant and ancillary services volumes due to higher water reserves in the first quarter of 2025 and favourable hedging positions settled, which generated positive contributions over settled spot prices in the first quarter of 2025;
    • Gas adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $21 million, or 17 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to higher OM&A related to the addition of the Heartland facilities, lower merchant volumes due to lower market prices driven by milder weather and new gas generation in Alberta and lower spot power prices in Alberta, partially offset by favourable hedge positions settled, and the addition of the Heartland facilities;
    • Energy Marketing adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $18 million, or 46 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to comparatively muted market volatility across North American natural gas and power markets and lower realized settled trades in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024;
    • Corporate adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $16 million, or 64 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to increased spending to support strategic growth projects and the addition of corporate costs related to the acquisition of Heartland;
    • Wind and Solar adjusted EBITDA increasing by $13 million, or 15 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to higher revenues from the Horizon Hill and White Rock West and East wind facilities due to full first quarter production in 2025 and higher production volumes across all regions, partially offset by lower Alberta pool prices and higher OM&A from the addition of new wind facilities; and
    • Energy Transition adjusted EBITDA increasing by $10 million, or 37 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to lower fuel and purchased power costs; partially offset by increased economic dispatch driven by lower market prices, which negatively impacted merchant revenues.

    Cash flow from operating activities totalled $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $244 million in the same period in 2024, a decrease of $237 million, or 97 per cent, primarily due to:

    • Unfavourable change in non-cash operating working capital balances due to lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities, higher accounts receivable, higher income taxes receivable and higher collateral provided;
    • Lower gross margin due to lower revenues, excluding the effect of unrealized losses from risk management activities, partially offset by lower fuel and purchased power;
    • Higher OM&A due to increased spending on strategic and growth initiatives, the addition of the Heartland facilities and associated corporate costs, the addition of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities in the first and second quarters of 2024 and higher spending related to the planning and design of an upgrade to our ERP system; and
    • Higher interest expense primarily due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024; partially offset by
    • Lower current income tax expense due to lower earnings before income taxes in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024.

    FCF totalled $139 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $221 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $82 million, or 37 per cent, primarily driven by:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items noted above;
    • Higher sustaining capital expenditures due to the receipt of a lease incentive related to the Company’s head office during the first quarter of 2024 and higher major maintenance during the first quarter of 2025 at our Canadian gas fleet, including at the gas facilities acquired from Heartland; and
    • Higher net interest expense due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024; partially offset by
    • Lower distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests relating to lower TA Cogen net earnings resulting from lower merchant pricing in the Alberta market;
    • Lower current income tax expense due to lower earnings before income taxes in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024; and
    • Lower provisions accrued in the current period compared to the same period in prior year resulting in higher FCF.

    Earnings before income taxes totalled $49 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $267 million in the same period in 2024, a decrease of $218 million, or 82 per cent.

    Adjusted earnings before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased by $116 million, or 81 per cent, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items noted above;
    • Higher depreciation and amortization due to the addition of the Heartland gas facilities and White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities; and
    • Higher interest expense due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

    Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased to $176 million, or 79 per cent, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to:

    • The factors causing lower adjusted earnings before income taxes noted above;
    • Higher unrealized mark-to-market losses recorded in the Wind and Solar segment primarily related to long-term wind energy sales related to the Oklahoma facilities;
    • Lower unrealized mark-to-market gains recorded in the Gas segment primarily related to lower volumes hedged in the current period;
    • Higher asset impairment charges on the Planned Divestiture assets classified as Assets Held for Sale, offset by a fair value gain on the contingent consideration payable in the first quarter of 2025 driven by updated expectations of the fair value less costs to sell on the Planned Divestitures;
    • Higher asset impairment charges due to an increase in decommissioning and restoration provisions on retired assets driven by a decrease in discount rates and revisions in estimated decommissioning costs; impairment charges related to development projects that are no longer proceeding, partially offset by an impairment reversal related to certain energy transition assets reclassified to assets held for sale; and
    • Higher spending relating to planning and design work on a planned upgrade to our ERP system; partially offset by
    • Higher unrealized mark-to-market gains recorded in the Hydro segment primarily related to the favourable changes in forward prices;
    • Lower current income tax expense due to lower earnings before income taxes in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024; and
    • Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests compared to net earnings in the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower net earnings for TA Cogen resulting from lower merchant pricing in the Alberta market.

    Optimization of the Alberta Portfolio

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Alberta electricity portfolio generated 3,195 GWh compared to 3,173 GWh in the same period in 2024. The production increase of 22 GWh, or one per cent, was primarily due to:

    • Higher contract production in the Gas segment due to the addition of gas facilities from the acquisition of Heartland in the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Higher production volumes in the Wind and Solar segment due to higher wind resources in the first quarter of 2025; and
    • Higher production from the Hydro segment due to higher water resource compared to the prior year; partially offset by
    • Lower merchant production in the Gas segment due to higher dispatch optimization driven by lower market prices.

    Adjusted gross margin for the Alberta portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $162 million, compared to $223 million in the same period of 2024. The decrease of $61 million, or 27 per cent, was primarily due to

    • The impact of lower Alberta spot prices and ancillary services prices;
    • Higher fuel costs in the Gas segment due to higher natural gas prices and the addition of the Heartland facilities; and
    • An increase in the carbon price per tonne from $80 in 2024 to $95 in 2025; partially offset by
    • Higher gains realized on financial hedges settled in the period;
    • Positive contribution from the addition of the Heartland facilities in the Gas segment;
    • Lower purchased power due to lower Alberta spot prices;
    • Lower carbon compliance costs due to lower production in the Gas segment; and
    • Higher hydro ancillary services volumes due to increased demand by the AESO.

    The average spot power price per MWh for the Alberta portfolio for the three months ended was $40, compared to $99 in the same period in 2024. This was primarily due to milder weather and the addition of increased supply from new renewables and combined-cycle gas facilities into the market compared to the same period in 2024.

    Hedged volumes for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were 2,273 GWh at an average price of $71 per MWh, compared to 1,908 GWh at an average price of $88 per MWh in 2024.

    Liquidity and Financial Position

    We maintain adequate available liquidity under our committed credit facilities. As at March 31, 2025, we had access to $1.5 billion in liquidity, including $238 million in cash, which exceeds the funds required for committed growth, sustaining capital and productivity projects.

    2025 Outlook

    We remain confident in our ability to meet our 2025 Outlook.

    The following table outlines our expectations on key financial targets and related assumptions for 2025 and should be read in conjunction with the narrative discussion that follows and the Governance and Risk Management section of TransAlta’s first quarter 2025 MD&A for additional information:

    Measure 2025 Target
    Adjusted EBITDA $1,150 to $1,250 million
    FCF $450 to $550 million
    FCF per share $1.51 to $1.85
    Annual dividend per share $0.26 annualized

    The Company’s outlook for 2025 may be impacted by a number of factors as detailed below.

    Market 2025 Assumptions
    Alberta spot ($/MWh) $40 to $60
    Mid-Columbia spot (US$/MWh) US$50 to US$70
    AECO gas price ($/GJ) $1.60 to $2.10

    Alberta spot price sensitivity: a +/- $1 per MWh change in spot price is expected to have a +/-$2 million impact on adjusted EBITDA for the balance of the year.

    Other assumptions relevant to the 2025 outlook

      2025 Assumptions
    Energy Marketing gross margin $110 to $130 million
    Sustaining capital $145 to $165 million
    Current income tax expense $95 to $130 million
    Net interest expense $255 to $275 million
    Hedging assumptions Q2 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2025 2026
    Hedged production (GWh) 1,809 2,139 1,848 6,432
    Hedge price ($/MWh) $69 $68 $71 $68
    Hedged gas volumes (GJ) 7 million 8 million 7 million 19 million
    Hedge gas prices ($/GJ) $3.25 $3.22 $3.57 $3.65

    Refer to the 2025 Outlook section in our 2024 Annual MD&A for further details relating to our Outlook and related assumptions.

    Conference call

    TransAlta will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, May 7, 2025, to discuss our first quarter 2025 results. The call will begin with comments from John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Hunter, EVP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    First Quarter 2025 Conference Call

    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wzq2tgtc

    To access the conference call via telephone, please register ahead of time using the call link here: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI863e6b314dbc4284ae19fafc47eca7ac. Once registered, participants will have the option of 1) dialing into the call from their phone (via a personalized PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.

    Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/. If you are unable to participate in the call, the replay will be accessible at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wzq2tgtc. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

    Notes

    (1)These items (Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes, adjusted net earnings (loss) after income taxes attributable to common shareholders, funds from operations, free cash flow, adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders per share, funds from operations (FFO) per share and free cash flow (FCF) per share) are non-IFRS measures, which are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings (loss) trends more readily in comparison with prior periods’ results. Please refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures section of this earnings release for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS.

    Accounting Changes

    The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024.

    Non-IFRS financial measures

    We use a number of financial measures to evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments, including measures and ratios that are presented on a non-IFRS basis, as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. We believe that these non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our IFRS amounts, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.

    Non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from, as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, our IFRS results.

    We calculate adjusted measures by adjusting certain IFRS measures for certain items we believe are not reflective of our ongoing operations in the period. Except as otherwise described, these adjusted measures are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for specific items in each period, unless stated otherwise.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured by adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for management that represents our core operational results.

    During the first quarter of 2025, our adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to remove the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions, which was included in adjusted EBITDA composition until the fourth quarter of 2024. The adjustment was intended to explain a timing difference between our internally and externally reported results and was useful at a time when markets were more volatile. The impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions was removed to simplify our reporting. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

    During the first quarter of 2025, our adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to remove the impact of Australian interest income, which was included in adjusted EBITDA composition until the fourth quarter of 2024. Initially, on the commissioning of the South Hedland facility in July 2017, we prepaid approximately $74 million of electricity transmission and distribution costs. Interest income, which was recorded on the prepaid funds, was reclassified as a reduction in the transmission and distribution costs expensed each period to reflect the net cost to the business. The impact of Australian interest income was removed to simplify our reporting since the amounts were not material. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

    Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are not included, as differences in accounting treatment may distort our core business results. In addition, certain reclassifications and adjustments are made to better assess results, excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. This presentation may facilitate the readers’ analysis of trends. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is earnings before income taxes.

    Adjusted Revenue

    Adjusted Revenues is Revenues (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude:

    The impact of unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses and unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses on commodity transactions.

    Certain assets that we own in Canada and Western Australia are fully contracted and recorded as finance leases under IFRS. We believe that it is more appropriate to reflect the payments we receive under the contracts as a capacity payment in our revenues instead of as finance lease income and a decrease in finance lease receivables.

    Revenues from the Planned Divestitures as they do not reflect ongoing business performance.

    Adjusted Fuel and Purchased Power

    Adjusted Fuel and Purchased Power is Fuel and Purchased Power (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude fuel and purchased power from the Planned Divestitures as it does not reflect ongoing business performance.

    Adjusted OM&A

    Adjusted OM&A is OM&A (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude:

    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs, mainly comprised of severance, legal and consultant fees as these do not reflect ongoing business performance.

    ERP integration costs representing planning, design and integration costs of upgrades to the existing ERP system as they represent project costs that do not occur on a regular basis, and therefore do not reflect ongoing performance.

    OM&A from the Planned Divestitures as it does not reflect ongoing business performance.

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss) before income taxes

    Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes represents segmented earnings (loss) adjusted for certain items that we believe do not reflect ongoing business performance and is an important metric for evaluating performance trends in each segment.

