Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Launches SEI ETP with Zero Management Fees and 2% Staking Yield

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Europe’s leading digital asset manager delivers institutional access to SEI, a breakthrough layer 1 blockchain with staking rewards

    29 July 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or “the Group”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), the European leading investment company specialising in digital assets with over $9 billion in assets under management, today launched the CoinShares Physical Staked SEI (Ticker: CSEI, ISIN: GB00BSLNZT73) – the world’s first zero fee exchange-traded product offering regulated exposure to SEI’s high-performance blockchain infrastructure.

    This launch combines CoinShares’ proven track record of delivering institutional-grade digital asset innovations with SEI’s layer 1 technology engineered to power the next generation of decentralized applications.

    Strategic Timing Meets Market Demand

    As European institutional appetite for diversified blockchain exposure accelerates, CoinShares has identified SEI as a standout performer in the competitive layer 1 landscape. SEI is designed to combine scalability, speed, and developer simplicity into one high-performance chain, providing industry leading infrastructure for digital asset trading with institutional-grade performance.

    “We don’t just follow trends – we identify the crypto technologies that will define the future of digital finance. SEI represents exactly what institutional investors have been waiting for: a blockchain that speaks their language of performance, reliability, and scale, backed by top-tier VCs and leading platforms.” commented Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO and Co-Founder of CoinShares

    Three Critical Market Problems Solved

    The launch addresses three critical market gaps:

    • Institutional Access Barrier: Previously, gaining exposure to SEI required navigating complex custody and operational challenges. The CoinShares Physical SEI ETP eliminates these friction points entirely.
    • Yield Generation: In today’s competitive investment landscape, the ETP’s integrated staking mechanism delivers 2% additional returns to investors automatically – with zero management fees.
    • Regulatory Certainty: Available on SIX exchange with full regulatory compliance.

    The Perfect Partnership

    This launch represents the strategic alignment of two institution-focused organisations. CoinShares’ rigorous due diligence process identified SEI as a rare combination of technological superiority and institutional readiness.

    “This launch reinforces CoinShares’ position as the institutional gateway to digital asset innovation. We’re not just offering exposure to SEI – we’re delivering institutional-grade access to the future of high-performance blockchain infrastructure, with unique cost-effectiveness.” – Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO and Co-Founder of CoinShares

    Jay Jog, Co-Founder of Sei Labs, commented, “We’re honored that CoinShares has chosen to launch the world’s first SEI ETP. CoinShares has been instrumental in bridging the gap between institutional capital and crypto innovation, and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure. The Sei network is uniquely positioned to meet the performance demands of sophisticated financial markets, and through CoinShares’ proven platform, institutional investors can now access this next-generation infrastructure with the reliability and regulatory certainty they require.”

    Product Highlights

    • Zero Management Fees: Management fee reduced to 0 to maximize investor returns
    • 2% Staking Yield: Automatic yield generation without operational complexity
    • Physically Backed: Direct 1:1 exposure to underlying SEI tokens
    • Exchange Trading: Trade in USD on SIX exchange like traditional securities
    • European Access: Passported across CoinShares Physical existing market footprint

    About CoinShares

    CoinShares is a leading global digital asset manager that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading, and securities to a wide array of clients that include corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Founded in 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Stockholm, the UK, and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
    Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

    About SEI

    Sei is the fastest Layer 1 blockchain, Providing high performance rails for digital asset markets. Sei launched its mainnet in 2023, and has since processed billions of transactions across more than 35 million wallets. Currently on Devnet, Sei’s V3 Giga update will make Sei 50x more performant than any existing EVM chain, serving as a groundbreaking new scaling approach for the Ethereum ecosystem. The team is backed by Multicoin, Jump, Coinbase Ventures, and many more.

    The CoinShares Physical SEI ETP (CSEI) begins trading on SIX exchange starting 28/7/2025 in USD, with the product passported across the same European markets as CoinShares’ existing CSDS product suite, providing broad institutional and retail access.

    PRESS CONTACT

    CoinShares
    Benoît Pellevoizin
    bpellevoizin@coinshares.com

    M Group Strategic Communications
    Peter Padovano
    coinshares@mgroupsc.com

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About SAVYINT

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

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

    Website: https://savyint.com/

    About IDEX Biometrics

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

    For further information, please contact:

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

    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About this notice:

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

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

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: APO


    .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayors and Ministers back British manufacturers and greener buses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mayors and Ministers back British manufacturers and greener buses

    Government ministers and metro mayors commit to greener transport and greater job opportunities across the regions.

    • Transport Secretary, the Local Transport Minister, and Metro Mayors come together for UK bus manufacturing stocktake, promising to support highly skilled jobs that deliver the Plan for Change.
    • plans advanced to ensure a 10-year pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, with around 60% of zero-emission buses funded by government currently being built by UK-based manufacturers.
    • comes as the Bus Services Bill progresses through Parliament, with the government continuing to drive growth in the industries of the future and put passengers back at the heart of services

    Greener journeys, skilled jobs and stronger UK manufacturing were all on the agenda today (28 July 2025), as government ministers and metro mayors came together in Westminster to commit to greener transport and greater job opportunities across the regions.

    The fifth meeting of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel was chaired by the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, with wider attendance from mayors including David Skaith (York and North Yorkshire), Richard Parker (West Midlands), and Steve Rotheram (Liverpool), alongside Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop.

    The session focussed on the future pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, in order to give UK manufacturers the long-term certainty needed to invest and grow.

    The panel also committed to ensuring that new zero emission buses bring real social benefits to the communities they serve, and work to support local employment, sustainability, and inclusivity.

    Attendees also committed to ensuring that every pound of public money spent on zero emission buses provides the greatest social benefits for communities and the economy.

    The panel’s inaugural meeting took place in Sheffield earlier this year, and set out to ensure that the UK remains a leader in bus building while helping local authorities to deliver their transport ambitions.

    The government is working closely with local authorities to ensure new bus orders continue to support the UK supply chain and deliver cleaner, more reliable transport for passengers. Currently, around 60% of zero-emission buses funded through the government’s ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas) programmes are being built by UK-based manufacturers, and the panel is committed to supporting manufacturers as they undertake these new contracts, to ensure that they support regional growth and support opportunities that deliver the Plan for Change.

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, said:

    It was great to bring mayors together today for the fifth meeting of the bus manufacturing expert panel, where we committed to building a strong pipeline of future zero-emission bus orders.

    By mapping out future demand, we’re giving industry the certainty they need to grow – supporting jobs, delivering better buses for passengers, and accelerating our journey towards a cleaner, greener transport system, while delivering our Plan for Change.

    Earlier this year, the Government announced nearly £38 million to deliver 319 new zero emission buses across 12 cities in England by spring 2027, with each pound of funding matched by at least £3 of private investment. 

    Among the biggest beneficiaries were:

    • Nottinghamshire County Council, who are benefitting from £2.3 million to launch 42 new electric buses
    • Hull City Council, where £3.9 million has been allocated to provide 42 vehicles
    • West of England Combined Authority, who are receiving nearly £20 million for 160 buses

    The UK government has also recently allocated a further £28 million to deliver new zero emission buses in Sheffield and Bradford, to improve air quality on key city centre routes.

    The push for cleaner bus travel is also supported by the Bus Services Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament. The Bill will give local authorities more control over how services are planned and delivered, while introducing new powers to end the use of new diesel buses in England from no earlier than 2030.

    Jason Prince, Director, Urban Transport Group, said:

    Investing in buses, especially greener, cleaner buses is good for our transport systems, our health and the economy. Government, operators and our members, working together through the manufacturing panel to unlock the full potential of greener buses will help realise these benefits for passengers and their local communities.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Commission probing Mkhwanazi allegations moving “full steam ahead”

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The work of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – dubbed the Madlanga Commission – has begun “in earnest”.

    This according to Commission Chairperson, Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who briefed the media on Monday afternoon.

    The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

    The Provincial Commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services, as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and now suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

    “We can assure South Africans that the work of the commission has commenced in earnest. To be specific, our first consultation with a witness is imminent.

    “That consultation will help inform what further information the commission must follow up on,” he said.

    He added that the commission is mindful that the public is “eager to see the first witness in the witness stand”.

    “We too are eager to see that happen and are acting with the necessary expedition to see it happen.

    “That said, the fact that Lieutenant General… Mkhwanazi made the allegations does not make us ready to start hearing evidence immediately. There must be consultation and assessment of the information we gather and a follow up for buttressing the information we’ve gathered, should that be necessary,” Madlanga said.

    This, he added, could include further consultations.

    “We assure South Africans that we are treating the matter with the urgency that it deserves and that the commission hearings will commence as soon as the necessary initial steps to bring us to that stage have been finalised.

