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  • MIL-OSI: VERAXA Biotech Enters Co-discovery Alliance with OmniAb for a Novel Bispecific Antibody Drug Conjugate Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VERAXA Biotech AG (“VERAXA”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies and proposed de-SPAC acquisition target of Voyager Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VACH, “Voyager”), announced today a co-discovery alliance with OmniAb, Inc. (NASDAQ: OABI, “OmniAb”) for the development of a novel bispecific antibody drug conjugate (“bsADC”) program targeting solid tumors. The collaboration brings together OmniAb’s suite of transgenic antibody discovery solutions with VERAXA’s proprietary antibody drug conjugate (“ADC”) linker technology and conjugation expertise to support next-generation therapeutic discovery.

    “This partnership brings together two highly complementary technologies to create a new class of bispecific ADCs,” commented Christoph Antz, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of VERAXA. “Bispecific ADCs represent a powerful opportunity to address difficult-to-treat solid tumors, and this collaboration fits squarely within our mission to drive innovation through targeted partnerships. Strategic collaborations will continue to be a mainstay in VERAXA’s pipeline growth strategy, and today’s announcement marks the second major initiative within the past six months, following our first radiopharmaceutical alliance late last year. We look forward to advancing this discovery program alongside OmniAb and deliver novel therapeutic solutions for patients with significant unmet needs.”

    Under the terms of the agreement, VERAXA will initiate a novel bispecific antibody drug conjugate program addressing two attractive target molecules in cancer medicine. The Company will utilize OmniAb’s suite of transgenic antibody discovery solutions to source high-quality human antibody leads, which are naturally optimized through in vivo affinity maturation. VERAXA will subsequently establish the bsADC lead candidate by applying its proprietary linker technology and conjugation routine and will be responsible for preclinical validation. The resulting bsADC program will be jointly owned by both parties. Both parties will share any future revenues resulting from the program’s continued development, licensing and commercialization.

    About VERAXA Biotech

    At VERAXA, we are building a premier engine for the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific ADCs, bispecific T cell engagers and other innovative formats. Powered by a suite of transformative technologies and guided by rigorous quality-by-design principles, we are rapidly advancing our pipeline of ADCs and proprietary BiTAC formats into clinical development and beyond. VERAXA was founded on scientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, a world-renowned institution known for pioneering life science research and cutting-edge technologies. For more information, please visit www.veraxa.com.

    On April 22, 2025, VERAXA entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Voyager Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company and special purpose acquisition company targeting the healthcare sector (NASDAQ: VACH, “Voyager”). Upon closing of the Business Combination Agreement, VERAXA is expected to become a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ.

    About Voyager Acquisition Corp.

    Voyager is a special purpose acquisition company with a bold mission: to revolutionize the healthcare sector through a merger, stock purchase, or business combination. Our team of experienced executives includes unparalleled expertise in investing, operations, and medical innovation, supported by a vast network of connections. With these strengths, we not only seek to drive success but commit to scaling companies to unprecedented heights in the healthcare industry. For more information, please visit https://www.voyageracq.com.

    Participants In the Solicitation

    Voyager, VERAXA, and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Voyager’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names and interests in the Business Combination of Voyager’s directors and officers in Voyager’s filings with the SEC, including, when filed with the SEC, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, amendments and supplements thereto, and other documents filed with the SEC. Such information with respect to VERAXA’s directors and executive officers will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described below under the heading “Additional Information and Where to Find It”.

    Non-Solicitation

    This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Voyager or VERAXA, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about future events or Voyager’s or VERAXA’s future financial or operating performance. For example, statements regarding VERAXA’s anticipated growth and the anticipated growth and other metrics, statements regarding the benefits of the Business Combination, and the anticipated timing of the completion of the Business Combination are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “strive,” “budget,” “forecast,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology.

    These forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future results of Voyager and VERAXA are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which VERAXA operates, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of Voyager’s management and VERAXA’s management. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to, without limitation, (i) known and unknown risks, including the risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of Voyager relating to its initial public offering filed with the SEC, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Voyager; (ii) uncertainties; (iii) assumptions; and (iv) other factors beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. They are neither statements of historical fact nor promises or guarantees of future performance. Therefore, VERAXA’s actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Voyager and VERAXA therefore caution against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Voyager and its management, VERAXA and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability and contingencies, many of which are beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and any subsequent definitive agreements with respect to the Business Combination; (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Voyager, VERAXA, or others following the announcement of the Business Combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (iii) the inability to complete the Business Combination due to the failure to obtain consents and approvals of the shareholders of Voyager, to obtain financing to complete the Business Combination or to satisfy other conditions to closing, or delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (iv) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the Business Combination; (v) projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, and the estimated implied enterprise value of VERAXA; (vi) VERAXA’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of VERAXA; (vii) VERAXA’s ability to source and retain talent, the cash position of VERAXA following closing of the Business Combination; (viii) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with, and following, the consummation of the Business Combination; (ix) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of VERAXA as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (x) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of VERAXA to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; (xi) costs related to the Business Combination; (xii) changes in applicable laws, regulations, political and economic developments; (xiii) the possibility that VERAXA may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (xiv) VERAXA’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (xv) the failure to realize estimated shareholder redemptions, purchase price and other adjustments; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the filings by Voyager with the SEC. There may be additional risks that neither Voyager nor VERAXA presently know or that Voyager and VERAXA currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Voyager or VERAXA speak only as of the date they are made. None of Voyager or VERAXA undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in their respective expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Business Combination Agreement, Voyager and/or VERAXA intend to file relevant materials with the SEC, including the Registration Statement, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus of Voyager, and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. This communication is not intended to be, and is not, a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Voyager has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. When available, the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials for the proposed transaction will be mailed or made available to stockholders of Voyager as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed transaction.

    Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of Voyager are urged to carefully read, when they become available, the entire registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, because they will contain important information about Voyager, VERAXA, and the proposed transaction. Voyager’s investors and stockholders and other interested persons will also be able to obtain copies of the registration statement, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, and all other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Voyager in connection with the Transaction, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Voyager at the address set forth below.

    Contact

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smucker, Sewell, Tillis, and Hickenlooper Reintroduce Retirement Savings for Americans Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

    WASHINGTON – Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Terri Sewell and U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Thom Tillis have reintroduced the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA), legislation to help low- and middle-income Americans build wealth and save for retirement. The bill would establish a new program that gives eligible workers access to portable, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts. If passed, the RSAA would allow the federal government to match contributions for low- and middle-income workers, with the match beginning to phase out at median income. 

    “Too many hard-working Americans are not able to prepare financially for retirement. Over half of working employees lack access to the tax-advantaged retirement benefits that many higher-income earners take advantage of to save. Additionally, as the workforce continues to innovate and more Americans become categorized as “gig workers,” the reliance on traditional employer-sponsored plans causes too many workers to slip through the cracks. Hard-working Americans deserve a modern pathway to find financial security in their retirement. I am proud to join in this bipartisan and bicameral effort to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act, to help millions of Americans save for their retirements. I will continue to advocate for policies which help hard workers live their American Dream, including a well-earned and financially stable retirement,” said Smucker. 

    “Every Alabamian and every American should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work,” said Sewell. “Democrats and Republicans alike recognize the urgent need for Congress to address the gaps in our retirement system and make it easier for low- and middle-income workers to save for retirement. I am proud to once again work with my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act which would level the playing field for working families and build a stronger economy for all Americans.”

    “Roughly 50 million Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, which represents a significant roadblock to achieving financial security for their retirement,” said Tillis. “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act tackles this real problem by establishing a pathway for savings for Americans lacking retirement options.”

    “Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill helps low-income workers enjoy a secure retirement and fulfill their American dream.’’

    A study by the National Council on Aging found that 80% of aging Americans are struggling financially or are at risk of financial insecurity, and therefore, not prepared to retire. In a new ranking of the world’s retirement systems, the U.S. scored a C+, mainly because the current system works well for white collar workers but fails gig workers and blue collar workers. If trends continue, inadequate retirement savings will cost state and federal governments a combined $1.3 trillion in increased spending by 2040. 

    A recent report from the RAND Corporation indicates that over 40 million Americans, or 26 percent of the nation’s workforce who lack access to retirement plans, would receive matching federal benefits under the RSAA. Additionally, the RAND study reports that the RSAA could pay for itself in approximately thirty years by reducing reliance on other federal programs. 

    The RSAA enjoys broad support. View a full list of endorsements of the legislation HERE. 

    “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would create a healthier retirement system, a more financially secure workforce, and a stronger economy for all Americans,” said John Lettieri, President and CEO, Economic Innovation Group. “By ensuring that all workers — regardless of their employer or income — have the opportunity and incentives to build long-term financial security, the RSAA would boost the wealth of the working class and significantly reduce the strain on the social safety net over time. EIG is proud to have worked closely with Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Smucker and Sewell on this important legislation, and we applaud them for their bipartisan leadership on behalf of American workers.” 

    “Nearly 1 out of 4 Americans has no retirement savings, and more than half of all Americans report they are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement. We know that Americans are much more likely to save when they have access to retirement savings options at work. Today nearly half of all private-sector employees do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings program. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would help more families across the country save for retirement.” – Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP 

    “Creating this kind of program meets an obligation we all share to help every working American build financial security and well-being in retirement. I also know it will offset future support we surely would have to provide if we don’t help more people begin to build that security today. And in true American spirit, it isn’t a giveaway, but an incentive for working individuals to begin helping themselves and their families.” – Charles R. Schwab, Founder and Chairman, Charles Schwab Corporation. Read Mr. Schwab’s full statement.  

    “With more Americans choosing new ways to work than ever before, we’re proud to support this bipartisan effort to enable more workers in the modern economy to access the kinds of benefits that have long been out of reach for all but full-time employees. This is an important step toward empowering workers like Dashers to choose the independence and flexibility that dashing gives them, while still having access to important benefits. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act makes meaningful progress toward expanding access for retirement savings across the country–regardless of how someone chooses to work. We applaud Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Sewell and Smucker for working across the aisle to address such an important issue for Dashers and other Americans who are choosing new and different ways to work.” – Max Rettig, Vice President of Public Policy, DoorDash 

    “Uber supports forward-looking legislation like the Retirement Savings for Americans Act to improve independent work across the nation. The bill represents a novel, thoughtful approach to bridging gaps in the existing retirement savings framework. We commend the Congressional sponsors for their ongoing efforts to advance this legislation.” – Javi Correoso, Head of Federal Affairs, Uber

    The Retirement Savings for Americans Act contains the following provisions:

    • Eligibility and Auto Enrollment: Full- and part-time workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan would be eligible for an account, and they would be automatically enrolled at 3% of their income. They could choose to increase or decrease their withholding, or opt out entirely at any time. Independent workers (including gig workers) would also be eligible.
    • Federal Contribution: Low- and moderate-income workers would be eligible for a 1% automatic contribution (as long as they remain employed) and up to a 4% matching contribution via a refundable federal tax credit. This would begin to phase out at median income.
    • Portability: Accounts would remain attached to workers throughout their lifetimes, and workers would be able to stop and start contributions at will.
    • Private Assets: The accounts would be the property of the worker and the assets could be passed down to future generations to help them build wealth and financial security.
    • Investment Options: Much like the current Thrift Savings Plan, participants would be given a menu of simple, low-fee investment options to choose from, including lifecycle funds tied to a worker’s estimated retirement date, or index funds made of stocks and bonds.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE and a one-page explainer of the bill HERE.

    # # # 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Five Star Bancorp Expands Food and Agribusiness Vertical

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Five Star Bancorp (Nasdaq: FSBC) (“Five Star” or the “Company”), a holding company that operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank, has expanded its food and agribusiness vertical to serve clients nationwide.