    For details of the adjustments made to earnings (loss) before income taxes (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) to calculate adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes, refer to the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

    Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) attributable to common shareholders

    Adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders represents net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders adjusted for specific reclassifications and adjustments and their tax impact, and is an important metric for evaluating performance. For details of the reclassifications and adjustments made to net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (the most directly comparable IFRS measure), please refer to the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders in the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

    Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders

    Adjusted net earning (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders is calculated as adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders divided by a weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The measure is useful in showing the earnings per common share for our core operational results as it excludes the impact of items that do not reflect an ongoing business performance. Adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable per common share is a non-IFRS ratio and the most directly comparable IFRS measure is net income (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders. Refer to the reconciliation of earnings (loss) before income taxes to adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders in the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

    Funds From Operations (FFO)

    Represents a proxy for cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with results from prior periods. FFO is calculated as cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital and is adjusted for transactions and amounts that the Company believes are not representative of ongoing cash flows from operations.

    Free Cash Flow (FCF)

    Represents the amount of cash that is available to invest in growth initiatives, make scheduled principal debt repayments, repay maturing debt, pay common share dividends or repurchase common shares and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with the results from prior periods. Changes in working capital are excluded so that FFO and FCF are not distorted by changes that we consider temporary in nature, reflecting, among other things, the impact of seasonal factors and timing of receipts and payments.

    Non-IFRS Ratios

    FFO per share, FCF per share and adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS ratios that are presented in the MD&A. Refer to the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and FCF and Key Non-IFRS Financial Ratios sections of the MD&A for additional information.

    FFO per share and FCF per share

    FFO per share and FCF per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. FFO per share and FCF per share are non-IFRS ratios.

    Reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure are provided below.

    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

      Hydro Wind &
    Solar(1)
    Gas Energy
    Transition
    Energy
    Marketing
    Corporate Total Equity-
    accounted
    investments(1)
    Reclass
    adjustments
    IFRS
    financials
    Revenues 86   107   390   154   27   1   765   (7 ) —   758  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss (21 ) 36   (32 ) (1 ) 1   —   (17 ) —   17   —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   1   7   —   —   —   8   —   (8 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   1   5   —   —   —   6   —   (6 ) —  
    Revenues from Planned Divestitures —   —   (4 ) —   —   —   (4 ) —   4   —  
    Adjusted revenue 65   145   366   153   28   1   758   (7 ) 7   758  
    Fuel and purchased power 4   10   163   98   —   2   277   —   —   277  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Fuel and purchased power related to Planned Divestitures —   —   (2 ) —   —   —   (2 ) —   2   —  
    Adjusted fuel and purchased power 4   10   161   98   —   2   275   —   2   277  
    Carbon compliance —   1   49   —   —   (1 ) 49   —   —   49  
    Adjusted gross margin 61   134   156   55   28   —   434   (7 ) 5   432  
    OM&A 13   29   59   17   7   49   174   (1 ) —   173  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    OM&A related to Planned Divestitures —   —   (2 ) —   —   —   (2 ) —   2   —  
    ERP integration costs —   —   —   —   —   (4 ) (4 ) —   4   —  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs —   —   —   —   —   (4 ) (4 ) —   4   —  
    Adjusted OM&A 13   29   57   17   7   41   164   (1 ) 10   173  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 1   5   5   1   —   —   12   —   —   12  
    Net other operating income —   (4 ) (10 ) —   —   —   (14 ) —   —   (14 )
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Insurance recovery —   2   —   —   —   —   2   —   (2 ) —  
    Adjusted net other operating income —   (2 ) (10 ) —   —   —   (12 ) —   (2 ) (14 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2) 47   102   104   37   21   (41 ) 270        
    Depreciation and amortization (9 ) (53 ) (64 ) (15 ) (2 ) (5 ) (148 ) 2   —   (146 )
    Equity income —   —   —   —   —   (1 ) (1 ) —   3   2  
    Interest income —   —   —   —   —   5   5   —   —   5  
    Interest expense —   —   —   —   —   (94 ) (94 ) 1   —   (93 )
    Realized foreign exchange loss —   —   —   —   —   (4 ) (4 ) —   —   (4 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes(2) 38   49   40   22   19   (140 ) 28        
    Reclassifications and adjustments above 21   (36 ) 20   1   (1 ) (8 ) (3 )      
    Finance lease income —   1   5   —   —   —   6   —   —   6  
    Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income(1) —   (3 ) —   —   —   3   —   —   —   —  
    Fair value change in contingent consideration payable —   —   34   —   —   —   34   —   —   34  
    Asset impairment (charges) reversals —   —   (34 ) 24   —   (5 ) (15 ) —   —   (15 )
    Loss on sale of assets and other —   —   —   —   —   (1 ) (1 ) —   —   (1 )
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes 59   11   65   47   18   (151 ) 49     —   49  

    (1)  The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2)  Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2024:

      Hydro Wind &
    Solar(1)
    Gas Energy
    Transition
    Energy
    Marketing
    Corporate Total Equity-
    accounted
    investments(1)
    Reclass
    adjustments
    IFRS
    financials
    Revenues 112   139   433   217   52   —   953   (6 ) —   947  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss (5 ) (21 ) (91 ) (6 ) (3 ) —   (126 ) —   126   —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   1   4   —   —   —   5   —   (5 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   1   1   —   —   —   2   —   (2 ) —  
    Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity —   —   (1 ) —   —   —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Adjusted revenue 107   120   346   211   49   —   833   (6 ) 120   947  
    Fuel and purchased power 6   9   142   166   —   —   323   —   —   323  
    Carbon compliance —   —   40   —   —   —   40   —   —   40  
    Adjusted gross margin 101   111   164   45   49   —   470   (6 ) 120   584  
    OM&A 13   20   46   18   10   28   135   (1 ) —   134  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs —   —   —   —   —   (3 ) (3 ) —   3   —  
    Adjusted OM&A 13   20   46   18   10   25   132   (1 ) 3   134  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 1   4   3   —   —   —   8   —   —   8  
    Net other operating income —   (2 ) (10 ) —   —   —   (12 ) —   —   (12 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2)(3) 87   89   125   27   39   (25 ) 342        
    Depreciation and amortization (7 ) (43 ) (55 ) (16 ) (1 ) (4 ) (126 ) 2   —   (124 )
    Equity income —   —   —   —   —   (2 ) (2 ) —   3   1  
    Interest income —   —   —   —   —   7   7   —   —   7  
    Interest expense —   —   —   —   —   (69 ) (69 ) —   —   (69 )
    Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)(4) —   —   —   —   —   (8 ) (8 ) —   —   (8 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes(2) 80   46   70   11   38   (101 ) 144        
    Reclassifications and adjustments above 5   19   87   6   3   (3 ) 117        
    Finance lease income —   1   1   —   —   —   2   —   —   2  
    Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income(1) —   (3 ) —   —   —   3   —   —   —   —  
    Asset impairment charges —   (4 ) —   3   —   —   (1 ) —   —   (1 )
    Gain on sale of assets and other(4) —   —   —   —   —   2   2   —   —   2  
    Unrealized foreign exchange gain(4) —   —   —   —   —   3   3   —   —   3  
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes 85   59   158   20   41   (96 ) 267   —   —   267  

    (1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
    (3) During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. During the second quarter of 2024, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of the MD&A
    (4) Foreign exchange loss and other of $3 million reported in the first quarter of 2024 was broken down to conform to the current period presentation.

    Reconciliation of Earnings Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Net Earnings attributable to common shareholders

    The following table reflects reconciliation of earnings before income taxes to adjusted earnings attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024:

      Three months ended March 31
     
      2025   2024  
    Earnings before income taxes 49   267  
    Income tax expense 7   29  
    Net earnings 42   238  
    Net (loss) earnings attributable to non-controlling interests (4 ) 16  
    Net earnings attributable to common shareholders 46   222  
    Adjustments and reclassifications (pre-tax):    
    Adjustments and reclassifications to Revenues (7 ) (120 )
    Adjustments and reclassifications to Fuel and purchased power 2   —  
    Adjustments and reclassifications to OM&A 10   3  
    Adjustments and reclassifications to Net other operating expense (income) (2 ) —  
    Fair value change in contingent consideration payable (gain) (34 ) —  
    Finance lease income (6 ) (2 )
    Asset impairment charges 15   1  
    Loss (gain) on sale of assets and other 1   (2 )
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) —   (3 )
    Calculated tax recovery on adjustments and reclassifications(1) 5   29  
    Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders(2) 30   128  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period 298   308  
    Net income per common share attributable to common shareholders 0.15   0.72  
    Adjustments and reclassifications (net of tax) (0.05 ) (0.31 )
    Adjusted net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders(2) 0.10   0.41  

    (1) Represents a theoretical tax calculated by applying the Company’s consolidated effective tax rate of 23.3 per cent for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (March 31, 2024 — 23.3 per cent). The amount does not take into account the impact of different tax jurisdictions the Company’s operations are domiciled and does not include the impact of deferred taxes.
    (2) Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders and Adjusted net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The most directly comparable IFRS measures are net earnings attributable to common shareholders and net earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    Reconciliation of cash flow from operations to FFO and FCF

    The table below reconciles our cash flow from operating activities to our FFO and FCF:

      Three months ended March 31
     
      2025     2024  
    Cash flow from operating activities(1) 7     244  
    Change in non-cash operating working capital balances 117     (7 )
    Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital 124     237  
    Adjustments      
    Share of adjusted FFO from joint venture(1) 2     2  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable 8     5  
    Brazeau penalties payment 33     —  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs 6     3  
    Other(2) 6     7  
    FFO(3) 179     254  
    Deduct:      
    Sustaining capital(1) (23 )   1  
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (13 )   (13 )
    Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests —     (19 )
    Principal payments on lease liabilities (1 )   (1 )
    Other (3 )   (1 )
    FCF(3) 139     221  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period 298     308  
    FFO per share(3) 0.60     0.82  
    FCF per share(3) 0.47     0.72  

    (1) Includes our share of amounts for the Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.
    (2) Other consists of production tax credits, which is a reduction to tax equity debt, less distributions from an equity-accounted joint venture.
    (3) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. During the second quarter of 2024, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    The table below provides a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF:

      Three Months Ended March 31
    $ millions, unless otherwise stated March 31, 2025   2024  
    Adjusted EBITDA(1)(4) 270   342  
    Provisions 8   —  
    Net interest expense(2) (72 ) (48 )
    Current income tax recovery (expense) (13 ) (27 )
    Realized foreign exchange gain (loss) (2 ) (8 )
    Decommissioning and restoration costs settled (9 ) (7 )
    Other non-cash items (3 ) 2  
    FFO(3)(4) 179   254  
    Deduct:    
    Sustaining capital(4) (23 ) 1  
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (13 ) (13 )
    Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests —   (19 )
    Principal payments on lease liabilities (1 ) (1 )
    Other (3 ) (1 )
    FCF(3)(4) 139   221  

    (1) Adjusted EBITDA is defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures of this earnings release and reconciled to earnings (loss) before income taxes above. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. During the second quarter of 2024, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.
    (2) Net interest expense is a non-IFRS measure, is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the table below for detailed calculation.
    (3) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. FFO and FCF are defined in the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section of in this earnings release and reconciled to cash flow from operating activities above.
    (4) Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.

    TransAlta is in the process of filing its unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, as well as the associated Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). These documents will be available today on the Investors section of TransAlta’s website at www.transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About TransAlta Corporation:

    TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of thermal generation and hydro-electric power. For over 114 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, which also defines sustainable goals for businesses. Our reporting on climate change management has been guided by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22.7 million tonnes CO2e since 2015 and received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating of AA.