    “We anticipate that that will be during August 2025,” he said.

    WATCH | CJS Commission of Inquiry media briefing

    [embedded content]

    Madlanga said the entities and persons under scrutiny are the SA Police Service, metro police in Gauteng, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, Correctional Services, any other institution in the criminal justice system and any member of the executive responsible for the criminal justice system.

    “These entities and persons are to be investigated in relation to infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

    “By the end of the first three-month period, we want to be in a position to submit an interim report, which, if the evidence will have shown as much, will make recommendations regarding concrete action that needs to be taken,” he said.

    Securing premises

    The process to secure a building for the commission, is underway as well as other infrastructure requirements.

    “The public will be advised of the premises and online facilities where they can lodge information as soon as this question of procurement has been finalised. What we can say at this stage is that the commission hearings will be in Gauteng. We are doing our best to ensure that the procurement side is resolved with expedition.

    “The lack of infrastructure does not affect the progress of the work of the commission. We are proceeding with the commission’s preparatory work full steam ahead,” Madlanga said.

    Furthermore, appointments of professionals, who will assist the commission, have been made.

    Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

    Other team members include:

    • Commission Secretary: Dr Nolitha Vukuza.
    • Chief Evidence Leader: Advocate Terry Motau SC.
    • Chief Investigator: Dr Peter Goss.
    • Spokesperson: Jeremy Michaels.

    Evidence Leaders

    • Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC.
    • Advocate Mahlape Sello SC.
    • Advocate Adila Hassim SC.
    • Advocate Lee Segeels-Ncube.
    • Advocate Ofentse Motlhasedi.
    • Advocate Thabang Pooe.

    “Regarding the timeline, we will conduct our work with the timeline in mind. Should the need arise for an extension, that is something we will address at the right time,” he said.

    The proceedings are expected to be streamed live and members of the public will be permitted to attend the proceedings in person. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Don Turvey, CEO of Cornish Metals, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa, said:

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

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

    Source: APO


    .

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

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

    Entrepreneurs can register to join the programme here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Upcoming webinars include:

    • Kick-off & Microsoft AI Launch: 31 July

    • Digital Tools & AI Integration: 28 August

    • Budgeting & Financial Planning: 18 September

    Entrepreneurs can register to join the programme here.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI China: Flood relief efforts stepped up in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei

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

    The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has sent three working groups to assist and guide flood control and disaster relief efforts in Beijing and Tianjin cities and Hebei province and has elevated the flood control emergency response for the areas to Level III — the third highest of the four-tier system — since Monday evening.

    Severe rainstorms have swept North China since July 23, leading to high water levels in some reservoirs, breaches in river embankments and significant flooding. Beijing’s Miyun and Huairou districts, as well as Chengde and Zhangjiakou in Hebei province were hit hard.

    On Monday, the National Commission for Disaster Reduction activated a Level IV national emergency response, the lowest one, for Beijing and Hebei, deploying teams to provide guidance for disaster relief efforts, including ensuring the basic needs of affected people.

    The central government has increased the allocation of 43,000 items of disaster relief supplies, including folding beds, towels, blankets, emergency lighting, on the basis of the previously allocated disaster relief materials to the affected areas.

    The Red Cross Society of China provided 2,000 sets of household emergency kits and assisted the affected areas with food, drinking water, maternal and infant supplies and hygiene kits.

    On Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management allocated 350 million yuan ($48.8 million) to support rescue efforts in nine provinces, regions and municipalities including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Jilin and Shandong.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 July 2025 Departmental update Community innovation leads the way at 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health through “Ideas Labs”

    Source: World Health Organisation

    As the world braces for increasingly complex climate and health challenges, local innovations, Indigenous knowledge, and community-rooted practices take centre stage at the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health, co-hosted by the Government of Brazil, WHO, and PAHO, from 29 to 31 July in Brasília. 

    A key feature of the Conference, the Ideas Lab, spotlights a bold new wave of thinking and doing, showcasing pioneering efforts that span from predictive malaria mapping and clean air advocacy to artificial intelligence and sustainable healthcare. Designed to complement the official programme, the Ideas Lab serves as a platform to amplify innovative local and Indigenous knowledge, youth-led and technological solutions, and cross-sector policy approaches that link climate action with better health outcomes. 

    Over three days, participants are presenting replicable solutions that will inform and bolster the forthcoming Belém Health Action Plan across three key tracks: 1) Health Surveillance and Monitoring, 2) Evidence-Based Policy and Capacity Building, and 3) Innovation and Production.  

    “The Ideas Lab is about more than showcasing innovations. It’s about equity, participation, and policy relevance,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization. “These sessions create space for communities to speak for themselves, to be heard, and to input into the COP30 process to put health at the heart of climate decisions.” 

    Ideas Lab contributors span Community-Based Organizations to universities, specialist networks to NGOs, with representation from across the globe.  

    Sessions include, among others:  

    • Mapping Toxic Transfers in Uganda: A cross-disciplinary project using geospatial tools, water testing, and health data to trace the impacts of climate-induced flooding on community health, while informing safe water and infrastructure policy. 
    • Predictive Modelling for climate-driven malaria dynamics: A predictive malaria system combining climate and health data to trigger targeted community interventions, co-led by women’s groups and rooted in local knowledge for urbanizing African Regions. 
    • Innovative Financing for Health Resilience: From Brazil to Indonesia, examples of blended capital solutions offer a roadmap to close the climate-health financing gap, especially critical for countries facing dwindling development aid. 
    • Adapting Health Supply Chains: A dialogue on how to future-proof the multitrillion-dollar health supply chain for climate resilience, equity, and sustainability. 
    • The Right to Clean Air: From Brazil to Australia and the pacific, inviting solidarity between communities experiencing escalating threats to air quality, health and cultural survival.  
    • AI for Climate-Resilient Health Systems: Showcasing how the Global South is pioneering artificial intelligence to strengthen pandemic preparedness and deliver culturally relevant, sustainable health interventions across 20 countries. 
    • Intergenerational dialogue plays a key role in transforming One Health ideas into concrete, sustainable actions and real-time solutions, where mechanisms for youth engagement in One Health can be adjusted to the needs and wants of each setting and context.

    Equity is at the heart of the Global Conference and equitable solutions are highlighted throughout the Ideas Lab, with sessions exploring how climate change disproportionately impacts women, migrants, Indigenous peoples, and youth, and how these groups are also leading in climate and health action. Examples include the Emerge Study which examines the relationship between climate extremes, forced migration, and health in Latin America, and how migration can be supported as an adaptive strategy, and Youth for One Health, a proposal that is grounded in intergenerational justice and builds on youth councils globally to advocate for biodiversity, planetary health, and green cities. 

    Towards COP30: From dialogue to delivery 

    The Ideas Lab will feed directly into conference outcomes and COP30 preparations, helping generate actionable tools and knowledge products that can be adapted by countries, particularly through the Belém Health Action Plan. By fostering participation across regions and sectors, it aims to seed long-term collaboration across and between climate change action and human health. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Subsidiary Liqxtal Proprietary Vision-Care Pro-Eye Monitor Named Finalist for Top Ten Age-Friendly Technology Product

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liqxtal Technology Inc. (“Liqxtal”), a subsidiary of Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX), and a pioneer in liquid crystal optical innovation, today announced that its flagship vision-care product, the Liqxtal® Pro-Eye Monitor, has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 Top Ten Age-Friendly Technology Product Awards, presented by the Taiwan Healthy Ageing Tech Show Committee. This prestigious recognition honors outstanding innovations that promote health, comfort, and quality of life for Taiwan’s aging population.

    Built on Liqxtal’s patented electrically tunable liquid crystal technology, the Pro-Eye monitor projects digital images to a virtual viewing distance of approximately 16 feet, dramatically farther than the typical 20 – 24 inches of conventional monitors. This design significantly eases ciliary muscle strain and reduces eye fatigue, offering a more natural and effortless viewing experience, especially for seniors experiencing dry eyes or blurred vision due to extended screen use.

    With Taiwan’s senior population rapidly growing, technologies that support visual wellness are increasingly vital to long-term care and healthy aging. Since its debut, the Pro-Eye Monitor has garnered strong interest across healthcare, eldercare, and smart home industries for its potential to redefine visual comfort for older adults. Evaluated by a panel of experts from the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs and academic institutions, its selection as a top ten finalist underscores Liqxtal’s leadership in age-friendly innovation.

    Liqxtal Pro-Eye Monitor will be showcased at the 2025 Taiwan Healthy Ageing Tech Show, held August 8 – 10 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. Purposefully engineered to address age-related visual challenges, the Pro-Eye represents Liqxtal’s commitment to improving elderly eye health through advanced optical technology. During the event, Liqxtal will also exhibit other smart optical solutions, including the Liqxtal® Dim, which integrates Liqxtal’s proprietary pixelated liquid crystal light valve with Himax’s WiseEye™ ultralow power AI sensing technology, empowering an intelligent system that automatically adjusts light transmittance based on ambient conditions, enhancing both comfort and safety for seniors in varying lighting environments.