    The vertical, now called Food, Agribusiness & Diversified Industries, will include increased support of clients in production agriculture, wholesale distribution and retail, manufacturing, food processing, and food distribution services. An initial team of three seasoned professionals will be led by Five Star Bank’s Senior Vice President and Group Managing Director, Cliff Cooper, who has over 35 years of banking expertise in food and agribusiness.

    “Five Star Bank understands and appreciates the significance and value of those who bring food to our tables, from farmers, ranchers, and growers to food processors, manufacturers, packers, shippers and distributors,” said Cooper. “Five Star Bank knows the cyclical nature of food and agriculture and helps clients navigate commodities and economic cycles. For me, there is no greater purpose than ensuring those who feed our nation are provided with the most exceptional banking services available – services built on trust, partnership and shared values. They will have all of this and more at Five Star Bank.”

    This enhanced vertical aligns with Five Star Bank’s organic growth strategy, which includes building geographies and business units through its high-tech and high-touch approach to business banking.

    “There is no substitute for in-person conversations and connectivity – the hallmarks of doing business with Five Star Bank,” said James Beckwith, Five Star Bank President and CEO. “This differentiated customer experience requires tremendous client trust, which is critically important to the agricultural community. We are committed to clients in the Food, Agriculture & Diversified Industries sector. We are also committed to playing a key role in honoring the work and legacy of those who bring food to tables across our nation.”

    To learn more about Five Star Bank, please visit https://www.fivestarbank.com.

    About Five Star Bancorp
    Five Star Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California. Five Star operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. The bank has eight branches in Northern California. For more information, visit https://www.fivestarbank.com.

    Investor contact
    Heather C. Luck, Chief Financial Officer
    Five Star Bancorp
    (916) 626-5008
    hluck@fivestarbank.com

    Media contact
    Shelley R. Wetton, Chief Marketing Officer
    Five Star Bancorp
    (916) 284-7827
    swetton@fivestarbank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud for $1 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Seattle – A 43-year-old Laguna Niguel, California man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to wire fraud for his scheme to steal nearly $1 million from his employer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Paul Joseph Welch was the IT manager of Kent, Washington energy manufacturing company Algas-SDI when he used various schemes to steal more than $950,000 from the company. Welch is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead on August 21, 2025.

    According to records in the case, Welch worked for the company from 2011 to 2024. He was promoted to Information Technology Manager in 2018. As early as 2017, Welch used the company’s Amazon business account to make unauthorized personal purchases from Amazon.com. Between 2017 and 2023, those purchases totaled at least $43,000. Welch primarily purchased electronics such at televisions, laptops and more—all for personal use. In 2019, Welch began using his company credit card for personal purchases through other online retailers such as Apple, Alaska Airlines, Instacart, and BestBuy. Between 2019 and 2024, those unauthorized personal purchases totaled at least an additional $60,000.

    The scheme really accelerated in January 2021 when Welch began making payments to himself disguised as payments to a computer services company. Welch created a series of email addresses and payment processor accounts using a business name that was very similar to a legitimate computer services company based in Washington State. Welch then used Algas-SDI company credit cards to pay the computer services company under the guise that the company was providing IT equipment and services to Algas-SDI.  However, the legitimate computer services company had no relationship with Welch and never provided any services or equipment to Algas-SDI. The credit card payments Welch made from Algas-SDI’s credit cards went directly to the payment processor accounts that Welch controlled. Between 2021 and 2024 Welch used this scheme to transfer approximately $879,175 from company accounts to his own accounts.

    Algas-SDI tried to verify the legitimacy of Welch’s activity on multiple occasions, but each time, Welch provided false or misleading information to cover up his scheme. Algas-SDI employees asked Welch to submit invoices to substantiate his charges, but Welch emailed phony documents designed to look like invoices from the legitimate computer services company. At one point in 2023, an Algas-SDI accounting employee identified personal purchases on Welch’s company credit card. Welch claimed the charges were inadvertent and said he would repay the company. Welch never repaid the charges and continued to defraud the company through unauthorized personal purchases and more fake vendor charges. In January 2024, alone, Welch submitted phony invoices to Algas-SDI showing that the computer services company had purportedly invoiced Algas-SDI more than $55,000 for equipment and services in that timeframe.

    On January 19, 2024, Algas-SDI employees confronted Welch about the charges from the computer services company accounts that Welch controlled. After Welch again told Algas-SDI that the vendor was a real vendor for the company, the company fired him.

    The wire fraud charge is representative of the overall scheme. It represents the times Welch emailed the company false statements or invoices purported to be from a legitimate computer services company.

    In all, between 2017 and January 2024 Welch secretly made at least 250 fraudulent charges for the third-party vendor he controlled. He made at least 140 unauthorized purchases with retailers using the company credit card and at least 100 fraudulent purchases on the company’s Amazon account. While Welch profited some $950,000 from his theft, the loss to ALGAS-SDI was approximately $982,520 due to various fees on the transactions.

    Welch has agreed to make full restitution to the company.

    Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than 27 months in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Whitehead after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dane A. Westermeyer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Rubis: 12 June 2025 Combined Shareholders’ Meeting – Availability of the preparatory documents

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 5 May 2025, 17:40 pm

    The Rubis shareholders are invited to attend the Combined Shareholders’ Meeting that will take place on:

    Thursday 12 June 2025 at 2:00 pm
    at Salle Pleyel – 252, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – 75008 Paris

    The agenda, the resolutions and the ways of attending and voting at this Shareholders’ Meeting are set out in the notice of meeting (Avis de réunion) published in the Bulletin des Annonces Légales Obligatoires (“BALO”) on 5 May 2025. It is also available on the Company’s website (www.rubis.fr/en in the section: “Investors – Shareholders Meetings – 2025 Combined Shareholders’Meeting”).

    Another notice of meeting (Avis de convocation) will be published in a legal gazette and in the BALO within the legal deadlines.

    Documents and information relating to this Shareholders’ Meeting are at shareholders’ disposal under the conditions specified by current laws and regulations and available on the Company’s website (www.rubis.fr/en in the section: “Investors – Shareholders Meetings – 2025 Combined Shareholders’ Meeting”).

    Contact
    RUBIS – Legal department
    Tel: +(33) 1 44 17 95 95

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASM share buyback update April 30 – May 2, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, The Netherlands
    May 5, 2025, 5:45 p.m. CET

    ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) reports the following transactions, conducted under ASM’s current share buyback program.

    Date Repurchased shares Average price Repurchased value
    April 30, 2025 4,177 € 423.50 € 1,768,960
    May 2, 2025 3,754 € 442.03 € 1,659,386
    Total 7,931 € 432.27 € 3,428,346

    These repurchases were made as part of the €150 million share buyback program which started on April 30, 2025. Of the total program, 2.3% has been repurchased. For further details including individual transaction information please visit: www.asm.com/investors/dividends-share-buybacks.

    About ASM International
    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com. This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Contact

    Investor and media relations

    Victor Bareño
    T: +31 88 100 8500
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    		  

    Investor relations

    Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces 

    Bolstering ICC’s engagement as an official B20 Network Partner, ICC representatives will lend expertise and leadership to co-chair the following B20 task forces: 

    Co-Chair, Finance and Infrastructure  
    John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General,   

    Industrial Transformation and Innovation  
    Shinta Kamdani, ICC Executive Board Vice-Chair, and Marjorie Yang, ICC Executive Board Member   

    Digital Transformation  
    Karan Bilimoria, Chair, ICC United Kingdom 

    The B20 is the official platform for the international business community to support the work of the G20 process. Since 2010, when the B20 was established, ICC has played a consistent and leading role in shaping the process, providing policy leadership and expertise, amplifying outcomes and supporting continuity, most recently as an official B20 Network Partner. 

    This year’s G20 Presidency is held by South Africa, marking the first time it has been led by an African nation. The B20 is hosted by Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).  

    The B20 Secretariat has convened the following eight task forces: 

    • Employment & Education 
    • Trade & Investment 
    • Energy Mix & Just Transition 
    • Digital Transformation 
    • Integrity & Compliance 
    • Finance & Infrastructure 
    • Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture 
    • Industrial Transformation & Innovation. 

    Each of the eight task forces is chaired by a business leader from Africa and will produce a series of policy recommendations in line with the B20’s theme of Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Cooperation. 

    Highlighting the unique agency of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and how ICC is working to support its success, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, who participated in the B20 South Africa launch in Cape Town in February 2025, said: 

    “The G20 process in South Africa represents a unique opportunity to revitalise multilateralism in the current context. At ICC we are honoured to be B20 Network Partners once again, supporting all eight of the Task Forces this year. We look forward to working closely with the Secretariat to ensure the private sector is positioned as a true partner to these important discussions, leveraging our global network and policy insights.”  

    In addition to task force co-leadership roles, ICC B20 support includes the participation of 19 members of the ICC leadership across the eight task forces, policy support from the ICC Global Policy department, and network support from the ICC Agri-Food Initiative.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/5/2025 Here’s How Republicans Are Strengthening the Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    Last week marked President Trump’s 100th day in office. And in that short amount of time, the Trump administration has made incredible progress to Make America Great Again—especially by strengthening our economy.

    In the last 100 days, President Trump has slashed Democrats’ far-left regulations, unleashed American energy production, and secured trillions of dollars in investments to support American workers, develop new technologies, and spur economic growth, including in Tennessee.

    The candy company Charms is investing nearly $100 million to expand its production plant and distribution center in Covington. Mt. Juliet was included in a $700 million nationwide investment by Schneider Electric to boost domestic manufacturing and energy infrastructure. And the electronics company ABB is investing $80 million in Selmer to expand manufacturing and create new jobs.

    Last week, I had the honor of joining President Trump at the White House as he welcomed the CEOs of companies that are making new investments in America, especially in light of his executive order establishing the United States Investment Accelerator. This order helps to facilitate new investments in our country by reducing regulations and making it easier to do business in America.

    In the Senate, I’ve introduced the Investment Accelerator Act, which would permanently establish President Trump’s new program. Among its provisions, this legislation would speed up permitting, increase coordination across federal agencies to work with companies, encourage research collaboration with national labs, and help state governments eliminate burdensome regulations. Altogether, this legislation would ensure that America will long benefit from President Trump’s Investment Accelerator and help usher in a new Golden Age of America, which is already underway.

    In April, our economy added 177,000 jobs, beating expectations by more than 40,000 jobs with major gains in transportation, warehousing, and health care. The month before, falling energy costs pushed annual inflation down to 2.4 percent, tying the lowest inflation rate since President Biden took office in 2021.

    To ensure that Americans have more money in their pocketbook, President Trump and Republicans are also working hard to extend the President’s 2017 tax cuts. These tax cuts delivered historic growth for the economy, but if we fail to extend them, families and businesses will face a $4 trillion tax hike. That’s why, earlier this month, Republicans in Congress passed a budget resolution that will enable us to extend these expiring tax provisions.

    At the same time, we’re advancing other tax priorities championed by President Trump, including his proposal to cut taxes on Social Security. By taxing Social Security, the federal government is taxing a tax. This makes no sense: Social Security recipients have already paid into the program with decades of tax payments, so they deserve the full sum of their Social Security income. However, nearly 56 percent of retirees pay taxes on their Social Security benefits because Bidenflation pushed seniors’ benefits into higher and higher income brackets.

    To address this problem, I’ve introduced the RETIREES FIRST Act. This legislation would lower the tax burden on Social Security benefits for seniors by raising the provisional income threshold from $25,000 to $34,000 for single filers and $32,000 to $68,000 for married filers. In effect, this legislation would eliminate income taxes for many of our nation’s retirees, leaving them with more money in their paychecks.

