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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Major banks set industry milestone with endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Major banks set industry milestone with endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance

    A group of leading Trade Finance banks have today announced their endorsement of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (ICC PSTF). This group, and further supporting banks, collectively represent as much as 25% of the global trade finance market by volume.

    The work, led by ICC, with support from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and newly announced endorsement by Commerzbank, ING, Santander, and Standard Chartered aims to provide clear, transparent, and consistent guidelines to enable banks, corporates and investors to effectively channel capital towards sustainable and inclusive trade finance facilities.

    Unlike for many other financial products, trade finance practitioners have historically not had a clear, consistent and consensus definition on what constitutes sustainable trade finance, limiting its application. The principles, launched in October 2024, therefore provide a robust methodology for evaluating sustainable trade finance transactions, including a globally acceptable approach for assessing use-of-proceeds in trade finance transactions, proposed due diligence protocols for sustainability verification and unified reporting standards to ensure consistency across financial institutions.

    As a next step, with support of these banks, ICC plans to further build on the principles including defining legal terms and extending its coverage to social sustainability, while also working with the broader trade ecosystem – including banks, corporates and regulators – to expand further endorsement. ICC welcomes any users who also wish to endorse the PSTF to an additional endorsement announcement in circa Q3 2025.

    “We welcome the endorsement of the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance by four leading banks. This is a strong signal of market alignment behind a common framework to scale sustainable trade finance in a practical, credible and commercially viable way. We look forward to more banks endorsing the ICC principles ahead of COP30 in November – sending a clear signal that trade is a core part of the solution to climate change.”

    Philippe Varin, ICC Chair

    Raelene Martin, Head of Sustainability at ICC, added:
    “We are thrilled to welcome the banks’ endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, which marks an important step in aligning the industry around common methodology for the assessment of sustainable trade finance. We are thankful for their tremendous support in providing thought leadership and guidance that is fit for purpose for industry globally. We believe that the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance present an important milestone in embedding sustainability at the heart of global trade in a practical and robust way.”

    The first ICC member banks to endorse the ICC principles shared their initial thoughts:

    “At Santander CIB, we are committed to empowering our clients with innovative trade and working capital solutions aligned to their sustainability goals that promote resilience across global supply chains. To that end, we are happy to endorse the ICC principles, a landmark initiative in sustainable trade finance, and to continue to pave the way for more original solutions that deliver positive financial and sustainable impacts to businesses everywhere.”

    — Pablo Ballesteros, Head of GTB Cross Solutions at Santander CIB

    “Standard Chartered introduced its sustainable trade finance proposition in 2021 and as a pioneering advocate for sustainable trade finance standards across the industry, we are pleased to adopt ICC’s principles. We are committed to offering our clients innovative solutions that empower them to achieve their sustainability goals while effectively managing associated risks. We applaud ICC for leading the way in setting the international guidelines for the industry and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them to shape the future of sustainable trade finance globally.”

    — Sofia Hammoucha, Global Head of Trade & Working Capital at Standard Chartered.

    “Commerzbank, as a leading bank for foreign trade particularly for Germany and Europe, welcomes the publication of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance and actively contributed to them. They are suitable for establishing a consistent approach among international market participants and are referenced in our ESG framework.”
    — Sven O. Schmidt, Head of International Trade Finance Operations, Commerzbank AG

    “ING is proud to have contributed to ICC’s new Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, which set a clear and actionable framework specifically tailored for the unique nature of trade finance transactions. These principles align with ING’s commitment to supporting clients in their transition to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem. We will actively support further development of the framework into Social Trade Principles and further guidance for Sustainability Linked Supply Chain Finance.”

    — Anthony van Vliet, Head of Product Management Trade – Transaction Services – ING Wholesale Banking

    “Accelerating sustainable trade is a critical enabler in decarbonising some of the world’s most complex supply chains. Unlike for many other financial products, trade finance practitioners have not historically had a clear, consistent, and consensus definition on what constitutes sustainable trade finance, limiting its application. The formal recognition and endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance by leading global financial institutions is a huge step forward on this journey.”

    — Ravi Hanspal, Partner, Boston Consulting Group

    Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a long-term strategic partner of ICC, co-leading ICC’s Sustainable Trade programme since its inception, including the working group that developed the most recent Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance.

    Read more about the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, and ICC’s broader work on sustainable trade

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Two property owners fined over $110,000 in total for carrying out unauthorised building works

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Two property owners fined over $110,000 in total for carrying out unauthorised building works 
    The BD discovered certain UBWs at the two detached houses during a large-scale operation in September 2023 to inspect houses along the coastal area of Redhill Peninsula. Investigation by the BD found that the owners of the two houses had knowingly carried out the concerned building works without the prior approval and consent from the BD, contravening section 14(1) of the BO. Hence, the BD instigated prosecution action against the two owners under section 40(1AA) of the BO in August last year. The two owners were convicted and fined $30,000 and $82,980 respectively yesterday.
     
    A spokesman for the BD said today (June 13), “The Redhill Peninsula incident reveals that coastal detached houses with UBWs or illegal occupation of government land can pose safety hazards and risks to nearby slopes. If such contraventions are discovered, the BD will take vigorous enforcement actions and instigate prosecution actions. Property owners should consult building professionals before carrying out building works to ensure compliance with the BO.”
     
    The spokesperson said that these are the first two convictions for contravening section 14(1) of the BO in relation to the Redhill Peninsula incident. The BD has already instigated prosecutions against 30 detached houses on Redhill Peninsula, including the above two houses. Court hearings for these cases are being rolled out.
     
    Pursuant to section 40(1AA) of the BO, any person who knowingly contravenes section 14(1) (i.e. commencement or carrying out any building works without having first obtained approval and consent from the BD), commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine of $400,000 and to imprisonment for two years, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
     
    The Government has earlier on put forward proposals to amend the BO, including increasing the penalties to enhance deterrence against failure to comply with statutory notices or orders by the specified time and offences against serious UBWs. The Government is drafting the legislative amendments, with a view to submitting the amendment bill to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026.
    Issued at HKT 22:42

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Riverhead — RCMP charges a man with child pornography offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a man with child pornography and child luring offences in Riverhead.

    On June 3, the RCMP’s ICE Unit, assisted by Barrington RCMP, Shelburne RCMP and RCMP Digital Forensic Services executed a search warrant at a home on Oak Park Rd. and safely arrested a 41-year-old man from Riverhead.

    Investigators were directed to the residence after a social media application notified law enforcement that child pornography had been transmitted using their service.

    Through the course of the investigation, it was also learned that the man had communicated online with a child in Newfoundland and had sent sexually explicit material. With the assistance of the RCMP-RNC Integrated Internet Child Exploitation Unit, the child victim was located and evidence gathered.

    Robert Nickerson, 41, has been charged with:

    • Possession of Child Pornography
    • Distribution of Child Pornography
    • Luring a Child
    • Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child

    Nickerson was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on September 2, 2025.

    With these types of offences, specifically Luring a Child, it is possible there may be more victims. The RCMP ICE Unit is encouraging anyone with additional information concerning this incident to call their local RCMP detachment or municipal police agency.

    In Nova Scotia it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography; anyone who comes across child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tipline: www.cybertip.ca.

    File 2024-1888833

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fiscal Manager For The Children’s Advocacy Center Of Northeastern Pennsylvania Sentenced For Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angela Saar, age 51, of Olyphant, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 29, 2025, to 366 days in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for wire fraud related to her on-going theft from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania, in Scranton.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from November 2018 to June 2022, while employed as the fiscal manager for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania (CAC/NEPA), Saar engaged in a scheme to defraud the CAC/NEPA. Formed in 1998, the CAC/NEPA, is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), whose mission is to provide excellence in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect. During her tenure as the fiscal manager for the CAC, Saar diverted fraudulent payments of various kinds from CAC/NEPA bank accounts into her own personal bank accounts for her personal benefit.  Some of the diverted payments involved fraudulent mileage reimbursements, while others involved Saar inflating her bi-weekly paychecks by thousands of dollars.

    The total amount of restitution ordered payable to the CAC/NEPA was $411,940.11. Saar also similarly defrauded a second charitable organization in Lackawanna County for which she paid restitution prior to her sentencing in this matter. Saar has been ordered to surrender herself to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons on or before June 20, 2025. 

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Scranton Resident Office of the Philadelphia Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Berti prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 420 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SOUTH BEND – Late yesterday, Jonathan Alan Peters, 33 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Peters was sentenced to 420 months in prison, 15 years of supervised release.  Restitution will be imposed at a later date.

    According to documents in the case, Peters took photographs depicting images of child sexual abuse material. He then distributed the images to other people on the Internet. The investigation revealed he possessed 110 images and 29 videos which depicted child sexual abuse material.

    This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the Mishawaka Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Alectra releases 2024 ESG and GRE&T Centre reports highlighting commitment to sustainability, community support and grid modernization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Inc. presents its 2024 Annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, ‘Discover the Possibilities’, showcasing significant progress toward its long-term sustainability goals while continuing to deliver reliable, affordable energy services to more than one million homes and businesses across Ontario.