    For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release includes “forward-looking information,” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are not facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as “may”, “will”, “can”, “could”, “would”, “shall”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “foresee”, “potential”, “enable”, “continue” or other comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance, events or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance, events or results to be materially different from those set out in or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements about the following, among other things: the strategic objectives of the Company and that the execution of the Company’s strategy will realize value for shareholders; our capital allocation and financing strategy; our sustainability goals and targets, including those in our 2024 Sustainability Report; our 2025 Outlook; our financial and operational performance, including our hedge position; optimizing and diversifying our existing assets; the increasingly contracted nature of our fleet; expectations about strategies for growth and expansion, including expected outcomes related to our investment in Nova Clean Energy, opportunities for Centralia redevelopment, and data centre opportunities; expected costs and schedules for planned projects; expected regulatory processes and outcomes, including in relation to the Alberta restructured energy market; the power generation industry and the supply and demand of electricity; the cyclicality of our business; expected outcomes with respect to legal proceedings; the expected impact of future tax and accounting changes; and expected industry, market and economic conditions.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on many assumptions including, but not limited to, the following: no significant changes to applicable laws and regulations; no unexpected delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals; no material adverse impacts to investment and credit markets; no significant changes to power price and hedging assumptions; no significant changes to gas commodity price assumptions and transport costs; no significant changes to interest rates; no significant changes to the demand and growth of renewables generation; no significant changes to the integrity and reliability of our facilities; no significant changes to the Company’s debt and credit ratings; no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions; and no significant event occurring outside the ordinary course of business.

    These assumptions are based on information currently available to TransAlta, including information obtained from third-party sources. Actual results may differ materially from those predicted. Factors that may adversely impact what is expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in power prices; changes in supply and demand for electricity; our ability to contract our electricity generation for prices that will provide expected returns; our ability to replace contracts as they expire; risks associated with development projects and acquisitions; any difficulty raising needed capital in the future on reasonable terms or at all; our ability to achieve our targets relating to ESG; long-term commitments on gas transportation capacity that may not be fully utilized over time; changes to the legislative, regulatory and political environments; environmental requirements and changes in, or liabilities under, these requirements; operational risks involving our facilities, including unplanned outages and equipment failure; disruptions in the transmission and distribution of electricity; reductions in production; impairments and/or writedowns of assets; adverse impacts on our information technology systems and our internal control systems, including increased cybersecurity threats; commodity risk management and energy trading risks; reduced labour availability and ability to continue to staff our operations and facilities; disruptions to our supply chains; climate-change related risks; reductions to our generating units’ relative efficiency or capacity factors; general economic risks, including deterioration of equity and debt markets, increasing interest rates or rising inflation; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including potential trade tariffs; industry risk and competition; counterparty credit risk; inadequacy or unavailability of insurance coverage; increases in the Company’s income taxes and any risk of reassessments; legal, regulatory and contractual disputes and proceedings involving the Company; reliance on key personnel; and labour relations matters.

    The foregoing risk factors, among others, are described in further detail under the heading “Governance and Risk Management” in the MD&A, which section is incorporated by reference herein.

    Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully when evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof and we do not undertake to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained herein is to give the reader information about management’s current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

    For more information:

    The MIL Network –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Outstanding B.C. lawyers receive King’s Counsel designation

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The following King’s counsel appointees are listed alphabetically by surname, with the year they were called to the B.C. bar:

    Peter Ameerali (2005) is a leading public law litigator and has been a constitutional expert with the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General since 2005. He pioneered B.C.’s civil forfeiture regime and has argued at all court levels. A recognized mentor and trainer, Ameerali has shaped the careers of dozens of lawyers and articled students. He is a respected leader in legal ethics, equity and inclusion, serving in senior advisory roles within and outside government.

    Morgan Camley (2006) is a nationally recognized barrister known for her excellence in complex litigation and regulatory matters. With a practice rooted in advocacy, she has appeared at all levels of court in B.C. and beyond. A dedicated mentor and leader, Camley is a champion for 2SLGBTQ inclusion in law and a respected voice in legal education and access to justice. Her practice spans commercial, Aboriginal, public and municipal law. She is widely regarded for her strategic, principled and community-centred approach to litigation and dispute resolution.

    Michelle Casavant (2010) has made a profound impact on legal education in British Columbia, particularly through her leadership on the Truth and Reconciliation Committee during her six years on the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia’s board of directors. A gifted educator and respected legal practitioner, Casavant shares her knowledge to elevate the profession and foster lifelong learning. Her work co-drafting complex land transaction regulations under the Indian Act and First Nations Commercial Industrial Development Act earned her a 2024 Excellence Award from the Community of Federal Regulators.

    Nikki Charlton (2004) is one of British Columbia’s leading family law practitioners, recognized by Lexpert and Best Lawyers Canada for her expertise and advocacy. A partner at Farris LLP and a bencher of the Law Society since 2024, she is also an accredited mediator, arbitrator and parenting co-ordinator. Nikki has shaped precedent-setting case law and is a respected educator, author, and conference leader. She is deeply committed to access to justice, providing pro-bono services and supporting vulnerable populations. She is a prolific contributor to continuing legal education and access to justice.

    Mary Childs (1989) is general counsel for the Tsawwassen First Nation, where she leads the legal department for the Nation’s self-governing authority. Her legal career has focused on corporate law, specializing in charities, and not-for-profit and co-operative groups. She has been an active public servant, serving as governor and chair of the Law Foundation of B.C., advancing Indigenous justice and legal services. She is also engaged in legal education and has served on various boards, including the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board, contributing significantly to public and Indigenous law.

    Beverly Churchill (1988) is a leader in family law and consensual dispute resolution. Practising in the Interior, she specializes in mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. With more than 37 years of experience, she has trained more than 350 professionals across Canada in non-evaluative child interviews. She chaired the BC Hear the Child Society and has contributed to multiple family-law organizations. A passionate advocate for children, she strives to support families through less adversarial processes, enhancing access to justice and promoting child-centred practices in the family justice system.

    Christina Cook (2010) founded the Indigenous Lawyer History website and has held key leadership roles, including as an elected bencher for the Law Society of BC and chair of the Canadian Bar Association BC (CBABC) Aboriginal Lawyers Forum. She is a recognized advocate for diversity and inclusion, having received awards such as the UBC Indigenous Law Students Association’s Courage in Law Award and the Philippa Samworth Award for the Advancement of Women in Law. Serving as senior policy lawyer at BC First Nations Justice Council. She continues to influence national legal initiatives and mentor the next generation of Indigenous lawyers.

    Barbara Cornish (1992) is a nationally and internationally recognized mediator and arbitrator, specializing in commercial, insurance and regulatory disputes. A partner at Cornish Margolis Boyd, she focuses exclusively on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and has been named a Global Elite Thought Leader in ADR. A distinguished fellow and governor of the International Academy of Mediators, she contributes to the development of ADR practices through her leadership roles and educational initiatives. Her work in access to justice, mentorship and contributions to legal education make her a prominent figure in her field.

    Vincent Critchley (1997) is a highly regarded professional liability lawyer and the managing partner at QA Law. With more than 25 years of experience, he is the go-to lawyer for repairing legal errors, particularly on behalf of the Lawyers Indemnity Fund. He has been at the forefront of developing the law in areas that affect legal malpractice. Critchley has appeared as lead counsel in precedent-setting cases at the Court of Appeal. He is also a committed educator, regularly lecturing on professional liability, litigation strategy and contributing to legal organizations such as the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (CLEBC) and ICBC.

    Michaela Donnelly (1997) is senior trial counsel with the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS), specializing in major crime prosecutions, such as homicide and dangerous-offender applications. She is a recognized expert on issues related to not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder, providing training for prosecutors and police. Donnelly regularly appears before the BC Review Board and is deeply committed to legal education, mentorship and community service. She also serves on the BCPS Gender Equity and Advancement Committee, focusing on improving equity and opportunities for women in the legal profession.

    Stephanie Fabbro (1999) is a leading family lawyer, mediator and parenting co-ordinator. Practising at Hamilton Fabbro, the firm she co-founded in 2008, she is recognized annually by Best Lawyers in Canada and the Canadian Lexpert Directory. A tireless advocate for non-adversarial family law, she leads the BC Collaborative Roster Society and Parenting Coordinators Roster Society. She has been instrumental in advancing parenting co-ordination standards in B.C. and developing accessible family law resources. In addition, she serves as a mentor and a community volunteer.

    Grant Haddock (1992) is the founder of Haddock and Company, specializing in housing law, including non-profit housing, strata property, residential tenancy and co-op housing. He has created a discounted legal services program for the housing sector, increasing access to justice. A sought-after speaker, he regularly delivers seminars for BC Non-Profit Housing Association and LandlordBC. His advocacy for affordable housing and mentoring of young lawyers has made a significant impact on B.C.’s housing sector. He also contributes to legal publications and continues to champion legal education and access to justice.

    Kevin Kohan (2003) is chief legislative counsel and registrar of regulations for British Columbia and has played a pivotal role in shaping provincial legislation for more than two decades. Known for his legal precision, leadership and integrity, Kohan has drafted landmark laws, such as emergency COVID-19 legislation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. He leads a team of more than 50 professionals and has modernized legislative drafting to reflect inclusive and transparent governance. He is a adviser to cabinet and a two-time Premier’s Award recipient.

    Andrew MacDonald (1989) is a deputy regional Crown counsel with the BCPS, after stepping down as regional Crown counsel for the Fraser region in 2024. Known for his integrity and exceptional judgment, he has mentored young lawyers and contributed to legal education. He is recognized for his commitment to justice and volunteer work in the community. His leadership within the BCPS has made a lasting impact on the prosecution service.

    Andrea MacKay (2000) is one of British Columbia’s top trial and appellate litigators, with a practice spanning complex civil, criminal and administrative law. MacKay has appeared in numerous landmark cases, including at the Supreme Court of Canada, and has also made a significant contribution to the bench and bar through her extensive work on criminal ineffective assistance appeals. She frequently assists the Law Society of B.C. and colleagues in challenging matters and provides pro-bono representation in cases of public importance. She has taught at the national criminal law program and has been an instructor at the McEachern advanced trial advocacy course.

    Anne MacKenzie (1979) has had a distinguished career, including 34 years as a judge, serving as Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. and as a Court of Appeal justice. Recently returning to practice at Hira Rowan LLP, she has presided over significant civil, criminal and family trials, including in French. As a mentor, she has played a key role in judicial education. She retired from the bench in 2024 and continues to contribute to the legal community through practice and educational initiatives.

    Raji Mangat (2011) is a respected non-profit leader and litigator with 20 years of experience working to improve access to justice for marginalized communities through systemic change efforts. She is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion in the legal profession and has donated her time to several legal organizations, including Access Pro Bono, Health Justice, and Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC.

    Suzette Narbonne (1995) is the managing lawyer at the Society for Children and Youth Legal Centre in Vancouver. Her legal career began in 1989 with Legal Aid Manitoba, where she served in remote areas and First Nations communities. After moving to B.C. in 1995, she focused on legal-aid clients before joining the Society for Children and Youth in 2017. She is an advocate for children’s legal rights, leading initiatives to ensure children’s voices are heard in legal matters.

    Emily Ohler (2001) is a respected human rights leader known for her innovative, values-driven approach to complex challenges. As chair of the BC Human Rights Tribunal, she led a turnaround during a period of crisis, securing critical funding, restructuring operations and launching reforms that reduced delays and restored public confidence. With a global background in international law and United Nation’s reparations, Ohler combines legal expertise with strategic vision, equity and integrity.

    Mark Oulton (2000) has long been recognized as one of B.C.’s leading public law, natural resource and commercial law barristers. His unique background has allowed him to develop a multi-disciplinary litigation practice that sits at the intersection of forestry, commercial and Indigenous law, and engages challenging and important issues at the centre of reconciliation and its intersection with the provincial economy. Beyond the courtroom, Oulton is a director with VanIAC and Brockton school, and an author for CLEBC.

    David Paterson (1985) is a prominent litigator in Aboriginal law and reconciliation, currently practising at Paterson Law Office. He played a key role in landmark cases and negotiated the historic Haida Title Lands Agreement. His contributions to residential school litigation were instrumental in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. He is a leader in public service and legal organizations, such as Reconciliation Canada. His integrity and expertise have earned him widespread recognition for his dedication to justice and reconciliation in Canada.