    As we work on these tax provisions and more, I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver relief for hard working Tennesseans. America is the greatest nation on earth, and with determined leadership back in the White House, we can make our economy stronger than ever before.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 287 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct in Arizona this Week

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

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 26, 2025, through May 5, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 287 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 107 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 156 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 21 cases against 24 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Krystal Lopez: On April 29, 2025, BPAs ran a registration check on a vehicle which showed a positive history of alien smuggling. The vehicle pulled into a gas station. The driver exited the vehicle and entered the store. BPAs approached the vehicle and saw a person hiding in the back seat underneath a blanket. A search of the vehicle revealed two additional people in the trunk. All three people were determined to be citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States. The driver, Krystal Lopez, had been arrested one month prior for alien smuggling and was released pending trial in that case. She was charged by complaint in this case and ordered detained pending trial.  [Lopez CR-25-02060 and MJ-25-07625]

    United States v. Gloria Lopez Corona: On April 29, 2025, Gloria Lopez Corona crossed into the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry attempting to smuggle a five-year-old child. Corona presented a birth certificate for a two-year-old, which was inconsistent with the child she was presenting for entry. After being referred to secondary, she admitted to smuggling the child. The child had been given melatonin gummies and was sleepy and disoriented. Agents were able to find the child’s mother, Reyna Cecilia Hernandez Reyes, a Mexican citizen. Reyes admitted to giving her child to an unknown female to be smuggled into the United States.  Both women were charged. [Lopez Corona et al 25-01540MJ]

    United States v. Carlos Murillo: On April 30, 2025, Carlos Murillo, a Naturalized United States Citizen, was encountered by Border Patrol after transporting Marcelino Garcia-Alejo, an illegal alien. Murillo had been recruited to smuggle aliens via Facebook. He admitted to previously smuggling aliens, and believed he would be paid $700.00 for smuggling Garcia-Alejo. [Murillo 25-01544MJ]

    Criminal complaints and indictments are simply methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).                                                                                           

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-071_May 2 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Covington Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms, Silencers and Machineguns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOE LYNN BEATTIE (“BEATTIE”), age 53, of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 29, 2025 by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 63 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and payment of a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.  BEATTIE previously pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025, to a three (3) count indictment.  Count One charged him with being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  Count Two charged him with possession of silencers, that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5841.  Count Three charged him with possession of machineguns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 922(o).

    According to court records, federal agents received information that BEATTIE had received unlawfully imported firearm parts from China.  Thereafter, Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies, executed a search warrant at his residence.  The search yielded five (5) firearms, ammunition, sixteen (16) silencers, and five (5) machinegun conversion devices that turn firearms into fully automatic weapons.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office,  in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. 

                                                                                                                                                               *   *   *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Charged With Sending Obscenity To A Massachusetts Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Crowley, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrest of DAVID FERNANDES III.  FERNANDES is charged with sending obscenity to a minor and being a registered sex offender when he sent obscenity to a minor.  FERNANDES was arrested Thursday, May 1, and presented Friday, May 2, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court and detained.

    U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “Allegedly, David Fernandes III, a registered sex offender, was not deterred by his previous involvement with the criminal justice system. This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children. The women and men of the Southern District and the FBI will use every tool available to investigate and prosecute those who sexually exploit children.”   

    FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge James Crowley said: “Anyone willing to sexually exploit children deserves to feel the full force of the law. The FBI has arrested David Fernandes, a registered sex offender, for sending sexually explicit material to an 11-year-old child in Massachusetts. Each time we’re able to step in and protect a child from further sexual exploitation, it’s a good day.”

    As alleged in the Complaint filed on April 29, 2025, in White Plains federal court and statements made in court[1]:

    On or about October 8, 2024, FERNANDES knowingly transmitted to an 11-year-old an obscene photo of an adult male hand holding a penis. At the time FERNANDES engaged in this felony offense involving a child, he was required to register as a sex offender.

               On March 19, 2019, FERNANDES was convicted in New York state of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor, for which he received a sentence of five years’ probation. He completed this sentence on or about September 12, 2024.   

    On or about October 11, 2024, the mother of an 11-year-old child (“Victim-1”) reported to the Holden Police Department, in Holden, Massachusetts, that she had discovered sexually explicit images and communications on Victim-1’s phone with a phone number ending in 4245 (the “4245-Phone”). She also reported that her daughter had advised her that her daughter’s 12-year-old friend (“Victim-2”) had been in communication with the user of the 4245-Phone. 

    A forensic review of Victim-1’s phone revealed over 4000 messages exchanged between Victim-1’s phone and the 4245-Phone between October 4, 2024, and October 8, 2024. In the messages, the user of the 4245-Phone identified himself as a 26-year-old man and transmitted sexually explicit videos and photos of an adult man to Victim-1’s phone. At approximately 4:41 a.m. on October 4, 2024, the 4245-Phone transmitted a video to Victim-1’s phone revealing an adult holding an erect penis, masturbating and ejaculating. At approximately 3:58 a.m. on October 8, 2024, the 4245-Phone texted, “I wanna feel u,” “Like genuinely feel inside u” and “I wanna be all the way inside you.” At approximately 4:00 a.m. on October 8, 2024, the 4245-Phone transmitted a photo of a male hand holding an erect penis. Shortly thereafter, the 4245-Phone texted, “Imagine that inside u.”

    Victim-1 advised law enforcement that she first communicated with the 4245-Phone on or about October 4, 2024. Victim-2 advised law enforcement that she began communicating with the user of the 4245-Phone, who identified himself to her as “David,” in approximately September 2024 and communicated with him on Snapchat, Roblox, and through video chats on Google Meet. Victim-2 advised that “David” requested sexually explicit pictures and videos of Victim-2 and that she transmitted them to him, mostly via Snapchat. Victim-2 provided “David” with Victim-1’s phone number so that she and David could message one another.

    Anyone who may have encountered FERNANDES, who used the Snapchat user names “tazjazz,” “diamondboy24k,” “itsmagikyouknow,” and “retrovxrse, or whose child may have had any communications with FERNANDES, is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).

    *                *                *

    FERNANDES, 27, of Lagrangeville, New York, is charged with one count off transferring obscene material to a minor, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of committing the offense while being required to register as a sex offender, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison. 

    The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

    Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of the FBI, including the FBI New York Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and FBI Boston; the Holden Police Department; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office; and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department in connection with this investigation.

               The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.   

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Security Bancorp, Inc. Announces First Quarter Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MCMINNVILLE, Tenn., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security Bancorp, Inc. (OTCBB “SCYT”) (“Company”) today announced consolidated results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company is the holding company for Security Federal Savings Bank of McMinnville, Tennessee (“Bank”).

    Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $1.0 million, or $2.73 basic earnings per share, compared to $984,000, or $2.63 basic earnings per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net interest income increased $335,000, or 13.1%, to $2.9 million from $2.6 million for the same period in 2024. Total interest income increased $763,000, or 16.9%, to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $4.5 million for the same period in 2024. Total interest expense increased $428,000 to $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $2.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in interest-bearing deposits. Net interest income, after provision for credit losses, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased $379,000 to $2.9 million, compared to $2.5 million for the same period in 2024.

    The provision for credit losses was $7,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $44,000 compared to $51,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $486,000 compared to $515,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $29,000, or 5.6%.  

    Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $2.0 million, an increase of $323,000, or 19.1%, from $1.7 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in professional fees related to the renegotiation of data processing contracts.

    The Company’s consolidated total assets increased by $32.1 million, or 8.9%, to $391.8 million at March 31, 2025 from $359.7 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in consolidated assets was due to increases in interest-bearing deposits with banks, Federal funds sold and loans. These asset increases were funded by an increase in customer deposits. Loans receivable, net, increased $12.3 million, or 4.7%, to $276.3 million at March 31, 2025 from $264.1 million at December 31, 2024.

    Non-performing assets decreased $111,000, or 79.9%, to $28,000 at March 31, 2025 from $139,000 at December 31, 2024. The decline was primarily attributable to a decrease in real estate owned. Based on our analysis of delinquent loans, non-performing loans and classified loans, we believe that the Company’s allowance for loan losses of $2.8 million at March 31, 2025 is adequate to absorb known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio at that date. The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2025 represented 9,953.7% of non-performing assets compared to 2,001.69% at December 31, 2024.

    Investments and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale decreased $2.6 million, or 5.8%, to $42.4 million from $45.0 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease was due to the maturity of investments.

    Deposits increased $30.1 million, or 9.4%, to $ 350.6 million at March 31, 2025 from $320.5 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in deposits was due to increases in commercial interest-bearing demand deposits as well as certificates of deposit.

    Stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2025 was $37.1 million, or 9.5% of total assets, compared to $35.6 million, or 9.9% of total assets at December 31, 2024.

    Safe-Harbor Statement

    Certain matters in this News Release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may relate to, among others, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates and projections of future performance. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations, and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, the general business environment, interest rates, competitive conditions, regulatory changes ,financial market conditions and other uncertainties.

    Contact: Michael D. Griffith
    President & Chief Executive Officer
    (931) 473-4483
    SECURITY BANCORP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (unaudited) (dollars in thousands)
    OPERATING DATA Three months ended
    March 31,    		  
      2025   2024    
    Interest income $5,278   $4,515    
    Interest expense 2,392   1,964    
    Net interest income 2,886   2,551    
    Provision for credit losses 7   51    
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses 2,879   2,500    
    Non-interest income 486   515    
    Non-interest expense 2,014   1,691    
    Income before income tax expense 1,351   1,324    
    Income tax expense 325   340    
    Net income $1,026   $984    
    Net Income per share (basic) $2.73   $2.63    
             
    FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA At March 31, 2025 At December 31, 2024
    Total assets $391,786 $359,725
    Investments and mortgage-backed securities – available for sale 42,412 45,047
    Loans receivable, net 276,348 264,055
    Deposits 350,644 320,527
    Federal Home Loan Bank Advances -0- -0-
    Stockholders’ equity 37,096 35,609
    Non-performing assets 28 139
    Non-performing assets to total assets 0.007% 0.04%
    Allowance for loan losses 2,787 2,782
    Allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable 1.00% 1.04%
    Allowance for loan losses to non-performing assets 9,953.6% 2,001.69%
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Coface : Coface records a good start to the year with net income of €62.1m, for an RoATE of 12.7%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coface records a good start to the year with net income of €62.1m, for an RoATE of 12.7%

    Paris, 5 May 2025 – 17.35

    • Turnover: €473m, up 2.0% at constant FX and perimeter
      • Trade credit insurance revenue up 1.2%; client activity also increased by 1.2%
      • Client retention back up at near-record (95.0%); pricing remained negative (-1.3%) in line with historical trends
      • Business information growing again double-digit (+14.7% at constant FX, +18.4% at current FX). Debt collection up +14.8%; factoring was down slightly by -0.7%
    • Net loss ratio at 39.1%, up by 3.3 ppts; net combined ratio at 68.7%, up by 5.6 ppts and stable compared to Q4-24
      • Gross loss ratio at 38.7%, up by 5.5 ppts with higher opening year reserving and reserve releases stable at a high level year on year
      • Net cost ratio increased 2.2 ppts to 29.5%, reflecting continued investments partially offset by better product mix
    • Net income (group share) at €62.1m, down by -9.2% compared to Q1-24
    • Annualised RoATE1at 12.7%

    Unless otherwise indicated, change comparisons refer to the results as at 31 March 2024

    Xavier Durand, Coface’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:
    “With a net income of €62.1m and an RoATE of 12.7%, Coface posted another quarter of solid results in a highly volatile environment. Shifting US policy on international trade is creating a high level of uncertainty, although its potential consequences are not yet visible. In this complicated environment for corporates, Coface remains very close to its clients and is maintaining a highly preventative stance in its risk portfolio which is well diversified across regions and sectors.
    In the medium term, depending on their actual implementation and level, the announced tariffs may have a negative impact on global trade volumes. We may also see prices increase in the United States and an adverse impact on certain industrial sectors and regions, likely leading to higher numbers of business failures.
    Thanks to its leading infrastructure, the quality of its information and its teams of internationally recognised experts, Coface is well positioned to support its clients in managing their risks.
    Against this backdrop, our strategy to invest in better understanding short-term risks and in the strengthening of our range of services (Business Information, Debt Collection) is more relevant than ever and resolutely pursued.”