    The report outlines how Alectra is investing in modernizing its electricity grid to meet growing demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build stronger communities through targeted social investments.

    Alongside the ESG report, Alectra also released the 2024 Green Energy & Technology (GRE&T) Centre Report, ‘Where Great Minds Collaborate to Power a Better Tomorrow’. The report highlights progress in advancing grid-edge technologies, supporting innovation, and building strategic partnerships to shape a more sustainable future.

    “At Alectra, we recognize our responsibility goes beyond powering homes and businesses,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “Our 2024 ESG and GRE&T Centre reports demonstrate how we’re advancing sustainability, strengthening our communities, and creating long-term value for the customers and municipalities we proudly serve.”

    Some key achievements highlighted by Alectra in the ESG report include:

    • Achieving a 21.1 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2023.
    • Allocated $1.39 million through the AlectraCARES Community Support Program, supporting over 150 local health, housing and food security initiatives.
    • Invested $460 million in grid renewal and replacement projects to modernize the electricity grid.
    • Expanded People Deal initiative by investing $191,000 to support organizations promoting equality and inclusion.
    • Recognized as a Corporate Knights Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens – ranked first in Canada in the electricity transmission and distribution sector and eighth overall.
    • Earned the PRISM Certified designation from Imagine Canada for continued leadership in community investment.
    • Recognized as a Greater Toronto Area Top Employer for the fifth consecutive year.

    View Alectra’s 2024 Annual ESG Report here, and 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements here, and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) here, and see the GRE&T Centre Report here. 

    About Alectra Inc. Family of Companies

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

    Media Contact:

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
    ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Mali

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 13, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Mali’s economy is grappling with major headwinds, including food insecurity and security threats, frequent climate shocks, external financing constraints and an uncertain economic outlook. Despite these challenges, the economy is showing resilience and projected to continue to improve over the medium-term.
    • The authorities remain committed to a 3 percent fiscal deficit, in line with the WAEMU target to maintain fiscal sustainability.
    • The authorities have launched an ambitious long-term development plan “Vision 2063”, accompanied by a National Strategy for Emergence and Sustainable Development 2024-2033, to achieve high, sustainable, and inclusive growth. Its success hinges on the implementation of sound macroeconomic policies and making decisive progress on structural reforms.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by
    Ms. Wenjie Chen, visited Bamako from June 9 to 13, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation with the Malian authorities. The team held productive discussions with the authorities and other stakeholders on recent economic developments, the outlook, and medium-term policies to support macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth.

    At the end of the visit, Ms. Chen issued the following statement:

    “Mali’s economy has shown some resilience despite significant headwinds. Economic growth is estimated at 4.7 percent in 2024 unchanged form 2023, due to a combination of factors, including an electricity crisis, flooding and lower gold production. The government’s fiscal deficit declined to 2.6 percent of GDP in 2024 driven by robust revenue mobilization, exceptional payments form mining and telecom companies and tighter control of current spending amid constrained financing. Tight financing conditions in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and the absence of external budget support resulted in high borrowing costs for the Government.

    “Real GDP growth is projected to increase to 5.0 percent in 2025, weighed down by reduced output from the shutdown of the largest gold mine and ongoing security risks. Contingent on resumption of full mining activities, growth is expected to rebound to 5.4 percent in 2026. The fiscal deficit is forecast to widen to 3.4 percent in 2025, driven in part by government spending to mitigate the impact of the flooding. However, the outlook remains uncertain, with considerable downside risks.

    “Fiscal policy should prioritize achieving fiscal sustainability, particularly by converging toward WAEMU’s 3-percent fiscal deficit ceiling. Key priorities include strengthening domestic revenue mobilization through broadening the tax base, including from the mining sector, and strengthening the revenue and customs administration. Moreover, the authorities should focus on improving spending efficiency while safeguarding public investment and protecting vulnerable households.

    “Reducing domestic policy uncertainty and advancing structural reforms are essential to unlocking Mali’s growth potential. Strengthening fiscal governance, improving public financial management, addressing vulnerabilities in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and enhancing their oversight—particularly in the electricity utility, Energie de Mali—are critical. Greater policy stability and transparent regulatory frameworks are crucial for attracting foreign investment.

    “The staff team thanks the authorities and other counterparts for their close collaboration and productive discussions.”

    The team met with the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Alousséni Sanou, the Minister of Justice Mr. Mamoudou Kassogue, and the National Director of the BCEAO for Mali, Mr. Baréma Bocoum, senior staff of the main ministries and government agencies, development partners, and the private sector.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/13/pr-25196-mali-imf-staff-completes-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Names Kurt Hohl as Chief Accountant

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Kurt Hohl, with nearly 40 years of accounting and auditing experience, has been named Chief Accountant, effective July 7, 2025. Acting Chief Accountant Ryan Wolfe will return to his role as Chief Accountant in the Division of Enforcement. 

    “Kurt is an experienced accountant with deeply technical knowledge and international experience, and we are lucky he has decided to return to the SEC,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “This is an important role. Given that I served with Kurt previously, I know firsthand that his integrity, along with his skills, will benefit our markets and investors.”

    “I want to thank Ryan for his service as Acting Chief Accountant and am pleased that he will continue serving in the Division of Enforcement.”

    Mr. Hohl most recently founded Corallium Advisors, which helps businesses navigate the complexities of auditing, regulatory compliance, risk management, and initial public offerings. Before that, he spent 26 years as a partner at Ernst & Young (EY) in a variety of roles. His final EY role was as global deputy vice-chair of EY’s Global Assurance Professional Practice. In that role he was responsible for the operation and oversight of the technical, regulatory, risk, and quality oversight functions of EY’s global professional practice organization — a team of more than 1,400 professionals. Mr. Hohl previously served at the SEC from 1989 to 1997, rising to Associate Chief Accountant in the Division of Corporation Finance. There he authored what became the Financial Reporting Manual, a primary guide for the SEC accounting staff and practitioners in the application of the federal securities laws. He began his professional career at Deloitte Haskins & Sells.

    Mr. Hohl received a B.B.S. in accounting from James Madison University and is a certified public accountant in Virginia.

    “I’m pleased to come back to the SEC along with Chairman Atkins,” said Mr. Hohl. “This is a pivotal time for our capital markets, and I look forward to working with the dedicated public servants in the Office of the Chief Accountant to advance accounting and auditing policies that reinforce investor confidence, enhance transparency, and support innovation.”

    Mr. Wolfe has served as Acting Chief Accountant since January 2025. He concurrently has been serving as Chief Accountant of the Division of Enforcement and has previously served as Senior Associate Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Takes Action on Several Bills

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Takes Action on Several Bills

    Governor Stein Takes Action on Several Bills
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein signed six bills into law.

    Governor Stein made the following statement on his signing of House Bill 506: 2025 State Investment Modernization Act: 

    “This bill puts North Carolina in line with the rest of the nation and allows us to make responsible decisions investing our state employees’ hard-earned pensions. I applaud Treasurer Briner for his leadership in modernizing our state’s investment system.” 

    Governor Stein made the following statement on his signing of House Bill 50: LEO Special Separation Allowance Options: 

    “Our law enforcement work day and night to keep us safe, and we need more public spirited people serving to address our law enforcement staffing challenges. This law enables veteran law enforcement officers to continue serving our communities and supporting their families without suffering a financial penalty. I advocated for this idea as Attorney General to keep more experienced police on the beat, and I am proud to sign it into law as Governor.” 

    Governor Stein made the following statement on his signing of House Bill 231: Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact: 

    “Our social workers support children, families, and communities, and they are needed now more than ever. This law will expand access to care to more people by allowing social workers from certain other states to more easily transfer their licenses to North Carolina.” 

    Governor Stein also signed the following bills into law: 

    • House Bill 477:  Retirement Death Benefits Rewrite
    • Senate Bill 248: Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted
    • Senate Bill 477: DNCR Agency Bill 
    Jun 13, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Behavioral Health Urgent Care Respite Facility Targeted Toward Children and Adolescents to Open in Columbus County

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: New Behavioral Health Urgent Care Respite Facility Targeted Toward Children and Adolescents to Open in Columbus County

    New Behavioral Health Urgent Care Respite Facility Targeted Toward Children and Adolescents to Open in Columbus County
    kcano1

    Chadbourn, N.C.

    Credentialed media are invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new behavioral health urgent care respite center for children and families in eastern North Carolina. In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Life Changing Behavioral Health Services, and Trillium Health Resources, the Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care respite facility will open June 17, 2025.

    A respite facility is a safe and caring environment offering temporary relief for family members or caregivers who provide constant care to loved ones.  This is a six-bed respite facility for children and adolescents with mental health issues.