    “Liqxtal has been dedicated to advancing liquid crystal optical technologies to deliver eye-care solutions that provide both comfort and functionality,” said Dr. Hung Shan Chen, President of Liqxtal. “Being named a finalist for the top 10 Age-Friendly Technology Awards is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to extending this transformative technology to a broader range of aging-related applications, bringing us closer to our vision of a smarter, healthier lifestyle.”

    Liqxtal warmly invites media, healthcare professionals, and industry partners to visit Booth A805 at the Taiwan Healthy Ageing Tech Show during August 8 –10, to experience the Pro-Eye Monitor firsthand and explore how next-generation liquid crystal optics are shaping the future of visual wellness in senior care.

    About Liqxtal Technology Inc.

    Liqxtal Technology Inc. is a Taiwan based company that has been focused on exploring opportunities with liquid crystal (“LC”) beyond just displays since the company’s inception. With a distinguished track record in liquid crystal optics, Liqxtal has developed liquid crystal based optical components such as LC lens for ophthalmic application, LC diffuser for 3D sensing and LC retarder for light sensing. Additionally, Liqxtal designed and released LQ001, a high voltage & tunable frequency LC driver with a 1mm x 2mm footprint, which is particularly ideal for portable products. As a subsidiary of Himax Technologies, Liqxtal also integrates novel display solutions such as tunable backlight with local dimming capability powered by FPGA for niche applications. Lastly, Liqxtal is dedicated to novel vision eyewear technology and strives to innovate and advance useful optical solutions to the world.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,609 patents granted and 370 patents pending approval worldwide as of June 30, 2025.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Liqxtal Contact:

    Henry Hung, Deputy Director of Market & Sales Division
    Liqxtal Technology Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Email: info@liqxtal.com

    Himax Contacts:

    Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30cd9f50-e221-43d4-a3cb-836122c81cf7

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: Samsung

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

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

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

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Swift Enters Final 3 Days of Stage 2 Presale at $2 Ahead of $15 Launch and Reward Activation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUXEMBOURG, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Swift (BTC3), a modular AI-powered blockchain protocol focused on scalable utility and programmable staking, has officially entered the final 3 days of Stage 2 of its presale. With the token currently priced at $2 and a confirmed launch price of $15, interest continues to accelerate ahead of Stage 3, where the price will rise to $3.

    The BTC3 token introduces Proof-of-Yield (PoY) – a reward model that distributes staking incentives automatically at the end of each presale stage. During Stage 2, early participants receive 133% APY, allowing them to begin earning rewards even before public exchange listings.

    Next-Generation Architecture with Real-Time Utility

    Bitcoin Swift is built with a modular framework that incorporates both Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS), allowing for enhanced security and efficient validator coordination. What differentiates BTC3 is the integration of AI-powered smart contracts, identity-preserving governance, and programmable rewards—features that activate from the presale phase.

    The protocol’s design enables contributors to not only secure tokens early, but to participate in staking and governance immediately. This positions Bitcoin Swift as one of the few early-stage blockchain projects delivering protocol access before token launch.

    AI-Powered Sustainability and Governance Framework

    Artificial intelligence is embedded across Bitcoin Swift’s core infrastructure. Intelligent agents scan and validate governance proposals, minimizing spam and raising the quality of decentralized decision-making. Quadratic voting weighted by decentralized identity (DID) ensures fairer community participation.

    At the network level, AI-powered oracles monitor energy usage and automatically adjust reward scaling to promote environmentally sustainable behavior.

    Additional infrastructure features include:

    • AI-screened governance proposal filtering
    • Federated oracles to manage real-time energy data
    • Smart contract logic that adapts through reinforcement learning
    • zk-SNARKs and DID support for compliance without compromising privacy

    Introducing BTC3E: A Decentralized Stablecoin for the BTC3 Ecosystem

    The Bitcoin Swift ecosystem includes BTC3E, a USD-pegged stablecoin backed by overcollateralized BTC3. BTC3E is governed by smart contracts and AI pricing models that manage collateral ratios automatically. If backing value drops, liquidation is triggered without manual intervention, ensuring long-term peg stability and reduced systemic risk.

    BTC3E is designed to support stable payments across DeFi protocols, enterprise platforms, and retail users—positioning it as a central financial layer for the BTC3 ecosystem.

    Transparent Tokenomics with Long-Term Incentives

    BTC3’s token distribution is engineered for sustainability:

    • 50% allocated to PoY staking rewards, distributed over a 30-year span
    • 30% reserved for presale participants
    • 15% allocated for liquidity provisioning
    • 5% designated for team allocation and long-term reserves

    The system’s security and contract integrity have been reviewed by Spywolf and Solidproof, with full KYC verification completed.

    Influencers such as Token Empire and Crypto League have praised BTC3 for delivering real features during the presale, not months later. They’ve highlighted how users benefit from early staking rewards, stablecoin access, and a live governance role even before listings go live.

    Stage 2 Presale Closing Soon

    The Stage 2 presale closes in 3 days, offering one of the final opportunities to acquire BTC3 at the $2 price point before Stage 3 begins at $3. The full presale concludes on September 18, 2025, after which the project will proceed toward its public launch at $15 per token.

    Participants during the presale gain immediate access to the protocol’s PoY reward engine, governance systems, and stablecoin ecosystem—features that are already operational within the network’s architecture.

    About Bitcoin Swift

    Bitcoin Swift is a modular blockchain protocol designed to deliver scalable, AI-enhanced infrastructure for the next generation of decentralized applications. Through programmable Proof-of-Yield rewards, a collateral-backed stablecoin, and identity-based governance, Bitcoin Swift bridges real-time utility with long-term ecosystem growth.

    For More Information:

    Website: https://bitcoinswift.com

    Contact:
    Luc Schaus
    support@bitcoinswift.com

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

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    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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    The MIL Network

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

    Source: APO – Report:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    – on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/40DVcpf

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

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nominations Now Open: African Power & Energy Elites 2025/2026

    Source: APO – Report:

    Nominations are officially open for the 10th edition of the African Power & Energy Elites: People and Projects – a leading platform recognising Africa’s most impactful energy and water sector leaders, pioneers, and innovations.

    Known as The Elites, this annual initiative honours the changemakers transforming lives and systems across the continent – from expanding energy access to reshaping infrastructure through innovation, smart investment, and policy reform.

    “The Elites is not an awards-based programme. It’s a respected platform for visibility, credibility, and connection. We’re calling on all stakeholders to help recognise excellence where it’s happening,”
    – Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief, ESI Africa

    Submit your nomination by 28 September 2025
    Help spotlight the individuals and projects building Africa’s sustainable energy and water future.

    Why It Matters
    Millions in Africa still lack reliable electricity and clean water. The Elites platform brings attention to the innovators tackling these systemic challenges—from off-grid solar solutions and AI-driven utilities to clean mobility hubs and community-led water projects.

    What’s New in 2025/2026
    In this landmark 10th edition, categories have been updated to reflect the fast-evolving landscape:

    • Leadership & Rising Stars
    • Grid-tied & Off-grid Projects
    • Smart & Digital Solutions
    • Clean Mobility & Energy at Mines
    • Water & Sanitation Innovations
    • Finance & Investment Models

    Open to individuals and organisations across the value chain—executives, technicians, developers, entrepreneurs, utilities, and beyond. Self-nominations are encouraged. Organisations may also sponsor a feature to align their brand with Africa’s top energy and water stories.

    How to Nominate
    Submit your nomination via this Google Form:
    Nominate Now (https://apo-opa.co/4l0nsJS)

    Find out more here:
    ESI Africa – The Elites 2025/2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4lTuu4D)

    All submissions will be reviewed by a trusted Elites Advisory Board, evaluating innovation, relevance, and impact.

    Recognition for Selected Elites
    Those featured will receive:

    • Editorial feature in a respected industry magazine (print & digital)
    • Exposure through ESI Africa, VUKA Group events, and digital campaigns
    • Professional video interviews with project leads and leaders
    • Social media promotion reaching thousands across Africa and globally

    Deadline: 28 September 2025
    Nominate now and help honour those powering Africa’s future.

    – on behalf of VUKA Group.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Giants Protocol Powers Tokenization of Real Estate for The Assembly Place, Backed by Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Giants Protocol, a pioneer in AI-powered real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, has announced a landmark collaboration with Singapore-based co-living operator The Assembly Place (TAP) to tokenize real estate assets. This strategic move showcases the protocol’s ability to transform physical infrastructure into on-chain, yield-generating opportunities. The announcement marks a key milestone in Giants’ journey, having been backed by Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund since inception and now delivering tangible use cases in Asia’s fast-evolving tokenization landscape.