    Georges Rivard (1992) practises criminal law in Fort St. John, defending cases in English and French. Of French Canadian Métis heritage, he advocates for marginalized communities in northern B.C., particularly First Nations clients. He is committed to language rights, advancing these causes in court and mentoring young lawyers. As a bencher for the Law Society of BC, he contributes to ethics and complaints review. His fierce advocacy and dedication to diversity and justice have earned him respect in the legal community, particularly in the northern and rural regions of B.C.

    Salima Samnani (2008) is the director of legal services at the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic and a lecturer at Peter A. Allard school of law at the University of British Columbia. She is the principal of Salima Samnani Law Corporation, where she practices in family law and employment law, providing legal expertise to individuals, community organizations, non-profit legal services and marginalized communities. She has served as the counsel for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and commission counsel for the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (B.C.). She received her J.D. from the University of Victoria and a master’s degree in law and international business from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

    Kate Saunders (2007) leads one of the largest litigation teams in British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General, serving as supervising counsel since 2018. She provides strategic leadership on more than 5,000 active cases and oversees the Province’s settlements under the Crown Proceeding Act. She has worked on landmark cases involving the public health-care system, safe-injection sites and free speech. Saunders’ commitment to public service further extends to serving as an adjudicator on the Law Society of B.C.’s tribunal, advocating for lawyer wellness, volunteering as an instructor at universities and promoting access to justice through pro-bono initiatives.

    Jon Sigurdson (1974) has had a distinguished career as a lawyer, judge and educator. After practising with Bull Housser Tupper, he became a partner at Fraser Kelleher Sigurdson Watts and Gudmundseth. Serving as a Supreme Court Justice from 1994 until 2017, he contributed to judicial education and legal education as an instructor at UBC’s Allard school of law. He was also a contributing editor for The Advocate. His leadership in legal education and commitment to justice and mentorship have made him a highly respected figure in B.C.’s legal community.

    Thomas Spraggs (2003) is a respected civil litigator, legal innovator and dedicated leader in British Columbia’s legal community. He owns Spraggs Law and has championed technology to modernize legal practice. A bencher for Westminster County since 2020 and the Law Society of B.C.’s second vice-president for 2025, Spraggs is widely recognized for his integrity, mentorship and commitment to professional wellness, access to justice and reconciliation. He contributes to legal education through CLEBC and CBABC and has served on numerous boards, reflecting his deep commitment to public service and the advancement of the legal profession.

    Karen Tse (2012) is a rural family lawyer, family law mediator, Legal Aid BC duty counsel and civil litigator. As the first female and IBPOC partner at Rockies Law LLP and first Asian female to serve as vice-president and president-elect of the Kootenay Bar Association, she is dedicated to promoting access to justice in rural communities and providing mentorship to the Kootenay bar. Tse was named volunteer of the year by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce. Her work with the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre and Fernie Child Care Society continues to support rural families accessing child care and women and children in crisis.

    John Tuck (1995) is the acting assistant deputy attorney general in the Legal Services Branch at B.C.’s Ministry of Attorney General. With nearly 30 years of experience specializing in information and privacy law, he provides strategic advice to government, including premiers and senior officials. He has appeared at all levels of court, including in front of the Supreme Court of Canada. In addition to his legal practice, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria law school, where he teaches privacy law.

    Gaynor Yeung (1996) is a partner at Whitelaw Twining in Vancouver, specializing in insurance law and mediation. She has appeared before all levels of B.C. courts and is widely respected by plaintiff and defence counsel. She is regularly recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada and is a member of the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Elected a bencher in 2021, she chairs the practice standards committee and serves as vice-chair of the EDI Committee, demonstrating her leadership, commitment to ethics and integrity within the legal community.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Combating phishing

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ7: Combating phishing 
    Question:
     
         The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre handled a total of 12 536 security incidents last year, with phishing accounting for over half of all cases, marking a 108 per cent increase from 2023. In addition, between January and February this year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) posted on its website press releases on phishing instant messages and fraudulent websites related to banks for more than 50 times. Regarding combating phishing, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of fraud cases involving phishing and the losses incurred in each of the past five years, together with a breakdown by industry;
     
    (2) among the phishing websites reported by members of the public on the public intelligence platform since the launch of “Scameter”, of the proportion of those that have actually been added by the Police to the scam database; whether a mechanism for immediate takedown of the reported phishing websites has been put in place; if so, of the average time taken to take down such websites;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that in view of the susceptibility of SMS messages issuing an SMS one-time password (OTP) to interception by hackers, the HKMA has requested that banks implement measures by the end of last year requiring customers to authenticate online credit card transactions using the banking applications in their mobile phones instead of using an SMS OTP for authentication, whether the HKMA will formulate a specific timetable for phasing out OTP authentication; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) as the Office of the Communications Authority has launched the SMS Sender Registration Scheme for companies or organisations that have registered as Registered Senders to use SMS messages with the prefix “#” in order to help members of the public ascertain the authenticity of SMS messages, but it has been reported that some fraudsters use fraudulent mobile base stations, which are illegal radio devices, to circumvent the existing mechanism, impersonating official or financial institutions to send fraudulent SMS messages, whether the authorities will study the formulation of measures to address the aforesaid situation, and at the same time step up publicity to raise the public’s anti-deception awareness; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Deception is a serious crime. Regardless of the tactics used by criminals, we will take stringent combat actions as long as illegal activities are involved. Phishing scams as mentioned in the question generally refers to a crime where illegal elements sent out through SMS messages, emails, voice messages, QR codes, etc, to potential victims en masse, impersonating organisations such as banks, telecommunication service providers (TSPs) or even government departments. Alleging that irregularities in the recipients’ accounts are detected or account verification is needed, criminals lure recipients of the messages into clicking on an embedded link and entering a fake website to provide their account login credentials, credit card information, personal information, etc. The criminals will then use such information to make purchases with credit cards or transfer the bonus points out of the recipients’ accounts. The Police have been making every effort to combat various types of fraud cases, including phishing scams, in collaboration with different government departments. Apart from taking intelligence-led enforcement actions, the Police are raising public awareness against this type of crime through public education and promotional activities.
     
         In consultation with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
     
    (1) The Police have maintained statistics on phishing scam cases since 2023. In 2023 and 2024, 4 322 and 2 731 cases on phishing scam were received respectively. The monetary losses involved were $102.4 million and $53.5 million respectively. In the first two months of 2025, the Police received a total of 242 phishing scam reports, a decrease of 347 cases (58.9 per cent) as compared with the same period last year. The monetary loss involved decreased by 54.2 per cent to $4.9 million.
     
         The Police do not maintain any breakdown by industry in relation to phishing scams.
     
    (2) “Scameter” has yielded remarkable results since its launch in September 2022. As at February 2025, more than 7.60 million searches had been recorded and about 950 000 alerts on frauds and cyber security risks had been issued. Members of the public had also reported over 355 000 suspicious phone calls and over 38 000 suspicious websites through the public intelligence platform of “Scameter”.
     
         In February 2023, the Police launched a mobile application version, “Scameter+”, to help members of the public distinguish suspicious online platform accounts, payment accounts, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, etc, and to provide the public with anti-fraud tips. “Scameter+” has now been upgraded and is equipped with automatic detection functions, namely the Call Alert function and the Website Detection function, which will automatically identify scam calls and fraudulent websites. If potential fraud or cyber security risk is detected, “Scameter+” will issue a real-time notification, reminding users not to answer the call or browse the website. There is also a public intelligence platform in “Scameter+” for members of the public to report frauds and pitfalls, thereby further enriching its database.
     
         The Police update the database of “Scameter” on a daily basis and will continuously review and enhance its functions, while strengthening other anti-fraud measures in a proactive manner. The database of “Scameter” comprises information collected from reports made by members of the public and obtained by the Police from other channels, including criminal investigations and intelligence. We do not maintain statistics on the percentage of phishing websites reported by the public that have actually been added by the Police to the scam database.
     
         Moreover, under the co-ordination of the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), the Police and major TSPs have established a mechanism where TSPs will, based on the fraud records provided by the Police, block the telephone numbers suspected to be involved in deception cases and intercept suspicious website links as soon as possible. As at end February 2025, the TSPs had successfully blocked about 40 000 website links involved in fraud cases and more than 8 600 suspected fraudulent phone numbers at the Police’s request. The OFCA does not maintain any record of the average time required for relevant actions by TSPs.
     
    (3) The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has been closely monitoring the trend of digital frauds and actively encouraging banks to implement effective anti-fraud measures. In line with the HKMA’s guidelines, card-issuing banks have gradually started providing customers with more secure authentication methods since late 2024. Customers can authenticate online payment card transactions through their bank’s mobile application (App) instead of using SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs). According to banks’ statistics, the related fraud rate has decreased by nearly 80 per cent.
     
         In response to the latest modus operandi of digital frauds, the HKMA announced three new measures in April 2025, and which are succinctly referred to as E-Banking Security ABC. The measures require banks to strengthen E-banking security to further enhance customers’ fraud prevention capabilities.
     
         Firstly, banks are required to implement (A) a new measure called Authenticate in-App by Q4 2025 or earlier. Thereafter, when customers log into Internet banking and conduct high-risk transactions (such as adding new payees, increasing transfer limits, changing the phone number for receiving bank notifications, or binding Internet banking accounts to mobile devices), they will need to conduct authentication through their bank’s mobile App instead of using SMS OTPs. Furthermore, starting in Q3 2025, when customers bind or rebind their mobile devices, they will have to conduct authentication via facial recognition or similarly stringent authentication methods (such as visiting a branch in person), replacing the current practice of using SMS OTP for two-factor authentication. If customers insist on using SMS OTPs for authenticating transactions or device binding, banks will need to follow the HKMA’s requirements, and implement effective risk management measures for those transactions or binding requests, such as enhancing the monitoring of related transactions and deferring the execution of higher-risk transactions. These measures will help gradually phase out the use of SMS OTPs for authentication purposes.
     
         Additionally, banks will also need to implement the remaining two new measures, namely (B) “Bye to unused functions” and (C) “Cancel suspicious payments”, during Q2 2025. The former will give customers the option to deactivate Internet banking functions like increasing transfer limits and adding new payees, to better suit their personal needs while strengthening risk management. The latter will further enhance the effectiveness of the Suspicious Account Alert mechanism, and provide customers with sufficient time to review the alert content.
     
         Together, the three new measures referred to as E-Banking Security ABC mentioned above will offer more comprehensive fraud prevention and protection coverage for bank customers.
     
    (4) The SMS Sender Registration Scheme (the Scheme) was implemented on December 28, 2023, and was fully opened to all industries in February 2024. As at end March 2025, over 495 public and private organisations (including the Immigration Department, the Department of Health, the Police and the Consumer Council) have participated in the Scheme. Under the Scheme, only those companies or organisations qualified as Registered Senders are able to send SMS messages using their Registered SMS Sender IDs with the prefix “#”. TSPs will block fraudulent SMS messages sent by non-Registered Senders via the Internet. In addition, to enhance the implementation effectiveness of the Scheme, the OFCA will, after obtaining the consent of the Registered Senders, request TSPs to prohibit non-“#” SMS messages suspected to impersonate identities of a Registered Sender, further safeguarding the public’s interest. An SMS Sender Registry is available on the OFCA’s website for the public to verify registered companies, and efforts will continue to engage more organisations to participate in the Scheme.
     
         In mid-February this year, there were public enquiries about suspected fraudulent SMS messages with the prefix “#”. The Police and the OFCA were highly concerned. Of the 31 reports received by the Police, two involved monetary losses, totalling about $30,000. The Police subsequently arrested a male and seized illegal radiocommunications apparatus. A joint press briefing with the OFCA was held to brief the public on how to stay vigilant against this type of fraud. The incident was an isolated case, and the relevant apparatus could only affect mobile phones within a limited area without undermining the overall implementation effectiveness of the Scheme. The OFCA has requested all TSPs to enhance monitoring of abnormal network signals, and has established a reporting mechanism. If similar cases are detected in future, the OFCA will promptly co-ordinate with the Police to take follow-up actions.
     