    Services include:

    • Emergency crisis stays
    • Hospital preventions
    • Early release from hospitals
    • Prevention of homelessness
    • Short-term stays

    What:    Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care center opening

    Who:    Cecilia Peers, Regional Vice President, Southern Region, Trillium Health Resources

                 Debra Farrington, Deputy Secretary for Health, NCDHHS  

                 Christie Edwards, Chief Operating Officer, Trillium Health Resources

                 Shirley Smith, Director, Life Changing Behavioral Health

                 Jerome Chestnut, Town Manager, Fairmont

                 Jason Robinson, Town Manager, Chadbourn

                 Dr. James Pridgen, Medical Director/Owner, Whiteville Family Practice

                 Phyllis Chavis, Consultant/State Licensing Investigator, Retired

                 Phillip Britt, Mayor, Chadbourn

    When:  Tuesday, June 17

                 10-11 a.m.

    Where:  Life Changing Behavioral Health

                 115 Collins St. 

                 Chadbourn, NC 28431

    Media: Credentialed media interested in attending should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov 

    Jun 13, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Small Capital, Big Profits – Double Your Deposit, 100x Leverage, No KYC on BexBack

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin recently broke the $100,000 barrier and established a solid position above it, many analysts are confirming that the long-awaited crypto bull market has officially returned. With heightened market volatility on the horizon, savvy investors are seeking the best tools to maximize their profits. BexBack, a leading crypto futures platform, is stepping up to the challenge by offering 100x leverage, no KYC, and a 100% deposit bonus to help traders make the most of this bullish market phase.

    How Can Smaller Capital Lead to Larger Profits? The Power of 100x Leverage

    In a volatile market like this, where every price movement counts, 100x leverage allows you to amplify your potential profits exponentially with a relatively small amount of capital. Here’s how it works:

    • Maximized Trading Power: Leverage allows you to open positions much larger than your initial deposit. For example, with 1 BTC at $100,000 and 100x leverage, you can control 100 BTC.
    • Small Price Movements, Big Profits: If Bitcoin moves from $100,000 to $110,000, a 100x leveraged position could yield a 1000% return, turning a small change in price into a significant profit.
    • Low Capital, High Return: Whether you’re new to trading or a seasoned investor, leverage gives you the ability to control much larger positions, amplifying your potential gains, all with a smaller initial deposit.

    However, with leverage comes responsibility. While high leverage can lead to impressive returns, it also magnifies risks, so it’s important to manage positions carefully.

    What Is the Double Deposit Bonus and How Does It Work?

    To further enhance trading opportunities, BexBack is offering a 100% deposit bonus to all users. This means if you deposit funds into your BexBack account, you’ll receive an additional bonus of equal value to your deposit.

    For example, if you deposit 2 BTC, you will receive an additional 2 BTC as a bonus, effectively doubling your available trading funds. While the bonus itself cannot be withdrawn directly, it can be used as margin, allowing you to control larger positions and making liquidation more difficult. Moreover, any profits earned from trading with the bonus can be fully withdrawn.

    The bonus acts as an extra margin, helping you manage trades in a volatile market. It’s an excellent way to start trading with more capital, increasing your chances of success without taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with.

    Why Choose BexBack for Crypto Futures Trading?

    BexBack stands out for several reasons that make it an ideal platform for crypto futures trading:

    • 100x Leverage: Maximize your potential profits with up to 100x leverage, a powerful tool to amplify your trading capital.
    • No KYC: Enjoy the freedom of trading without identity verification, keeping your privacy intact and making registration quick and easy.
    • Zero Slippage and Spread: BexBack offers zero spread, meaning you get the best price execution for your trades, without slippage.
    • Global Access and 24/7 Support: BexBack is available to users in various countries, including the US, Canada, and Europe, offering round-the-clock support.
    • Demo Account: A great feature for beginners, BexBack offers a demo account with virtual funds, allowing new users to practice risk-free trading.
    • Lucrative Affiliate Program: Earn up to 50% in commissions by referring new users to the platform.
    • High Liquidity: BexBack ensures a seamless trading experience with high liquidity across all major trading pairs.

    About BexBack

    Founded in Singapore, BexBack is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering futures contracts on over 50 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and XRP. BexBack is licensed under the US MSB (Money Services Business) regulations and is trusted by more than 500,000 global traders. With no deposit fees, no KYC, and a user-friendly interface, BexBack is designed to offer traders flexibility, security, and a seamless trading experience.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Maximize Your Crypto Profits

    The crypto bull market is in full force, and BexBack is here to help you capture every opportunity. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and no KYC, there has never been a better time to trade.

    Sign up now on BexBack and claim your exclusive bonus to start trading today! Seize the potential of this bull market and enjoy faster wealth accumulation with BexBack’s cutting-edge trading tools.

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack . 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:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1900eecf-82b0-4cd7-9ad8-4180542964cf

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0867c8a1-32a4-4d9a-a4ce-2331bae08c1c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f768d99-598f-4aa4-9ff5-7700f8d4bab5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71de9978-b167-44a8-abf9-db40d52902c3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches Golden Era Showdown Mid-Year Trading Event with a 10 Million USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, today announced the launch of its most ambitious mid-year trading event, the Golden Era Showdown. The three-week event offers participants the opportunity to win from a prize pool worth up to 10 million USDT, including real gold bars and Bitcoin rewards.

    Golden Era Showdown: Multiple Ways to Win Big

    The Golden Era Showdown features a dynamic prize pool structure where increased participation directly benefits all traders. The more participants who join, the bigger the prize pool grows across six exciting tiers, with early participation helping unlock maximum rewards for everyone involved. Participation is free and requires logging into MEXC, clicking the “Register Now” button on the event page, then accumulating valid futures trading volume to earn scratch-offs, spins, and lottery tickets.

    Event Timeline

    Early Bird Registration: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – June 17, 2025, 15:55 (UTC)
    Official Registration: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – July 4, 2025, 08:00 (UTC)
    Main Event: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – July 4, 2025, 08:00 (UTC)
    Lucky Draw: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – July 5, 2025, 08:00 (UTC)

    Early Bird Rewards

    The first 2,000 users who register during Early Bird and complete at least 50,000 USDT in futures trading volume will share 40,000 USDT in trading fee vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Daily Scratch-Off: Guaranteed Wins from 60% of the Grand Prize Pool

    Every 50,000 USDT in daily futures trading volume earns one scratch-off card, with a maximum of five cards daily. Cards offer futures bonuses up to 2,025 USDT from 60% of the grand prize pool and can be saved until the lucky draw period ends.

    Weekly Spin Wheel: Guaranteed Wins from 25% of the Grand Prize Pool

    Each 2 million USDT in weekly futures trading volume grants one spin chance, with up to five spins weekly. This system distributes 25% of the grand prize pool through random bonuses while supplies last, with spin chances saveable until the draw period concludes.

    Ultimate Lottery: Gold Bar & BTC Giveaway

    Accumulating 10 million USDT in valid futures trading volume generates lottery tickets with no earning limits. Prizes include luxury gold bars worth 350,000 USDT, Bitcoin, and bonuses. Winners are determined through Bitcoin blockchain hash methodology, ensuring complete transparency with independently verifiable results.

    MEXC continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing innovative trading experiences that deliver genuine value to its global user base. Through transparent reward mechanisms and substantial incentives, the exchange creates opportunities for traders to maximize their potential returns. Visit the official Golden Era Showdown event page to register and discover complete participation details.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, daily airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. 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/516cc52e-ccd1-45ac-8b16-a51335398314

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH researchers identify brain circuits responsible for visual acuity

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    Wednesday, June 4, 2025

    Studies demonstrate the effect of retinal injury on visual processing pathways, providing insights for the development of vision restoration therapies.

    Visual processing involves interactions between neurons in the eye and brain allowing us to see the world around us. These pathways originate in the retina, which converts light energy into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain’s visual processing centers. Axons from retinal ganglion cells form the optic nerve, which connects to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus, a relay center in the brain that transmits signals to the visual cortex – a part of the brain that processes those signals into images.

    Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified which brain circuits are vital for visual acuity and how they are affected by damaged retinal cells. While vision restoration therapies, such as stem-cell and gene therapies, aim to replace or repair damaged cells in the eye, it is critical to understand how brain circuits involved in vision are affected by retinal cell loss. Study results suggest that targeting these circuits may be necessary to achieve optimal recovery of visual function, and have significant implications for the development of future vision restoration therapies that address visual pathways beyond the retina. The study published today in The Journal of Neuroscience.
    “A huge amount of progress has been made in repairing the eye, however little attention has been paid to the functional consequences beyond the eye,” said the study’s lead investigator, Farran Briggs, Ph.D., senior investigator at NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI). “Brain circuits downstream of damaged or dying retinal cells in the eye may also undergo some loss of function following changes to their retinal inputs.”
    Visual processing involves interactions between neurons in the eye and brain allowing us to see the world around us. These pathways originate in photoreceptor cells in the retina that convert light energy into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain’s visual processing centers. When retinal cells become damaged due to injury or disease, vision is often impaired. In a process known as neuroplasticity, the brain undergoes functional changes to adapt to a retinal injury or disease/degeneration. A person who experiences vision loss, for example, may have a resulting “blind spot” in a portion of their field of view.
    Current therapies target retinal cells, however, retinal cells represent just the initial stage in a multi-step pathway that converts light into the complex images we perceive.
    Scientists aimed to understand how neurons downstream of the retina are affected by damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which receive signals from other retinal cells and transfer to the brain. RGCs connect to neurons in a relay center in the brain, known as the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), that transmits signals to the visual cortex, where those signals are processed into images. The study examined two types of LGN cells that respond to different types of visual information and form parallel processing pathways: X-LGN neurons, which contribute to visual acuity, and Y-LGN neurons, which contribute to motion perception.
    Investigators examined the effects of retinal cell loss on the X and Y visual processing pathways by using an animal model in ferrets. Following injury to the RGCs in the retina, recordings of LGN neuronal responses were conducted to evaluate the impact on X and Y pathways. They found that X-LGN neurons didn’t respond properly to visual stimuli, whereas Y-LGN neuron responses remained largely intact. These findings suggest that retinal cell loss affects downstream visual pathways differently, with the X pathway being notably impacted while the Y pathway remains relatively unaffected, suggesting higher sensitivity of visual acuity pathways to degeneration of the retina.
    “Vision restoration therapies may need to target circuits that are responsible for visual acuity in addition to the retina. Such therapies could include training therapies, such as video games, that provide interactive feedback or other vision behavioral therapies,” Briggs said.
    Future studies could use the model of RGC loss to investigate retinal degeneration and visual deficits in neuropsychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia. The research group aims to understand the marked changes in visual perception that occur during this disease.
    This work was supported by the in-house research program at NIH/NEI.
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
    Reference
    Yang, J., et al. (2025). “Differential impact of retinal lesions on visual responses of LGN X and Y cells.” The Journal of Neuroscience: DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0436-25. 2025.

    Institute/Center

    National Institutes of Health (NIH)

    Contact

    NIH Office of Communications
    301-496-5787

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Launch of SoloChain: The World’s First Blockchain Specifically Designed for Agentic Transactions and DePIN Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world welcomes SoloChain, the first blockchain designed for agentic transactions and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure) mining. With a focus on facilitating real-world asset integration, equitable token distribution, and smart automation, SoloChain is built upon three pillars:

    • Transaction Mining
    • DePIN Mining
    • Agentic AI Automation

    Transaction Mining: Equitable Rewards Without the Hardware Hurdle

    Most blockchain networks use miners and validators to protect the chain, but how they split rewards can be murky or biased toward insiders. Bitcoin uses the most transparent and merit-based system, but its dependence on costly hardware and complexity excludes many.

    SoloChain revolutionizes token releases and reward systems by providing the fairness and transparency of Bitcoin’s model, minus the complexity and expense of infrastructure. Users receive $SOLO tokens simply for engagement in the network — token distribution is made more democratic, inclusive, and accessible.

    Main Benefit: All user activity on SoloChain is rewarded, equating real user activity to network value.

    DePIN Mining: Enabling Tokenized Infrastructure

    The Real-World Asset (RWA) landscape is transforming as DePIN assets take centre stage. Unlike traditional RWAs, such as real estate, which face significant friction in tokenization—DePIN assets like GPUs, weather sensors, and edge devices are blockchain-native by design, making them inherently compatible with decentralized infrastructure.

    SoloChain provides an integrated environment for DePIN projects to tokenize their infrastructure, stake and restake these assets on-chain, and unlock new funding models through Mining.fun (more on this at the bottom)

    Key Differentiator: SoloChain doesn’t merely enable DePIN — it supercharges it through a native execution layer, rewarding engagement and driving real-world use.

    Agentic AI: Enabling Onchain Automation

    As the SoloChain network matures, early adopters manually stake, restake, and interact with DePIN assets. But the vision goes far beyond manual labour.

    Enter Agentic AI.

    SoloChain is actively building toward a future where AI agents autonomously manage network operations, such as:

    • Reallocating DePIN assets for optimal yield
    • Restaking into high-growth pools
    • Driving ecosystem expansion based on predictive analytics

    This agentic infrastructure transforms how users engage — minimizing effort while maximizing value.

    SoloChain in Action: DePIN Growth Meets Execution Layer

    Built on Caldera’s modular rollup stack, SoloChain is engineered for scalable, real-world deployment. It unlocks an execution layer purpose-built for decentralized physical infrastructure—coordinating programmable, permissionless assets like compute units and IoT devices directly on-chain.

    As highlighted in the 2024 State of DePIN report:

    • $50B+ total DePIN market cap
    • 13M+ connected devices
    • $500M+ annualized revenue

    Despite this massive potential, the on-chain execution layer has long been missing. SoloChain fills that gap, using a transaction-mining model that rewards real-world contributions over speculation.

    Stake infrastructure. Run autonomous agents. Launch and mine tokens with actual impact—only on SoloChain.

    Mining.Fun Testnet Is Now Live

    Mining.fun is a revolutionary launchpad that enables anyone to create tokens through its transaction mining curve system—a transparent mechanism where users stake tokens in customizable pools to earn rewards aligned with bespoke mining curves. This approach incentivizes authentic, long-term community participation while discouraging predatory behavior. Unlike Pump.fun’s volatile “pump-and-dump” approach, Mining.fun prioritizes fairness and sustainability: its mining curves prevent front-running and whale manipulation, reward early supporters progressively (not disproportionately), and create organic price discovery through continuous staking rather than artificial scarcity. The result is a fundamentally superior platform where both memecoins and utility tokens thrive through equitable mechanics rather than exploitative hype.

    No presales. No insider allocations. Just clean, on-chain token creation aligned with actual user activity.

    Ready to build the next big thing? Head to Mining.fun and launch or mine your token today.

    Learn More

    Contact Details:

    Solo Tech
    Mark Makate
    contact@solo.tech

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by SoloChain. 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/22be683e-a5a1-499f-ad33-462b05d20809

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Three police officers successfully convicted of corruption

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Three police officers successfully convicted of corruption

    The Serious Corruption Investigation component of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has this week secured a conviction in a high-profile corruption matter involving three police officials attached to the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

    The police officials are Madoda Mduduzi Mhlongo (56), Siyabonga Herbert Mabhida (51) and Prince Ntsikelelo Shezi (50).

    “It was reported that on 13 March 2019, the complainant [in the matter] was approached by the three police officials, who alleged that they were under pressure from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to arrest two suspects due to the alleged murders of key witnesses in a case they were investigating,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement. 

    “The officials solicited a gratification of R200 000 from the complainant, in lieu of preventing the arrests. The trio warned that failure to pay would result in the suspects being arrested that same night. 

    “Later that evening, the police officials arrived at one of the suspects’ premises, reinforcing the threat,” the police said.

    The matter was reported to the Serious Corruption Investigation component based at the head office. A police operation was authorised in terms of section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977). On 29 March 2019, the three implicated police officials, who were all Warrant Officers, were arrested after receiving the R200 000.

    The trio appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 1 April 2019 and were each released on R10 000 bail. Their trial commenced on 1 March 2021 and ran over an extended period until they were found guilty of corruption.

    The trio was remanded in custody as the matter was postponed to 19 June 2025 in the same court for their sentencing. – SAnews.gov.za

    Edwin

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth to be national centre for marine autonomy

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth is to be the national centre for marine autonomy, the Defence Minister has announced in a keynote address at a major networking event in the city today.

    The city is already making waves in this area of marine technology, but the announcement made by the Right Honourable Maria Eagle, Minister of State (Defence Procurement and Industry) will catapult the city and its expertise into the spotlight.

    The timing of the news could not have been better – it came as the Plymouth City Council in partnership with the South West Regional Defence and Security Cluster, hosted an event in Devonport involving key figures from the world of marine and defence connecting with local companies to explore opportunities for future projects and investment.

    Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE said: “This is superb news. We knew Plymouth was creating something special in the blue/green skills sector, but it is always great to see others endorse what you believe.

    “We have some extraordinary businesses and organisations here in Plymouth who are at the cutting edge of this incredibly exciting sector. The world is waking up to all the possibilities marine autonomy offers and we are very keen indeed to help connect Plymouth businesses to the right people and the right organisations.

    “Investing in Plymouth’s businesses for testing and developing marine autonomy will enable UK PLC to build sovereign capabilities and secure a significant share in this growing market, particularly in the fields of defence, renewables, and oil and gas.”

    MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Luke Pollard told the delegates that the nature of defence is changing. He said: “We have a strategic defence review that sets out that we will have fighting structure which includes marine autonomy.

    “Defence is an engine for growth. This an opportunity to develop, scale up and test marine autonomy. This sector is incredible, innovative and the work we are doing in the city is cutting edge.

    “There is a place for investment and that’s Plymouth.”

    Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said: “This acknowledges the key role Plymouth is already playing in the development and delivery of marine autonomy.

    “But being recognised as the national centre of excellence represents a once in a lifetime opportunity that will open new doors for the University and our partners.