    Key figures at 31 March 2025

    The Board of Directors of COFACE SA examined the summary consolidated financial statements for the first three months (non-audited) during its meeting on 5 May 2025. The Audit Committee at its meeting on 2 May 2025 also previously reviewed them.

    Income statement items in €m Q1-24 Q1-25 Variation % ex. FX*
    Insurance revenue 378.6 382.9 +1.1% +1.2%
    Other revenue 85.0 90.3 +6.2% +5.5%
    REVENUE 463.7 473.2 +2.1% +2.0%
    UNDERWRITING INCOME/LOSS AFTER REINSURANCE 100.3 85.4 (14.9)% (15.4)%
    Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs 17.9 10.4 (42.0)% (44.2)%
    Insurance Finance Expenses (11.4) (4.1) (63.6)% (61.6)%
    CURRENT OPERATING INCOME 106.8 91.6 (14.2)% (15.3)%
    Other operating income / expenses (0.1) (0.4) +438.8% +439.8%
    OPERATING INCOME 106.8 91.2 (14.5)% (15.6)%
    NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE) 68.4 62.1 (9.2)% (10.5)%
             
    Key ratios Q1-24 Q1-25 Variation
    Loss ratio net of reinsurance 35.8% 39.1% 3.4 ppts
    Cost ratio net of reinsurance 27.3% 29.5% 2.2 ppts
    COMBINED RATIO NET OF REINSURANCE 63.1% 68.7% 5.6 ppts
             
    Balance sheet items in €m 2024 Q1-25 Variation
    Total equity (group share) 2,193.6 2,234.0 +1.8%

    * Also excludes scope impact

    1.   Turnover

    Coface recorded consolidated turnover of €473.2m, up +2.0% at constant FX and perimeter compared to Q1-24. As reported (at current FX and perimeter), turnover rose +2.1%.

    Revenues from insurance activities (including Bonding and Single Risk) increased by +1.2% at constant FX and perimeter. Client retention returned to a level close to its record high at 95.0% in a still competitive market. New business totalled €37m, stable compared with Q1-24. This was driven by an increase in demand and growth investments, particularly in the mid-market segment.

    Growth in client activity was positive at 1.2%, marking a further improvement compared to the already positive previous quarter. However, this level reflects the economic environment that prevailed before the tariff announcements by the United States. The price effect remained negative at -1.3% in Q1-25, in line with last year and long-term trends.

    Turnover from non-insurance activities was up +7.5% compared to Q1-24. However, not all business lines enjoyed the same momentum. Factoring turnover fell by -0.7%, with Germany and Poland recording identical performance. Business Information turnover continued to grow, rising +14.8% (and +18.4% on a reported basis). Fee and commission income (debt collection commissions) increased +14.8% due to the increase in claims to be collected. Commissions were up +4.0%, exceeding growth in premium income.

    Total revenue – in €m
    (by country of invoicing)    		 Q1-24 Q1-25 Variation % ex. FX2
    Northern Europe 97.8 97.0 (0.8)% (0.8)%
    Western Europe 91.7 96.0 +4.7% +1.9%
    Central & Eastern Europe 45.1 42.3 (6.3)% (6.9)%
    Mediterranean & Africa 138.9 143.4 +3.2% +5.1%
    North America 42.6 43.5 +2.0% +1.5%
    Latin America 18.6 20.4 +9.7% +16.0%
    Asia-Pacific 28.9 30.7 +6.2% +2.7%
    Total Group 463.7 473.2 +2.1% +2.0%

    In Northern Europe, turnover was down by -0.8% at constant and current FX. The region continues to suffer from the weakness of the German economy. This slight decline was partially offset by growth in non-insurance activities. Factoring turnover was down -0.7% but services were up +17.8%.

    In Western Europe, turnover increased +1.9% at constant FX (+4.7% at current FX). The loss of several significant contracts was more than offset by growth in service activities.

    In Central and Eastern Europe, turnover fell -6.9% at constant FX (-6.3% at current FX) due to client activity, which continued to drag down credit insurance, and a significant contract that is now included in another region.

    In the Mediterranean and Africa region, which is driven by Italy and Spain, turnover rose +5.1% at constant FX and +3.2% at current FX on the back of robust sales in credit insurance and services and a generally stronger economic environment.

    In North America, turnover rose by +1.5% at constant FX and +2.0% on a reported basis. The region benefited from a slight improvement in client activity and higher retention.

    In Latin America, turnover increased +16.0% at constant FX and +9.7% at current FX. The region is benefiting from continued high inflation, which is benefiting client activity.

    In Asia-Pacific, turnover increased +2.7% at constant FX and +6.2% at current FX. The region is benefiting from high retention and a slight increase in client activity.

    2.   Result

    • Combined ratio

    The combined ratio net of reinsurance stood at 68.7% for Q1-25, an increase of 5.6 ppts year on year but flat compared to the previous quarter.

    (i)  Loss ratio

    The gross loss ratio stood at 38.7%, up 5.5 ppts compared to the previous year. This increase reflects the normalisation of the loss experience offset by high but stable reserve releases compared to the previous year. The number of mid-sized claims was below long-term trends but is increasing.

    The Group’s provisioning policy remained unchanged. The amount of provisions related to the underwriting year, although discounted, remained in line with the historical average. Strict management of past claims enabled the Group to record 43.6 ppts of recoveries.

    The net loss ratio increased to 39.1%, up 3.3 ppts compared to Q1-24, with reinsurance absorbing part of the deterioration in the gross loss ratio.

    (ii)  Cost ratio

    Coface is pursuing a strict cost management policy while maintaining its investments, in line with the Power the Core strategic plan. In Q1-25, costs rose by +5.7% at constant FX and perimeter, and +5.9% at current FX.

    The cost ratio net of reinsurance was 29.5% in Q1-25, up 2.2 ppts year on year. This increase was mainly due to cost inflation (+1.4 ppt) and continued investment (+2.9 ppts). In contrast, the improved product mix (Business Information, Debt Collection and fee and commission income) had a positive effect of 2.6 ppts. The change in reinsurance commissions explains most of the remainder.

    • Financial result

    Net financial income was €10.4m in the first quarter. This amount includes an FX effect of -€12.4m, mostly due to the application of IAS 29 (Hyperinflation) mainly in Turkey for €4.5m.

    The portfolio’s current yield (i.e. excluding capital gains, depreciation and FX) was €24.9m. The accounting yield3, excluding capital gains and fair value effect, was 0.7% in Q1-25. The yield on new investments was 3.8%.

    Insurance Finance Expenses (IFE) stood at €4.1m for the first quarter. Outside of FX gains, the amount is very similar to that of previous quarters.

    • Operating income and net income

    Operating income amounted to €91.2m in Q1-25, down 14.5%.

    The effective tax rate was 23% for the quarter (vs. 27% in Q1-24).

    In total, net income (group share) was €62.1m, down 9.2% compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    3.   Shareholders’ equity

    At 31 March 2025, Group shareholders’ equity stood at €2,234.0m, up €40.4m or +1.8% (€2,193.6m at 31 December 2024).

    This increase is mainly due to positive net income of €62.1m and an FX effect.

    The annualised return on average tangible equity (RoATE) was 12.7% at 31 March 2025, down from the previous year, in line with the decline in net income.

    4.   Outlook

    Uncertainty about international economic policy is reaching a rarely seen levels. The United States announced the implementation of massive tariffs which vary depending on industrial sector and the imports’ country of origin. Implementation has been delayed in most cases to allow time for negotiations.

    Estimates of the long-term impact will have to wait until the tariffs actually implemented are more stable. In the short term, this uncertainty is delaying investment decisions and detracting from economic growth.

    This unprecedented complex environment validates the strategy and positioning adopted by Coface, which draws on its internationally recognised experts and industry leading data to support its clients as effectively as possible as the situation evolves. In the short term, Coface has stepped up communication with its clients and maintained its prevention actions at a high level, while continuing to invest in line with the Power the Core strategic plan. The workforce dedicated to services (Business Information and Debt Collection) currently stands at nearly 700 people.

    Conference call for financial analysts

    Coface’s Q1-2025 results will be discussed with financial analysts during the conference call on Monday 5 May at 18:00 (Paris time). Dial one of the following numbers:

    The presentation will be available (in English only) at the following address:
    http://www.coface.com/Investors/financial-results-and-reports

    Appendices

    Quarterly results

    Income statement items in €m
    Quarterly figures    		 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24 Q1-25   % %
    ex. FX*
    Insurance revenue 378.6 375.6 375.9 382.7 382.9   +1.1% +1.2%
    Other revenue 85.0 83.4 78.0 85.5 90.3   +6.2% +5.5%
    REVENUE 463.7 459.1 453.8 468.3 473.2   +2.1% +2.0%
    UNDERWRITING INCOME (LOSS)
    AFTER REINSURANCE    		 100.3 94.7 88.8 84.9 85.4   (14.9)% (15.4)%
    Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs 17.9 22.8 19.0 31.9 10.4   (42.0)% (44.2)%
    Insurance Finance Expenses (11.4) (6.7) (7.3) (17.1) (4.1)   (63.6)% (61.6)%
    CURRENT OPERATING INCOME 106.8 110.9 100.5 99.7 91.6   (14.2)% (15.3)%
    Other operating income / expenses (0.1) (0.5) (2.6) (5.5) (0.4)   438.8% 439.8%
    OPERATING INCOME 106.8 110.4 97.9 94.2 91.2   (14.5)% (15.6)%
    NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE) 68.4 73.8 65.4 53.4 62.1   (9.2)% (10.5)%
    Income tax rate 27.2% 26.8% 25.5% 36.2% 23.0%   (4.2) ppt

    Cumulated results

    Income statement items in €m
    Cumulated figures    		 Q1-24 H1-24 9M-24 2024 Q1-25   % %
    ex. FX*
    Insurance revenue 378.6 754.3 1,130.2 1,512.9 382.9   +1.1% +1.2%
    Other revenue 85.0 168.5 246.4 331.9 90.3   +6.2% +5.5%
    REVENUE 463.7 922.7 1,376.6 1,844.8 473.2   +2.1% +2.0%
    UNDERWRITING INCOME (LOSS)
    AFTER REINSURANCE    		 100.3 195.0 283.8 368.7 85.4   (14.9)% (15.4)%
    Investment income, net of management expenses, excluding finance costs 17.9 40.8 59.8 91.7 10.4   (42.0)% (44.2)%
    Insurance Finance Expenses (11.4) (18.1) (25.4) (42.5) (4.1)   (63.6)% (61.6)%
    CURRENT OPERATING INCOME 106.8 217.7 318.2 417.9 91.6   (14.2)% (15.3)%
    Other operating income / expenses (0.1) (0.5) (3.1) (8.6) (0.4)   438.8% 439.8%
    OPERATING INCOME 106.8 217.2 315.1 409.2 91.2   (14.5)% (15.6)%
    NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE) 68.4 142.3 207.7 261.1 62.1   (9.2)% (10.5)%
    Income tax rate 27.2% 27.0% 26.5% 28.7% 23.0%   (4.2) ppt  

    * Also excludes scope impact

    CONTACTS

    ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
    Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
    Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Saphia GAOUAOUI: +33 1 49 02 14 91 – saphia.gaouaoui@coface.com
    Adrien BILLET: +33 1 49 02 23 63 – adrien.billet@coface.com

    FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
    (subject to change)

    Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025
    H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
    9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

    For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2024 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

    Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
    You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.
     