    At the Forefront of the RWA Revolution

    As the tokenization of real-world assets shifts from experimentation to full-scale adoption, Giants Protocol is delivering the AI-powered infrastructure to lead this next wave. Giants transforms traditionally complex investment products into seamless, on-chain, yield-generating opportunities.

     Key Features:

    • AI-Driven Intelligence: Giants multi-agent AI monitors RWA asset performance, market conditions, and risk exposures across jurisdictions to enable smart, compliant execution.
    • Automated Optimization: Strategies for yield, collateral, and liquidity management are dynamically adjusted by AI 24/7, reducing manual intervention and human error.
    • Cross-Chain Deployment at Scale: Giant’s modular design enables frictionless integration across ecosystems like Sonic, Hyperliquid, Cosmos, and more. Scaling RWA access to global participants.

    By embedding AI at the core, Giants Protocol is redefining how real-world assets are brought on-chain efficiently, compliantly, and at scale.

    Leading the RWA Compliance Surge

    1. Regulatory Alignment
    Giants aligns closely with Regional regulatory frameworks, working alongside policy experts to ensure compliant deployment of tokenized bonds, credit, and real estate assets. As part of 2MR Labs, the team prioritizes legal enforceability and cross-border interoperability from day one.

    2. Infrastructure Breakthroughs
    Through its AI agents and modular architecture, Giants automates key processes in RWA tokenization in pricing, collateral management, and multi-chain movement. Removing the need for manual oversight.

    3. Market Acceleration
    With the RWA market expected to exceed $40 trillion by 2030, Giants is positioning itself as the gateway for institutional-grade tokenized assets in Asia. Backed by sovereign support and regional asset managers, the protocol has begun piloting treasury-backed and real estate-linked RWAs.

    4. Addressing Bottlenecks
    Giants tackles the toughest RWA hurdles, liquidity fragmentation and legal complexity. Through zk-proof attestations, stablecoin-backed settlements, and programmable legal agreements. Its AI system ensures real-time monitoring and compliance across jurisdictions.

    Real-World Impact: Helping The Assembly Place Enter the Web3 Economy

    One of Giants Protocol’s flagship collaborations is with The Assembly Place (TAP), Singapore’s leading co-living space operator.

    Through this partnership, Giants:

    • Enabled Tokenization of Real Estate Assets
      By helping TAP explore converting its co-living properties into tokenized, yield-generating digital assets, Giants opened up new funding models for physical infrastructure and empowering a vibrant global community culture for digital natives.
    • Offered Strategic Advisory and AI Tools
      Giants provided RWA, Web3 strategy and optimizing digital assets tailored to TAP’s business model.
    • Drove Go-To-Market and Community Engagement
      Giants played a vital role in building the bridge between TAP and the crypto-native community, creating narratives and GTM strategies that connected both traditional and Web3 audiences.

    TAP is a testament to how Giants Protocol supports asset-rich, cash-constrained businesses in unlocking new liquidity through intelligent tokenization and building a globalized community living.

    Institutional Credibility

    Giants Protocol stands as one of the most institutionally trusted RWA infrastructure builders in the ecosystem.

    Additional backers include:
    Plug and Play VC, BreederDAO (by a16z), Trinity Ventures, Eden Ventures, LucidBlue Ventures, PG Capital, Brinc, Digital Consensus Fund, CSP DAO, London Real Ventures.

    About Giants Protocol

    Giants Protocol is a real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform powered by a multi-agent AI system, developed by 2MR Labs. It integrates AI-driven investment infrastructure, compliance tooling, and seamless multi-chain access to streamline and scale the tokenization process. Invested by Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund since day one and top global investors, Giants Protocol is building the foundation for the next phase of asset innovation.

    Contact:

    ARTHUR LIN, CEO
    arthur.lin@2mrlabs.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d943c7ac-1880-4ec1-be6b-499a94d9d5ab

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA granted €500 million loan for Energy Transition

    Source: Government of South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN agencies warn key food and nutrition indicators exceed famine thresholds in Gaza

    Source: World Food Programme

    Photo: WFP/Ali Jadallah Family displaced multiple times from Jabalia living in a tent and facing very difficult living conditions.

    NEW YORK/ROME – Gaza faces the grave risk of famine as food consumption and nutrition indicators have reached their worst levels since the conflict began, according to data shared in the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Alert.

    The IPC Alert highlights that two out of the three famine thresholds have now been breached in parts of the territory, with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF warning that time is running out to mount a full-scale humanitarian response. 

    Relentless conflict, the collapse of essential services, and severe limitations on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance imposed on the UN have led to catastrophic food security conditions for hundreds of thousands of people across the Gaza Strip. 

    Food consumption – the first core famine indicator – has plummeted in Gaza since the last IPC Update in May 2025. Data shows that more than one in three people (39 per cent) are now going days at a time without eating. More than 500,000 people – nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population – are enduring famine-like conditions, while the remaining population is facing emergency levels of hunger. 

    Acute malnutrition – the second core famine indicator – inside Gaza has risen at an unprecedented rate. In Gaza City, malnutrition levels among children under five have quadrupled in two months, reaching 16.5 per cent. This signals a critical deterioration in nutritional status and a sharp rise in the risk of death from hunger and malnutrition. 

    Acute malnutrition and reports of starvation-related deaths – the third core famine indicator – are increasingly common but collecting robust data under current circumstances in Gaza remains very difficult as health systems, already decimated by nearly three years of conflict, are collapsing. 

    “The unbearable suffering of the people of Gaza is already clear for the world to see. Waiting for official confirmation of famine to provide life-saving food aid they desperately need is unconscionable,” said Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director. “We need to flood Gaza with large-scale food aid, immediately and without obstruction, and keep it flowing each and every day to prevent mass starvation. People are already dying of malnutrition and the longer we wait to act, the higher the death toll will rise.”  

    As of July 2025, over 320,000 children, the entire population under five in the Gaza Strip, are at risk of acute malnutrition, with thousands suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of undernutrition. Essential nutrition services have collapsed with infants lacking access to safe water, breastmilk substitutes, and therapeutic feeding.   

    In June, 6,500 children were admitted for treatment for malnutrition, the highest number since the conflict began. July is tracking even higher, with 5,000 children admitted in just the first two weeks. With fewer than 15 percent of essential nutrition treatment services currently functional, the risk of malnutrition-related deaths among infants and young children is higher than ever before.  

    “Emaciated children and babies are dying from malnutrition in Gaza,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.  “We need immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza to scale up the delivery of life-saving food, nutrition, water and medicine. Without that, mothers and fathers will continue to face a parent’s worst nightmare, powerless to save a starving child from a condition we are able to prevent.” 

    Despite a partial reopening of crossings, humanitarian aid entering Gaza is barely a trickle of what a population of over two million people needs every month.  Just to cover basic humanitarian food and nutrition assistance needs in Gaza, more than 62,000 tons of life-saving aid is required every month. Restarting commercial food imports are also critical to provide dietary diversity with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and proteins such as meat and fish. 

    Additionally, the lack of fuel, water and other vital aid continues to undermine efforts to prevent famine and deaths among children. 

    The agencies welcome the recent new commitments to improve the operating conditions for humanitarian organizations, including the implementation of humanitarian pauses and hope these measures will allow for a surge in urgently needed food and nutrition assistance to reach hungry people without further delays. 

    The UN agencies also reiterate their urgent calls for: 

    • An immediate and sustained ceasefire, to stop the killing, allow for the safe release of hostages and further enable lifesaving humanitarian operations. 

    • Sustained safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, for the mass influx of assistance via all available crossings, and to deliver food, nutrition supplies, critical water, fuel, and medical assistance to families in need across Gaza. 

    • Urgent need to get commercial traffic flowing into Gaza by reviving commercial supply chains to restore local markets. The protection of civilians and aid workers, alongside the restoration of essential services, in particular health, water and sewage infrastructures. 

    •  Investment in the recovery of local food systems, including the revitalization of bakeries, markets and rehabilitation of agriculture.
     
    ##### 

    Notes for editors:  

    Access the IPC alert here.

    *The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is an innovative multi-partner initiative for improving food security and nutrition analysis and decision-making. By using the IPC classification and analytical approach, Governments, UN Agencies, NGOs, civil society and other relevant actors, work together to determine the severity and magnitude of acute and chronic food insecurity, and acute malnutrition situations in a country, according to internationally-recognised scientific standards. Find out more here  

    #             #            #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.  

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @unicefmedia
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Deepen Mining Investment Cooperation ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

    Source: APO


    .