    “Working across existing and new collaborations, we can now push forward with ambitious plans to grow a sector that is critical to our nation’s defence and security, and has the potential to benefit the environment, business, health and much more besides. Together, we have the skills and expertise to deliver on those ambitions, fostering new opportunities that benefit the city, region and country in the long-term.”

    Plymouth and its surrounding area has a rich ecosystem of private sector businesses and world-renowned research capabilities across marine autonomy.

    It is a global centre of excellence for marine science and technology, with one of the largest clusters of expertise in the world and over 7,100 skilled people in marine manufacturing. Blue tech/marine sector accounts for 21 per cent of the national employment in this field and 11.3 per cent of the city’s total employment.

    Global research partners include Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Marine Biological Association, the University of Plymouth and marine autonomy companies already based in Plymouth include Thales, M Subs, Oshen, Zero USV, Sonardyne and Fugro.

    In 2020 M Subs successfully sailed the first autonomous vessel across the Atlantic.

    The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS400) was the world’s first full-sized, fully autonomous, unmanned ship to cross the ocean. The revolutionary vessel set sail from Plymouth and arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts via a pit stop in Halifax in Nova Scotia.

    The industry predicts a global marine autonomy market worth £103 billion by 2030, with the UK adopting a 10 per cent market share.

    Key speakers at the event included Sir Chris Gardner KBE Chief Executive Officer of the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Royal Navy’s Vice Admiral Andrew Burns.

    There were also representatives from Thales, Atlas Electronics as well as a themed discussion on advanced marine technology and how Plymouth will drive innovation in dual-use technology for UK Security by representatives from the University of Plymouth and PML.

    Over 170 people attended the event today Friday 13 June at the Market Hall in Devonport, UK.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brian Daly Named Director of Division of Investment Management

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that investment management industry leader Brian T. Daly will become the new Director of the Division of Investment Management, effective July 8.

    Mr. Daly brings decades of experience serving in prominent roles at global law firms and investment management firms while advising fund managers and sponsors on regulatory compliance.

    For the past four years, he has been a partner in the investment management practice at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in New York, where he has guided investment advisers and other clients on their legal and compliance programs, policies, and procedures as well as counseling on fund and management company formation, operational and trading issues, contentious matters, and management company transactions.

    “Brian has deep familiarity with all levels of the investment management industry, and I look forward to working with him as we address smart, effective oversight of the industry and its relationships with investors,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “I am looking forward to working with Brian on common-sense regulation that does not impose unnecessary burdens and genuinely embraces the public comment process.”

    Mr. Daly said, “I’ve long respected and appreciated the SEC’s commitment to regulatory oversight while advising clients on compliance and providing public comment from the investment management point of view during agency rulemaking. I am optimistic about this new day at the SEC and eager to get to work with Chairman Atkins and my new colleagues to ensure regulatory compliance by investment advisers and fund managers while tailoring rulemakings within our statutory authority.”

    Prior to Akin, Mr. Daly spent nearly a decade as a partner in the investment management group of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, advising investment advisers and fund managers on legal, compliance, and operational issues and matters. He was also a founding equity partner of Kepos Capital, a quantitative investment management company, while he served as chief legal and compliance officer. Among other prior positions, Mr. Daly served in general counsel and chief compliance officer positions at Millennium Partners, a Carlyle Group liquid markets fund manager, and Raptor Capital Management. He also taught legal ethics at Yale Law School and served on the board of directors of the Managed Funds Association.

    Mr. Daly earned his J.D., with distinction, from Stanford Law School, where he was an associate editor on the Stanford Law Review and the editor-in-chief of the Stanford Journal of International Law. He received his B.A., magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Catholic University and his M.A. from the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: REDCLOUD TO PARTICIPATE AT THE ROTH 15th ANNUAL LONDON CONFERENCE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN – RedCloud Holdings plc (Nasdaq: RCT) (“RedCloud” or “The Company”) today announces that Justin Floyd, CEO and Co-Founder will be attending the ROTH 15th Annual London Conference, which will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane in London, UK.

      Event  ROTH 15th Annual London Conference
      Date   June 24-26, 2025
      Format        1×1 / small group meetings – by invitation only
      Location   London, UK

    This format will provide investors the opportunity to meet with executive management from approximately 70 companies across a range of sectors. The 1-on-1 and small group meetings throughout the event will offer institutional investors meaningful interaction with company leadership and the ability to gain in-depth insights into each business.

    To learn more and submit a registration request, visit https://ibn.fm/RothLondon2025

    About ROTH
    ROTH is a relationship-driven investment bank focused on serving growth companies and their investors. Its full-service platform provides capital raising, high impact equity research, macroeconomics, sales and trading, technical insights, derivatives strategies, M&A advisory, and corporate access. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, ROTH is a privately held, employee-owned organization and maintains offices throughout the U.S.

    For more information, visit: https://www.roth.com

    About RedCloud

    RedCloud has developed and operates the RedCloud trading platform (the “Platform”), that facilities trade of everyday consumer supplies of fast-moving consumer goods (“FMCG”) products across business supply chains. RedCloud believes its Platform solves a decades old problem of how to unlock and enable access to key purchase and sales data between brands, distributors and retailers in high growth consumer markets. Through RedCloud’s Platform, retailers are enabled to use data driven insights backed by artificial intelligence (“AI”) to help make faster and easier business-to-business (“B2B”) purchases and inventory decisions from brands and distributors by breaking down complex purchasing behaviors of large product inventory catalogues. For more information about RedCloud and its Platform, please visit www.redcloudtechnology.com and connect on LinkedIn and Facebook .

    Contact:

    Investor Relations
    Sukhvinder Gill
    Chief Investment Officer
    Investor.relations@redcloudtechnology.com

    Media Relations
    James McCarthy
    EVP Global Marketing
    media@redcloudtechnology.com

    Wire Service Contact:
    IBN
    Austin, Texas
    www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
    512.354.7000 Office
    Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ambassador of Belarus S.Terentyev meets with the First Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt

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

    Download logo

    On June 12, 2025 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sergei Terentyev, met with the First Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt – Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service, Abdelaziz Al-Sherif.

    The sides discussed the preparation of the 8th meeting of the Belarusian-Egyptian Joint Trade Commission in Minsk, and the Roadmap for the development of trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    A special attention was paid to the issues of industrial cooperation in accordance with the agreements reached by the Heads of Governments of Belarus and Egypt in April 2024, including the resumption of work on assembly plants for Belarusian agricultural machinery in Egypt.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine LeMasters, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Boulder

    The people most impacted by Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill have divergent views on the role of the legal system in curbing the opioid epidemic. Erik McGregor/GettyImages

    Colorado passed the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Bill in May 2022. The legislation made the possession of small amounts of fentanyl a felony, rather than a misdemeanor.

    Felonies are more likely than misdemeanors to result in a prison sentence.

    Time in prison is associated with an increased risk of fatal overdose in the year after release. People with felonies on their record often struggle to find a job or rent an apartment.

    In 2023, lawmakers in 46 states passed legislation similar to Colorado’s. They introduced more than 600 bills related to fentanyl criminalization and enacted over 100 other laws to attempt to curb the opioid epidemic.

    Possession of small amounts of ketamine, GHB and other criminalized drugs is also a felony in Colorado.

    I’m an assistant professor of medicine, social epidemiologist and community researcher who studies mass incarceration as a public health threat. I am a member of the Right Response Coalition, which advocates for community rather than criminal-legal responses to behavioral health needs in Colorado. Recently, my work has focused on how increasing criminal penalties for fentanyl possession in Colorado affects the individuals and communities most impacted by such laws.

    Our team conducted 31 interviews with Colorado policymakers, peer support specialists, law enforcement, community behavioral health providers and people providing behavioral health in prisons and jails to explore a variety of perspectives on Colorado’s Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Bill and the role of the criminal-legal system in addressing substance use and overdose.

    Most of our interviewees agreed that criminalization alone wouldn’t solve the opioid epidemic.

    “You can’t incarcerate yourself to sobriety,” said a rural law enforcement officer. “You can’t incarcerate yourself out of the drug problem in America.”

    Criminalization of drug use

    Incarceration and substance use are deeply intertwined. The U.S. houses one-quarter of the world’s incarcerated population – largely due to policies created during the “war on Drugs” of the 1980s. The war on drugs included mandatory minimum sentencing for drug-related charges and “three strikes” laws that lengthened sentences after multiple charges.

    Today, one-fifth of the U.S. incarcerated population has a drug-related charge.

    People recently released from incarceration are more likely to overdose than the general public because their tolerance is greatly reduced following forced abstinence and there are not enough community-based treatment options.
    Erik McGregor/GettyImages

    Incarceration is often seen as a deterrent, but research shows it is not actually associated with reduced drug use. Instead, people recently released from incarceration are more likely to die of a fatal overdose and face a high likelihood of reincarceration.

    Perspectives of front-line workers

    All 31 of the participants in our study supported policies to prevent fentanyl overdoses. However, most thought that use of police and incarceration as avenues to do so was misguided.