    COFACE: FOR TRADE
    As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
    Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
    Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
    In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

    www.coface.com

    COFACE SA is quoted in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
    Code ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

    DISCLAIMER – Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 5 April 2024 under the number D.25-0227 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

    1 Return on average tangible equity
    2 Also excludes scope impact
    3 Book yield calculated on the average of the investment portfolio excluding non-consolidated subsidiaries.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former FBI Electronics Technician Sentenced to 20 Years on Child Exploitation Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – A former FBI electronics technician was sentenced last week to 20 years in federal prison having previously been found guilty after a jury trial on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and three counts of transferring obscene material on an individual under the age of sixteen, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    According to evidence presented at trial, between June 2020 and April 27, 2021, Justin Carroll, who was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as an electronics technician, engaged in sexually explicit chats and exchanged sexually explicit images with three fourteen-year-old females over various social media platforms after connecting with the minors on chatting websites. Carroll’s conduct was discovered after one of the victims mailed a Valentine’s Day package to the FBI office.  Sexually explicit images of the minor females were found in Carroll’s social media accounts and on his cell phone.  Images of Carroll were found in one of the minor’s social media accounts and on another minor’s cell phone.  Carroll continued communicating with the fourteen-year-old victim who mailed the package, even after receiving an e-mail from her mother inquiring why her daughter mailed him a package and advising him of her daughter’s age.

    “When someone in law enforcement dishonors their responsibilities by committing criminal acts, we will seek the most serious penalties in order to restore the public’s trust,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Justin Carroll dishonored the men and women of the FBI by his deplorable actions and now, thanks to the prosecution team and our law enforcement partners, he faces the consequences of those actions.”

    “Today’s sentencing underscores that no matter who you are, you will be brought to justice if you are found guilty of such criminal behavior,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to protect children from exploitation and hold accountable those who exploit or endanger them.”

    “HSI is committed to justice by working with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable for misconduct, reaffirming our dedication to upholding the trust the American people place in us daily,” said Homeland Security Investigations Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. “We will pursue these investigations vigorously as it is paramount that we maintain the trust and integrity of those we swore an oath to protect.”

    Following his term of incarceration, Carroll will be on supervised release for 10 years.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office and Providence Field Office, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica R. Morrison and Juliet Aldridge prosecuted the case.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune announces change of Index Provider

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholm, 5 May 2025 – Virtune announces that as of May 12, 2025, the index provider for Virtune’s existing index ETPs will change to MarketVector IndexesTM (“MarketVector”). In addition, reference prices from MarketVector will be used for Virtune’s other ETPs.

    Notice of changed service provider within Virtune’s ETP program
    Virtune announces a change of index administrator, index calculation agent, and reference price provider to MarketVector for all of Virtune’s ETPs, which will be reflected in the updated final terms, available as of May 12, 2025.

    Please note that this change does not affect investors or the trading of Virtune’s ETPs and no action is required from investors.

    Change:
    New index administrator, index calculation agent and reference price provider: MarketVector Indexes GmbH
    Address: Voltastrasse 1, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    Index change as of May 12, 2025, with MarketVector as new index administrator and index calculation agent:

    Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP SEK (ISIN: SE0020052207): Change to Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index produced by MarketVector

    Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP EUR (ISIN: SE0020052215): Change to Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index produced by MarketVector

    Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP (ISIN: SE0023260716): Change to Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index produced by MarketVector

    The methodology for the above indexes and their respective components will remain essentially unchanged from the previous indexes and therefore have no impact on investors in these ETPs. Virtune will remain the index sponsor for the above indexes.

    Change of reference prices as of May 12, 2025, with MarketVector as new reference price provider:

    The following ETPs will use reference prices from MarketVector to calculate the daily Net Asset Value. This change has no impact on investors in these ETPs:

    ● Virtune Bitcoin ETP (ISIN: SE0020845709)
    ● Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP (ISIN: SE0020541639)
    ● Virtune Staked Solana (ISIN: SE0021309754)
    ● Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP (ISIN: SE0021148129)
    ● Virtune XRP ETP (ISIN: SE0021486156)
    ● Virtune Avalanche ETP (ISIN: SE0022050092)
    ● Virtune Chainlink ETP (ISIN: SE0021149259)
    ● Virtune Arbitrum ETP (ISIN: SE0021310133)
    ● Virtune Staked Polygon ETP (ISIN: SE0021630217)
    ● Virtune Staked Cardano ETP (ISIN: SE0021630449)
    ● Virtune Litecoin ETP (ISIN: SE0023951082)

    Press contact
    Christopher Kock, VD Virtune AB (Publ)
    Christopher@virtune.com
    +46 70 073 45 64

    About Virtune
    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    About MarketVector
    MarketVector IndexesTM (“MarketVector”) is a regulated benchmark administrator in Europe, registered in Germany and approved by the Federal Financial Supervisory
    Authority (BaFin). MarketVector maintains indexes under the names MarketVectorTM, MVIS®️ and BlueStar®️. With a mission to drive innovation in indexing globally, MarketVector is especially known for its broad range of thematic indexes, long-standing expertise in real asset-linked equity indexes, and its pioneering family of digital asset indexes. MarketVector proudly partners with more than 25 issuers of exchange-traded products (ETPs) and index fund managers across global markets, with approximately USD 50 billion in assets under management.

      
    Crypto investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches High-Leverage Crypto Trading With No KYC, Double Deposit Bonus, and $50 Welcome Bonus

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market reaches new levels of global adoption, BexBack, a fast-growing digital asset derivatives exchange, is redefining the future of leveraged trading. The platform now offers up to 100x leverage, no KYC requirement, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus to empower traders across the world.

    Launched in May 2024 and headquartered in Singapore, BexBack has quickly attracted over 500,000 users across more than 200 countries, with strong adoption in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Its commitment to transparency, security, and performance has positioned it as one of the most promising platforms in the crypto derivatives space.

    “We believe trading should be fast, secure, and accessible to everyone,” said Amanda, Business Manager at BexBack. “By removing entry barriers like KYC and providing strong financial incentives, we’re helping users seize market opportunities without compromise.”

    Key Features of BexBack:

    • No KYC Required: Users can start trading instantly while maintaining privacy.
    • 100x Leverage: Maximize capital efficiency across BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP and 50+ other crypto futures.
    • $50 Welcome Bonus: Earned after a deposit of at least 0.001 BTC or 100 USDT and completing the first trade.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your trading capital up to 10 BTC; bonus usable as margin
    • Zero Deposit Fees: Move funds without friction.
    • Advanced Security: Protected by multi-signature cold wallets, distributed servers, and DDoS prevention.
    • Regulatory Compliance: BexBack is a registered MSB under U.S. FinCEN, ensuring a compliant trading environment.
    • Global Access & 24/7 Support: Available to traders worldwide with round-the-clock assistance.

    Driving the Future of Crypto Trading

    BexBack’s mission is to democratize access to high-performance trading tools and provide a level playing field for retail traders. The platform offers a demo account with 10 BTC and 1M USDT in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to gain experience before committing real capital.

    As global economic uncertainty and market volatility continue, leveraged futures have become a critical strategy for traders seeking greater flexibility and profit potential. BexBack meets this demand with institutional-grade tools designed for all skill levels.

    Start Trading Today

    Traders interested in joining the BexBack community can sign up at www.bexback.com, make their first deposit, and begin trading with up to 100x leverage—no KYC, no barriers.

    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.

    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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b76b8ef-8984-4ab2-835a-4e95d81c2a11

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7cc88919-f350-4f53-b54f-6a86227f3254

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbd9db24-bdfd-4c2c-b074-40a548359fac

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3d19656-4c31-4a31-9680-1c795bdf52a9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: REMINDER – Media accreditation now open for the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 5, 2025

    From May 20 to 22, Canada will host the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Banff, Alberta.

    Media representatives who wish to cover this meeting must obtain media accreditation.

    The media accreditation process is open to journalists (print, radio, television, news agencies and online media) who are on assignment with a bona fide media organization.

    Individuals performing journalistic functions who do not work for a media organization and are unable to provide a letter of assignment will have to provide proof of recent publications under the applicant’s by-line that can be readily found in the public realm and under a bona fide media organization.

    Government officials, representatives, or observers will not be accredited as media.

    To apply, please complete the form here https://accreditationcanada.gc.ca/Registration-Enregistrement/, and be sure to upload all documentation, as requested in the form. The registration code for media is: 6EJr?x$uH94d.

    Only applications that include all requested information will be considered. 

    The application period will close on May 9, 2025. Please note that accreditation does not guarantee access to all events. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL named a Leader and Star Performer in Everest Group Payment Integrity Solutions PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a global data and AI company, announced that it has been named a Leader and Star Performer in the Everest Group Payment Integrity Solutions PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.

    The Everest Group cites EXL’s diverse, adaptable payment integrity solution engagement models, which are integrated with generative AI, natural language processing and machine learning as key drivers of their performance. Using robust data and advanced technology, EXL is able to offer end-to-end payment integrity outcomes for enhanced claim validation, fraud detection and coverage gap analysis.

    “Transparency, trust and technology have become the cornerstones of payment integrity as payers and providers increasingly work together to deliver the best possible care,” said Vivek Jetley, president and head of healthcare and life sciences and insurance, EXL. “We are proud to receive the Everest Group Leader designation for the second straight year and also be recognized as one of only two Star Performers in the report. We are looking forward to making new investments in the year ahead to help deliver even more powerful, fully transparent payment integrity solutions to our clients.”

    As part of this assessment, Everest Group presented a detailed analysis of 24 payment integrity solutions providers. Firms were evaluated based on their vision, capabilities and market impact. Researchers determine an organization’s positioning based on Everest Group’s annual industry survey tracking interactions with leading industry stakeholders, client reference checks and ongoing analysis of the industry market.

    “The payment integrity market is shifting from post-pay recovery to proactive pre-pay accuracy, driven by AI-enabled fraud detection, real-time claims validation, and predictive risk modeling,” says Ankur Verma, vice president at Everest Group. “EXL has responded to these evolving demands with a near-real-time monitoring solution for provider demographics and data integrity, while also adopting outcome-based pricing models in line with client expectations. Combined with improved client feedback, these advancements have positioned EXL as a Leader and a Star Performer in Everest Group’s Payment Integrity Solutions PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.”

    To read more about the report and to see how EXL compares to its competition, click here. For more information about EXL’s solutions for the healthcare industry, click here.

    About EXL

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    About Everest Group

    Everest Group is a leading global research firm helping business leaders make confident decisions. Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® assessments provide the analysis and insights enterprises need to make critical selection decisions about global services providers, locations, and products and solutions within various market segments. Likewise, providers of these services, products, and solutions, look to the PEAK Matrix® to gauge and calibrate their offerings against others in the industry or market. Find further details and in-depth content at www.everestgrp.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

    Africa faces challenges in reducing extreme poverty and inequality. In 2024, 8.5% of the global population was living in extreme poverty (that is, on less than US$2.15 a day). Nearly 67% of these people were living in sub-Saharan Africa.

    To tackle these significant issues of poverty and inequality, it is essential to identify the locations of the most impoverished individuals. This enables investments to focus on generating growth and productivity that are both inclusive of poor people and sustainable.

    About 70% of the poor in sub-Saharan Africa live in rural areas. Most (65% to 70%) are employed in agriculture. Agriculture also contributes 30%-40% to the gross domestic product (GDP).

    Despite its importance, agriculture is underfunded. African countries don’t have enough of their own resources to finance agriculture, and external funding is becoming more scarce.

    The region thus desperately needs an innovative plan to finance agriculture for economic development.

    In a recent study we analysed
    how different ways of funding agricultural investment would affect inclusive growth and the wider economy in 10 African countries. Raising taxes, cutting budgets and external support were the different funding options we explored.