         In response to these illegal activities, the Police will continue to adopt a multipronged approach, including use of technology in fraud prevention and enhanced enforcement actions, to combat fraud on all fronts. Regarding use of technology in fraud prevention, the Police will collaborate with other departments to step up interception of suspicious transactions and fraudulent phone calls. Anti-scam applications will also be upgraded to provide immediate alerts. Enforcement-wise, the Police will carry out rigorous investigation on money laundering activities and stooge accounts, and will work with overseas law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border fraud syndicates.
     
         Apart from resolute law enforcement actions, the Government has adopted a multipronged publicity strategy to enhance public awareness of fraud. The Police will continue to work jointly with the OFCA and the industry in stepping up publicity and education, with a view to raising the public’s anti-deception awareness. The OFCA and TSPs will strengthen monitoring on network signals and take timely response measures when abnormalities are found.
     
         Specifically, in January 2025, the OFCA launched the District Anti-Phone Deception Ambassador Scheme, which received support from more than 150 District Council (DC) members’ ward offices covering 18 districts in Hong Kong with the participation by more than 300 DC members and their staff members, to promote anti-phone scam messages at district level. The OFCA will continue to step up publicity and public education in the community through issuing press releases, broadcasting TV and radio announcements, publishing social media posts, producing and distributing promotional leaflets and posters, and organising various different community activities to deliver anti-phone scam messages to the public more comprehensively. Since 2023, the OFCA has conducted a total of 21 roadshows with Legislative Council Members and DC members, and organised 182 public education and publicity programmes. 
     
         To combat the rampant phishing scams, the Police have increased publicity efforts. Through the Police electronic platform, the website CyberDefender as well as traditional media, the Police have educated the public about common and new tactics used by fraudsters. The Police have warned members of the public not to click onto any hyperlink embedded in messages of unknown sources or suspected to contain phishing websites. Instead, they should contact the relevant institution directly for verification, or carry out risk assessment and fact checking using the “Scameter” or “Scameter+”. For assistance, they are advised to call the Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.
    Issued at HKT 12:20

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Showcases SVAMITVA as Country Champion at the Ongoing World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington DC

    Source: Government of India

    India Showcases SVAMITVA as Country Champion at the Ongoing World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington DC

    Sessions on “Good Practices and Challenges in Land Tenure” & “Securing Land Rights for a Billion People” to Foster Dialogue on Inclusive Land Governance

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

    India, took center stage at the prestigious World Bank Land Conference 2025, held in Washington D.C., reaffirming its global leadership in inclusive land governance and grassroots empowerment. Participating as a Country Champion in the Plenary Session on 6th May 2025, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, delivered an address during the High-Level Plenary on “Good Practices and Challenges in Land Tenure and Governance Reform”, articulating India’s leadership in land rights, tenure reforms, and technology-driven spatial planning.

    At the World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington D.C., Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, MoPR, shared insights on the #SVAMITVA Scheme’s success in scaling across India. He emphasized the challenges posed by India’s vast population, strong regional identities, and the… pic.twitter.com/gt4fBhw7El

    — Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India (@mopr_goi) May 7, 2025

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s pioneering SVAMITVA Scheme (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) has emerged as a transformational initiative in rural land governance. Shri Bharadwaj shared deep insights into the scheme’s journey – beginning with onboarding States, amending State laws and survey rules, and establishing critical technological infrastructure like Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) to enable accurate drone-based mapping. He explained how India’s federal structure requires strategic cooperation, coordination, and community involvement to drive reforms on a national scale.

    In his address, Shri Bharadwaj mentioned the  Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto’s observation about the untapped economic potential locked in informal land holdings. He emphasized that India has surveyed 68,000 square kilometers of rural land under SVAMITVA, unlocking $1.16 trillion worth of assets, thereby offering millions of rural families legal title, dignity, and access to credit and opportunity. Through anecdotes of individuals like a dairy farmer in Madhya Pradesh who expanded his business, or a mother in Rajasthan who funded her daughter’s overseas education, he highlighted how land ownership is being converted into real empowerment.

    At the World Bank Land Conference 2025, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, eloquently highlighted India’s achievements in land governance under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Referring to economist Hernando de… pic.twitter.com/hZj9sqDp0X

    — Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India (@mopr_goi) May 6, 2025

    The Special Event scheduled on 7th May 2025, titled “Securing Land Rights for a Billion People,” is set to further amplify India’s model of inclusive and technology-driven land governance. Led by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the session will open with welcome and opening remarks by Dr. Klaus W. Deininger, Lead Economist, World Bank, followed by an introduction by Mr. Somik V. Lall, Senior Advisor, DECVP, World Bank. The event will spotlight the design, impact, and scalability of the SVAMITVA Scheme, with presentation by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj. An interactive Q&A session will follow, reflecting the growing global interest in India’s transformative approach to rural land governance. The side event will be attended by all delegates of the World Bank Land Conference 2025, including Advisors and Senior Advisors to seven Executive Directors representing regions across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Central Asia, South Asia, and South East Asia, offering a valuable opportunity for cross-regional dialogue and exchange. The side event will provide a focused platform to discuss the implementation methodology and transformative benefits of the SVAMITVA Scheme with countries that share similar land administration systems. The objective is to explore avenues for collaboration, enabling the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to support and partner with these nations in adopting and adapting similar models in their respective contexts.

    On 8th May 2025, the focus will be on Gram Manchitra, India’s advanced GIS-based spatial planning platform. Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will present how the platform is facilitating spatially informed decision-making at the Panchayat level, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge technology with grassroots governance to foster sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant villages.

    India’s interventions across these sessions aim to serve not only as a model for participatory and technology-enabled land governance, but also as a call to action for other nations striving to achieve SDG Target 1.4.2 which aims to ensure legal ownership and control over land for all, especially vulnerable communities. Through its presence at the World Bank Land Conference 2025, India has been positioned as a global thought leader in land tenure reforms, rural development, and inclusive governance demonstrating that a data-driven, people-centric approach can effectively bridge centuries-old land insecurity and usher in a new era of legal recognition, dignity, and prosperity for rural citizens.

    ***

    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2127523) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Ticketing arrangements for large-scale stage performances

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Leung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
     
    Question:

    It has been reported that recently, after admission tickets of a concert held in the Main Stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) were put on sale through the ticket sales platform, there has been a spate of disputes involving the chaotic ticket exchange arrangements and obstructed views of some seats located in areas where the view was obstructed but the relevant platform had not marked prior to sale, etc., which have aroused strong dissatisfaction among the public. There are views that such situations may affect the confidence of the public and tourists in Hong Kong’s capability in hosting large-scale performances. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the authorities have required organisers of commercial performances held at government venues to provide the relevant departments with clear ticketing plans in renting venues, such as information on the ticket-vending mechanisms, the number of tickets available for sale, the ticket collection arrangements, and the disclosure standards for seating information (including marking of areas with obstructed views); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that ticket sales platforms collected handling charge from ticket buyers but failed to offer proper post-sale arrangements for those affected by the aforesaid situations, of the regulatory measures currently put in place by the Government on the platforms responsible for selling tickets of activities held at public venues, and how it would assist consumers in recovering loss;
     
    (3) whether the authorities will study requiring ticket sale companies responsible for selling tickets of commercial performances held at government venues to adopt “identity-bound ticket limit” and “delayed ticket transfer mechanism” (e.g. ticket transfer must be processed through the official platforms), so as to curb the problem of ticket scalping; and
     
    (4) whether consideration will be given to including a requirement of providing the electronic ticket exchange function in the new contract between government venues (such as the KTSP) and ticketing agencies, so as to ensure that members of the public are not required to go to the venues in person to exchange their tickets?
     
    Reply:
     
    President:
     
    In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Leung Man-kwong is as follows:
     
    Hirers of performance venues under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are required to obtain the LCSD’s approval on the ticket price scale, the seating plan and the ticketing system before the commencement of ticket sales. The seating plan shall indicate seats that are available for sale with prices specified, those with sightline problems or blocked due to technical reasons, and those for which complimentary tickets are to be issued.
     
    The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) has fully commissioned since March 2025, with the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) being responsible for its daily operation under a “Design, Build and Operate” contract. The ticketing arrangements for events held at the various venues within the KTSP, including the choice of ticketing platform, are decided by individual event organisers. The KTSPL has already uploaded the seating plan of the three major venues to its website for public reference, and will maintain close liaison with event organisers regarding the arrangements of seats available for sale for individual events. As the stage design and venue usage of different events at the KTSP vary, event organisers will specify the seats with restricted view when selling tickets on the ticketing platform. These seats will also be marked as restricted view on the relevant tickets.
     
    Subject to the requirements of event organisers, ticketing platforms offer different ticket collection arrangements, including the use of physical tickets and/or e-tickets. Some concerts/events held at the LCSD’s performance venues and the KTSP adopt the use of physical tickets, where audiences collect their tickets by such means as ticket delivery or at self-service ticketing kiosks, etc. after their purchase. E-ticket function is also available on URBTIX under the LCSD, events taking place at the KTSP could also use e-tickets as well. If an organiser chooses to adopt the use of e-tickets, their patrons could be admitted to the programmes by presenting either the e-ticket image in the confirmation email received, or the e-ticket QR code stored in the mobile app(s) to the venue staff for scanning and verification. At the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens recently held in the KTSP, the organiser opted to use e-tickets. Audiences had to download the relevant app on their smartphones to redeem their e-tickets and present such tickets upon entry by opening the app concerned.
     
    Apart from ticket collection arrangements, ticketing platforms offer different ticketing proposals to cater to the needs of event organisers. For example, when handling ticketing for large-scale and popular events, URBTIX under the LCSD liaises with the organisers on ticketing proposals which cater to individual programmes (including adopting real-name ticketing arrangement); offering Internet, mobile app and telephone booking services only; setting a cap for the number of tickets each patron can purchase per transaction as well as imposing a limit on the number of tickets that can be purchased with the same credit card on the first day of ticket sales; increasing the transparency of ticketing information; implementing delayed ticket collection arrangement; and encouraging organisers to increase the ratio of tickets for public sale, etc. We note that other ticketing platforms also offer similar arrangements such as real-name ticketing arrangement and setting a cap for the number of tickets that can be purchased, etc.
     
    Each ticketing platform has its own customer services arrangement, such as providing ticketing enquiries and after-sales supporting services. In addition, the Consumer Council (the Council) carries out its statutory functions in accordance with the Consumer Council Ordinance (Cap. 216), including the handling of complaints relating to goods and services of and the provision of advice to consumers, as well as conciliating disputes between consumers and traders. If consumers consider that the organisers and/or ticketing platforms have not handled the matters in relation to event tickets properly or have failed to reach a consensus with them, consumers may lodge a complaint with and seek assistance from the Council on conciliation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine Department hosts seminar to promote water sports safety (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Marine Department hosts seminar to promote water sports safety  
         Speaking at the seminar, the Deputy Director of Marine, Mr Shi Qiang, urged the public to prepare well before participating in water sports activities to ensure safety. He also reminded the public to comply with requirements of the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance, which came into effect on January 1 this year, and advised members of the public not to operate vessels or perform specified duties on vessels underway while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in order to safeguard maritime safety.
     
         The MD also reminded coxswains and vessel operators to make adequate preparations before setting sail, including planning their trips and inspecting the vessel’s structure and its safety equipment onboard. There should also be a sufficient number of qualified crew members on board to guide passengers in following safety guidelines for water sports activities. Coxswains and vessel operators should also familiarise themselves with all safety precautions and contingency measures, obtain sufficient weather forecast information and closely monitor weather conditions and relevant warning signals.
     
         When operating recreational craft in shallow waters, speed-restricted areas or waters where people are engaged in water sports activities, coxswains must take extra care, strengthen lookouts and take appropriate safety measures to avoid danger.
     
         The MD also reminded the public that they should check the list of pleasure vessels endorsed by the MD to be let for hire or reward by scanning the QR code posters displayed at public piers and popular marine tourism spots. TV and radio announcements in the public interest will be broadcast on various platforms to assist the public in identifying endorsed pleasure vessels.
     
         As well, swimmers should swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty, avoid swimming away from the bathing beach area and avoid swimming near anchored vessels. Swimmers should understand their physical abilities, take care of accompanying children, and avoid swimming alone or unaccompanied. They should also refrain from swimming immediately after eating, drinking or taking drugs. To prevent accidents, divers should follow the relevant guidelines and maintain safety awareness at all times. When surfacing, divers should pay particular attention to their surroundings and the movement of vessels in the vicinity, and display proper buoyancy signals.
     
         As the typhoon season approaches, the MD particularly calls on owners, coxswains and persons-in-charge of local vessels to take appropriate precautionary measures prior to the onset of a typhoon to ensure the safety of persons on board and the vessels.
     
         The MD will continue to promote safety awareness among the public through education and publicity. The MD distributes leaflets to the public, such as “Observing the safety advice, Enjoying the fun at sea”, which provide safety advice for various water sports activities to prevent accidents.
     
         Officers of the MD and the Marine Police will strengthen their patrol operations in speed-restricted zones, waters in the vicinity of popular beaches and water sports sites, while taking action against illegal or reckless boating activities. Lifeguards from the LCSD will also monitor boating activities at various beaches and adjacent waters. They will inform the MD and the Marine Police if law enforcement actions against offenders are required.
     
         The MD hopes that the industry and the public will work together to promote water sports safety so that everyone can enjoy pleasant leisure water sports activities.
    Issued at HKT 17:15

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13 
    A total of RMB1.5 billion 2-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on May 17, 2027 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.71 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
     
    Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk 
    Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day. 

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    of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ3: Promoting development of innovation and technology enterprises

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

    Question:

         In the country’s Report on the Work of the Government this year, the Central Government for the first time highlights the need to support the development of gazelle enterprises. Gazelle enterprises refer to high-growth small and medium-sized scientific and technological enterprises characterized by strong innovation capabilities, new fields of expertise and great development potential. It is learnt that a number of Mainland provinces and municipalities have introduced preferential measures such as incentive subsidies and interest-free loans to accelerate the development of gazelle enterprises. In particular, Hangzhou implemented support policies for eligible gazelle enterprises as early as 2020, encouraging them to collaborate with higher education institutions and scientific research institutes on research and development. This, complemented by other innovation and technology (I&T) support, has fostered a robust innovation ecosystem in Hangzhou, thereby nurturing a number of I&T enterprises, among which the six companies collectively known as Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” are particularly outstanding. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it will set a definition for gazelle enterprises in Hong Kong and compile statistics on the number of gazelle enterprises in the territory;

    (2) whether it has studied the provision of targeted policy support for gazelle enterprises; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will conduct a study; and

    (3) as it has been reported that Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” are interested in strengthening cooperation with Hong Kong, and the Chief Executive has also indicated that assistance will be provided to them, whether the Government will take the initiative to liaise with and invite such enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong, so as to inject new momentum into the I&T ecosystem?

    Reply:

    President,

         Thank you Professor the Hon Wong Kam-fai for the question. My consolidated reply is as follows.

         The National “Government Work Report” of this year strongly supports the development of innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises of all development stages, comprehensively planning to accelerate the growth of emerging and future industries. To proactively align with the national development strategy and to promote technological and industrial innovation, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been adopting a multi-pronged strategy under the overarching framework of the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint over the past two years. On one hand, we are striving to nurture local I&T start-ups; on the other hand, we are actively attracting enterprises to set up businesses in Hong Kong. This fully leverages our unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, that is, enjoying strong support from the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, with a view to seizing the historic opportunity of this new round of technological innovation and industry transformation.

         On nurturing Hong Kong’s I&T start-ups, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) has provided a full range of support services to start-ups through the two Hong Kong I&T flagships, namely the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and Cyberport. The HKSTPC has been committed to providing support for entrepreneurial technology talent through various incubation programmes, including the provision of research and development (R&D) space and supporting facilities, funding, technical and management assistance, investor matching, mentorship support, promotion and business development support. Meanwhile, Cyberport has provided different financial and professional support through various public mission-driven incubation, accelerator, and support programmes tailored to the different development stages of start-ups. Also, with the imminent opening of the Hong Kong Park in the Loop within this year, the HSITPL (i.e. the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Parks Limited) will also launch an incubation programme to provide funding support and comprehensive support services to start-up teams and enterprises in the Park that have development potential and are engaged in life and health technologies. The number of start‑ups in Hong Kong surged from around 1 000 in 2014 to around 4 700 in 2024, reflecting the increasingly vibrant I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. Our policy objective is to nurture I&T start-ups with independent R&D capabilities which can make substantive contributions to the economy and society, with a view to fostering the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy.

         We also recognise the importance of and the long-term need for supporting the development of start-ups as well as the necessity to keep abreast of the times in our policy initiatives. In recent years, the ITIB and the Innovation and Technology Commission have introduced and implemented a number of policies to enhance support for start-ups at various development stages, including the nurturing of start-ups. For example, the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme was launched in 2023, which aims to fund, on a matching basis, research teams from universities with good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes.  To attract more venture capital to co-invest in local I&T start-ups, we launched the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund enhanced scheme in end-2024 by redeploying up to $1.5 billion to set up funds jointly with the market, on a matching basis, to invest in start-ups of strategic industries, thereby empowering start-ups with more financing support.

         Furthermore, we are preparing for the launch of the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme, which aims to attract professional start-up service providers with proven track records in and beyond Hong Kong to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong to foster the robust growth of start-ups and enhance the I&T ecosystem.

         Apart from nurturing Hong Kong’s I&T start-ups, we have also taken the initiative to assist Mainland enterprises to “go global” and attract overseas resources, and strive to play the roles of “super connector” and “super value-adder”, thereby bringing new opportunities and opening up new horizons for Hong Kong’s I&T development. As at April 2025, in collaboration with other government departments, the ITIB has negotiated with more than 200 high-potential or representative enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. During his recent visit to Zhejiang, the Chief Executive invited I&T enterprises such as “Hangzhou’s Six Little Dragons” to set up businesses in Hong Kong, encouraging them to make use of Hong Kong’s strengths to actively expand their business overseas. The ITIB is following up on these co-operation opportunities with a view to bringing them to fruition as soon as possible. We believe that the establishment of more I&T enterprises in Hong Kong will further promote the vibrant development of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, bring new impetus to the local I&T ecosystem, and further enhance the development of related industries.

         We will continue to strengthen our I&T ecosystem in the following ways: first, continue to optimise our existing policies to enhance our support for I&T start-ups; second, facilitate more I&T enterprises in strategic industries to set up their businesses in Hong Kong; and third, engage with enterprises through various channels to understand their needs timely, dynamically adjust relevant policies and roll out new initiatives so as to ensure that our support measures align with industry needs to accelerate Hong Kong’s I&T development.

         Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves Revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy for Coal Allocation to Power Sector

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 12:07PM by PIB Delhi

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved grant of fresh coal linkages to Thermal Power Plants of Central Sector/State Sector/ Independent Power Producers (IPPs).  Following two windows have been proposed under the Revised SHAKTI policy:

    1. Coal Linkage to Central Gencos/States at Notified price: Window–I
    2. Coal Linkage to all Gencos at a Premium above Notified price: Window–II

    Window-I (coal at notified price):

    1. Existing mechanism for grant of coal linkage to Central Sector Thermal Power Projects (TPPs) including Joint Ventures (JVs) & their subsidiary to continue.
    2. Coal linkages to be earmarked to States and to an agency authorized by group of States as per existing mechanism, on the recommendation of Ministry of Power. Coal linkage earmarked to States may be utilized by States in its own Genco, Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to be identified through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) or existing IPPs having Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for setting up of a new expansion unit having PPA under Section 62.

    Window-II (premium over notified price):

    Any domestic coal-based power producer having PPA or untied and also Imported coal-based power plants (if they so require) can secure coal on auction basis for a period upto 12 months or for the period of more than 12 months upto 25 years by paying premium above the notified price and providing the power plants the flexibility to sell the electricity as per their choice.

    Implementation strategy:

    Directions would be issued to Coal India Limited (CIL)/ Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) for implementation of the aforesaid decisions. Besides, the concerned Ministries and all the States shall also be apprised of the revised SHAKTI Policy for further dissemination to the concerned Departments / Authorities and also to the Regulatory Commissions.

    Major impact, including employment generation potential:

    1. Simplification of the linkage process: With the introduction of Revised SHAKTI Policy, existing eight paras, for coal allocation, have been mapped to only two Windows, in the spirit of ease of doing Business. Window-I (coal linkage at notified price) and Window-II (coal linkage at premium above notified price).
    2. Caters to the dynamic coal requirement of the Power Sector: Revised SHAKTI Policy shall enable the Power Plants to plan for meeting their coal requirement depending upon their demand for Long-Term / Short – Term.
    3. Central Sector Thermal Power Projects (TPPs) shall continue to get coal linkage on nomination basis on the recommendation of Ministry of Power, whereas, the linkages earmarked to the States on nomination basis on the recommendation of Ministry of Power may be utilized by the States in the State Generating Company.
    4. No requirement of PPA in Window-II: Requirement of PPA has been entirely done away for selling the electricity generated through the coal secured under Window-II, thereby providing the power plants the flexibility to sell the electricity as per their choice.
    5. Enabling Independent Power Producers (IPPs)/Private Developers for thermal capacity addition:  Allowing flexible linkage for new capacity addition with or without PPA with a tenure ranging from 12 months to 25 years will encourage IPPs to plan new thermal capacities, which will help in achieving the future thermal capacity addition.
    6. Promote Coal Import Reduction/Substitution: Imported Coal Based (ICB) plants can secure domestic coal under Window-II, subject to the technical constraints of ICB plants, thereby reducing their import coal dependency.  The benefits accrued, on account of import coal substitution, would be determined by Appropriate Regulatory Commission and passed on to the electricity consumers/beneficiaries.
    • vii. Preference to ‘Pithead’ power plants: The revised SHAKTI Policy, besides supporting Brownfield expansion, will promote setting up of Greenfield Thermal Power Projects primarily at pithead sites i.e. nearer to the coal source.
    1. Linkage Rationalization: With an aim to reduce the ‘landed cost’ of coal at thermal power plant end, coal source rationalization will be done. This will not only ease up railway infrastructure but would also ultimately result in reduced tariff for electricity consumers.
    2. Delegation of power: – The revised SHAKTI Policy provides for delegation of powers for enabling minor changes, in the policy, at the level of concerned Ministries (MoC and MoP). Further, for dealing with operational/implementation issues, an “Empowered Committee” comprising of Secretary (Power), Secretary (Coal) and Chairperson, CEA is proposed.
    3. Flexibility to Existing FSA holders: Participation of existing Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) holders beyond 100 % of their Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) of coal under Window-II will benefit power producers. Upon expiry of coal linkages secured under old policies, power producers [Central Gencos, State Gencos and Independent Power Producers (IPPs)] may apply under the present proposed revised policy, as applicable, to secure fresh linkages.
    4. Allowing Un-requisitioned Surplus in Power Markets: This will enable sale of power generated through linkage coal in power markets. This will not only deepen power markets by increasing availability of power in power exchanges but will also ensure optimum utilization of generating stations.

    Expenditure involved:

    Revised SHAKTI Policy would not involve any additional cost to the coal companies.

    No. of beneficiaries:

    Thermal Power Plants, Railways, Coal India Limited / Singareni Collieries Company Limited, End Consumers and State Governments would be benefitted.

    Background:

    With the introduction of SHAKTI Policy, 2017, there was a paradigm shift of coal allocation mechanism from a nomination-based regime to a more transparent way of allocation of coal linkages through an auction / tariff-based bidding. Nomination based allocation continued only for the Central / State Sector power plants. SHAKTI Policy has been amended in 2019 on the recommendations of Group of Ministers. SHAKTI Policy was further amended in 2023. SHAKTI Policy has various Paras for allocation of a coal linkage to the various categories of Power Plants, subject to meeting the eligibility  criteria. With the introduction of Revised SHAKTI Policy, existing eight Paras of the SHAKTI Policy, for coal allocation, have been mapped to only two Windows, in the spirit of ease of doing Business.

    *****

    MJPS/SKS

    (Release ID: 2127408) Visitor Counter : 390

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE leads delegation to visit Qatar and Kuwait

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a business delegation to visit Qatar and Kuwait on May 10. The visit aims to further strengthen exchanges and connections with the Middle East region in areas such as finance, trade, investment, and innovation and technology (I&T), and to promote the latest advantages and opportunities in Hong Kong to local political and business communities.
     
    Noting that the Middle East region is experiencing rapid development with abundant capital, Mr Lee said the region is actively seeking to diversify risks, particularly by channelling investments into China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR), aligning with the global economic shift towards the East. Qatar and Kuwait are both economically vibrant and fast-growing countries in the Middle East region. Qatar boasts the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita among the member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and serves as a crucial aviation hub in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Kuwait, currently the rotating President of the GCC, ranks third in GDP per capita among GCC member states and possesses one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.
     
    He highlighted that this marks his first time leading Mainland enterprises in addition to leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong in an outbound mission, aiming to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world. It also aims to give full play to Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” by deepening international exchanges and co-operation, acting as a bridge to serve enterprises in going global and attracting external investment. At the same time, it also demonstrates the complementary advantages of co-operation between Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises, creating synergies and providing comprehensive supply chain services.
     
    The HKSAR Government officials joining the Business Delegation from Hong Kong and the Mainland led by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR include the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip; the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho; and the Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu.
     
    Members of the delegation include more than 50 representatives from the business community of Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises. This includes over 30 leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong and over 20 entrepreneurs from Mainland provinces such as Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. The delegation spans fields including finance, industry and commerce, trade, infrastructure, I&T, energy, and transport and logistics.
     
    Mr Lee will visit Qatar on May 11 and 12 and depart for Kuwait on the evening of May 12. During the visit, he will meet with local government leaders to enhance communication and establish collaborative consensus, enabling businesses to clearly understand the policy directions of co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the governments of both countries, and leading the promotion of cultural exchanges. He will also lead the delegation to visit facilities and enterprises to gain insights into the latest developments in such areas as finance, trade, and I&T, exploring new opportunities. He will also attend exchange events to introduce Hong Kong’s advantages and investment opportunities to the local business community.
     
    Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on May 15. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ11: Measures to revitalise industrial buildings

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

    Question:

    The 2024 Policy Address proposed to extend an array of measures to revitalise industrial buildings (IBs) until the end of 2027, including continuing to allow an increase in plot ratio of up to 20 per cent for IB redevelopment projects and exempting the restriction that 10 per cent of the gross floor area of IBs constructed before 1987 (pre-1987 IBs) be used for purposes designated by the Government after conversion. Moreover, at the end of 2023, the Government has extended the arrangement for charging land premium at standard rates for lease modifications to IBs for special industrial use. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the number of applications under the various IB revitalisation measures received, approved and rejected by the Government in the past three years, with a breakdown by individual measure; the average time required to vet and approve applications under the various IB revitalisation measures;

    (2) given that the authorities currently allow an increase in plot ratio of up to 20 per cent for redevelopment projects of pre-1987 IBs, whether it will consider extending the scope of the relevant arrangement to include IBs constructed after 1987 (post-1987 IBs); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (3) of the number of applications received, approved and rejected by the Government to date under the arrangement for charging land premium at standard rates in respect of lease modifications involving IBs for special industrial use; whether it will study extending the scope of the arrangement to include post-1987 IBs; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (4) as the Government indicated last year that it would consider approving individual units on the lower floors of IBs to be used as eating places, whether any such cases have been approved to date; if so, of the details of such cases; whether it will consider allowing lower floor units in IBs that meet the relevant safety standards to be used for more purposes, e.g. retail and exhibition use; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (5) given that the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 proposes to encourage the trade to develop tourism products featuring the elements of Made in Hong Kong industries, whether the Government will introduce further IB revitalisation measures to support the aforesaid work, e.g. whether it will consider relaxing the policy on waivers of land lease restrictions to allow enterprises in the industrial tourism sector to operate in individual units within existing IBs without having to separately apply for waivers of land lease restrictions or pay the waiver fee; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (6) whether it will study extending the scope of the Youth Hostel Scheme and the student hostel pilot scheme to include IBs after wholesale conversion; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (7) whether it will regularise all existing measures to revitalise IBs; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    The Government reactivated the Revitalisation Scheme for Industrial Buildings (Revitalisation Scheme) in 2018 which encourages redevelopment or wholesale conversion of aged industrial buildings (IB), mainly to make more effective use of the sites on which IBs are situated or the existing IBs per se to optimise the use of precious land resources, and to address fire safety and unauthorised use issues of aged IBs more effectively.

    ​My reply to various parts of the question is as follows:

    (1) On the redevelopment of IBs, the prevailing policy allows relaxation of the maximum permitted non-domestic plot ratio up to 20 per cent to provide incentives to private owners to redevelop IBs constructed before 1987 (pre-1987 IBs). In the past three years (viz. April 2022 to end-March 2025), excluding applications withdrawn by applicants, the Town Planning Board (TPB) received a total of 11 applications for relaxation of plot ratio for redevelopment of IBs, among which nine cases (involving eight sites) were approved, and the remaining two cases are being processed. Planning applications submitted in accordance with section 16 of the Town Planning Ordinance are to be considered by the TPB within two months upon receipt. Among the nine approved planning applications, six of them have applications made to the Lands Department (LandsD) for lease modification which shall be subject to payment of premium, among which two cases have been withdrawn by the applicants and four cases have been approved and are currently under land premium assessment. The owners of these four applications opted for conventional premium assessment (viz. not opting for standard rates arrangement for charging land premium). As for the remaining three cases among the aforesaid nine approved planning applications, the LandsD has yet to receive relevant application for lease modification.

    For wholesale conversion of IBs, the prevailing policy exempts waiver fees so as to encourage private owners to convert IBs aged 15 years or above in “Commercial”, “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Business” and “Industrial” zones for uses permitted under the relevant Outline Zoning Plans. The condition is that for IBs constructed in or after 1987, not less than 10 per cent of the converted floor space must be used for purposes designated by the Government (such as arts and cultural studios, incubators for innovation and technology start-ups). Such requirement on 10 per cent floor space does not apply to pre-1987 IBs. In the past three years (viz. April 2022 to end-March 2025), excluding applications withdrawn by applicants, the LandsD received a total of two applications for wholesale conversion of IBs, with one case approved and the other one being processed. The processing time for the approved case was around 20 months. The relatively long time taken was mainly due to the negotiations regarding the specified use and the related arrangement for the 10 per cent designated floor space when the owner submitted the waiver application to the LandsD. It is worth noting that, under the first round of Revitalisation Scheme launched by the Government from 2010 to 2016, around 110 applications for wholesale conversion were received. We do not rule out the possibility that a significant portion of the IBs suitable for wholesale conversion in the market may have already undergone conversion works. After the Revitalisation Scheme was reactivated in 2018, the number of applications received and cases approved for redevelopment of IBs have been significantly higher than that of the first round, reflecting greater market interest in the redevelopment measure in the current round.

    (2) The measure for encouraging redevelopment of IBs as mentioned in part (1) above targets pre-1987 IBs situated outside “Residential” zones in main urban areas and new towns. We have designated 1987 as the dividing line because the fire safety installations and equipment of pre-1987 IBs may not comply with the Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment as revised by the Fire Services Department (FSD) in 1987, including the requirement of installing automatic sprinkler systems. From the perspective of public safety, there is a need to provide policy incentives to encourage foremost the redevelopment of pre-1987 IBs so as to meet modern standards of fire safety installation. As for post-1987 IBs, the Government currently has no plan to extend the measure concerning redevelopment to these IBs. Nevertheless, if owners wish to redevelop these IBs for non-industrial uses, they may still submit a planning application to the TPB for increasing the plot ratio. The TPB will consider the applications from a planning perspective based on the actual circumstances of each case.

    (3) The Government provides a regularised standard rates arrangement for charging land premium for the redevelopment of pre-1987 IBs as an alternative to the conventional premium assessment mechanism. The policy objective is to continuously incentivise the redevelopment of aged IBs, giving IB owners greater certainty in planning redevelopment. This encourages the redevelopment of aged IBs for optimising land utilisation, expediting urban renewal and revitalisation of IBs to meet the current needs of the society.

    The Government announced in December 2023 to expand the coverage of the standard rates arrangement for charging land premium to cover redevelopment of pre-1987 IBs for special industrial uses (e.g. leather tanning, garment manufacturing and food production). Regarding IBs for special industrial uses, in the past three years (viz. April 2022 to end-March 2025), the LandsD has received a total of four applications for lease modification for redevelopment of such pre-1987 IBs, among which one case is currently under land premium assessment with the applicant having opted for conventional premium assessment. The remaining three cases are being processed.

    The policy objective as mentioned in part (2) above, viz. to encourage redevelopment of pre-1987 IBs, also applies to the lease modification of IBs for special industrial uses. Therefore, we currently have no plan to extend the standard rates arrangement for charging premium to post-1987 IBs for special industrial uses.

    The Government will continue to closely monitor the implementation of standard rates arrangement for charging premium for redevelopment of IBs and make adjustments as and when necessary. The latest enhancement measure was rolled out last month, which separated the standard rates for the two uses under the previous “commercial/modern industrial” use after lease modification, into “modern industrial” and “commercial” uses respectively. Such separation can better reflect the land value of redeveloped IBs intended for modern industrial use and cope with the increasing demand for modern industrial sites.

    (4) Having balanced the need for public safety and optimisation of IB floor space, the Government would also exercise discretion in allowing the co-existence of industrial and non-industrial uses. Under the Revitalisation Scheme, apart from the measures mentioned in part (1) above, the Government has since 2018 relaxed the waiver application policy for IBs with fragmented ownership and yet to undergo wholesale conversion, so as to allow individual units of existing IBs to be used for specified non-industrial uses other than those permitted under the relevant land leases. Specifically, owner of individual IB units may use the units, without having to apply for a short-term waiver from the LandsD and pay waiver fees, for five specified non-industrial uses, which include “Art Studio”, “Office (Design and Media Production)”, “Office (Audio-visual Recording Studio)”, “Office (used by “specific creative industries” including design and media production companies, printing and publishing, film companies and industry organisations related to the film industry), as well as “Research, Design and Development Centre”.

    As IBs are supposed to be used for industrial purposes, and the risk of fire and other accidents involved in these industrial purposes is relatively higher, in view of public safety, the uses covered by the above relaxation measure do not include any uses or activities that directly provide services or goods to attract public visits. If IB owners intend to convert some units for industrial tourism uses (e.g. opening up production line for the public and tourists to visit), we will consult the FSD and relevant departments when we receive the waiver applications.

    If there is a buffer floor within an IB which completely separates the lower floors from the upper portion with industrial uses, an owner may convert the premises on the lowest three floors of the IB to other non-industrial uses, including shops and services, restaurants, or arts and cultural activities, subject to payment of waiver fees and compliance with planning and other relevant requirements. Earlier, we have also broadened the permissible uses of buffer floors to cover “telecommunications exchange centres” and “computer/data processing centres”. In the past three years (viz. April 2022 to end-March 2025), the LandsD has not received any waiver application for partial conversion of the lowest three floors of IBs (including for eating place use). 

    (5) The Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 promulgated by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau in December 2024 puts forward four major development strategies covering product development, visitor source expansion, technological innovation and service enhancement, as well as 133 measures to be implemented between 2025 and 2029 to promote development, including promoting the development of tourism products related to “Made in Hong Kong” industrial elements. The Development Bureau (DEVB) will provide facilitation as and when necessary. 

    (6) As announced in the 2024 Policy Address, in order to strengthen the position of Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education, the Education Bureau and the DEVB will launch a scheme in the first half of 2025 to streamline the processing of approvals in respect of planning, land administration and approval of building plans, so as to encourage the market to convert hotels and other commercial buildings into student hostels on a self-financing and privately-funded basis, thereby increasing the supply of student hostels. This scheme will apply to commercial buildings which are wholesale-converted from aged IBs.

    On the other hand, in response to young people’s aspirations of having their own living space, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) will, as announced in the 2022 Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint, expand the Youth Hostel Scheme (YHS) and continue fully funding non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to construct youth hostels on under-utilised sites, and subsidise NGOs to rent suitable hotels and guesthouses for converting into youth hostels. The HYAB will also explore with the DEVB the launching of a site under the Land Sale Programme whereby developers will be required to reserve a certain number of flats to support the YHS on a pilot basis. So far, seven youth hostels have been launched for operation under the YHS, and the number of hostel places has increased substantially from 80 at the commencement of the current-term Government to about 3 000 at present. 

    (7) To continue encouraging redevelopment and wholesale conversion of aged IBs, the Government announced in the 2024 Policy Address the extension of the time-limited revitalisation measures for IBs up to December 2027, with enhancement of the measure on wholesale conversion. We will review the effectiveness of the Revitalisation Scheme in transforming industrial areas, and make reference to the results of a territory-wide Area Assessment on industrial land to be carried out by the Planning Department, with a view to announcing the way forward for the revitalisation measures before expiry in end-2027.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation and Setting up of Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 12:12PM by PIB Delhi

    In a major step towards transforming vocational education in India, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation and the Setting up of five (5) National Centres of Excellence for Skilling as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

    National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation and Setting up of five (5) National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) for Skilling will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme as per announcement, made under Budget 2024-25 and Budget 2025-26 with outlay of Rs.60,000 crore (Central Share: Rs.30,000 crore, State Share: Rs.20,000 crore and Industry Share: Rs.10,000 crore), with co-financing to the extent of 50% of Central share by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, equally.

    The scheme will focus on upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs in hub and spoke arrangement with industry aligned revamped trades (courses) and Capacity Augmentation of five (5) National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), including   setting up of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling in these institutes.

    The Scheme aims to position existing ITIs as government-owned, industry-managed aspirational institutes of skills, in collaboration with State Governments and industry. Over a five-year period, 20 lakh youth will be skilled through courses that address the human capital needs of industries. The scheme will focus on ensuring alignment between local workforce supply and industry demand, thereby facilitating industries, including MSMEs, in accessing employment-ready workers.

    The financial assistance provided under various schemes in the past was suboptimal to meet the full upgradation needs of ITIs, particularly in addressing growing investment requirements for infrastructure upkeep, capacity expansion, and the introduction of capital-intensive, new-age trades. To overcome this, a need-based investment provision has been kept under the proposed scheme, allowing flexibility in fund allocation based on the specific infrastructure, capacity, and trade-related requirements of each institution. For the first time, the scheme seeks to establish deep industry connect in planning and management of ITI upgradation on a sustained basis.   The scheme will adopt an industry-led Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model for an outcome-driven implementation strategy, making it distinct from previous efforts to improve the ITI ecosystem.

    Under the scheme, infrastructure upgradation for improved Training of Trainers (ToT) facilities will be undertaken in five National Skill.  Training Institutes (NSTIs), namely Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana. Additionally, pre-service and in-service training will be provided to 50,000 trainers.

    By addressing long-standing challenges in infrastructure, course relevance, employability, and the perception of vocational training, the scheme aims to position ITIs at the forefront to cater to skilled manpower requirement, aligned to the nation’s journey to becoming a global manufacturing and innovation powerhouse.  It will create a pipeline of skilled workers aligned with industry demand, thereby addressing skill shortages in high-growth sectors such as electronics, automotive, and renewable energy. In sum, the proposed scheme aligns with the  Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, with skilling as a key enabler to meet both current and future industry needs.

    Background:

    Vocational education and training can be an immense driver of economic growth and productivity, as India embarks on its aspirational journey towards a developed nation by 2047. Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been the backbone of vocational education and training in India since the 1950s, operating under State Governments. While ITI network has expanded by nearly 47% since 2014, reaching 14,615 across with 14.40 lakh enrolment, vocational training via ITIs remains less aspirational and have also suffered from lack of systemic interventions to improve their infrastructure, and appeal.

    While in the past there have been schemes to support the upgradation of ITIs, it is perhaps, the best time to scale incremental efforts of the last decade through a nationally scalable program for ITI re-imagination with course content and design aligned with industry needs to create a pool of skilled workforce as one of the key enablers to realize the goal of Viksit Bharat.

    *****

    MJPS/SKS

    (Release ID: 2127415) Visitor Counter : 329

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Top 25 global banks post 9.4% revenue growth YoY in 2024 but profits under pressure, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The world’s top 25 global banks reported 9.4% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth in 2024 despite global economic pressures, with Sberbank Rossii, BBVA, and UBS Group standing out as key performers. However, profit margins were mixed, as many banks faced higher costs, regulatory tightening, and geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting the growing gap between revenue performance and overall financial health, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Most of the top 25 banks reported YoY growth in their top-line performance, with Sberbank Rossii and BBVA emerging as top performers, posting a growth of 54% and 30.3%, respectively. UBS Group also registered a growth of 22.3%.

    Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Sberbank Rossii emerged as the top performer in revenue defying broader geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures. The bank reported double-digit revenue growth, supported by a strong rebound in Russia’s domestic economy, stabilizing inflation, and high interest margins but its net income sharply declined into negative territory, reflecting the combined impact of macroeconomic instability, currency depreciation, and mounting operational constraints due to international sanctions.”

    Similarly, BBVA achieved a 28.9% growth in interest income, driven by its geographic diversification, particularly in Mexico and Turkey, where interest margins widened significantly.

    Another bank to deliver outstanding results was UBS Group, with revenue jumping 22.3% YoY, and a robust five-year CAGR of 17.4%—largely reflecting its landmark takeover of Credit Suisse. However, net income plummeted by over 80%, underscoring the short-term cost burdens and integration risks associated with the acquisition.

    Top Chinese banks—ICBC, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China—reported modest revenue and income growth. ICBC’s 2024 revenue marginally declined (-0.6% YoY), while Agricultural Bank posted the strongest five-year CAGR in assets among the Chinese peers (8.8%). Margin compression due to policy-induced rate caps and slower domestic economic growth weighed on profitability. Nonetheless, their asset bases continue to expand steadily, reflecting domestic dominance and strong government backing.

    JPMorgan Chase led the revenue charts with an impressive $278.9 billion in 2024, representing a YoY growth of 16.5% and a five-year CAGR of 16.5%. The surge was underpinned by elevated net interest income amid sustained high rates and robust trading performance. Its net income reached $58.5 billion (18% YoY growth), with asset growth moderating to 3.3%, reflecting balance sheet prudence amid tightening regulations.

    Bank of America and Citigroup also benefitted from the high-rate cycle. Citigroup notably recorded a 13.96% revenue CAGR, with 2024 revenues at $170.8 billion. However, asset contraction (-2.4% YoY) reflects restructuring and divestments in underperforming regions.

    European banks, long plagued by negative rates and fragmented markets, appear to be rebounding. BNP Paribas and HSBC posted robust revenue CAGR of 13.1% and 14% respectively, supported by diversified global operations and cost rationalizations. Notably, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole recorded revenue CAGR above 17%, with net income rebounds of over 60% YoY, albeit from low bases. These turnarounds suggest successful strategic pivots and a more favorable interest rate environment in the Eurozone.

    Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead, global banks face a mixed landscape. Easing inflation could trigger interest rate cuts in the US and Europe, potentially impacting net interest margins. However, this may be offset by the revival in credit demand and easing capital costs. Regulatory tightening, especially in the US and China, will challenge profitability. Additionally, banks exposed to emerging markets must navigate currency volatility and political instability.

    “Digital transformation and green financing will remain pivotal themes. Institutions investing in fintech partnerships, AI-led customer engagement, and ESG-aligned lending are likely to outperform.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: GlobalData revises down global MAT insurance industry growth forecast due to increased US tariffs

    Source: GlobalData

    The global marine, aviation, and transit (MAT) insurance industry, which was forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% before the imposition of the reciprocal tariff from the US, is now expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during 2025-29, in terms of written premiums, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    On April 02, 2025, the US President announced “reciprocal” tariffs on imports. These tariffs include a base 10% plus additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 245%. Higher tariffs are typically imposed on specific products, but the blanket tariff rate of 10% on all countries will negatively impact the global economy. The countries that are mostly dependent on exports to the US will be severely impacted. However, there is a hold on this tariff for 90 days, except for China.

    According to GlobalData’s Insurance Database, the US accounted for around 50% of the global MAT insurance premiums in 2024. As per the revised forecast, high reciprocal tariffs will reduce US MAT insurance premiums by 1.4% in 2025, whereas the premiums of global MAT insurance will be impacted by 0.7%. The US is the largest importer in the world, with Mexico, China, Canada, Germany, and Japan being the top 5 exporting countries in 2023, accounting for 53% of the total US imports.

    GlobalData expects the CAGR of MAT insurance premiums during 2025-29 to reduce by 0.5pp in Mexico, 0.6pp in China, 0.5pp in Canada, 0.5pp in Germany, and 0.2pp in Japan.

    Swarup Kumar Sahoo, Senior Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The ‘Liberation Day’ tariff will disrupt the global MAT insurance as the premium growth will slow down in 2025 and subsequent years compared to the previous forecast. Although the global MAT business will experience a temporary surge during April-June 2025 due to the 90-day pause in the tariff, the growth will slow down once the tariff is in place. This will also impact the profitability of MAT insurers across the world.”

    The US has imposed a tariff in the range of 20% (Germany and Italy) to 245% (China) on the top 10 exporters, which contribute 69% of the total US imports, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). Marine cargo business of all the markets except Canada and Mexico will be impacted, whereas for Mexico and Canada, which account for 29% of the total US imports, the aviation cargo and transit insurance will be disrupted.

    Sahoo adds: “The decline in MAT premiums growth rate will be due to both a decline in exports and the value of exported goods. In case the exporter absorbs the cost of the tariff, the cost of goods will go down, and this will reduce the sum insured and the respective premium amount. On the other hand, if the importer bears this, it will be passed on to the consumer, leading to a decline in demand.”

    To offset higher tariffs, importers have started either consolidating shipments or increasing the order size. The risk of theft and damage has increased due to the concentration of high-value goods at various points. Furthermore, the imposition of revised tariffs across countries will create complexities in customs clearance, leading to an increase in demurrage and detention fees.

    Insurers are expected to incur additional costs to rewrite such policies by considering the complexities and associated additional risks. Additionally, increased claims in marine cargo, aviation cargo, and transit will impact the profitability of insurers.

    Starting May 02, 2025, the US will eliminate the exemption of import tariffs on goods under $800 from China and Hong Kong. Due to this, DHL has suspended high-value business-to-consumer shipments to the US. Also, various airlines have suspended air cargo services for high-value goods. This will directly impact the air cargo insurance business.

    Sahoo concludes: “The imposition of the higher tariff will disrupt the global MAT insurance, impacting premiums growth, while increasing the associated risks. Insurers need to be vigilant as higher claims would erode profitability. Furthermore, MAT insurers in the US will lose their global market share as they write half of the global MAT business.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    May 7, 2025
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