    We spoke to some individuals who felt the bill was appropriate, but most felt that increased criminalization perpetuates stigma against people who use drugs. They also saw the law as ignoring the root causes of the opioid epidemic, which include a lack of voluntary community-based treatment options. They also said the law creates stressful law enforcement encounters that can perpetuate drug use as a coping mechanism.

    “It just seems like there’s no getting away from [the police], they’re everywhere,” said an urban peer support specialist. “I got arrested by the same cops, I don’t know how many times. And then it makes you want to try to be avoidant or run because they’re not going to help you.”

    Participants worried that the policy has an inadvertent chilling effect, deterring individuals from calling 911 when an overdose occurs.

    “Most people with substance abuse are not trying to report anything or get help for fear of going to jail,” one rural provider said. “It’s so stigmatized that everyone’s just scared to do that.”

    Study participants worried that the Colorado fentanyl criminalization bill will deter people from reporting an overdose for fear of being arrested.
    Spencer Platt/GettyImages

    Participants largely thought that counties were using incarceration as a default treatment setting and that it wasn’t an ideal solution.

    “[I] don’t want to see [people] incarcerated, but I don’t want ‘em to die either,” said an urban peer support specialist.

    The people we interviewed pointed to a lack of community-based care options that could come before people are incarcerated. Those options include substance use treatment centers, mental health services and community health centers.

    Substance use treatment

    Colorado’s fentanyl bill did more than just increase penalties. It also provided additional funding for a state naloxone program and required that all jails provide medications for opioid use disorder.

    Along with increasing penalties, Colorado’s bill increased access to naloxone, an opioid-reversal drug.
    Hyoung Chang/GettyImages

    These medications include methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone. All are part of an established public health strategy shown to reduce overdose deaths and opioid use. They’re also shown to increase engagement with non-jail-based treatment and reduce reincarceration.

    However, jail capacity and the lack of treatment options based in one’s community play a large role in which medications are offered and to whom. For example, only 11 out of Colorado’s 46 counties with a county jail have an opioid treatment program in the community that can dispense methadone. Therefore, some facilities do not offer all medications, or only offer medications to individuals with an active prescription or to certain populations such as pregnant people.

    Investing in community solutions

    Based on our study’s findings, my study co-authors and I believe increased criminal penalties should not be the solution for linking individuals to treatment. Instead, there should be more investment in long-term community solutions.

    One such solution is Denver’s Substance Use Navigation Program. The program sends behavioral health specialists to emergency calls to prevent legal involvement when someone is experiencing distress related to mental health, poverty, homelessness or substance use. In many cases, those individuals are then routed to services rather than jails.

    Our findings also lead us to believe there is a need for more participatory policymaking processes when it comes to fentanyl legislation, and that policymakers should more closely work with the people who will be most impacted by new legislation. Most of our participants agree.

    “[I] don’t think that [the] state realized how difficult it is,” said a rural provider about giving medication-assisted treatment in jail, an increasing need as more people are arrested for fentanyl possession. “They probably should come here and visit us.”

    Katherine LeMasters received funding from the Colorado Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration. Katherine LeMasters is part of the Right Response Coalition.

    – ref. Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected – https://theconversation.com/colorados-fentanyl-criminalization-bill-wont-solve-the-opioid-epidemic-say-the-people-most-affected-256661

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Warren Questions Trump Treasury Secretary on Hypocrisy of Adding to National Debt to Pay for Tax Giveaways for Rich

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 13, 2025
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. — At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questioned Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on Republicans’ hypocrisy on raising the deficit with Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
    Senator Warren highlighted the hypocrisy of Secretary Bessent’s support for cutting crucial social programs to decrease the national debt, while also supporting adding trillions to the deficit to give billionaires and giant corporations tax cuts. 
    Secretary Bessent, with no evidence, said he believed the tax bill would decrease the deficit. 
    Senator Warren pointed out that “[e]very credible, independent expert agrees that Trump and the Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will add trillions to the national debt and would not even come close to paying for itself…Even Elon Musk and the Wall Street Journal are criticizing the bill for ballooning the national debt.”  
    The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has revealed the Republican tax bill would increase the deficit by $3 trillion. Secretary Bessent said only that he “[doesn’t] agree with the CBO.” 
    “[W]hy is the national debt so very important that you’re trying to kick 16 million people off their health insurance, but increasing the national debt doesn’t seem to matter if you’re cutting taxes for billionaires and billionaire corporations?” Senator Warren asked. 
    Bessent attempted to downplay the health care cuts by saying the “figure is overstated by 5.1 million,” and falsely claimed Medicaid is granted to undocumented people. 
    “[T]he part that troubles me the most is that the Secretary is deeply worried about the deficit and is willing to knock 16 million, or as he says, ‘merely 11 million,’ people off their health care [because it] matters so much, but it doesn’t matter so much if you’re cutting taxes for billionaires…I think that’s wrong,” concluded Senator Warren.
    Transcript: Hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for the Department of Treasury and Tax ReformSenate Finance CommitteeJune 12, 2025 
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So I want to ask about the Republican “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which will knock about 16 million off their healthcare coverage and cut programs that keep groceries cheaper for millions of families, in order to try to pay for about $4 trillion in tax giveaways, that are mostly going to be sucked up by millionaires, billionaires, and wealthy corporations. 
    So, Secretary Bessent, I’d like to start with a very simple question: will this bill increase or decrease the deficit?
    Mr. Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury: There are varying scoring on that, Senator Warren.
    Senator Warren: You’re the Secretary of the Treasury, so I’m asking you: what is your view? Will this bill increase or decrease the deficit? 
    Secretary Bessent: It is my view that over the ten-year window, it will decrease. 
    Senator Warren: You know, do you have anybody who agrees with you on this? 
    Secretary Bessent: Yes, ma’am.
    Senator Warren: Let me ask my question. 
    Secretary Bessent: Okay. 
    Senator Warren: Every credible, independent expert agrees that Trump and the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will add trillions to the national debt and would not even come close to paying for itself. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Penn Wharton Budget Model, and the Yale Budget Lab all agree on this, and they are looking at ten-year windows, thank you. So do the conservative Tax Foundation and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget—conservative groups. 
    Even Elon Musk and the Wall Street Journal are criticizing the bill for ballooning the national debt. The only people who are saying publicly that it is not going to add to the national debt are you, Donald Trump, the Republicans in Congress. Do you have an independent group that has put forward numbers that disagrees with all of these conservative groups and disagrees with the Wall Street Journal on this? 
    Secretary Bessent: Well, Senator, it’s interesting to see you aligned with Elon Musk, but if I might—
    Senator Warren: You’re no more shocked than I am. 
    Secretary Bessent: If we want to take the full Congressional Budget scoring, they predict, and I don’t agree with their methodology, they predict a $2.4 trillion deficit, but— 
    Secretary Warren: Okay, so the answer to the question is yes.
    Secretary Bessent: No, no, no. But may I finish? They include that, but they’ve also scored $2.8 trillion in tariff income. So even, even in Washington, D.C. math, that is a $400 billion surplus.
    Senator Warren: Okay, so let me make sure I understand. This bill, you admit, will increase the deficit by $2.4 trillion, but you think there will be another bill and another set of agreements that somehow materialize. Haven’t materialized so far, don’t have any statutory authority, but that will make up the difference. 
    So the answer to the original question, will this bill increase or decrease the deficit? I think you just said it will increase. This bill increases the deficit, is that right? 
    Secretary Bessent: I will use all the CBO scoring, and you can’t take one without the other. I don’t agree with the CBO.
    Senator Warren: One is the law that we are scoring, the bill that is in front of us. We don’t have a tariff bill in front of us to score. Mr. Secretary, let me go on to the second question. You have said that government spending is, quote, “out of control.” You have also called government spending, quote, “unsustainable.” In fact, in the name of fiscal responsibility, you’re working with the Republicans on this “big, beautiful bill” to pass the biggest cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act in American history. 
    So, Mr. Secretary, help me understand here: why is the national debt so very important that you’re trying to kick 16 million people off their health insurance, but increasing the national debt doesn’t seem to matter if you’re cutting taxes for billionaires and billionaire corporations?
    Secretary Bessent: Well, first of all, a huge portion of this goes to family-owned businesses that are passed through entities that are below that level, Senator, and I am sure you share my goals of Main Street prosperity.
    Senator Warren: You know, I’m glad to do tax cuts for people of modest means. The question I’m asking is, why does the deficit not matter to you when we’re talking about knocking 16 million people off their health care? But it matters not—It does matter to you if we’re knocking people off their health care, but not if—
    Secretary Bessent: Well, first of all, that figure is overstated by 5.1 million. That is an amount not attributable to provisions in this bill. 
    Senator Warren: So you think it’s okay to knock ten million people off. 
    Secretary Bessent: Well, first of all, let’s set that straight. Work requirements account for 8 million of CBO’s claim number. Again, we’re creating an economy that promotes and rewards—
    Senator Warren: So it’s clear, Secretary Bessent, you don’t want to answer the question.
    Secretary Bessent: Senator, I am answering. 
    Senator Warren: No, you’re not. 
    Secretary Bessent: And what I want is for Medicaid to be used for mothers and children as it was meant, not for 1.4 million illegal aliens, not for able-bodied people—
    Senator Warren: Medicaid is not used for people who are not documented. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say here the part that troubles me the most is that the Secretary is deeply worried about the deficit and is willing to knock 16 million, or as he says, “merely 11 million,” people off their health care—matters so much, but it doesn’t matter so much if you’re cutting taxes for billionaires, then it’s okay to run up a big deficit. I think that’s wrong.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Names Jamie Selway as Director of Trading and Markets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the appointment of Jamie Selway, an accomplished financial markets leader, as Director of the Division of Trading and Markets, effective June 17, 2025.