    We created economic models that would help countries with tight budgets understand the trade-offs and choose the best options.

    Our study found that investing more in agriculture – especially with external financing – was best at raising incomes and reducing poverty, particularly in rural areas. External funding avoids the higher costs of domestic financing. But a mix of both is also effective.

    Regardless of the country, all financing options resulted in increased rural incomes, reducing poverty and hunger. This shows that investment in agriculture has a positive impact both nationally and in rural contexts.

    The model

    Our paper uses an economic simulation model which looks at the big picture and also at more detail. It works out how changes in agricultural spending affect people’s lives (in terms of their income and expenditure) as well as the overall economy.

    The countries studied were Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, Gabon, Malawi, eSwatini, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. We chose them based on the availability and accessibility of the data required.

    The model worked out the results of different financing strategies:

    • Increase in taxes (direct ones like household income and property tax or indirect ones like VAT or sales tax). The idea is that spending more on agriculture would be compensated for by higher tax revenues. These would come from households’ growing income and property taxes.

    • Reduction in non-agricultural investment spending. Here, the proportion of government investment dedicated to agriculture remains fixed. So there has to be less investment elsewhere.

    • Increase in government external borrowing or development assistance.

    Key findings

    We found that external financing boosted both national and rural incomes the most. But variations in the exchange rate may trigger an increase in domestic prices and a subsequent decline in export volumes. That could make a country less competitive economically.

    Despite this, the associated costs are generally lower than those of internal financing, aside from Mozambique’s rural income results.

    Between the two internal financing mechanisms tested, the option of reducing non-agricultural investment raised both national income and rural income in all countries except eSwatini.

    So that option should play a key role along with external financing.

    This finding is encouraging for fiscally constrained countries as the modelling showed that domestic financing improved the countries’ agency in sustainable growth.

    In a final modelling phase, the models explored how the policy interventions could transform poverty and inequality outcomes. They did this by following the intricate interplay of income and price dynamics. After a surge in agricultural investments following the policy scenarios, the findings showed a more pronounced reduction in poverty and inequality rates across all nations. There was one notable outlier — Angola. In Angola, investments channelled into the services sector have sparked the most substantial decreases in poverty and inequality, driven by the deep interconnectivity between services and its expansive oil industry.

    Even a small increase in public investment led to a clear drop in poverty, with agriculture investments having the biggest impact, followed by industry and services. Malawi showed the most substantial reduction in poverty. There were also noticeable effects in Rwanda, Botswana, eSwatini and Angola.

    Other countries showed mild impacts, maintaining low poverty levels.

    What can be done

    Scenario modelling can offer valuable insights for policy making because it is forward-looking. It also highlights the implications of strategic priorities.

    The study’s findings show that to achieve inclusive economic growth, countries should aggressively invest in agriculture, using a mix of external and domestic fiscal sources.

    On the back of the findings we made the following proposals.

    African governments are dependent on development aid because of limited domestic finances and weak growth prospects. This gets in the way of their ability to raise funds in the markets. However, if concessional financing is attainable and exchange rate impacts are controllable, external financing should remain a preferable option for financing agriculture investments.

    In the medium term, governments must focus on:

    • cutting unproductive non-agricultural spending

    • eliminating waste

    • ensuring cost-effectiveness.

    Savings should be redirected to agriculture.

    Over the medium term, there should be a focus on reforming tax policies. Direct and indirect taxes should be increased to fund agricultural investment. But maintaining transparency in using tax revenues is crucial. This encourages public support and local ownership of tax reforms by demonstrating their benefits.

    In the long term, governments should synchronise national development plans with ambitious agricultural growth initiatives.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries – https://theconversation.com/investing-in-agriculture-reduces-poverty-and-inequality-economic-model-finds-the-best-funding-mix-for-10-african-countries-252820

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Azwihangwisi Judith Mphidi, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Tshwane University of Technology

    Corruption in South Africa’s public institutions has been a pressing issue for the past two decades. From national government offices to local municipalities, stories of officials enriching themselves at the expense of the public have become all too familiar.

    The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department – responsible for traffic policing, crime prevention, and by-law enforcement in South Africa’s capital city – has not escaped this crisis.

    With over four million residents spread across 6,298 square kilometres, Tshwane plays a vital role in the country’s political and economic landscape. Yet its municipal police department, one of the largest in South Africa, with an average of 4,000 operational staff, is increasingly associated with allegations of bribery, abuse of power and unethical behaviour.

    I am a postdoctoral researcher with a focus on criminal justice, and an active social justice advocate. In a recent research paper, I explored how corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is damaging public trust and compromising law enforcement and crime prevention.

    I was able to observe the culture and environment of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as a motorist and as an employee under the city’s Community and Social Development Department.

    My research drew on texts and context rather than analysis of numbers, since the study was written after I left the City of Tshwane. I relied on my first hand experience, and already published and documented evidence. I did not need special permissions to do this but cited sources consulted.

    The study found that motorists view the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as predators rather than protectors. Corruption in the traffic police is more than a betrayal of public trust. When officers take bribes instead of enforcing traffic laws, road safety suffers.

    Inside the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department

    In recent years, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department has been accused of recruiting members with criminal records and cases of corruption.

    My key findings were about:

    Hiring practices: Individuals with criminal records have been recruited into the department. Vetting is conducted, but the reports come later when they are already employed, then they are expelled.

    Bribery: Motorists frequently report officers soliciting bribes during routine traffic stops or other bribery related incidences. Some of these reports are made to the mayoral committee member for community safety.

    Lack of accountability: Officers implicated in corruption are not always dismissed, or may face minimal consequences.

    Public complaints: Over 200 officers have been under investigation for various misconduct allegations in recent years.

    Political interference and leadership instability

    In the course of the research, I found that another key factor undermining the effectiveness of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is political interference in operational matters and leadership appointments as a result of the structure of the municipalities across the country. All mayoral committee executives and council members are politicians.

    Frequent reshuffling of senior leaders based on politics rather than merit weakens strategic direction and fosters corruption. Politically connected individuals often secure positions without proper vetting, either due to delays in completing reports or human resources not waiting for the report before proceeding with appointments.

    The combination of weak vetting processes, inadequate oversight, and political interference has created an environment where corruption is not only possible but, in some cases, normalised.

    Damage to the capital city’s global reputation and tourism

    The corruption within the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department not only affects local residents but also tarnishes Pretoria’s reputation as South Africa’s administrative capital, home to embassies from around the world.

    As the city hosts more than 130 foreign diplomatic missions — the second-largest concentration of embassies in the world after Washington DC — the behaviour of municipal police officers directly influences the capital city’s global image.

    When officers solicit bribes or abuse their power during routine traffic stops, they might not distinguish between local residents, foreign diplomats or tourists. This indiscriminate targeting is likely to create an unsafe environment for international visitors and damage the trust of foreign nations engaging with South Africa.

    What needs to be done

    Addressing corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department will require urgent reforms. Based on the research, I argue that the following actions are essential:

    Stricter recruitment processes: Background checks should be mandatory for all officers. Individuals found to have criminal records should be disqualified from serving.

    Body cameras and digital monitoring: Equipping officers with body cameras would provide an objective record of interactions with the public.

    Independent oversight: An external body should be established to investigate complaints and ensure accountability. Currently, municipal policing is governed by the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigates some complaints. But it appears to have limited resources.

    Ethics training: All officers should get regular training to reinforce the importance of integrity and professionalism. They are currently trained at the Police Academy and get support from academic institutions, including the University of Pretoria.

    Community engagement: Building partnerships between the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and the communities it serves can help restore trust and improve transparency.

    Municipal policing law

    Restoring public confidence requires more than piecemeal reforms — it demands a new legal framework.

    A South African Municipal Policing Act could create a unified standard for municipal policing across the country, addressing many of the root causes of corruption. This legislation could introduce:

    National municipal police officers register: A centralised database that records applications, criminal background checks, disciplinary history, and performance assessments of all municipal officers.

    Uniform ethical standards: Clear ethical guidelines that apply to all municipal police officers, regardless of location.

    Independent oversight: An investigative body focused solely on municipal policing.

    Mandatory pre-vetting process: All applicants would undergo fingerprint-based criminal record checks.

    Cross-municipal blacklisting: Officers dismissed or suspended from one municipality would be automatically barred from working in another.

    Digital recording systems: All municipal police vehicles and personnel would be equipped with body cameras and GPS tracking systems to improve accountability.

    A framework like this would close loopholes that allow corrupt officers to move between municipalities undetected. It would also prevent the recycling of officers with criminal records.

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

    – ref. City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it – https://theconversation.com/city-police-in-south-africas-capital-have-a-bad-image-how-to-fix-it-251505

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

    Africa faces challenges in reducing extreme poverty and inequality. In 2024, 8.5% of the global population was living in extreme poverty (that is, on less than US$2.15 a day). Nearly 67% of these people were living in sub-Saharan Africa.

    To tackle these significant issues of poverty and inequality, it is essential to identify the locations of the most impoverished individuals. This enables investments to focus on generating growth and productivity that are both inclusive of poor people and sustainable.

    About 70% of the poor in sub-Saharan Africa live in rural areas. Most (65% to 70%) are employed in agriculture. Agriculture also contributes 30%-40% to the gross domestic product (GDP).

    Despite its importance, agriculture is underfunded. African countries don’t have enough of their own resources to finance agriculture, and external funding is becoming more scarce.

    The region thus desperately needs an innovative plan to finance agriculture for economic development.

    In a recent study we analysed how different ways of funding agricultural investment would affect inclusive growth and the wider economy in 10 African countries. Raising taxes, cutting budgets and external support were the different funding options we explored.

    We created economic models that would help countries with tight budgets understand the trade-offs and choose the best options.

    Our study found that investing more in agriculture – especially with external financing – was best at raising incomes and reducing poverty, particularly in rural areas. External funding avoids the higher costs of domestic financing. But a mix of both is also effective.

    Regardless of the country, all financing options resulted in increased rural incomes, reducing poverty and hunger. This shows that investment in agriculture has a positive impact both nationally and in rural contexts.

    The model

    Our paper uses an economic simulation model which looks at the big picture and also at more detail. It works out how changes in agricultural spending affect people’s lives (in terms of their income and expenditure) as well as the overall economy.

    The countries studied were Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, Gabon, Malawi, eSwatini, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. We chose them based on the availability and accessibility of the data required.

    The model worked out the results of different financing strategies:

    • Increase in taxes (direct ones like household income and property tax or indirect ones like VAT or sales tax). The idea is that spending more on agriculture would be compensated for by higher tax revenues. These would come from households’ growing income and property taxes.

    • Reduction in non-agricultural investment spending. Here, the proportion of government investment dedicated to agriculture remains fixed. So there has to be less investment elsewhere.

    • Increase in government external borrowing or development assistance.

    Key findings

    We found that external financing boosted both national and rural incomes the most. But variations in the exchange rate may trigger an increase in domestic prices and a subsequent decline in export volumes. That could make a country less competitive economically.

    Despite this, the associated costs are generally lower than those of internal financing, aside from Mozambique’s rural income results.

    Between the two internal financing mechanisms tested, the option of reducing non-agricultural investment raised both national income and rural income in all countries except eSwatini.

    So that option should play a key role along with external financing.

    This finding is encouraging for fiscally constrained countries as the modelling showed that domestic financing improved the countries’ agency in sustainable growth.

    In a final modelling phase, the models explored how the policy interventions could transform poverty and inequality outcomes. They did this by following the intricate interplay of income and price dynamics. After a surge in agricultural investments following the policy scenarios, the findings showed a more pronounced reduction in poverty and inequality rates across all nations. There was one notable outlier — Angola. In Angola, investments channelled into the services sector have sparked the most substantial decreases in poverty and inequality, driven by the deep interconnectivity between services and its expansive oil industry.