    Mining and investment cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) intensified in 2025 with the signing of several agreements. As the world’s leading cobalt producer – responsible for over 70% of global output -, a leading tin producer and Africa’s top copper producer, the DRC’s mining value chain is presenting increasingly attractive and strategic investment opportunities for UAE investors.

    As the DRC seeks to leverage UAE investments to unlock its $24 trillion-worth of mineral potential, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will serve as a vital platform for strengthening UAE-DRC partnerships. The event will feature a dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable, featuring high-level panel discussions and project showcases, providing UAE investors the opportunity to connect with DRC policymakers and mining stakeholders.

    With growing global demand for energy transition and fourth industrial revolution minerals, the UAE is actively expanding its footprint in the DRC to secure mineral supply chains.

    UAE Investments in DRC Mining

    Congolese mining company Buenassa partnered with UAE-based NG9 Holding to develop the DRC’s first integrated copper-cobalt refinery in mid-July. The facility is set to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathodes and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulphate annually, supporting the DRC’s push for local beneficiation and value addition in its mining sector.

    In June 2025, Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) announced a $366 million acquisition of a majority stake in mining firm Alphamin Resources. The deal provides IRH with access to the DRC’s Bisie Tin Complex – one of the world’s largest and highest-grade tin deposits, responsible for 6% of global supply. IRH’s investment in the project is expected to reinforce the DRC’s role in the global tin market, with demand projected to grow by 20% by 2035. At AMW, a panel titled Cobalt Opportunity: DRC’s Strategic Position in the EV Revolution, will connect UAE investors with opportunities in the DRC’s expanding critical mineral sector.

    Beyond mining, UAE investments are also bolstering the DRC’s energy infrastructure. NG9 Holding also signed a deal with Congolese energy company Kipay Energy to develop a 46 MW hydropower facility in Haut-Katanga, which will contribute to a total of 166 MW of electricity – helping to secure stable power supply for mining operations in the region. As UAE interest in the DRC’s mining and energy sectors continues to grow, AMW will catalyze new partnerships, investments and deal signings that will further integrate the two nations’ strategic interests in mineral development.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    About African Mining Week:
    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    MIL OSI Africa

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

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Iberdrola

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

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

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

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

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

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

    EIB support for power grids

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

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

    EIB commitment to those impacted by the DANA

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

    il-lumina, Iberdrola’s commitment to Valencia

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

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

    Background information  

    EIB 

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

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

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

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

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

    Regional Resilience Fund

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

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

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

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

    Iberdrola

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

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

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Gate and World Liberty Financial Reach Strategic Milestone: Gate Becomes Second-Largest Holder of USD1 Among Centralized Exchanges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, and World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the developer of a pioneering DeFi protocol and governance platform inspired by President Donald J. Trump, jointly announced a major milestone in the growing adoption of USD1, a USD-backed stablecoin issued by WLFI. According to on-chain data as of today, Gate has officially become the second-largest holder of USD1 among all centralized exchanges, trailing only Binance.

    The surge in USD1 holdings on Gate was driven by the launch of Ika (IKA) on Gate Launchpad on July 26. The Launchpad campaign supports subscriptions in USD1 and Gate Token (GT), attracting substantial user participation and stablecoin inflow.

    According to on-chain data, most USD1 liquidity is currently concentrated on the BNB Smart Chain (BSC), with smaller but notable reserves on Ethereum (ETH). Gate currently holds approximately $170 million USD1 on BSC, ranking second among CEXs with an additional $20 million USD1 on Ethereum, ranking first among CEXs on that chain. This correlates closely with the total USD1 allocation of 196 million tokens contributed to the IKA Launchpad event to date.

    In total, Gate Launchpad with $IKA has seen user contributions surpass 200 million USD1 and 5.33 million GT, worth approximately $97.5 million, marking one of the largest Launchpad commitments in Gate’s recent history.

    USD1 is a USD-backed stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, designed to provide transparent, regulated, and scalable digital dollar access across multiple blockchains. It is backed 1:1 by short-term US government treasuries, US dollar deposits, and other cash equivalents, with real-time audits and multi-chain deployment on BSC, Ethereum, and beyond.

    This collaboration signals both parties’ commitment to building an open and compliant PayFi ecosystem—bridging traditional financial assets with next-generation decentralized infrastructure.

    Learn more on Gate Launchpad: https://gate.com/zh/launchpad

    About Gate

    Gate, founded in 2013 by Dr. Han, is one of the world’s earliest cryptocurrency exchanges. The platform serves over 33 million users with 3,600+ digital assets and pioneered the industry’s first 100% proof-of-reserves. Beyond core trading services, Gate’s ecosystem includes Gate Wallet, Gate Ventures, and other innovative solutions.

    For more information, please visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

    Disclaimer:

    This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more information, please read the User Agreement via https://www.gate.com/user-agreement.

    About World Liberty Financial

    World Liberty Financial (WLFI) is a pioneering decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol and governance platform inspired by the vision of President Donald J. Trump. WLFI develops transparent, secure, and accessible financial tools, including institutional-grade products designed to broaden participation in decentralized finance. WFLI’s USD1 is a stablecoin redeemable 1:1 for the U.S. dollar, 100% backed by short-term U.S. treasuries, cash, and cash equivalents.

    Learn more and follow updates at x.com/worldlibertyfi.   

    Media Contact
    Frederica Ko
    Senior PR Manager, Gate Exchange
    ✉️ Frederica@gate.com

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Massive rescue efforts continue in Beijing after heavy rains kill 30

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) — Beijing authorities have launched a rescue operation as heavy rains have killed 30 people as of midnight Monday, damaged roads, disrupted power supplies and forced mass evacuations.

    The fatalities were recorded in the northern mountainous areas of the Chinese capital, with 28 people killed in the Miyun district and two in the Yanqing district.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping gave an important instruction on flood control and disaster relief on Monday, calling for all-out efforts to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property in the fight against rain-induced floods and geological disasters affecting some parts of China.

    Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said all aspects of search and rescue and flood control work should be properly organized, urgent measures should be taken to combat natural disasters, all efforts should be made to search for missing people and rescue those trapped, and people in danger should be resolutely evacuated to minimize casualties.

    The downpours forced more than 80,000 people to evacuate in Beijing alone, damaged 31 sections of roads and caused power outages in 136 villages.

    “Several houses in our community were flooded as a result of heavy rain on Saturday night,” said Cui Di, deputy head of the Shicheng Township People’s Government, located in Beijing’s hardest-hit Miyun District. She worked tirelessly throughout the night to help residents move to safer areas.

    “In such emergency situations, it is difficult for everyone. We are doing everything possible to make temporary places of stay a little more comfortable for people and thus alleviate their anxiety,” the official noted.

    According to her, local authorities also prepared mattresses, blankets, bread, eggs and other necessary materials for the evacuees.

    At the Miyun resettlement center, fourth-grader Zhao Zixuan sits on her bed reading a book. She was evacuated from the flooded village on a speedboat. “It’s very safe here, and I can read in peace,” she said.

    In recent days, extreme and strong convective phenomena caused by warm and humid air from the edge of a subtropical anticyclone have been recorded in Miyun and other metropolitan areas.

    At 8:00 p.m. Monday, the Beijing Municipal Flood Control Headquarters launched the highest-level emergency response mechanism for the floods.

    Due to continued heavy rains, the Beijing branch of China Railways suspended some trains on the Beijing-Harbin High-Siberian Railway on Tuesday.

    China’s Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management on Tuesday allocated 350 million yuan (about 48.94 million U.S. dollars) from the central budget to provide aid to nine provincial-level regions hit by floods, including Beijing.

    These funds will be used primarily to carry out emergency rescue operations and provide assistance to residents of these regions affected by natural disasters.

    Also on Tuesday, China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced it would allocate 200 million yuan to provide disaster relief assistance in Beijing. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Management Discussion of the Second Quarter Results

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

    Key Points for Second Quarter and Our Go-Forward Strategy

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

    Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    The tables below outline some of our key operating metrics.

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

    See footnotes that follow the tables below

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

    Key Performance Ratios

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

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

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

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

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

    Management Outlook; CEO Eric Sprink

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

    Coastal Financial Corporation Overview

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

    CCBX Performance Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The following table details the CCBX loan portfolio:

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

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

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

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

    The following table details the CCBX deposit portfolio:

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

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

    Community Bank Performance Update

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

    The following table details the Community Bank loan portfolio:

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

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

    The following table details the community bank deposit portfolio:

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

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

    Net Interest Income and Margin Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Noninterest Income Discussion

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

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

    Noninterest Expense Discussion

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

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

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

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

    Provision for Income Taxes

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

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

    Financial Condition Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Asset Quality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About Coastal Financial

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

    CCB-ER

    Contact

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    APPENDIX A –
    As of June 30, 2025

    Industry Concentration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    APPENDIX B –
    As of June 30, 2025

    CCBX – BaaS Reporting Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Infographics accompanying this announcement are available at

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Anti-kidnapping task force intercepts unlicensed firearms

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Tuesday, July 29, 2025

    The South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team believes it has broken the back of a syndicate involved in the trafficking of unlicensed firearms. 

    On Monday evening, an intelligence driven operation involving various units, including SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit (PIU), JHB K9, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and private security, led to the arrest of two suspects in Meyersdal, Johannesburg.

    “The arrest of the 34 and 45-year-old suspects follows several days of surveillance and information gathering across provinces, where suspects involved in the moving of unlicensed firearms were identified,” the police said in a statement on Monday.

    As the suspects collected the firearms, the team moved in for a coordinated tactical takedown, where the suspects were found with 9mm unlicensed firearms. 

    Further investigation confirmed the 30 weapons were destined for the Western Cape and the suspects intended to transport the unlicensed firearms themselves. 

    Both suspects have been linked to various other cases in Gauteng and the Western Cape. 

    “The suspects are in custody and are facing multiple charges including illegal possession and trafficking of firearms. Investigations are ongoing to track down more members of this illegal firearm trafficking syndicate,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Color against inattention – how students and teachers of RUDN and Altai State University created an app for children with ADHD

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    There are about 1,600,000 children with confirmed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Russia. The necessary therapy is not always available to their families: due to the cost or the lack of specialized centers nearby. Teachers and students of RUDN and Altai State University have developed a special application for such children that increases attentiveness and reduces anxiety using the color photostimulation (CPS) method.

    This year, the ActiMinds project team presented their application at the RUDN.VC 2.0 accelerator, becoming its finalist and receiving investor support. And then the development won the Startup Fest 2025 competition, which was organized by RSUH.

    Project team:

    Saniya Islamova is the project manager, analyst-programmer, first-year master’s student of the Applied Informatics program at the Faculty of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences of RUDN University. Mikhail Yatsenko is the head of research work, candidate of biological sciences, psychophysiologist, associate professor of the Department of General and Applied Psychology of Altai State University. Tatyana Ustimenko is the director of the Scientific and Production Complex of the Cognitive Science Center. Ivan Brak is a specialist in scientific communication, candidate of biological sciences, neurobiologist, senior lecturer of the Department of the Faculty of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences of RUDN University. Doruk Meric is a programmer, first-year master’s student of the Applied Informatics program at the Faculty of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences of RUDN University.

    The essence of development

    The CFS method involves exposing the body to light signals of different colors – red, blue, green (at the user’s choice) – with an optimal blinking frequency.

    Photostimulation helps to rebuild the functional state of the cerebral cortex into an optimal operating mode and activates Brodmann’s area 10, which in turn activates the prefrontal cortex. After all, it is the prefrontal cortex that is involved in providing such cognitive functions as planning, decision-making, awareness and establishment of logical connections between phenomena, theoretical positions, as well as in recalling memories from episodic memory.

    The mobile app developed by the team works in conjunction with VR glasses. The user puts on the glasses, turns on the app, selects the color that will affect him for 2-10 minutes (red, blue or green). And then simply watches the flickering, which looks like a circle, of the selected color.

    What are the advantages of development:

    low cost of 2,500 rubles for a course of therapy consisting of 10 sessions (traditional methods of therapy cost from 20 to 50 thousand rubles); easy to use with a minimum of equipment (smartphone with an installed application plus VR glasses); the effect is already there from the first session; • high safety of use in the absence of epilepsy, heart disease and recent retinal detachment or recent eye surgery; there are statistics, session history, expansion of options is planned; there is communication with the project team via a chat bot and a VK channel.

    A bit of history

    The idea for the project originated at Altai State University back in 2001 during a study of the influence of the level of brain activation on the effectiveness of mental performance.

    “University scientists have found that at a certain level of brain activation, the experiment participants demonstrated high levels of mental performance. As a result, an idea came up to “impose” this activity on the brain in order to improve its performance using the color photostimulation method. During the research, ordinary glasses with black opaque lenses were used, on the inside of which three LEDs were glued in the center – red, green and blue. The glasses, in turn, were connected by wire to a special unit with a liquid crystal screen. It allowed changing the frequency of flickering, brightness and color,” – Saniya Islamova, head of the “ActiMinds” project and a RUDN Master’s student (Applied Informatics, 1st year).

    However, it took 20 years before the idea was developed and tested on a wider audience. Only since 2023 have studies been conducted again on different groups of people – children, students, athletes. At the same time, the development of technology has made it possible to use a smartphone and the first version of a mobile application created by a programmer from Barnaul instead of a block with a screen. And glasses with LEDs have been replaced by VR glasses, which allow you to influence a person’s visual field and prevent him from being distracted from the process of color photostimulation, which significantly increases the effectiveness of therapy sessions.

    Proven effectiveness

    “From February 1 to May 25, 2024, 37 children aged 6 to 7 years voluntarily took part in the study of the method. The experimental group included 24 children, 5 of whom had characteristic signs of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and 6 more – signs of ADHD. The control group consisted of 13 children. Sessions with the color photostimulation method were held four times a week for 10 minutes before correctional and developmental classes in the classrooms. In total, each child completed 10 sessions. In the group of children with ADHD, the speed of completing teacher’s tasks increased by 15%, the number of errors decreased by 2.5 times, and overall productivity increased by 22.5%,” said Elena Abuzova, Director of the MBU DO “DOOTS “Harmony”.

    Expanding the team

    Saniya Islamova joined the project in September 2024 as an administrator, and soon began to manage it. When the team was joined by programmer Meric Doruk in early 2025, it became possible to modernize the application. In two months, Meric created a new version of the service from scratch, it was deployed on PythonAnyWhere hosting. And now the team is switching to the Express.js (backend), Next.js (frontend) frameworks in JavaScript and the PostgreSQL database management system in order to be able to block content to protect against piracy and plagiarism. In addition, unnecessary settings were removed from the service, but an algorithm for creating a personal account and verifying a user using a unique token was added. Investor’s choice With the modernized application, the team took part in the RUDN.VC 2.0 accelerator. The program lasted 70 days, and during this time, Sania and her colleagues held more than 130 meetings with mentor-trackers, attended 8 open lectures from market experts and improved their project. On May 30, at the demo day, Sania defended the team’s work to investors. One of them, the founder of the company “ABV” and ambassador of the “Academy of Innovators” Ivan Shumilov, selected “ActiMinds” for further cooperation. Here is how he assessed the project.

    “The development has potential. It is possible to quickly enter monetization through the “technology plus service” combination. However, we need even more measurements on people to demonstrate the result – before/after. To increase trust on the part of parents, specialists and partners, it is necessary to strengthen the scientific and expert base. Involving people with specialized education, publications, clinical and research experience in the team or expert council will become a strong support. Their conclusions will be able to support the evidence-based nature of the method. The application can also be adapted for other problems, not only ADHD, but also stress, anxiety, and adaptation difficulties. In this way, it will be possible to expand the product line,” – Ivan Shumilov, founder of the company “ABV” and ambassador of the “Academy of Innovators”.

    Best Startup

    After completing the accelerator, the ActiMinds team formulated a commercial proposal for cooperation with private psychologists and neuropsychologists, psychological centers, and also agreed with the RUDN University Faculty of Psychology on joint work from autumn 2025. With such results, the participants of the ActiMinds project applied for the Startup Fest 2025 competition, which was organized by RSUH.

    “In the beginning, there were no particular hopes for winning, since we had to create a website for the project and conduct a marketing campaign. Probably, setting up online advertising was the most difficult, since we were doing it for the first time. After that, we recorded a video with a story about “ActiMinds”, the conducted marketing campaign and its results, and sent an application to the competition. The jury watched the video, and eventually, the student organizers from RSUH wrote to us and invited us to the award ceremony in one of the nominations. And it turned out to be a victory in the main nomination. The victory gave a positive assessment to our project and our teamwork, which does not go in vain!” – Saniya Islamova, head of the “ActiMinds” project and a RUDN University Master’s student (Applied Informatics, 1st year).

    According to Saniya, the recommendations for further development of the project from the organizers and jury of the competition were very valuable. Mikhail Boldyrev, Director of the Center for Project Activities and Communication Technologies at the Russian State University for the Humanities, advised the team to create a website and social networks for the project. Post articles on the topic of ADHD on the portal, collect traffic, and initiate communication with potential users of the application and partners in social networks. Then gradually integrate your own product into the community through expert content. In addition, Mikhail Boldyrev recommended involving doctors in testing the application in order to promote the product through their reviews.

    New goals

    The team has taken the expert’s advice on board, so its immediate plans include creating social networks and a project website to educate and inform parents about the ADHD problem and their method. And also to organize joint work with the psychology departments of RUDN and Moscow State University on research and scientific articles in the new academic year, and to establish commercial cooperation with private neuropsychologists and psychological centers.

    “We also plan to launch our own mobile application for the Android platform, which will work together with VR glasses. In addition to the main function based on the photostimulation method, the service will offer psychological tests, analysis of the user’s speech segment before and after using the DFS method, support and online consultation with a psychologist. The application is planned to be placed on all available marketplaces,” says Saniya Islamova, head of the ActiMinds project and a RUDN University Master’s student (Applied Informatics, 1st year).

    In addition, the ActiMinds team wants to apply for the Student Startup competition from the Social Initiatives Fund and compete for a grant. And hopes for another victory.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Relations

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

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

    Investor Relations

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

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

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

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

    No Offer or Solicitation

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

    Important Additional Information

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

    Participants in the Solicitation

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ChipMOS Schedules Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HSINCHU, Taiwan, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (“ChipMOS” or the “Company”) (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 8150 and Nasdaq: IMOS), an industry leading provider of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test services (“OSAT”), today announced that it will report second quarter 2025 results and host a conference call after the close of trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

    Investors and analysts are encouraged to participate using the dial-in phone number noted below. A webcast and replay will be available on the Company’s website.

    Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
    Time: 3:00PM Taiwan (3:00AM New York)
    Dial-In: +886-2-3396 1191
    Password: 3300012 #

    Webcast and Replay: https://www.chipmos.com/chinese/ir/info2.aspx
    Replay: Starts Approximately 2 hours after the live call ends

    Language: Mandarin

    Note: A transcript will be provided on the Company’s website in English following the conference call to help ensure transparency, and to facilitate a better understanding of the Company’s financial results and operating environment.

    Contacts:

    In Taiwan
    Jesse Huang
    ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    +886-6-5052388 ext. 7715
    IR@chipmos.com
    In the U.S.
    David Pasquale
    Global IR Partners
    +1-914-337-8801
    dpasquale@globalirpartners.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Robbery – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two youths in relation to a robbery that occurred in Katherine on Friday.

    Around 7:20am, three male youths allegedly followed a 90-year-old man from Railway Terrace to Katherine Terrace, where one of the youths grabbed the victim’s keys from his pocket. All three fled the scene on foot back towards Railway Terrace.

    Witnesses flagged down nearby police who arrested two male youths aged 13 and 14 nearby.

    The victim was assessed and did not require medical attention.

    Investigations remain ongoing to identify and locate the outstanding offender.

    Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500074944. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Opening Remarks During Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 National Security and Department of State Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), delivered opening remarks at the House Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Agencies Bill. Below is a transcript of his remarks:
     

    “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. There are many ways to sound retreat. Silence is one of them. Failure to articulate the principles of democracy and defense. Failing to fund properly the defense of democracy here and around the world. The chairman of this subcommittee and I have voted almost exactly alike over a long period of time, ensuring that we opposed communist dictatorship in a little island not too far from our shores.

    “Some of you perhaps saw my statement the day after we bombed Iran’s nuclear capacity in support of that action. I fully subscribe to the remarks of the Subcommittee Chairman in articulating the deficiencies of this bill, in articulating, in sounding a clear trumpet again here and around the world of America’s willingness to stand against dictators, despots, and war criminals. I also will take no second spot in my defense of Israel. And I thank the gentleman for – and the gentlelady for assuring that our intent to defend Israel and oppose those who want to kill Jews.

    “A few months ago, when DOGE eliminated [the] Near Eastern Regional Democracy Fund – which supported pro-democracy Iranian activists – the Ayatollah’s regime celebrated. An Iranian newspaper affiliated with Khomeini’s government praised the decision, writing, and I quote, ‘Trump, who was expected to undermine Iran, has instead disrupted the opposition.’ I think perhaps they’ve changed their views as a result of the Administration’s action in Iran just a few days ago. China was similarly elated when the Trump Administration gutted Voice of America early this year. Reacting to that news, the former head of the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship newspaper said, ‘How truly gratifying.’ He said that China was thrilled to see the program and, I quote, ‘crumble from within, scattering like a flock of startled birds.’ The reaction was similar in Russia, where the head of one of Vladimir Putin’s state media agencies said, and again, I quote, ‘Today is a holiday for me and my colleagues.’ These are Russian colleagues. ‘This is an awesome decision by Trump.’ ‘We couldn’t shut them down,’ the spokesman continued, ‘unfortunately, but America did so itself.’ The axis of aggression will have the same reaction to this bill.

    “Russia, China, Iran, and others are already working to fill in the vacuum the bill would help create on the global stage. China, Russia, and other adversaries are pouring money into foreign initiatives to expand their influence around the world. They’re training more diplomats and analysts. They are forging closer economic ties with developing nations, as the Chair Lady [Frankel] said. Investing in diplomacy and foreign aid is not simply the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do. It builds goodwill toward the United States. It helps stop humanitarian crises that would otherwise put additional strain on our broken immigration system. It helps stop the spread of dangerous diseases from HIV to Ebola to Covid. Crucially, investing in these programs enhances our national security without endangering our military service members.
     
    “I echo what Marco Rubio said in 2017: ‘Foreign aid is not charity. We must make sure it is well spent, but it is less than 1% of our budget and critical to our national security.’ That was the Secretary of State who said that in 2017. How sad to see him rationalize disinvestment, contradicting his own words. In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen the Administration purge over 1,300 employees from the State Department, allegedly to improve efficiency and perhaps because our foreign challenges have become less complicated. I had two separate constituents who were dismissed. They’re concerned that the purge will undermine the State Department’s ability to process American passports.

    “I will yield, and I would hope somebody would yield to me to continue my statement.”

    (Rep. Jim Clyburn yields for Mr. Hoyer to continue his remarks.)

    “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Alford is one of my better friends on the Republican side. I respect him. I respect his remarks, and we are pleased, as the gentleman observed, that PEPFAR has been saved. It was saved from DOGE, it was saved from the Trump Administration. And yes, we support that effort, and we applaud the Chairman of the Subcommittee for doing that. However, when the gentleman talks about limited resources, there are limited resources. I care a great deal about the debt. We need to deal with $37 trillion of debt or my great grandchildren are going to be in real trouble. My grandchildren are going to be in trouble. Maybe my children won’t be in so much trouble. But we need to deal with that debt.

    “But a Republican former vice president who was governor of our state once said: ‘The cost of failure far exceeds the price of progress.’ That was Spiro Agnew. The cost of failure exceeds the price of progress. On your side, you made a determination. You were going to raise our debt by $5 trillion. Some people who had never voted to raise debt before voted to raise the debt by $5 trillion, and then you spent that additional debt, giving $3.4 trillion to some of the wealthiest people in America. Now, there were some who were not so wealthy [who] also got some small relief. So yes, this bill does some good things, but it is silent, and I think one of the biggest challenges to which John Kennedy was speaking, that, ‘we will pay any price, bear any burden to defend freedom here and around the world.’

    “And we have a dictator, despot, anti-democrat – with a small ‘d’ – attacking a democratic country, an ally of ours. We have had 12 votes on supporting Ukraine. There’s not a single Democrat [that] voted against Ukraine in those, and the overwhelming majority of Republicans voted for these 12 votes. An average of 79% of us in the Congress of the United States supported defending and helping Ukraine defend itself. Yet, as I understand it, there’s not a single word in this national security bill about Ukraine. I think the gentleman from Illinois has an amendment that may deal tangentially with Ukraine, but this bill is essentially silent. That’s what I mean about sounding retreat.

    “Now, we won’t know the full scope of the damage of this bill for a long time to come. I hope it’s a long time. It maybe sooner. We talk about China. We talk about Taiwan and supporting that $500 million. I guarantee you the message we send to China if Ukraine loses will be louder than anything this bill says. Many of those forced out of [the Department of State] were intelligence analysts specializing in Russia and China. Others focused on counterterrorism, on stopping drug trafficking. Some were tasked with ensuring America’s energy dominance. Maintaining America’s security and influence around the world is not a partisan issue. It has not been for me a single day I’ve been in this institution. I supported almost all of Ronald Reagan’s buildup, and I think it led directly to the ability of Gorbachev to look his industrial complex in the eye and say, ‘We can’t compete with America.’

    “We ought to put this legislation aside and act on the bipartisan consensus that I believe still exists on these priorities. I pray it still exists. If America retreats, our adversaries will inevitably advance. Are there some good things in this bill? There are. But they are woefully inadequate in so many other ways. I urge the defeat of this bill and yield back the balance of my time.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Want to save yourself from super scams and dodgy financial advice? Ask these questions

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes, Academic in Financial Planning, CQUniversity Australia

    Is there anything you can do to protect your superannuation from dodgy providers or questionable financial advice? And if someone rings you out of the blue and tempts you with a better return on your savings – what should you do?

    Around 12,000 Australians with A$1.2 billion in retirement savings have been caught up in three collapsed or frozen funds: First Guardian, Shield and Australian Fiduciaries.

    People have described being cold-called or seeing ads on social media, suggesting they could earn more by leaving their current super fund. Several financial advisers linked to these funds have now been banned for giving “inappropriate advice” to clients, containing “false and misleading statements”.

    As a former financial adviser and now researcher, here are the questions I wish more people asked to screen out scammers and dodgy financial advisers faster – and places to seek help if you need it.

    What do I do if someone calls with an unexpected sales pitch?

    The first thing you need to know is that in Australia we have anti-hawking legislation. This prohibits people making cold calls or unsolicited face-to-face approaches for financial products, such as superannuation.

    If you get a phone call like that, the official advice is now to hang up immediately. If they persist, you could say:

    I didn’t request this cold call. Did you know you’re breaking the law and I can report you?

    They will probably put the phone down! They know they’re not doing the right thing. If they keep talking, hang up.

    Block their number. Tell a family member if you need help. If you’ve shared personal information, call your super fund or bank.

    I’m thinking of switching super funds. What should I ask first?

    Whether you’re talking to a super fund or a financial adviser, my first three questions would be about their fees, what’s known as “the 4Ps” – philosophy, people, process and performance – and risk profile.

    What are the fees?

    Don’t just look at a super fund’s returns: look closely at their fees.

    Your super fund statement will disclose how much administration, insurance premiums, transactions, buy/sell spread and investment fees and costs are being deducted.

    High fees charged by a trustee eat up your super balance over time. If a fund earns 7% annually and charges fees of 0.63% annually, then your actual return is only 6.37%.

    Is the fund a good match on “the 4 Ps”?

    Go to the provider’s website to understand whether the fund’s philosophy reflect your core beliefs about investing and risk.

    Learn about the reputations of the people behind the fund who lead and invest your money.

    Find out what process they use to select and manage investments. Finally, consider how well and consistently the fund has performed over the past five to ten years.

    What’s the risk profile?

    Super funds classify investment options into risk profiles (such as conservative, balanced or growth) to provide you with investments to match your risk tolerance and age.

    You can find a fund’s risk profile on the fund’s website under investment options, in the product disclosure statement and target market determination.

    How can I compare my super fund?

    Want to check if your retirement savings are in an underperforming fund? For the past few years, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has called out MySuper funds that aren’t performing to standard.

    Compare funds with the Australian Tax Office’s YourSuper Comparison Tool.

    How I can find out if a financial adviser’s been in trouble?

    On advisers, you can investigate their reputation or past complaints at:

    If you’re comfortable using OpenAI, such as ChatGPT or CoPilot, you can try searching with the following prompts.

    • “Can you find any complaints or disciplinary actions against (name of adviser/fund)?”
    • “What is the public reputation of (adviser/fund) in financial forums or news?”
    • “Has (adviser/fund) been mentioned in any ASIC enforceable actions, bans or media reports?”

    More action promised, but not yet delivered

    There are echoes in what’s allegedly happened with First Guardian and Shield of Storm Financial’s collapse in 2009, which also hit thousands of people.

    There are bad apples in every industry. Whether it’s in finance or medicine, it’s often colleagues who know who the dodgy operators are. Then it’s a question of whether anyone does anything about it.

    In the case of First Guardian and Shield, other financial advisers helped raise the alarm – unfortunately several years before the corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, acted.

    The commission says they’re now working with the federal government on more “reform options”. But that won’t help the thousands of people currently without access to their retirement savings, uncertain how much of those funds they’ll recover.


    You can seek free counselling and advice from the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007); Mob Strong Debt Helpline (1800 808 488) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; or the Consumer Action Law Centre.

    Disclaimer: this is general information only and not to be taken as financial advice.

    Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes received funding from the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand and Central Queensland University. She is presently on a panel in her academic capacity assisting the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) review and update their Professional Standards. She is also a council member of the FAAA Financial Planning Education Council. Angelique was an authorised representative (practicing financial adviser) from 2009 to 2012.

    ref. Want to save yourself from super scams and dodgy financial advice? Ask these questions – https://theconversation.com/want-to-save-yourself-from-super-scams-and-dodgy-financial-advice-ask-these-questions-261756

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI: BTC Price Hits $118,000: HashJ Launches First Short-Term Contracts for Scalable Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, Switzerland, July 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MGPD Finance Limited, doing business as HashJ, today announced the official launch of its short-term BTC contract offerings, designed to help everyday users benefit from Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally past $118,000. The launch marks a new chapter in making digital asset participation simpler, faster, and more predictable—especially for mobile-first users worldwide.

    HashJ’s platform now enables fixed-term Bitcoin reward plans ranging from 3 to 30 days, with flexible entry amounts and automated settlement. These BTC-linked contracts are designed for users who prefer predictable returns without engaging in high-risk trading or managing complex wallets.

    Understanding Bitcoin-Linked Contracts

    Unlike traditional blockchain products that require deep technical knowledge, HashJ’s short-term contracts are built for accessibility. Leveraging protocol upgrades like Taproot and Script enhancements, Bitcoin now supports basic automated actions that allow users to receive rewards based on time or market performance.

    Instead of trading, users can activate a short-term BTC contract and receive returns once predefined terms are met. These plans are often referred to as:

    • BTC reward contracts
    • Bitcoin income plans
    • Automated BTC participation tools

    How It Works

    Each plan allows users to commit a set amount of BTC (or equivalent), which is automatically tracked through the duration of the contract. At the end of the term—such as 7 or 14 days—the user receives both the original amount and a BTC-denominated reward, without manual claiming or market monitoring.

    The system is entirely self-directed and designed for ease of use, particularly through the HashJ app and online platform. 

    Why This Launch Matters in 2025

    1. Bitcoin Price Surge
      With BTC price exceeding $118,000, many users are looking for safe and structured ways to grow holdings. HashJ’s short-term plans offer a non-speculative alternative to trading.
    2. Simplified Access via HashJ
      New users can register at www.hashj.com and receive a $118 welcome package—including a $100 trial contract and $18 in real value—to begin participating immediately.
    3. Predictable Returns in Unpredictable Times
      Fixed-term plans ranging from 3 to 30 days allow users to avoid timing the market. Contract terms are transparent, short, and aligned with Bitcoin performance trends.

    HashJ Product Snapshot

    • Platform: Mobile + Web-based
    • Live Users: 2M+ registered worldwide
    • Welcome Offer: $118 bonus for new users
    • Contract Terms: 3–30 days
    • Security: Encrypted wallet access, immutable transaction records, and real-time performance tracking
    • Support: 24/7 multilingual assistance

    “This launch reflects our mission to help users earn BTC without needing to be traders or technicians,” said a spokesperson for HashJ. “With short-term contracts, anyone can now engage with Bitcoin in a safe, flexible, and rewarding way.”

    In addition to the welcome bonus, HashJ also runs a VIP program offering tiered benefits for high-volume participants, as well as an affiliate program that rewards users for referring others through unique invite codes. These features are designed to foster long-term engagement and community-led growth.

    Real-World Example

    A new user funds a $50 BTC contract for 7 days through the HashJ platform. After the term expires, the user receives the original amount plus a predetermined reward—automatically and securely—without engaging in trading or price speculation.

    Built for Security

    HashJ’s contract infrastructure is built on robust blockchain standards, including:

    • Transparent reward logic
    • Multi-signature wallet protection
    • Encrypted user access keys
    • Contract time-locks and early exit flexibility

    All BTC reward contracts operate within a decentralized, permissionless framework that prioritizes security and ease of use.

    Looking Ahead: The Future of BTC Participation

    With Bitcoin playing a growing role in decentralized finance, HashJ’s short-term contracts position the company at the forefront of non-trading-based BTC growth models. Future plans include:

    • Integration with cross-chain BTC products
    • Trigger-based contracts linked to BTC market events
    • Smart wallet compatibility
    • BTC-linked token and NFT access

    About MGPD Finance Limited (HashJ)

    MGPD Finance Limited, doing business as HashJ, is a fintech company based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2018, the company provides contract-based digital reward systems for BTC, ETH, DOGE, and XRP, with over 2 million users across more than 90 countries.

    For more information, visit: www.hashj.com
    App Download: Available on iOS and Android
    Business Inquiries: pr@hashj.com

    The MIL Network