    “I’d like to welcome Jamie to the SEC,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “He brings decades of industry experience in market structure and across multiple asset classes to this critical role. I look forward to working with him to protect our markets and ensure the agency’s regulations balance costs and benefits.”

    Mr. Selway was most recently a partner at Sophron Advisors, where he advised clients on capital markets issues. He was also a board member at Protego Holdings, board chair at AllofUs Financial and Skew, and served as an advisor to multiple financial technology companies. He previously was a managing director and head of electronic brokerage at Investment Technology Group, a global institutional broker. He co-founded institutional brokerage White Cap Trading, where he was a managing director and chairman. Earlier in his career, he was chief economist at Archipelago, worked in Equity Derivatives Research at Goldman Sachs, and was associate director of research at the National Association of Securities Dealers, which became the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

    “Chairman Atkins is bringing about a ‘new day’ at the SEC,” said Mr. Selway. “I thank him for selecting me to lead Trading and Markets at this exciting and pivotal time. Together, we will promote the SEC’s mission and enable innovation, to the benefit of our nation’s investors.”

    Mr. Selway has served on a number of industry committees and previously testified at Congressional and SEC roundtables. He is a member of the National Organization of Investment Professionals (NOIP) and the Investment Traders Association of Philadelphia, and has served as chair of NOIP and the NOIP Foundation. He previously was associate editor of the Journal of Trading.

    Mr. Selway received an M.S. in financial mathematics from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in mathematics and European history from Washington & Lee University.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President to undertake working visit to Russia

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Strengthening economic and trade relations will be at the core of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to Russia.

    According to the Deputy President’s Office, the trip will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining, as well as collaboration in science and technology.

    The working visit set for 17-21 June in Moscow and St. Petersburg, will involve high-level engagements and activities focused on economic diplomacy.

    In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to discuss cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and energy.

    The Deputy President will meet with several high-ranking officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Valentina Matvienko, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, and Vyacheslav Volodin, the current Chairman of the State Duma, which is the lower house of the Russian Parliament.

    While in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site honouring South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. 

    Following this, he will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025).

    This year’s forum will be held from 19 to 21 June,  under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.”

    The Deputy President will take part in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 while he has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.

    In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University on the topic: “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.”

    He will address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.

    “The St. Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.” 

    According to the Deputy President’s Office, this trip will be his first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration. 

    He will be accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Christopher Hui visits Norway

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said during his visit to Oslo, Norway, on June 11 and 12 that Hong Kong and Norway could create a powerful synergy to address global challenges with regards to climate change and digital transformation, leveraging the complementary strengths of the two places.

    He was also pleased to note that after a meeting with the Norwegian Ministry of Finance, positive progress was made with the early signing of a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) between Hong Kong and Norway.

    At a meeting with Norwegian State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Torgeir Micaelsen and Director General of Tax Law Department Omar G Dajani on June 12, Mr Hui called for an early signing of a CDTA between the two places.

    Mr Micaelsen responded positively and indicated that they will look into the matter to expedite the process.

    The treasury chief also told the gathering that Hong Kong had just been confirmed by the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation as being among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards, affirming Hong Kong’s efforts and determination in supporting and promoting a common international language in sustainability disclosures.

    To unlock new opportunities in the area of maritime finance, Mr Hui visited Norwegian marine and energy insurance provider Gard, which has a strong presence in Hong Kong’s marine insurance market and provides services to manage maritime risk for clients, by meeting its Chief Customer Officer Line Dahle as well as Vice President and Head of Analytics Sigvald Fossum.

    He also met Vice-President and Director of Group Government and Public Affairs of DNV Lars Almklov. The global assurance and risk management company DNV has been recognised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority as an approved external reviewer for the Green & Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme.

    Mr Hui told the management of the two companies that Hong Kong and Norway possess complementary strengths that can create a compelling case for financial co-operation. While Norway’s maritime industry is the cornerstone of its economy, Hong Kong’s maritime services industry is also a valued brand in the international arena.

    Joint ventures in maritime insurance could combine Norway’s expertise in marine risk management with Hong Kong’s accessibility, creating comprehensive solutions for the sector and addressing the new demands arising from geopolitical and climatic challenges.

    He highlighted that Hong Kong has a sophisticated ecosystem for ship financing and leasing, supported by tax incentives and its strategic location along global trade routes.

    On June 12, Mr Hui paid a courtesy call to Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Norway Hou Yue.

    He also had a meeting with Director of Politics & Society of Finance Norway Jan Erik Fane. Finance Norway is the industry organisation for the financial sector in Norway, representing banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions on regulatory, policy and industry developments.

    Mr Hui noted that the Norwegian sovereign fund is one of the largest funds in the world and is positioned as a pioneer in responsible investing with a strong emphasis on environmental, social and governance principles.

    He said that the shared focus of Hong Kong and Norway on sustainability creates significant opportunities for collaboration.

    At a dinner reception co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, London, and the Norway-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce on June 11, Mr Hui said that even though there is a geographical distance of around 8,600 km between Norway and Hong Kong, the two places share more commonalities in the financial market than perceived.

    The first one is the commitment to green and sustainable developments. The other commonality is expertise in wealth management.

    Mr Hui noted that Norway’s expertise in long-term asset management driven by its sovereign fund aligns seamlessly with Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier wealth management centre.

    Capitalising on Hong Kong’s advantages of having a solid financial infrastructure and an extensive international client base, abundant co-investment opportunities are available for Norwegian capital in the Asian markets, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    Mr Hui returned to Hong Kong this evening.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Otis Elevator Company Agrees to Pay More Than $600,000 to Settle False Claims Act Allegation Related to Invoices for Elevator Maintenance

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Otis Worldwide Corporation, an international elevator services firm headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, which is branded and doing business as Otis Elevator Company (Otis), has agreed to settle allegations under the False Claims Act (FCA) related to invoices for preventive maintenance services submitted to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that were not rendered pursuant to the terms of a Contract. Under the settlement, Otis will pay the United States $616,987.02.

    “A contractor, like Otis, has an obligation to submit invoices and seek reimbursement solely for work and services that have been performed as claimed,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “This settlement with Otis demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office and federal partners like TVA’s Office of the Inspector General are using all tools available to address fraud, waste, and abuse and protect public funds.”

    “The TVA Office of the Inspector General is committed to identifying and investigating instances where vendors fail to fulfill contractual obligations as well as false claims and overpayments that negatively impact ratepayers throughout the Tennessee Valley. We would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their dedicated support of such efforts,” said Assistant Inspector General, Investigations D. Eric Beals of the Tennessee Valley Authority Office of Inspector General.

    The United States’ investigation focused on an August 2017 Contract between Otis and TVA. The United States contended that the Contract required Otis to provide turnkey modernization and specified monthly preventative maintenance services related to certain elevators in the TVA Knoxville Office Complex. The United States maintained that it has certain civil claims against Otis arising from its performance of the Contract. Specifically, the United States contended that Otis submitted false claims for payment to TVA for preventive maintenance services that were not rendered.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the TVA Office of the Inspector General – Office of Investigations (TVA-OIG).

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating waste, fraud, and abuse impacting federal agencies. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, and mismanagement of TVA resources can be reported to TVA-OIG at 1-855-882-8585 or www.oigempowerline.com

    The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan G. McGonigal and Alexa Ortiz Hadley for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. 

                                                                                                               ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court to 180 months imprisonment to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for attempted production of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

    According to court documents, between May of 2022 and June of 2023, George Isaac Del Bosque, 33, made a surreptitious recording of a 15-year-old minor while the child victim was undressing and nude. A search of Del Bosque’s phone revealed 16 sexually explicit images and three sexually explicit videos of the minor. Del Bosque was arrested Sept. 5, 2023. He pleaded guilty to the charge on March 11, 2025, and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery. Prior to his arrest, Del Bosque was a licensed clinical vocational nurse. As a result of the charges, he voluntarily surrendered his license.

    “Protecting children has been and will remain one of the highest priorities of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “I appreciate the handling of this case by our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the San Antonio Police Department, and I also want to express how important it is—as demonstrated in this case—for child victims and their families to be vigilant and not hesitate to report sexual exploitation when it occurs.”