    Even a small increase in public investment led to a clear drop in poverty, with agriculture investments having the biggest impact, followed by industry and services. Malawi showed the most substantial reduction in poverty. There were also noticeable effects in Rwanda, Botswana, eSwatini and Angola.

    Other countries showed mild impacts, maintaining low poverty levels.

    What can be done

    Scenario modelling can offer valuable insights for policy making because it is forward-looking. It also highlights the implications of strategic priorities.

    The study’s findings show that to achieve inclusive economic growth, countries should aggressively invest in agriculture, using a mix of external and domestic fiscal sources.

    On the back of the findings we made the following proposals.

    African governments are dependent on development aid because of limited domestic finances and weak growth prospects. This gets in the way of their ability to raise funds in the markets. However, if concessional financing is attainable and exchange rate impacts are controllable, external financing should remain a preferable option for financing agriculture investments.

    In the medium term, governments must focus on:

    • cutting unproductive non-agricultural spending

    • eliminating waste

    • ensuring cost-effectiveness.

    Savings should be redirected to agriculture.

    Over the medium term, there should be a focus on reforming tax policies. Direct and indirect taxes should be increased to fund agricultural investment. But maintaining transparency in using tax revenues is crucial. This encourages public support and local ownership of tax reforms by demonstrating their benefits.

    In the long term, governments should synchronise national development plans with ambitious agricultural growth initiatives.

    – Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries
    – https://theconversation.com/investing-in-agriculture-reduces-poverty-and-inequality-economic-model-finds-the-best-funding-mix-for-10-african-countries-252820

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Azwihangwisi Judith Mphidi, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Tshwane University of Technology

    Corruption in South Africa’s public institutions has been a pressing issue for the past two decades. From national government offices to local municipalities, stories of officials enriching themselves at the expense of the public have become all too familiar.

    The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department – responsible for traffic policing, crime prevention, and by-law enforcement in South Africa’s capital city – has not escaped this crisis.

    With over four million residents spread across 6,298 square kilometres, Tshwane plays a vital role in the country’s political and economic landscape. Yet its municipal police department, one of the largest in South Africa, with an average of 4,000 operational staff, is increasingly associated with allegations of bribery, abuse of power and unethical behaviour.

    I am a postdoctoral researcher with a focus on criminal justice, and an active social justice advocate. In a recent research paper, I explored how corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is damaging public trust and compromising law enforcement and crime prevention.

    I was able to observe the culture and environment of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as a motorist and as an employee under the city’s Community and Social Development Department.

    My research drew on texts and context rather than analysis of numbers, since the study was written after I left the City of Tshwane. I relied on my first hand experience, and already published and documented evidence. I did not need special permissions to do this but cited sources consulted.

    The study found that motorists view the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as predators rather than protectors. Corruption in the traffic police is more than a betrayal of public trust. When officers take bribes instead of enforcing traffic laws, road safety suffers.

    Inside the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department

    In recent years, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department has been accused of recruiting members with criminal records and cases of corruption.

    My key findings were about:

    Hiring practices: Individuals with criminal records have been recruited into the department. Vetting is conducted, but the reports come later when they are already employed, then they are expelled.

    Bribery: Motorists frequently report officers soliciting bribes during routine traffic stops or other bribery related incidences. Some of these reports are made to the mayoral committee member for community safety.

    Lack of accountability: Officers implicated in corruption are not always dismissed, or may face minimal consequences.

    Public complaints: Over 200 officers have been under investigation for various misconduct allegations in recent years.

    Political interference and leadership instability

    In the course of the research, I found that another key factor undermining the effectiveness of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is political interference in operational matters and leadership appointments as a result of the structure of the municipalities across the country. All mayoral committee executives and council members are politicians.

    Frequent reshuffling of senior leaders based on politics rather than merit weakens strategic direction and fosters corruption. Politically connected individuals often secure positions without proper vetting, either due to delays in completing reports or human resources not waiting for the report before proceeding with appointments.

    The combination of weak vetting processes, inadequate oversight, and political interference has created an environment where corruption is not only possible but, in some cases, normalised.

    Damage to the capital city’s global reputation and tourism

    The corruption within the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department not only affects local residents but also tarnishes Pretoria’s reputation as South Africa’s administrative capital, home to embassies from around the world.

    As the city hosts more than 130 foreign diplomatic missions — the second-largest concentration of embassies in the world after Washington DC — the behaviour of municipal police officers directly influences the capital city’s global image.

    When officers solicit bribes or abuse their power during routine traffic stops, they might not distinguish between local residents, foreign diplomats or tourists. This indiscriminate targeting is likely to create an unsafe environment for international visitors and damage the trust of foreign nations engaging with South Africa.

    What needs to be done

    Addressing corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department will require urgent reforms. Based on the research, I argue that the following actions are essential:

    Stricter recruitment processes: Background checks should be mandatory for all officers. Individuals found to have criminal records should be disqualified from serving.

    Body cameras and digital monitoring: Equipping officers with body cameras would provide an objective record of interactions with the public.

    Independent oversight: An external body should be established to investigate complaints and ensure accountability. Currently, municipal policing is governed by the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigates some complaints. But it appears to have limited resources.

    Ethics training: All officers should get regular training to reinforce the importance of integrity and professionalism. They are currently trained at the Police Academy and get support from academic institutions, including the University of Pretoria.

    Community engagement: Building partnerships between the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and the communities it serves can help restore trust and improve transparency.

    Municipal policing law

    Restoring public confidence requires more than piecemeal reforms — it demands a new legal framework.

    A South African Municipal Policing Act could create a unified standard for municipal policing across the country, addressing many of the root causes of corruption. This legislation could introduce:

    National municipal police officers register: A centralised database that records applications, criminal background checks, disciplinary history, and performance assessments of all municipal officers.

    Uniform ethical standards: Clear ethical guidelines that apply to all municipal police officers, regardless of location.

    Independent oversight: An investigative body focused solely on municipal policing.

    Mandatory pre-vetting process: All applicants would undergo fingerprint-based criminal record checks.

    Cross-municipal blacklisting: Officers dismissed or suspended from one municipality would be automatically barred from working in another.

    Digital recording systems: All municipal police vehicles and personnel would be equipped with body cameras and GPS tracking systems to improve accountability.

    A framework like this would close loopholes that allow corrupt officers to move between municipalities undetected. It would also prevent the recycling of officers with criminal records.

    – City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it
    – https://theconversation.com/city-police-in-south-africas-capital-have-a-bad-image-how-to-fix-it-251505

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Dr. Cato T. Laurencin Mentors Students at University of Maryland School of Medicine

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dr. Cato T. Laurencin’s talk, “Regenerative Engineering, The Future is Here,” delivered this Spring, was sponsored by the University of Maryland Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

    The endowed biennial lectureship was established to honor the memory of Stephen R. Max, Ph.D., a great scientist, and the former and founding MD-Ph.D. Program Director. The lectureship invites an outstanding physician scientist to visit the scientific community, interact with and mentor MSTP students there, and deliver a major scientific lecture.

    Laurencin earned a B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University. He completed the Harvard Medical School Medical Scientist Training Program, earning his MD from the Harvard Medical School, Magna Cum Laude, and his Ph.D. in biochemical engineering/biotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Laurencin is the University Professor at UConn and the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the UConn School of Medicine, professor of Chemical Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is chief executive officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute named in his honor at UConn.

    In his talk, he encouraged students to pursue excellence in all they do. He discussed his autobiography entitled, Success is What You Leave Behind, published by Elsevier. He encouraged students to give back throughout their careers. Laurencin’s work in mentorship is well known. He has created and established numerous programs in his career including the UConn Young Innovative Investigator Program, the UConn M-1 Program, the UConn Pre-K Program, the UConn NSF EFRI Regenerative Engineering REM and REU Programs, and the UConn NIH T32 Regenerative Engineering at the University of Connecticut alone. The UConn Foundation established the Cato T. Laurencin Scholars Award given to undergraduate students, while nationally, the Society for Biomaterials created the Cato T. Laurencin, MD, Ph.D. Travel Award given to undergraduate students in Biomaterials Science. He is the first to receive the three principal national awards for mentoring: the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mentor Award, the Beckman Award for Mentoring, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, and Engineering Mentoring given to him by President Barack Obama in ceremonies at the White House.

    The pioneer of the field of Regenerative Engineering, Laurencin is the first surgeon elected to the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors. As an orthopaedic surgeon physician-scientist he is the first individual to receive the Nicolas Andry Award (highest honor of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons), the Kappa Delta Award (highest research honor of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), the Marshal Urist Award (highest honor in regeneration of the Orthopaedic Research Society), and the American Orthopaedic Association’s (AOA) Distinguished Contributions to Orthopaedic Surgery with induction into the AOA Awards Hall of Fame.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Welcomes Karl Cheong to Spearhead ETF Strategy and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP, one of Canada’s leading independent investment managers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Karl Cheong, CFA, as Executive Vice President, Head of ETFs.

    Karl Cheong, CFA brings over 20 years of experience in designing and distributing innovative investment solutions. He held senior leadership roles at Claymore Investments (acquired by BlackRock) and First Trust, where he played a key role in launching and expanding their ETF businesses across Canada. Over his career, Karl has led the creation of several industry-first ETFs in Canada, and was one of the original working group members of the Canadian ETF Association, helping shape the foundation of the industry.

     “Joining Ninepoint partners is an opportunity to help establish the firm’s ETF platform as an innovation leader in the Canadian market,” said Karl Cheong. “I’ve dedicated my career to building meaningful, investor-first solutions, and Ninepoint’s entrepreneurial culture, alternatives platform, and broad distribution reach make it an ideal home to continue that mission.”

    “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Karl to Ninepoint. His strategic insight, industry relationships and leadership, will be instrumental as we expand our ETF platform and continue to innovate for Canadian investors,” commented James Fox, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at Ninepoint.

    With Karl’s appointment, Ninepoint is poised to accelerate the development of a differentiated ETF line-up focused on alternative income, yield strategies, real asset exposure, and other strategies designed to diversify investor’s portfolio and support their financial goals.

    About Ninepoint Partners LP

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit ninepoint.com or please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Media Inquiries:
    Longacre Square Partners
    Kate Sylvester / Liz Shoemaker
    ninepoint@longacresquare.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Calian Responds to Rising Need for Mental Health Support for Canada’s Frontline

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY), a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions for defence, space and healthcare, is responding to rising national demand for psychological services for Canada’s public safety agencies across the country. Following a 25% year-over-year growth in fiscal year 2024, Calian’s psychological services team is already projecting another record-breaking year. The demand for services, ranging from pre-employment psychological services to tailored mental health and wellness programs, has resulted in the addition of 17 new and renewed contracts in the first six months of FY25 including the addition of its first fire department.

    “We know the landscape of public safety in Canada is evolving and with it we’re seeing a growing need for psychological services,” said Derek Clark, President, Health. “Our public safety agencies are increasing recruitment efforts to respond to growing demands being placed on them through evolving crime patterns, increased community engagement and public safety requests as a whole. Each require frontline workers that can mentally and emotionally handle the strain of day-to-day work so they can continue to perform their duties and serve. That’s where our team of experts can help.”

    As one of Canada’s largest providers of pre-employment psychological assessments, Calian is helping to build resilient public safety workforces through evidence-based evaluations, fitness-for-duty assessments and customized wellness programs. With over 20 years of experience in the sector, Calian now conducts nearly 7,000 psychological assessments annually, and growing, enabling organizations to make informed, responsible hiring and return-to-work decisions.

    “Public safety professionals are inevitably exposed to high-stress and unpredictable situations as an inherent part of their job. When combined with organizational and external stressors, they are at a significant increased risk of mental health challenges,” said Dr. Nina Fusco, Chief Psychologist, Calian. “We are proud to support those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others with the aim to help build healthier, more resilient teams in public safety and high-risk occupations.”

    According to the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), public safety personnel—including police, firefighters, correctional officers and paramedics—are more likely to experience mental health disorders due to the nature of their work. A recent CIPSRT study found approximately 44.5% of Canadian public safety personnel screen positive for one or more mental health disorders. Early intervention and ongoing mental health support are proven to reduce burnout, absenteeism, and turnover, while improving team performance and community safety. Calian’s mental health services are designed to strengthen the psychological resilience of these professionals and foster healthier, more sustainable careers in public safety.

    Calian’s services are tailored to meet public safety agencies’ operational and cultural realities. This includes law enforcement departments at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, correctional institutions, paramedic services, and fire departments. Whether evaluating new recruits or supporting veteran personnel, Calian’s approach ensures accuracy, trust and compassion at every stage.

    For more information about Calian’s psychological services and wellness programs, visit:
    https://www.calian.com/health/psychological-services

    About Calian

    www.calian.com

    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:

    media@calian.com

    613-599-8600

    Investor Relations inquiries:

    ir@calian.com

    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Inside the FBI Podcast: Joint Terrorism Task Forces

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    On this episode of the Inside the FBI Podcast, we’ll mark the 45th anniversary of FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces by discussing what JTTFs are, how the model came to be, why it’s stood the test of time, and how law enforcement agencies across the country can benefit from joining their local JTTF. For a full transcript and additional resources, visit fbi.gov/news/podcasts. And you can visit fbi.gov/terrorism to learn more about the Bureau’s counterterrorism efforts.
    —————————————————
    Subscribe to Inside the FBI wherever you get your podcasts:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2d3cg…
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0…
    More ways to follow us: https://inside-the-fbi.transistor.fm/…

    Follow us on social media:
    X: https://twitter.com/fbi
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/FBI
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fbi
    YouTube: youtube.com/user/fbi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tKEpiXXwEI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Inside the FBI Podcast: Transnational Repression

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    On this episode of the Inside the FBI Podcast, we’ll define transnational repression (also known as TNR), explain the different forms it can take and why the FBI investigates it, and teach you how you can report suspected incidents to the Bureau. For a full transcript and additional resources, visit fbi.gov/news/podcasts. You can also visit fbi.gov/tnr to learn more about transnational repression and access relevant resources. And you can report suspected transnational repression to the FBI by calling us at 1-800-CALL-FBI—that’s 1-800-225-5324—or by submitting an online tip at tips.fbi.gov.

    —————————————————
    Subscribe to Inside the FBI wherever you get your podcasts:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2d3cg…
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0…
    More ways to follow us: https://inside-the-fbi.transistor.fm/…

    Follow us on social media:
    X: https://twitter.com/fbi
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/FBI
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fbi
    YouTube: youtube.com/user/fbi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvQxczPaLPg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: AssetMark Announces 2025 Practice Excellence Award Recipients

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CONCORD, Calif., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AssetMark, a leading wealth management platform for financial advisors, today announced the recipients of its 2025 Practice Excellence Awards. These awards, now in their eighth year, recognize financial advisory firms that have made significant achievements in the areas of operational excellence and technology adoption at AssetMark.

    This year’s honorees are:

    2025 Operations Excellence Award – Accuracy of Submitted Client Requests
    Barrigan Nelson, Capital Financial Planners (Salem, OR)
    Scott Barber, Barber Financial (DuBois, PA)
    Christopher Tool, Advantage Investment Services, (Canyon Lake, CA)
    John McBride & Hayley Bowen​, Stewardship Wealth Advisors (Phoenix, AZ)

    2025 Digital Practice Award – Overall Adoption of AssetMark Digital Tools
    Marissa Nehlsen​​, Freedom Financial Group (Minot, ND)
    Eric Jensen​​, Foxton Financial (Littleton, CO)
    Eric Nagel​​, Midwest Legacy Group, LLC (Lisle, IL)
    Charlie Hirling, Brad Hirling, and Stephanie Ruello, Hirling Financial Group (Metairie, LA)

    2025 Green Planet Award – Adoption of eDelivery
    Derek Pilkington, Pilkington Financial​​ (Denver, CO)
    Jonathan Whitehouse, EastRise Wealth Management (Williston, VT)
    Bryan Schod​​, Lifetime Financial Growth, LLC. (Morgantown, WV)
    Mark Trice​, ClearVista Financial (Waco, TX)

    “It’s incredibly thrilling to honor these financial advisory firms for their adoption of AssetMark’s digital tools to transform traditionally manual middle- and back-office tasks,” said Carrie Hansen, EVP and COO of AssetMark. “Their enthusiastic embrace of technology has set a new standard, enabling advisors to handle client requests with unprecedented speed and precision, and freeing up invaluable time to focus wholeheartedly on serving their clients.”

    The Practice Excellence Awards were announced during the kick-off of AssetMark’s annual Customer Obsession Week, a week-long celebration starting today through May 9, 2025. “Customer Obsession Week is one of the most exciting times of the year for our company,” Hansen noted. “This is a time when we bring the entire AssetMark team together to celebrate our people, our amazing advisors, and the incredible work they do to support their clients’ hopes, dreams, and aspirations. By honoring these twelve award recipients for their outstanding achievements in operational excellence and technology adoption, we’re highlighting the critical importance for financial advisors of leveraging digital tools to enhance their client-focused culture and remain competitive.”

    The 2025 Practice Excellence Awards are issued by AssetMark and recognize financial advisory firms for embracing AssetMark technology to perform traditionally manual middle- and back-office functions. Award recipients were selected by a panel of senior leaders in AssetMark’s Operations and Service organization. Nominees were evaluated based on usage of our digital tools, accuracy, and volume of work. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results.

    About AssetMark
    AssetMark operates a wealth management platform whose mission is to help financial advisors and their clients. AssetMark, together with its affiliates AssetMark Trust Company, Voyant, and Adhesion Wealth Advisor Solutions, serves advisors at every stage of their journey with flexible, purpose-built solutions that champion client engagement and drive efficiency. Its ecosystem of solutions equips advisors with services and capabilities to help deliver better investor outcomes by enhancing their productivity, profitability, and client satisfaction. 

    With a history going back to 1996, AssetMark has over 1,000 employees, and its platform serves over 10,700 financial advisors and over 317,000 investor households. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had over $139 billion in platform assets. AssetMark, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.assetmark.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Launches WealthVision Essentials to Empower Advisors with Best-in-Class Financial Planning Software

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  LPL Financial LLC, a leading wealth management firm, is pleased to announce the launch of WealthVision Essentials, an integrated financial planning tool powered by eMoney. This new platform is designed to enhance the services of LPL’s financial advisors, whether independent or part of an institution like a bank or credit union, by providing them with easily accessible financial planning software and tools to support holistic financial guidance.

    In a recent study, 175 of LPL Financial’s top 10% of advisors said they use differentiated, comprehensive solutions that go beyond portfolio management to build, scale and grow their businesses. These top advisors are 53% more likely to offer estate planning, 41% more likely to offer tax planning and strategy, 28% more likely to offer retirement plan consulting, and 17% more likely to offer insurance. These additional services can help grow existing client assets under management (AUM) over time, as advisors are better equipped to provide advice as clients’ lives evolve and needs change.

    “We are seeing an increasing demand from clients for sophisticated planning solutions, particularly in the high-net-worth space, and a growing adoption of solutions to better manage volatility. That’s why we are committed to equipping every advisor with end-to-end planning solutions to better guide their clients. We are excited to introduce WealthVision Essentials as a core offering to help advisors integrate planning more seamlessly into their practice,” said Aneri Jambusaria, Group Managing Director of Wealth Management.

    WealthVision Essentials is a turnkey financial planning solution that includes:

    • Stand-Alone Planning Modules: These tools enable advisors to create basic financial plans quickly and efficiently for common client scenarios. Advisors can scale their financial planning offerings without adding additional internal resources or headcount. Customized financial plans can also help distinguish advisors from do-it-yourself and robo-advisor models that focus more on mass-market financial advice informed by national averages rather than a client’s unique life situation.
    • Interactive Client Portal: A collaborative platform facilitates seamless communication and engagement with clients, personalizing and enhancing the overall client experience.
    • Seamless Integration: Full integration with LPL’s advisor platform ClientWorks ensures smooth data sharing and workflow support, making the financial planning process more efficient and effective.

    All LPL financial advisors will have access to this advanced financial planning software at no additional cost. Advisors will be onboarded throughout Q2 2025.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (402) 740-2047 

    Tracking #: 733625

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Suzy Founder & CEO Matt Britton Launches Generation AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Suzy, the leading end‑to‑end consumer insights platform, today announced that its Founder and CEO, Matt Britton, will release his highly anticipated second book published by Wiley, Generation AI: Why Generation Alpha and The Age of AI Will Change Everything, on May 6, 2025.

    Building on the breakout success of his debut bestseller, YouthNation, Britton, entrepreneur, futurist, and renowned consumer trend authority, delivers a clear, actionable playbook for parents and professionals navigating the seismic shifts unleashed by artificial intelligence.

    “Artificial intelligence isn’t just another technology cycle – it’s the new operating system for humanity,” said Matt Britton. “With Generation AI, I want to equip leaders, parents, and anyone curious about the future with a practical blueprint to embrace AI’s boundless opportunities while ensuring we steer its impact toward a more equitable world.”

    What’s Inside Generation AI

    • Consumer Behavior – Hyper‑personalized shopping and the rise of the creator economy
    • Education – Reinventing learning from memory‑based curricula to creativity and problem‑solving
    • Work & Career – The new AI‑powered skill sets professionals need to stay indispensable
    • Mental Health & Relationships – How AI can both connect and isolate us—plus strategies for balance
    • Ethics & Privacy – Why strong governance is essential to protect equity and fairness

    Packed with data, real‑world case studies, and forward‑looking advice, Generation AI is an indispensable guide for Millennial parents raising the first AI‑native generation, as well as business leaders, educators, and anyone eager to future‑proof their careers.

    Book Launch & Availability

    Generation AI will be available everywhere books are sold starting May 6, 2025. Early readers can learn more and sign up for launch updates at GenerationAI.bot.

    About the Author

    Matt Britton is one of the world’s leading voices on the changing landscape of consumer behavior. As the Founder & CEO of Suzy, he helps Fortune 1000 brands harness real‑time insights to drive growth. His first book, YouthNation, reframed how marketers think about youth culture and remains a staple for brands seeking to connect with the new consumer. Britton’s expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CNBC.

    About Suzy
    Founded in 2018, Suzy is changing the way research gets done by integrating quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, conversational research and high quality audiences into a single connected platform. Suzy enables teams to conduct iterative, efficient research with agency-quality rigor at a fraction of the cost of traditional market research. Suzy has been recognized on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Startup Employers in 2022, Inc. Magazine’s list of Best Workplaces of 2022 & 2023, Inc. Magazine’s Top 5000 list in 2024, GRIT’s Top 50 Most Innovative Suppliers in Market Research and a Top 25 Innovator in 2024 by the Insights Association. Suzy has raised over $100 million in venture capital funding from investors that include Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, Foundry Group, H.I.G. Capital, Rho Ventures, North Atlantic Capital, Tribeca Venture Partners, Triangle Peak Partners, and Kevin Durant’s 35 Ventures. Learn more at www.suzy.com.

    Contact Info:
    Melissa Dunn
    EVP, Marketing & Communications
    Suzy, Inc.
    917-969-8200
    melissa.dunn@suzy.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6268f633-7091-4214-b7ff-eae8796f2b0f

    The MIL Network –