    “This sentencing sends a clear message that HSI is committed to holding accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our society,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in internet crimes against children.”

    HSI and the San Antonio Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Mangels prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Attempting to Destroy Satanic Temple in Salem With a Pipe Bomb

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    BOSTON – An Oklahoma man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for throwing a pipe bomb at The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Mass. on April 8, 2024. 

    Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2025, Palmer pleaded guilty to one count of using an explosive device to damage and attempt to damage a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. He was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 17, 2024, in Perkins, Okla. 

    TST is a non-theistic religious organization headquartered in Salem, Mass. According to the charging documents, at approximately 4:14 a.m. on April 8, 2024, surveillance cameras captured a man, subsequently identified as Palmer, walking towards TST wearing a black face covering, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves. As Palmer approached TST, he ignited a pipe bomb – a type of improvised explosive device or “IED” – threw it at TST’s main entrance, and then ran away. The IED did not fully detonate and therefore caused only minor damage to TST’s exterior. 

    The pipe bomb was constructed from a roughly two-foot section of plastic pipe covered with metal nails attached to the pipe with duct tape. The inside of the pipe was filled with smokeless gunpowder. During the investigation, Palmer’s DNA was found on the outside of the IED.

    A six-page handwritten note was found in a flower bed adjacent to TST, near the area where Palmer threw the IED. Among other things, the letter stated: 

    DEAR SATANIST
    ELOHIM SEND ME 7 MONTHS AGO TO GIVE YOU
    PEACEFUL MESSAGE TO HOPE YOU REPENT. YOU SAY
    NO, ELOHIM NOW SEND ME TO SMITE SATAN AND I
    HAPPY TO OBEY. AND ELOHIM WANT ME TO CONTACT
    YOU TO TELL YOU REPENT. TURN FROM SIN. ELOHIM
    NO LIKE THIS PLACE AND PLAN TO DESTROY IT. MAYBE
    SALEM TOO? ELOHIM SEND ME TO FIGHT CRYBABY
    SATAN, BUT WANT ME TO MAKE HARD EFFORT SO NO
    ONE DIES. I OBEY.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Lucas J. Miller, Chief of the Salem Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office; Payne County Sherriff’s Office; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Stillwater (Okla.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cryptocurrency Financial Services Firm “Gotbit” and Founder Sentenced for Market Manipulation and Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – Gotbit Consulting LLC (Gotbit), a financial services firm known in the cryptocurrency industry as a “market maker,” was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for criminal charges relating to Gotbit’s fraudulent manipulation of cryptocurrency trading volume on behalf of client cryptocurrency companies.  

    Aleksei Andriunin, 26, of Russia and Portugal, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to eight months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. In March 2025, Andriunin pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud. Andriunin was arrested in Portugal on Oct. 8, 2024 and extradited to the United States on Feb. 25, 2025.

    As part of its criminal resolution, Gotbit was ordered to forfeit a total of approximately $23 million in seized cryptocurrency. The court also sentenced Gotbit to a term of probation for five years, during which time Gotbit shall cease to exist or operate.

    Gotbit and Andriunin were indicted by a federal grand jury on the same charges in October 2024. The indictment also charges two of Gotbit’s directors, Fedor Kedrov and Qawi Jalili.

    Gotbit was a well-known “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry. Between 2018 and 2024, Gotbit provided market manipulation services to create artificial trading volume for multiple cryptocurrency companies, including companies located in the United States and companies whose cryptocurrencies traded on platforms available to investors located in the United States. Andriunin was Gotbit’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. In a 2019 interview, Andriunin described how he developed a code to “wash trade” cryptocurrencies to artificially inflate trading volume for the purpose of getting cryptocurrencies listed on CoinMarketCap (a website that published information about “trending” cryptocurrencies) and trading on larger cryptocurrency exchanges. Andriunin and Gotbit’s employees marketed these wash trading tactics to prospective clients and explained how Gotbit used multiple accounts to avoid detection of the wash trades on the public blockchain. Gotbit made wash trades worth millions of dollars on behalf of clients and received tens of millions of dollars in payments from clients.

    Gotbit admitted that it engaged in manipulative trades to artificially increase the trading price and volume of tokens for clients that included Robo Inu and Saitama. Leaders of those cryptocurrency companies were charged in separate cases unsealed in October 2024.

    Gotbit is the third market maker to resolve criminal charges relating to wash trading in the cryptocurrency industry. In October 2024, the founder of MyTrade pleaded guilty in connection with providing an unlawful wash trading service identified through an undercover law enforcement operation. In April 2025, CLS Global FZC LLC was sentenced in connection with offering illegal “volume support” services uncovered by the same operation.

    The Securities & Exchange Commission brought a related civil enforcement action against Gotbit alleging violations of the securities laws.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and David M. Holcomb of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is handling the forfeiture matter.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Dan IVES AI Revolution ETF Surpasses $100 Million AUM Within First Trading Week of Wedbush Fund Advisers’ Inaugural Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wedbush Fund Advisers today announced that the Dan IVES Wedbush AI Revolution ETF (Ticker: IVES) has exceeded $100 million in assets under management (AUM) within its first 5 trading days.

    Built on the proprietary research of Dan Ives, Wedbush Managing Director and Global Head of Technology Research, IVES delivers focused exposure to 30 public companies powering the real-world deployment of artificial intelligence. The portfolio spans AI infrastructure and applications across semiconductors, hyperscalers, cybersecurity, cloud, robotics, and consumer platforms, forming a diversified yet high-conviction AI basket grounded in fundamental research.

    “Wedbush’s entry into Investment Management is a natural strategic expansion for the firm,” said Kevin White, EVP and Senior Advisor, Head of Investment Management at Wedbush Financial Services. “We are committed to delivering bespoke, cutting-edge, research-driven investment opportunities for our Global Family Office Services, Wealth and RIA clients. IVES is simply our beginning.”

    “Crossing the $100 million mark in its first week is a clear signal that investors are looking for targeted, high-conviction access to the AI ecosystem,” said Cullen Rogers, Chief Investment Officer at Wedbush Fund Advisers. “We’re grateful to the early ETF investors for validating both the strength of Dan Ives’ research and the growing appetite for thematically precise strategies.”

    IVES represents a unique extension of Wedbush’s longstanding technology expertise into the ETF market. Its early success reflects the demand for differentiated research applied through a liquid, cost-effective investment vehicle.

    About Wedbush Fund Advisers, LLC

    Wedbush Fund Advisers launched in 2024 to build on Wedbush’s 70-year legacy of market insight, innovation, and client trust. Our mission is to design forward-thinking investment strategies that reflect the evolving nature of markets and investor priorities. Backed by a seasoned team with decades of asset management experience, we are committed to building a trusted platform that extends Wedbush’s tradition of excellence into the next era of investment innovation.

    Media Inquiries

    Deborah Kostroun
    Phone: +1 201 403-8185
    Email: deborah@zitopartners.com

    Important Information

    Shares of ETFs are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

    Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds’ prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses which may be obtained by visiting www.wedbushfunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

    AI Technology Risk. AI technology is generally highly reliant on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, and it is not possible or practicable to incorporate all relevant data into the model that such AI utilizes to operate. Certain data in such models will inevitably contain a degree of inaccuracy and error – potentially materially so – and could otherwise be inadequate or flawed, which would be likely to degrade the effectiveness of the AI technology. Companies involved in, or exposed to, artificial intelligence-related businesses may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. These companies face intense competition and potentially rapid product obsolescence, and many depend significantly on retaining and growing the consumer base of their respective products and services. Many of these companies are also reliant on the end-user demand of products and services in various industries that may in part utilize artificial intelligence. Further, many companies involved in, or exposed to, artificial intelligence-related businesses may be substantially exposed to the market and business risks of other industries or sectors, and the Fund may be adversely affected by negative developments impacting those companies, industries or sectors.

    Calculation Methodology Risk. The Index relies directly or indirectly on various sources of information to assess the criteria of issuers included in the Index, including information that may be based on assumptions and estimates. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser can offer assurances that the Index’s calculation methodology or sources of information will provide an accurate assessment of included issuers or a correct valuation of securities, nor can they guarantee the availability or timeliness of the production of the Index.

    Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in an industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index is so concentrated. In such event, the value of the Shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares of a fund that invests in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.

    Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Narrowly focused thematic investments will be more susceptible to factors affecting that sector and subject to more volatility.

    The Wedbush Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Wedbush Fund Advisers, LLC and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, are not affiliated.

    Investment products are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency, may lose value, and are not a deposit of or guaranteed by any bank or any bank affiliate.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Life Sciences Investor Forum: Now Available for Online Viewing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series, today announced the presentations from the Life Sciences Investor Forum, held June 11th and 12th are now available for online viewing.

    REGISTER AND VIEW PRESENTATIONS

    The company presentations will be available 24/7 for 90 days. Investors, advisors, and analysts may download
    investor materials from the company’s resource section.

    Select companies are accepting 1×1 management meeting requests through June 17.

    June 11th


    June 12    th

    To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –