Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Net Asset Value

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    6 FEBRUARY 2025

    NORTHERN 2 VCT PLC

    UNAUDITED NET ASSET VALUE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

    Northern 2 VCT PLC (“the Company”) is a Venture Capital Trust (“VCT”) launched in 1999 and managed by Mercia Fund Management Limited. The Company’s objective is to provide long-term tax-free returns to investors through a combination of dividend yield and capital growth, by investing in a portfolio of investments mainly comprising unquoted venture capital holdings. In order to maintain approval by HM Revenue & Customs as a VCT, the Company is required to comply on a continuing basis with the provisions of Section 274 of the Income Tax Act 2007.

    The unaudited net asset value per ordinary share as at 31 December 2024 was 58.6 pence (30 September 2024 (unaudited) 57.2 pence).

    The net asset value is stated before deducting the interim dividend of 1.7 pence per share in respect of the year ending 31 March 2025, which was paid to eligible shareholders on 22 January 2025.

    For the purposes of calculating the net asset value per share, quoted investments are carried at bid price as at 31 December 2024 and unquoted investments are carried at fair value as at 31 December 2024 as determined by the directors.

    New Investments:
    During the three months ended 31 December 2024 three new venture capital investments were completed.

    Name of company Business activity Amount
    invested
    £000
    Semble Technology

    Enterprise AI for automated surgical tray validation

    2,072
    Scalpel AI

    Practice management software for healthcare clinicians/clinics

    1,036
    Napo

    Pet insurance provider with a focus on preventative care and customer experience

    2,052

    In addition to the new investments above, £2,456,000 was invested in five existing portfolio companies during the quarter.

    Realisations:
    During the three months ended 31 December 2024 two venture capital investments were realised.

    Name of company Sale proceeds
    £000
    Original cost
    £000
    Carrying value at 30 September 2024
    £000
    Grip-UK (t/a The Climbing Hangar) 2,525 3,536 2,568
    musicMagpie plc 376 222 228

    The number of ordinary shares in issue at 31 December 2024 was 221,196,352. During the three months ended 31 December 2024, 1,979,367 shares were purchased for cancellation at a price of 54.34 pence per share

    Enquiries:

    James Sly / Sarah Williams, Mercia Asset Management PLC – 0330 223 1430
    Website:        www.mercia.co.uk/vcts

    The contents of the Mercia Asset Management PLC website and the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Mercia Asset Management PLC website (or any other website), are not incorporated into, nor forms part of, this announcement.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Oando’s Expansion in Africa’s Energy Sector to Take Center Stage at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 in Paris

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

    PARIS, France, February 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer will speak at the Invest in African Energy 2025 Forum in Paris this May. As one of Africa’s largest indigenous energy companies, Oando is experiencing significant growth, driven by its landmark acquisition of Eni’s Nigerian subsidiary last year and its recent expansion into Angola.

    In August 2024, Oando finalized the acquisition of a 100% shareholding in the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Eni for $783 million. This strategic move increased Oando’s participating interests in OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 from 20% to 40%, effectively doubling the company’s total reserves to approximately one billion barrels of oil equivalent. With plans to scale production to 100,000 barrels per day by 2028, the acquisition solidifies Oando’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

    IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/4aMELLc) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Oando continues to strengthen its presence across Africa with a significant milestone in Angola. Through its upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources (OER), the company has been awarded operatorship of Block KON 13 in the onshore Kwanza Basin. Following a competitive bidding process organized by Angola’s National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels, OER now holds a 45% participating interest and will lead the block’s development in partnership with Effimax and Sonangol. Strategically located in the prolific Kwanza Basin, Block KON 13 offers substantial exploration potential in both pre-salt and post-salt plays, with estimated prospective resources ranging between 770 million and 1.1 billion barrels of oil. Two exploration wells previously drilled to a depth of 3,000 meters have indicated the presence of oil and gas across various intervals.

    In addition to expanding its asset base, Oando is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its drilling operations to enhance efficiency and decision-making. By leveraging AI, the company aims to optimize resource utilization and improve performance in upcoming projects. This initiative reflects Oando’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies to maintain its leadership in the energy sector.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Konsolidator’s Annual Report 2024 – From Growth to Resilient Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no 4-2025

    Søborg, February 6, 2025

    Konsolidator’s Annual Report 2024 – From Growth to Resilient Growth

    Konsolidator’s Q4 2024 result showed a quarterly net ARR increase of DKK 1.3m, the highest in 3 years. In the entire 2024, the ARR growth was 10% – totaling an ARR of DKK 21.3m on December 31, 2024, which was in line with expectations. For the entire year, ARR was negatively impacted by churn but positively impacted by solid sales performances in Q3 and Q4 of 2024. In 2025, Konsolidator expects to deliver an ARR of DKK 23-24m.

    Annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 2024 amounted to DKK 21.3m, just within the expectations of an ARR between DKK 21-23m. Revenue amounted to DKK 20.3m in 2024, an increase of 6% and below the expectations of DKK 21-23m.

    In April 2024, Konsolidator established a subsidiary in Madrid, Spain, which impacted the EBIT loss and cash flow as expected. The EBIT loss for 2024 was DKK 12.1m, compared to 10.7m in 2023.

    On December 31, 2024, the equity was negative by DKK 2.4m compared to a positive equity of DKK 1.3m on December 31, 2023. In 2024, Konsolidator received DKK 10.1m through a capital increase. At the beginning of 2025, Konsolidator received an additional DKK 2.2m in net proceeds and secured a binding commitment of DKK 1.8m to be paid during 2025.

    At the end of 2024, Konsolidator announced its focused strategy for 2025-2027, “Resilient Growth” (Company Announcement no 21, 2024). Besides stabilizing and improving the EBITDA margin, the strategy focuses on one key metric: ARR Growth, with a target ARR of DKK 27-30m by 2027.

    CEO Claus Finderup Grove comments: “2024 strengthened our foundation and unlocked new growth opportunities. Both the Board and management have strong confidence in our future, as we transition from being solely a consolidation system to a broader product offering. With data warehousing, budgeting & planning, and ESG capabilities, we are equipping finance teams with everything they need to deliver reliable data – making CFOs better.

    2024 Financial Highlights

    • ARR amounted to DKK 21.3m compared to DKK 19.4m in 2023, corresponding to an increase of 10%. The ARR was within expectations of DKK 21-23m.
    • Revenue amounted to DKK 20.3m in 2024, an increase of 6% and below the expectations of DKK 21-23m.
    • EBIT amounted to a loss of DKK 12.1m compared to an EBIT loss of DKK 10.7m in 2023. The EBIT loss was below expectations of a loss of DKK 10-12m.
    • EBIT before share-based payments was a loss of DKK 11.0m compared to a loss of DKK 8.9m in 2023.
    • Total cash and cash equivalents amounted to DKK 0.4m at the end of 2024 compared to DKK 1.8m at the end of 2023.
    • The total equity amounted to a negative equity of DKK 2.4m on December 31, 2024, compared to a positive equity of DKK 1.3m a year before.

    ARR expectations

    During 2024, Konsolidator announced its Resilient Growth strategy, which will focus and guide solely on ARR. In 2025, Konsolidator expects to deliver an ARR of DKK 23-24m.

    Annual Report 2024
    Konsolidator’s Annual Report 2024 is included in this announcement and can be found on Konsolidator’s investor website.

    Investor webinar
    On 6 February 2025 at 12.30 (CET), an investor webinar will be held. Sign up using this link.

    Contacts

    Certified Adviser

    About Konsolidator
    Konsolidator A/S is a financial consolidation software company whose primary objective is to make Group CFOs around the world better through automated financial consolidation and reporting in the cloud. Created by CFOs and auditors and powered by innovative technology, Konsolidator removes the complexity of financial consolidation and enables the CFO to save time and gain actionable insights based on key performance data to become a vital part of strategic decision-making. Konsolidator was listed at Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark in 2019. Ticker Code: KONSOL

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund publishes interest rate applicable to the bonds for the next interest period

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Baltic Horizon Fund publishes interest rate applicable to the fund’s 5-year bonds (ISIN: EE3300003235) for the next 3-months interest period which starts on 10 February 2025. The annual interest rate applicable to the bonds for the interest period as referred above is 8% + 2.529% (EURIBOR 3-months) totaling 10.529% per annum.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, FacebookX and YouTube.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Teniz Capital to Lead Second Phase of Black Sea Trade and Development Bank Bond Placement on the Astana International Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almaty, Kazakhstan, 6 February 2025 – Teniz Capital Investment Banking, a leading investment bank in Central Asia and the Middle East, will lead the second phase of bond placement for multilateral financial institution Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) on the Astana International Exchange (AIX).

    This follows a first tranche of 100 million USD, completed in 2024, in which Teniz Capital facilitated the transaction. 

    The second tranche will be directed to supporting BSTDB’s funding capacity and enhance investor participation in Central Asian markets.
     
    “Our objective is to open financial opportunities in the Caspian and Central Asia to Western investors. This second placement, which we expect will be closed quite soon, is a clear indicator of market interest in the region, and in its future economic growth,” the management committee of the entity said. 
     
    Founded in 1999, the BSTDB is an international financial institution based in Thessaloniki, Greece. The institution was created to accelerate regional development through financial instruments such as bond issuances. It has 11 member states, including Greece, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
     
    Teniz Capital employs 50 professionals, with its main headquarters in Almaty and additional offices in Astana’s International Finance Centre and Abu Dhabi.
     
    In 2023, Teniz Capital completed 13 bond transactions across in AIX as well the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange. These transactions included JSC AIFN Retam, Capitalleasing Group Ltd., Jet Group Ltd., Kisamos Shipping DMCC, several placements of Kazakhstan’s sovereign bonds, and underwriting complex, high-value transactions.
     
    Last year, on 29 August, the company announced the expansion of its operations with the launch of a sister company, Teniz Capital Brokerage Ltd.

    For further information, members of the media can contact teniz@definition.city

    This press release contains statements regarding the future of the company and its innovations. Statements regarding the future may be accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “will”, “anticipate”, “pretend”, “power”, “plan”, “potential”, the use of future time and other terms of similar meaning. No undue reliance should be placed on these claims. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including uncertainty of the company’s commercial success, ability to protect our intellectual property rights, and other risks. These statements are based on current beliefs and forecasts and refer only to the date of this press release. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements, regardless of whether new information, future events or any other circumstance arise.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OP Corporate Bank plc’s Financial Statements Bulletin 1 January–31 December 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OP Corporate Bank plc
    Financial Statements Bulletin
    Stock Exchange Release 6 February 2025 at 9.00 am EET

    OP Corporate Bank plc’s Financial Statements Bulletin 1 January–31 December 2024

    • OP Corporate Bank plc’s operating profit rose to EUR 473 million (329).
    • Total expenses grew by 5% to EUR 773 million (738). Net interest income grew by 8% to EUR 631 million (582). Investment income fell by 35% to EUR 34 million (52). Net commissions and fees grew by 3% to EUR 75 million (73).
    • Impairment loss on receivables decreased to EUR 1 million (96).
    • Total operating expenses decreased by 5% to EUR 298 million (313). The cost/income ratio improved to 39% (42).
    • The loan portfolio grew by 0.8% to EUR 28.3 billion (28.1) year on year. The deposit portfolio increased by 17.3% year on year, to EUR 17.2 billion (14.6).
    • The Corporate Banking and Capital Markets segment’s operating profit increased to EUR 307 million (198). Net interest income grew by 21% to EUR 381 million (316). Net commissions and fees increased to EUR 6 million (3). Investment income fell by 41% to EUR 29 million (49). Operating expenses decreased by 8% to EUR 120 million (131). Impairment loss on receivables reversed came to EUR 6 million. A year ago, impairment loss on receivables totalled EUR 44 million. The cost/income ratio improved to 28% (35).
    • The Asset and Sales Finance Services and Payment Transfers segment’s operating profit increased to EUR 167 million (126). Net interest income grew by 4% to EUR 216 million (207). Net commissions and fees totalled EUR 61 million (64). Operating expenses totalled EUR 119 million (122). Impairment loss on receivables decreased to EUR 9 million (37). The cost/income ratio improved to 40% (43).
    • The Baltics segment’s operating profit rose to EUR 39 million (27). Net interest income decreased to EUR 59 million (67). Net commissions and fees totalled EUR 11 million (10). Operating expenses remained at the previous year’s level at EUR 35 million (35). Impairment loss on receivables reversed came to EUR 3 million. A year ago, impairment loss on receivables totalled EUR 15 million. The cost/income ratio weakened to 49% (45).
    • The Group Functions segment’s operating loss was EUR 40 million. A year ago, the operating loss amounted to EUR 22 million. Funding position and liquidity remained strong.
    • OP Corporate Bank plc’s CET1 ratio rose to 14.1% (13.0), which exceeds the minimum regulatory requirement by 5.4 percentage points.

    OP Corporate Bank plc’s key indicators

    € million Q1–4/2024 Q1–4/2023 Change, %
    Operating profit (loss), € million 473 329 43.8
    Corporate Banking and Capital Markets 307 198 55.2
    Asset and Sales Finance Services and Payment Transfers 167 126 33.1
    Baltics 39 27 43.5
    Group Functions -40 -22
    Total income 773 738 4.7
    Total expenses -298 -313 -4.6
    Cost/income ratio, % 38.6 42.4 -3.8*
    Return on equity (ROE), % 7.9 5.9 2.0*
    Return on assets (ROA), % 0.48 0.30 0.19*
      31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change, %
    CET1 ratio, % 14.1 13.0 1.1*
    Loan portfolio, € million 28,295 28,076 0.8
    Guarantee portfolio, € million 2,660 3,184 -16.5
    Other exposures, € million 5,238 5,745 -8.8
    Deposits, € million 17,155 14,629 17.3
    Ratio of non-performing exposures to exposures, % 1.8 2.2 -0.5*
    Ratio of impairment loss on receivables to loan and guarantee portfolio, % 0.00 0.31 -0.30*

    Comparatives for the income statement items are based on the corresponding figures in 2023. Unless otherwise specified, figures from 31 December 2023 are used as comparatives for balance-sheet and other cross-sectional items.
    * Change in ratio, percentage point(s).

    Outlook

    Finland’s economy contracted in 2024. However, the economy began to recover as the year progressed and preliminary figures suggest that GDP grew in the second half compared to the same period in 2023. Slower inflation and lower interest rates provide a basis for the recovery to continue. Risks associated with the economic outlook are still higher than usual. The escalation of geopolitical crises or a rise in trade barriers may affect capital markets and the economic environment. 

     A full-year earnings estimate for 2025 will only be provided at Group level, in OP Financial Group’s financial statements bulletin and in its interim and half-year financial reports.

     The most significant uncertainties affecting OP Corporate Bank’s earnings performance relate to developments in the business environment, changes in the interest rate and investment environment, and developments in impairment loss on receivables. In addition, future earnings performance will be affected by the market growth rate and the change in the competitive situation.

     Forward-looking statements in these financial statements bulletin expressing the management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions are based on the current view of developments in the business environment and the financial performance of OP Corporate Bank plc and its various functions, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.

    Time of publication of 2024 reports:

    OP Corporate Bank’s Report by the Board of Directors and Financial Statements for 2024 Week 11
    OP Corporate Bank’s Corporate Governance Statement 2024 Week 11

    Schedule for Interim Reports and Half-year Financial Report in 2025: 

    Interim Report Q1/2025 7 May 2025
    Half-year Financial Report H1/2025 30 July 2025
    Interim Report Q1−3/2025 28 October 2025

    Helsinki, 6 February 2025

     OP Corporate Bank plc
    Board of Directors

    For additional information, please contact
    Katja Keitaanniemi, Chief Executive Officer, tel. +358 (0)10 252 1387
    Piia Kumpulainen, Chief Communications Officer, tel. +358 10 252 7317

    DISTRIBUTION
    Nasdaq Helsinki Oy
    Euronext Dublin (Irish Stock Exchange)
    LSE London Stock Exchange
    Major media
    op.fi

    OP Corporate Bank plc is part of OP Financial Group. OP Corporate Bank and OP Mortgage Bank are responsible for OP’s funding in money and capital markets. As laid down in the applicable law, OP Corporate Bank, OP Mortgage Bank and their parent company OP Cooperative and other OP Financial Group member credit institutions are ultimately jointly and severally liable for each other’s debts and commitments. OP Corporate Bank acts as OP Financial Group’s central bank.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OP Financial Group’s Financial Statements Bulletin 1 January–31 December 2024: Excellent business performance continued – full-year operating profit EUR 2,486 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OP Financial Group
    Financial Statements Bulletin
    Stock Exchange Release 6 February 2025 9.00 am EET

    Financial Statements Bulletin 1 January–31 December 2024: Excellent business performance continued – full-year operating profit EUR 2,486 million 

    • Operating profit increased by 21% to EUR 2,486 million (2,050).

    • Income from customer business, or net interest income, insurance service result and net commissions and fees, increased to EUR 3,805 million (3,605). Net interest income grew by 5% to EUR 2,796 million (2,654). Insurance service result increased by 136% to EUR 192 million (81) and net commissions and fees decreased by 6% to EUR 818 million (870).

    • Impairment loss on receivables was EUR 96 million (269), or 0.09% (0.26) of the loan and guarantee portfolio.

    • Investment income increased by 20% to EUR 465 million (389).

    • Total expenses grew by 3% to EUR 2,262 million (2,201). The cost/income ratio improved to 47% (49).

    • The loan portfolio was at the previous year’s level at EUR 98.9 billion (98.9), while deposits grew by 4% year on year to EUR 77.7 billion (74.5).

    • The CET1 ratio was 21.5% (19.2), which exceeds the minimum regulatory requirement by 8.1 percentage points. The changes in the EU Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR3), which took effect on 1 January 2025, are expected to cause a slight reduction in the capital adequacy of OP Financial Group.

    • Retail Banking segment’s operating profit rose by 4% to EUR 1,275 million (1,223). Net interest income grew by 3% to EUR 2,112 million (2,041). Impairment loss on receivables decreased by EUR 78 million to EUR 95 million (173). Net commissions and fees decreased by 10% to EUR 619 million (686). The cost/income ratio was 51% (49). The loan portfolio decreased by 0.3% year on year, to EUR 70.7 billion (70.9). Deposits increased by 3% to EUR 62.9 billion (61.2).

    Corporate Banking segment’s operating profit grew by 40% to EUR 572 million (408). Net interest income grew by 11% to EUR 657 million (591). Impairment loss on receivables decreased by EUR 96 million to EUR 0 million (96). Net commissions and fees increased by 4% to EUR 199 million (192). The cost/income ratio improved to 38% (41). In the year to December, the loan portfolio grew by 1% to EUR 28.3 billion (28.1). Deposits increased by 12% to EUR 15.4 billion (13.8).

    Insurance segment’s operating profit grew by 39% to EUR 578 million (414). The insurance service result increased by EUR 110 million to EUR 192 million (81). Investment income increased by 10% to EUR 382 million (347). The combined ratio reported by non-life insurance improved to 92.3% (93.8).

    Group Functions operating profit was EUR 19 million (-26). Net interest income increased by EUR 15 million to EUR 16 million (1).

    • OP Financial Group increased the OP bonuses to be earned by owner-customers for 2024 by 40% compared to the normal level of 2022. Additionally, owner-customers got daily banking services without monthly charges in 2024. Together, these benefits were estimated to add up to more than EUR 404 million in value for owner-customers in 2024. The benefits will be in force until the end of 2025.

    Outlook: OP Financial Group’s operating profit for 2025 is expected to be at a good level but lower than that for 2023 and 2024. For more detailed information on the outlook, see “Outlook”.

    OP Financial Group’s key indicators

    € million Q1–4/2024 Q1–4/2023 Change, %
    Operating profit, € million         2,486         2,050         21.3
    Retail Banking         1,275         1,223         4.3
    Corporate Banking         572         408         40.4
    Insurance         578         414         39.4
    Group Functions         19         -26
    New OP bonuses accrued to owner-customers, € million         -314         -275         14.1
    Total income**         4,844         4,520         7.2
    Total expenses         -2,262         -2,201         2.8
    Cost/income ratio, %**         46.7         48.7 -2.0*
    Return on equity (ROE), %         11.6         10.6 0.9*
    Return on equity, excluding OP bonuses, %         13.0         12.0 1.0*
    Return on assets (ROA), %         1.24         0.98 0.26*
    Return on assets, excluding OP bonuses, %         1.39         1.11 0.28*
      31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change, %
    CET1 ratio, %*         21.5         19.2 2.3*
    Loan portfolio, € billion         98.9         98.9         0.0
    Deposits, € billion         77.7         74.5         4.3
    Ratio of non-performing exposures to exposures, %         2.64         2.94 -0.30*
    Ratio of impairment loss on receivables to loan and guarantee portfolio, %         0.09         0.26 -0.17*
    Owner-customers (1,000) 2,115 2,094         1.0

    Comparatives for the income statement items are based on the corresponding figures in 2023. Unless otherwise specified, figures from 31 December 2023 are used as comparatives for balance-sheet and other cross-sectional items.
    * Change in ratio, percentage point(s).
    ** OP bonuses to owner-customers, which were previously shown on a separate line in the income statement, have been divided under the following items based on their accrual: interest income, interest expenses, and commission income from mutual funds. The line ‘OP bonuses to owner-customers’ is no longer shown in the income statement. Comparative information has been adjusted accordingly. For more detailed information on the change, see Note 1 to the Half-year Financial Report 1 January–30 June 2024, Accounting policies and changes in accounting policies and presentation.

    Comments by the President and Group Chief Executive Officer:

    Uncertainty overshadowed the business environment – Finland’s economy began to recover as the year ended

    In 2024, the exceptionally tense geopolitical situation of previous years continued to predominate in Finland’s neighbouring regions. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine approached its third year and the Middle East conflict spilled over into new areas. A tectonic shift is underway in international politics and the global economy, creating uncertainty in the economy and our broader business environment.

    Although the world economy grew by 3% last year, Europe’s grew by just over 1%. Finland’s economy contracted for the second year running. However, the economy began to recover gradually as the year ended and OP Financial Group expects Finland’s GDP to grow by a couple of per cent in 2025.

    Construction and the related sectors were particularly affected by the sluggish economy. Risks in the real estate sector remained high and the number of bankruptcies increased substantially on the previous year.

    Inflation in Finland fell markedly, from 3.6% to 0.7%, on the year before. On the other hand, unemployment rose, reaching 8.9% in December. Market interest rates fell almost continuously from early 2024 and the Euribor rates were clearly lower by the year’s end.

    Despite the pickup in late 2024, home sale volumes and demand for home loans fell considerably year on year. Home prices continued their downward trend.

    The fall in market rates boosted the stock markets, raising share prices on several stock exchanges. However, Nasdaq Helsinki’s stock indices ended 2024 in slightly negative territory for the year as a whole.

    OP Financial Group had an excellent year – strong earnings enable outstanding benefits for owner-customers

    OP Financial Group performed extremely well and operating profit increased by 21% year on year, to EUR 2,486 million in 2024.

    Our excellent earnings will enable us to continue providing our over 2.1 million owner-customers with considerable benefits in 2025. As in 2024, our owner-customers will get daily banking services without monthly charges and accrue 40% extra OP bonuses compared to the normal level of 2022. This is how we will help to ease the strain on households in these economically challenging times. The total value of higher benefits on OP bonuses and daily services will be around EUR 400 million in 2025, which is a significant overall financial benefit.

    Being customer-owned, OP Financial Group will continue to share its financial success through a range of financial and other benefits for its owner-customers.

    Income from OP Financial Group’s customer business grew to a record level of more than EUR 3.8 billion. The improvement in the insurance service result was particularly strong, being 136% higher than a year earlier. Growth in net interest income slowed to 5% and net commissions and fees decreased by 6% year on year, chiefly due to the benefit (provided for owner-customers) of zero monthly charges for daily banking services. Income from investment activities grew considerably from 2023’s level and OP Financial Group’s total income reached over EUR 4.8 billion – 7% higher than a year earlier.

    OP Financial Group’s costs grew by 3% year on year, due to rising personnel costs and higher investments in ICT development. Compared to the previous year, its cost/income ratio improved by two percentage points to 47%, an excellent level even in international terms.

    All three business segments performed extremely well

    All three business segments performed extremely well. The Retail Banking segment’s operating profit rose by 4% year on year, to EUR 1,275 million. Insurance recorded an operating profit of EUR 578 million, growing by 39% compared to a year ago. Corporate Banking’s operating profit was EUR 572 million, up by 40% over the previous year.

    Strong capital adequacy and excellent liquidity provide security and stability in an uncertain business environment

    OP Financial Group’s CET1 ratio improved again, to 21.5%, exceeding the minimum regulatory requirement by 8.1 percentage points. OP Financial Group is one of the most financially solid large banks in Europe. Excellent profitability, strong capital adequacy and liquidity are critical factors for banks and insurance companies, building trust among customers, partners and other stakeholders. In OP Financial Group, these factors are at an excellent level, providing the Group with an even stronger basis than before for meeting future challenges.

    Deposits grew substantially and the loan portfolio stopped shrinking – customers’ loan repayment capacity remained good

    OP Financial Group’s deposit portfolio grew by more than 4% from 2023. Household, corporate and institutional deposits were on an upward trend at the end of the year. OP Financial Group’s market share of deposits rose to over 40%.

    By late 2024, OP Financial Group’s loan portfolio had reached the same level as at the end of 2023. After a long decline, the loan portfolio began to grow again in the early autumn. OP Financial Group maintained its strong market position in the home loan and corporate loan markets. Our market share of home loans was 39%. For corporate loans, we had a market share of 38%.

    OP Financial Group’s home loan customers made home loan repayments punctually and meticulously in 2024. The situation was eased by the fall in market rates. The number of loan modification applications was lower than in recent years. The number of corporate loans under special monitoring declined in comparison to last year. Non-performing exposures decreased from 2.9% to 2.6%. Impairment loss on receivables decreased markedly year on year.

    Wealth management continued to grow rapidly throughout the year

    We aim to coach our customers in making better financial choices. Wealth management is one of our growth focus areas – we intend to make a clear growth leap in this business in the coming years.

    The number of OP Financial Group unitholders rose to over 1.4 million. Moreover, the number of new systematic investment agreements increased by a third. Mutual fund investors were particularly attracted by international and sustainability-themed investment opportunities. Sustainability is a priority for younger investors in particular. At EUR 111 billion in value at the year’s end, customers’ investment assets managed by OP Financial Group grew by 8%.

    OP-mobile was used more than 700 million times – use of artificial intelligence is growing fast

    OP Financial Group’s use of digital services grew substantially again. Personal and corporate customers increasingly use digital channels for banking and insurance. Last year, customers logged in to OP-mobile around 708 million times – an average of 59 million times per month. OP-mobile already has more than 1.7 million active users.

    We moved, with increasing speed, into using artificial intelligence to ease our customers’ daily lives and help our employees in their work.

    In June, we launched OP Aina, a personal assistant on OP-mobile. OP Aina helps our customers with a range of banking and insurance matters on a 24/7 basis. It is the first financial service in Finland to use artificial intelligence and alerts. Our customers have eagerly adopted the service, which already had around 6.25 million service interactions by the end of 2024. We use it to provide customers with even more personalised and readily available services than before.

    Cybersecurity and well-functioning digital services are at the core of our operations

    OP Financial Group’s digital services functioned extremely well all year, despite the rapidly growing number of denial of service attacks.

    We continued our significant investments in cybersecurity to ensure that our customers’ money and data remain secure under all circumstances. Our customers were subjected to a high number of phishing and scam attempts throughout the year, and we have taken active measures to protect them even more effectively from such threats.

    OP Financial Group fulfils its corporate responsibilities as one of Finland’s largest corporate taxpayers

    OP Financial Group is of major direct and indirect importance to Finland’s economic development. In accordance with our mission, we aim to create sustainable prosperity, security and wellbeing for our owner-customers and operating region.

    Being one of Finland’s largest payers of corporate tax, we contributed almost EUR 400 million for 2023 – over 5% of all corporate tax paid in the period.

    We want to point the way towards futures filled with hope for people living in Finland. The success of Finland and all those who live here is our number one priority now and in the future.

    In good shape going into 2025

    OP Financial Group is in great shape to support its customers as the Finnish economy slowly recovers. We provide competitive banking and insurance services for a range of needs.

    My warm thanks to all our customers for the trust you have shown in OP Financial Group in 2024. We want to continue being worthy of your trust in the year that has just begun. I would also like to thank our employees and governing bodies for the excellent work they did last year.

    Timo Ritakallio
    President and Group CEO

    January–December

    OP Financial Group’s operating profit was EUR 2,486 million (2,050), up by 21.3% or EUR 436 million year on year. Income from customer business (net interest income, net commissions and fees and the insurance service result) increased by a total of 5.6% to EUR 3,805 million (3,605). The cost/income ratio improved to 46.7% (48.7). New OP bonuses accrued to owner-customers, which are included in earnings, increased by 14.0% to EUR 307 million.

    Net interest income grew by 5.3% to EUR 2,796 million. Net interest income reported by the Retail Banking segment increased by 3.5% to EUR 2,112 million and that by the Corporate Banking segment increased by 11.3% to EUR 657 million. OP Financial Group’s loan portfolio was at the previous year’s level at EUR 98.9 billion, while deposits grew by 4.3% year on year, to EUR 77.7 billion. Household deposits increased by 2.8% year on year, to EUR 47.8 billion. New loans drawn down by customers during the reporting period totalled EUR 22.2 billion (22.0).

    Impairment loss on loans and receivables, which reduces earnings, totalled EUR 96 million (269). A year ago, expected credit losses concerning the real estate and construction sector increased the impairment loss on receivables. Final credit losses totalled EUR 200 million (77). In 2024, OP Financial Group enhanced the recognition process for final credit losses. After a loan has been transferred for legal collection, the loan principal is written down to the value of collateral. During the fourth quarter, a total of EUR 125 million of such credit losses were recognised. Correspondingly, stage 3 expected credit losses reversed totalled EUR 93 million. At the end of the reporting period, loss allowance was EUR 824 million (929), of which management overlay accounted for EUR 77 million (109). Non-performing exposures accounted for 2.6% (2.9) of total exposures. Impairment loss on loans and receivables accounted for 0.1% (0.3) of the loan and guarantee portfolio.

    Net commissions and fees decreased by 6.0% to EUR 818 million. Owner-customers have received daily banking services without monthly charges since October 2023. This contributed to the decrease in payment transfer net commissions and fees. Net commissions and fees for payment transfer services decreased by EUR 56 million to

    EUR 291 million, and those for residential brokerage by EUR 6 million to EUR 63 million.

    Insurance service result increased by EUR 110 million to EUR 192 million. Insurance service result includes EUR 529 million (485) in operating expenses. Non-life insurance net insurance revenue, including the reinsurer’s share, grew by 6.1% to EUR 1,760 million. Net claims incurred after the reinsurer’s share grew by 4.4% to EUR 1,116 million. The combined ratio reported by non-life insurance improved to 92.3% (93.8).

    Investment income (net investment income, net insurance finance expenses and income from financial assets held for trading) increased by a total of 19.5% to EUR 465 million. Investment income grew as a result of the increase in the value of equity investments in particular. Net investment income together with net finance income describe investment profitability in the insurance business. The combined return on investments at fair value of OP Financial Group’s insurance companies was 7.6% (3.4).

    Net income from financial assets recognised at fair value through profit or loss, or notes and bonds, shares and derivatives, totalled EUR 1,975 million (1,706). Net income from investment contract liabilities totalled EUR 851 million (642). Net insurance finance expenses totalled EUR 727 million (722).

    In banking, net income from financial assets held for trading decreased by 19.1% to EUR 44 million due to the decrease in interest income from notes and bonds.

    Other operating income increased to EUR 44 million (40).

    Total expenses grew by 2.3% to EUR 2,262 million. Personnel costs rose by 12.1% to EUR 1,081 million. The increase was affected by headcount growth and pay increases. OP Financial Group’s personnel increased by approximately 1,000 year on year. The number of employees increased in areas such as sales, customer service, service development, risk management and compliance. Depreciation/amortisation and impairment loss on PPE and intangible assets decreased by 35.5% to EUR 146 million.

    A year ago, impairment loss recognised mainly for information systems and property in own use totalled EUR 60 million. Other operating expenses increased by 2.4% to EUR 1,036 million. ICT costs totalled EUR 514 million (460). Development costs were EUR 349 million (294) and capitalised development expenditure EUR 58 million (62). Charges of financial authorities fell by EUR 61 million to EUR 16 million. The EU’s Single Resolution Board (SRB) did not collect stability contributions from banks for 2024. In 2023, OP Financial Group paid a total of EUR 62 million in stability contributions.

    At EUR 307 million (269), OP bonuses for owner-customers are included in earnings and are divided under the following items based on their accrual: EUR 160 million (150) under interest income, EUR 82 million (67) under interest expenses, EUR 48 million (38) under commission income from mutual funds, and EUR 17 million (15) under the insurance service result.

    Income tax amounted to EUR 499 million (408). OP Financial Group paid EUR 397 million in corporate tax for 2023. The effective tax rate for the reporting period was 20.1% (19.9). Comprehensive income after tax totalled EUR 2,067 million (1,719).

    OP Financial Group’s equity amounted to EUR 18.1 billion (16.3). Equity included EUR 3.3 billion (3.3) in Profit Shares, terminated Profit Shares accounting for EUR 0.4 billion (0.4).

    OP Financial Group’s funding position and liquidity are strong. The Group’s LCR was 193% (199), and its NSFR was 129% (130).

    Outlook

    Finland’s economy contracted in 2024. However, the economy began to recover as the year progressed and preliminary figures suggest that GDP grew in the second half compared to the same period in 2023. Slower inflation and lower interest rates provide a basis for the recovery to continue. Risks associated with the economic outlook are still higher than usual. The escalation of geopolitical crises or a rise in trade barriers may affect capital markets and the economic environment.

    OP Financial Group’s operating profit for 2025 is expected to be at a good level but lower than that for 2023 and 2024.

    The most significant uncertainties affecting OP Financial Group’s earnings performance are associated with developments in the business environment, changes in the interest rate and investment environment and developments in impairment loss on receivables. All forward-looking statements in this Financial Statements Bulletin expressing the management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions are based on the current view on developments in the economy, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.

    Press conference

    OP Financial Group’s financial performance will be presented to the media by President and Group Chief Executive Officer Timo Ritakallio in a press conference on 6 February 2025 at 11am at Gebhardinaukio 1, Vallila, Helsinki.

    Media enquiries: OP Corporate Communications, tel. +358 10 252 8719, viestinta@op.fi

    OP Corporate Bank plc and OP Mortgage Bank will publish their own financial statements bulletins.

    Time of publication of 2024 reports:

    Report by the Board of Directors (incl. Sustainability Report) and Financial Statements 2024 Week 11
    OP Financial Group’s Corporate Governance Statement 2024 Week 11
    OP Financial Group’s Annual Report 2024 Week 11
    OP Amalgamation Pillar 3 Disclosures 2024 Week 11
    OP Financial Group’s Remuneration Report for Governing Bodies 2024 Week 11
    Remuneration Policy for Governing Bodies at OP Financial Group Week 11

    Schedule for Interim Reports and Half-year Financial Report in 2025:

    Interim Report 1 January–31 March 2025 7 May 2025
    Half-year Financial Report 1 January–30 June 2025 30 July 2025
    Interim Report 1 January–30 September 2025 28 October 2025
    OP Amalgamation Pillar 3 Disclosures 31 March 2025 Week 19
    OP Amalgamation Pillar 3 Disclosures 30 June 2025 Week 33
    OP Amalgamation Pillar 3 Disclosures 30 September 2025 Week 45

    Helsinki, 6 February 2025

    OP Cooperative
    Board of Directors

    For additional information, please contact:

    Timo Ritakallio, President and Group CEO, tel. +358 10 252 4500
    Mikko Timonen, Chief Financial Officer, tel. +358 10 252 1325
    Piia Kumpulainen, Chief Communications Officer, tel. +358 10 252 7317

    www.op.fi 

    DISTRIBUTION 
    Nasdaq Helsinki Oy 
    Euronext Dublin (Irish Stock Exchange) 
    LSE London Stock Exchange 
    Major media
    op.fi  

    OP Financial Group is Finland’s largest financial services group, with more than two million owner-customers and over 14,000 employees. We provide a comprehensive range of banking and insurance services for personal and corporate customers. OP Financial Group consists of OP cooperative banks, its central cooperative OP Cooperative, and the latter’s subsidiaries and affiliates. Our mission is to promote the sustainable prosperity, security and wellbeing of our owner-customers and operating region. Together with our owner-customers, we have been building Finnish society and a sustainable future for 120 years now. www.op.fi

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Launch of new share buyback programme in accordance with the ‘Safe Harbour’ rules

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Based on the profit for 2024 and a very strong solvency ratio, the Board of Directors of Alm. Brand A/S has resolved to exercise the authority to buy back treasury shares for a total amount of up to DKK 52.2 million. The authority to buy back treasury shares was granted at the company’s annual general meeting held on 18 April 2024. The authorisation is valid until the next annual general meeting and may be exercised for up to 10% of the share capital.

    Purpose
    The purpose of the share buyback is to reduce the share capital. At a general meeting in Alm. Brand A/S, a resolution to cancel the shares bought through the programme will be proposed.

    Timeline
    The share buyback programme runs from 6 February 2025 until 28 February 2025 at the latest, both days included. During this period, Alm. Brand A/S will acquire treasury shares for a total amount of up to DKK 52.2 million in accordance with article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, which together with MAR constitutes the ‘Safe Harbour’ rules.

    Terms of the share buyback

    • Alm. Brand A/S is required to appoint a lead manager to make trading decisions independently of and without any influence from Alm. Brand A/S and to make the buybacks within the limits announced. Alm. Brand A/S has appointed Danske Bank A/S as lead manager of the share buyback process.
    • In accordance with the share buyback programme, Alm. Brand A/S may acquire up to 7 million shares, corresponding to 0.45% of the existing share capital of Alm. Brand A/S.
    • The shares are in no circumstances to be acquired at a price deviating by more than 10% from the most recently quoted market price at the time of acquisition.
    • The shares are not to be acquired at a price exceeding the price of the last registered independent trade or exceeding the price of the highest independent quote on the trading venue on which the acquisition is made.
    • The maximum number of shares that may be acquired on any trading day may not exceed 25% of the average daily trading volume for shares in Alm. Brand A/S on the trading venue on which the acquisition is made. The average daily trading volume is calculated over a period of 20 days preceding the relevant trading day.

    Once a week after the launch of the share buyback programme and at the end of the programme, a company announcement will be published with information on transactions effected under the programme.

    Contact

    Please direct any questions regarding this announcement to:

    Investors and equity analysts:                             

    Head of IR, Rating & ESG Reporting                    
    Mads Thinggaard                                                 
    Mobile no. +45 2025 5469                                   

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Low-value deals dominate global VC funding landscape in 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Low-value deals dominate global VC funding landscape in 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    A total of 12,163 venture capital (VC) funding deals with disclosed funding value were announced during 2024. Among VC deals with different funding size ranges, low-value deals* experienced a fall in numbers, while high-value deals (valued more than $100 million) registered growth in volume. However, despite the decline, low-value deals continued to dominate and accounted for the largest chunk of VC deals volume in 2024, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database reveals that the number of low-value VC deals declined by 23.7% from 10,510 in 2023 to 8,020 deals in 2024. In contrast, the volume of high-value VC deals increased by 24.9% from 337 in 2023 to 421 in 2024. Overall, the volume of VC funding deals declined by 18.4% last year compared to the announcement of 14,902 VC deals with disclosed venture funding value during the previous year.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The mixed trend observed in the volume of high-value VC deals and low-value deals indicates the prioritization of quality over quantity by the investors . During the year, VC firms seem to have placed a good number of big bets in start-ups they perceived to be promising enough for solid returns. It is also evident from the fact that the number of billion-dollar deals also increased in 2024 compared to the previous year.”

    The number of VC deals valued more than $1 billion increased from seven in 2023 to 13 in 2024.

    Low-value deals* accounted for a 65.9% share of the total number of VC deals with disclosed funding value announced globally during 2024. This was a decline compared to the 70.5% share in 2023.

    Meanwhile, high-value VC deals occupied 3.5% share of the total number of VC deals with disclosed funding value announced globally during 2024, which is an increase from the previous year’s share of 2.3%.

    Mid-size VC funding deals (valued >$10 million and ≤$100 million) volume declined by 8.2% from 4,055 deals in 2023 to 3,722 deals in 2024. These deals accounted for a 30.6% share of the total number of VC deals with disclosed funding value announced globally during 2024.

    *Investment value less than or equal to $10 million

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Africa: XTransfer and Ecobank Group Partner to Empower African Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) Foreign Trade

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

    XTransfer and Ecobank Group Partner to Empower African Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) Foreign Trade XTransfer will leverage Ecobank’s extensive network across Africa, enabling its Chinese clients to collect funds in local African currencies while assisting African SMEs in making payments in their local currencies to negate foreign exchange issues LOMÉ, Togo, February 6, 2025/APO Group/ — XTransfer, the world-leading and China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, and Ecobank Group (www.Ecobank.com), the leading private pan-African financial services group with unrivalled African expertise, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding of Cooperation (MOU) to roll out comprehensive cross-border financial services to Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in foreign trade. The collaboration will facilitate trade between China and African countries. In recent years, China and Africa have continued to deepen trade cooperation, with the scale of imports and exports rising rapidly. In 2023, bilateral trade reached a record US$282 billion. From January to November 2024, China’s exports to Africa totalled US$160 billion, a 1.4% increase from the previous year, while imports from Africa reached US$107 billion, marking a substantial rise of 6.6%. Despite this growth, African SMEs engaged in foreign trade face numerous challenges related to cross-border payments and fund collections. These challenges include difficulties in opening accounts with traditional banks, a high risk of funds being frozen, difficulties in foreign exchange and related losses, lengthy remittance times and high remittance costs. The partnership between XTransfer and Ecobank Group will foster collaboration between both parties to provide comprehensive cross-border payment solutions for African SMEs’ foreign trade. XTransfer will leverage Ecobank’s extensive network across Africa, enabling its Chinese clients to collect funds in local African currencies while assisting African SMEs in making payments in their local currencies to negate foreign exchange issues. Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, stated, “We are excited about the partnership with Ecobank. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for XTransfer and greatly enhances our global payment capabilities. Leveraging Ecobank’s extensive payment network in Africa will accelerate our business expansion in the region. We are looking forward to the synergies and opportunities this partnership will create. Together, we will drive innovation and improve the financial landscape, making financial services more efficient and accessible for African SMEs.” Jeremy Awori, CEO Ecobank Group, said, “We are proud to partner with XTransfer to advance seamless cross-border payment solutions between Africa and China. This partnership builds on our established strategy, which includes a representative office in China and a dedicated China desk. By integrating XTransfer’s cutting-edge solutions with our pan-African payment platform, we simplify payments, reduce transaction costs, and enable African businesses to thrive in global trade.” The partnership will facilitate trade between SMEs in China and African countries and also streamline foreign trade transactions between African companies and their global partners. Ultimately, this will help reduce the costs of global trade and enhance the global competitiveness of African SMEs. This partnership aligns with Ecobank’s goals of driving financial integration by facilitating seamless cross-border trade, which is the backbone of the continent’s economy growth. By collaborating with XTransfer, Ecobank is strengthening its position as a key player in the global payments industry by reducing trade barriers, enabling African SMEs to thrive in international markets and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated. Media Contact: XTransfer Limited Maggie NG Public Relations Director Tel: +852 6287 2989 Email: maggie.ng@xtransfer.com     Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Christiane Bossom Group Communications Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com Tel: +228 22 21 03 03 Web: www.Ecobank.com About XTransfer: XTransfer, the world-leading and China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment and fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, and Nigeria. XTransfer has obtained local payment licences in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 600,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry No.1 in China. By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and built a data-based, automated, internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on SMEs. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and SMEs around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations. XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The Company possesses a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners. For more information, please visit: https://www.XTransfer.com/ About Ecobank: Ecobank Group is the leading private pan-African banking group with unrivalled African expertise. Present in 35 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as France, the UK, UAE and China, its unique pan-African platform provides a single gateway for payments, cash management, trade and investment. The Group employs over 14,000 people and offers Consumer, Commercial, Corporate and Investment Banking products, services and solutions across multiple channels, including digital, to over 32 million customers. For further information, please visit www.Ecobank.com

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Sampo Group’s results for 2024 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, finanacial statement release, 6 February 2025 at 8:30 am EET

    Sampo Group’s results for 2024 

    • Top-line growth amounted to 12 per cent in 2024 on a currency adjusted basis, with notably strong development in Private in the fourth quarter.

    • The Group underlying combined ratio improved by 1.5 percentage points, supported by positive trends in the Nordics and in the UK.

    • The Group underwriting result increased by 13 per cent to EUR 1,316 million (1,164), driven by strong growth and a slight improvement in the Group combined ratio to 84.3 per cent (84.6).

    • Operating EPS increased by 13 per cent to EUR 2.33 (2.07) on a higher underwriting result and stable investment returns.

    • Solvency II coverage stood at 177 per cent, net of the proposed dividend, and financial leverage amounted to 26.9 per cent.

    • The Board proposes a regular dividend of EUR 1.70 per share, or EUR 0.34 per share adjusted for the share split announced on 5 February 2025.

    • Sampo expects to deliver an underwriting result of EUR 1,350–1,450 million in 2025, representing growth of 3–10 per cent year-on-year, and insurance revenue of EUR 8.7–9.0 billion.

    Key figures

    EURm 1–12/
    2024
    1–12/
    2023
    Change, % 10–12/
    2024
    10–12/
    2023
    Change, %
    Profit before taxes 1,559 1,481 5 219 368 -40
      If 1,256 1,358 -8 187 369 -49
      Topdanmark 137 162 -15 -21 19
      Hastings 193 129 49 52 59 -11
      Holding -29 -160 -1 -78
    Net profit for the equity holders 1,154 1,323 -13 180 382 -53
    Operating result 1,193 1,046 14 347 208 66
    Underwriting result 1,316 1,164 13 361 281 28
          Change, %     Change, %
    Earnings per share (EUR) 2.25 2.62 -14 0.31 0.76 -59
    Operating EPS (EUR) 2.33 2.07  13 0.65 0.42 55
    Return on equity own funds, % 29.5 24.7

     Net profit for the equity holders and earnings per share for 2023 include result from life operations.
    The figures in this report have not been audited.

    Sampo Group key financial targets for 2024–2026

    Target 2024
    Operating EPS growth: over 7% (period average) 13%
    Group combined ratio: below 85% 84.3%
    Solvency ratio: 150-190% 177%
    Financial leverage: below 30% 26.9%

    Financial targets for 2024–2026 announced at the Capital Markets Day on 6 March 2024.

    GROUP CEO’S COMMENT

    2024 was a landmark year strategically for Sampo as well as an excellent year when it comes to operational progress. We delivered solid underwriting profit growth of 13 per cent, significantly supported by strong performance in the UK, and we acquired the minority interest in Topdanmark, completing our journey to an integrated P&C insurance group. We enter 2025 in excellent shape, following strong growth in the fourth quarter and with an attractive pipeline of opportunities to capitalise on our digital capabilities and the synergy potential in integrating Topdanmark.

    Top-line growth continued to be excellent in the fourth quarter, on the back of long-term investments made into our capabilities and rational market conditions. Private stands out with 8 per cent currency adjusted GWP growth in the quarter, or 10 per cent if we exclude the Swedish mobility business adversely affected by low new car sales. This growth comes partly from investments into personal insurance and property, which grew by 14 per cent and 7 per cent in the quarter, respectively. However, supportive conditions in Norway and Denmark also provide a tail wind with a notable acceleration in GWP growth in Topdanmark to 11 per cent in the quarter. Private retention remains high and stable at 89 per cent, reflecting both high customer satisfaction and rational Nordic markets. To complete the picture on Private, I am pleased to be able to report that we have recently renewed two of the largest motor insurance distribution agreements in the Nordic markets, thereby confirming our strong leadership position in the region.

    In the UK, we added 84,000 policies in the quarter with growth in new products, such as telematics, bike, van, and home insurance, partly offset by a disciplined approach to the broader motor product as market pricing ticked down. Overall, 2024 was an outstanding year for Hastings with underwriting profit growth of 49 per cent, accounting for almost half the 13 per cent increase at Group level.

    In corporate lines, I want to focus on the 1 January 2025 renewals, which account for around 40–45 per cent of the business. Commercial achieved high-single digit rate increases, backed by particularly strong development in Norway, while retention remained high. In Industrial, a largely supportive market enabled rate increases above plan, and we took the opportunity to continue to reduce our exposure to the largest property risks. Our main reinsurance programmes were renewed successfully on 1 January, with net retention unchanged at SEK 300 million (circa EUR 25 million) per event and individual property risk.

    The de-risking action taken in Industrial and our discipline in UK motor illustrates our underwriting culture and commitment to high and stable margins. The fourth quarter once again saw strong and consistent development in underlying margins, as well as yet another improvement in the Nordic cost ratio putting us ahead of the ambition for 2024. The integration of Topdanmark into If P&C provides an opportunity to accelerate Nordic productivity improvements over the coming years.

    Turning to capital management, the Board of Directors is proposing a dividend of EUR 1.70 per share for 2024, or EUR 0.34 per share adjusting for the upcoming share split, representing growth of 6 per cent, as we prioritise reliability and a steady trajectory. In addition, I expect that we will launch new buyback programme in 2025, with a new mandate from our Annual General Meeting, funded by capital generated in 2024 and potential disposals of legacy holding company investments. Our commitment to disciplined capital management is unwavering and we will regularly seek to complement dividends with share buybacks.

    To conclude, we look to 2025 with great confidence. We have completed our strategic simplification, further rapidly developed our digital abilities and seen strong momentum in the 1 January renewals. Based on this, we have set an outlook for underwriting profit of EUR 1,350–1,450 million for 2025, reflecting our expectation to be able to deliver on our operating EPS growth target of more than 7 per cent per annum on average in 2024–2026.

    Torbjörn Magnusson
    Group CEO

     
    OUTLOOK

    Operating environment and assumptions

    The acquisition of Topdanmark in 2024 completed Sampo’s transition into a fully integrated P&C insurance group. Sampo has an attractive operational footprint as the leader in the consolidated Nordic P&C insurance market and a leading operator in the growing digital UK P&C insurance market, positioning the Group to deliver both stability and growth.

    Competitive dynamics remain rational across the Group’s areas of operation going into 2025, while demand for P&C insurance is stable despite limited economic growth. Sampo expects claims cost to continue to grow above the long-term trend over the year, driven by factors including rising repair costs for new cars and continued wage and service inflation. At Group level, underlying claims cost is expected to see a mid-single digit per cent increase in 2025, and the Group remains firmly committed to conservatively reflecting this in its pricing.

    The strategic and operational investments made by Sampo over recent years have substantially strengthened its competitive position. The Group has unique digital capabilities across distribution, pricing, underwriting, and claims handling that enable it to deliver superior service and efficiency. Further, the integration of Topdanmark into the Group is expected to enable financial benefits through the delivery of scale benefits and synergies.

    Outlook for 2025

    The outlook for Sampo Group’s 2025 financial performance is:

    • Group insurance revenue: EUR 8.7–9.0 billion, representing growth of 4–7 per cent year-on-year.

    • Group underwriting result: EUR 1,350–1,450 million, representing growth of 3–10 per cent year-on-year.

    The outlook for 2025 is consistent with Sampo’s 2024–2026 financial targets of delivering a combined ratio below 85 per cent and operating EPS growth of more than 7 per cent annually on average.

    The outlook is subject to uncertainty related to occurrence and estimation of the cost of P&C claims, investment performance, foreign exchange rates, and competitive dynamics. Revenue forecasts, in particular, are subject to competitive conditions, which may change rapidly in some areas, such as the UK motor insurance market. The revenue and underwriting profit figures in the outlook are based on 31 December 2024 currency exchange rates.


    FOURTH QUARTER 2024 IN BRIEF

    Strong top-line growth, notably in Private, and positive margin development drove 28 per cent growth in underwriting profits.

    Gross written premiums and brokerage income increased by 18 per cent on a currency-adjusted basis and 19 per cent on a reported basis to EUR 2,212 million (1,864) in October-December 2024. The growth was positively affected by Topdanmark’s acquisition of Oona Health as well as a change of inception date for a small group of large industrial contracts from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. Excluding these, the currency adjusted top-line growth was 10 per cent.

    Fourth quarter winter weather was fairly normal with claims damage caused mainly by localised events, whereas the prior year was affected by an early start to the winter in the Nordics. In total, severe weather and large claims had 2.3 percentage points negative effect on the Group combined ratio, down from 4.5 percentage points in the comparison period. The Group underlying combined ratio improved by 1.4 percentage points, driven by solid performance across business areas with If reporting an undiscounted adjusted risk ratio improvement of 0.3 percentage points year-on-year. The Group combined ratio improved to 83.4 per cent (85.5). The underwriting result increased by 28 per cent on a currency adjusted basis and on a reported basis to EUR 361 million (281) on strong growth.  

    The net financial result decreased to EUR 62 million (175) driven by lower investment income. Fourth quarter net investment income of EUR 70 million (517) was affected by a rise in interest rates and soft Nordic equity market performance, while the comparison period benefited from exceptionally favourable conditions. IFIE amounted to EUR -7 million (-342), supported by a positive effect of EUR 43 million from changes in discount rates, whereas the comparison period saw a negative effect of EUR -271 million. Unwind of discounting stood at EUR -54 million (-81).

    Profit before taxes was EUR 219 million (368). This includes non-recurring costs of around EUR 150 million related to the Topdanmark integration reserved for the fourth quarter, without which quarterly profit before taxes would have been EUR 369 million. Of the restructuring charge, EUR 76 million was booked in the If segment and EUR 73 million in the Topdanmark segment. Operating EPS came in at EUR 0.65 (0.42) on the back of higher underwriting result and stable investment returns.

    SAMPO PLC
    Board of Directors

    The Financial Statement Release for 2024, Investor Presentation and a video review with Group CFO Knut Arne Alsaker are available at www.sampo.com/result.

    A conference call for investors and analysts will be arranged today 6 February at 11:00 am Finnish time (9:00 am UK time). Please join the teleconference by registering using the following link: 

    https://palvelu.flik.fi/teleconference/?id=5004591

    The conference call can also be followed live at www.sampo.com/result. A recorded version and a transcript will later be available at the same address.

    For more information, please contact

    Knut Arne Alsaker, Group CFO, tel. +358 10 516 0010
    Sami Taipalus
    , Head of Investor Relations, tel. +358 10 516 0030
    Maria Silander
    , Communications Manager, Media Relations, tel. +358 10 516 0031

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Nasdaq Stockholm
    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    London Stock Exchange
    FIN-FSA
    The principal media
    www.sampo.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ING posts full-year 2024 net profit of €6,392 million and outstanding commercial growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ING posts full-year 2024 net profit of €6,392 million and outstanding commercial growth

    Full-year profit before tax of €9,300 million, supported by growing customer base and increase in lending and deposits
    Mobile primary customer base rises by 1.1 million in 2024 to 14.4 million
    Net core lending growth of €28 billion, or 4%, and net core deposits growth of €47 billion (7%)
    Total income of €22.6 billion; double-digit growth in fee income, surpassing €4 billion for the first time
    Full-year return on equity of 13.0%; proposed final cash dividend of €0.71 per share
     
    4Q2024 profit before tax of €1,771 million with a CET1 ratio of 13.6%
    Increase of 434,000 mobile primary customers in the fourth quarter, with growth in all markets
    Total income resilient year-on-year, supported by continuously strong fee income
    Risk costs remain below our through-the-cycle average, reflecting strong asset quality
    CET1 ratio decreases to 13.6% following the shareholder distribution announced in October
     

    CEO statement

    “In 2024, we have made very good progress in the implementation of our strategy. We have accelerated growth, diversified our income, provided superior value to customers and continued to play a leading role in supporting our clients’ sustainable transition,” said ING CEO Steven van Rijswijk. “We’re pleased with our strong results and are on track to make the targets as communicated on our Capital Markets Day in June. We have continued to invest in the growth of our business, resulting in a larger customer base and higher revenues, while continuously executing our plans to drive operational efficiencies.

    “We have increased the number of our mobile primary customers by 1.1 million, resulting in a total of 14.4 million mobile primary customers, with Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland especially contributing to the growth. Core lending has also grown across all markets, by €28 billion, with particularly strong growth of €19 billion in our mortgage portfolio, especially in Germany and the Netherlands. Our deposit base has risen by €47 billion, again with contributions from all Retail countries and our Wholesale business. In Wholesale Banking, we have seen strong results from Financial Markets and we have continued investing in our front office and building our product foundations.

    “Total income has increased to a record €22.6 billion and we have posted a net result of €6.4 billion, maintaining a high level after a very strong 2023. Fee income has increased 11% year-on-year, following an increase in both assets under management and in customer trading activity in Retail. Fee income growth in Wholesale Banking was mainly driven by a higher number of capital markets issuance deals for our clients.

    “Sustainability is a priority for our clients and for ING. We have increased our sustainable volume mobilised to €130 billion, up from €115 billion in 2023, showing strong progress against our 2027 target of €150 billion per annum. During the year, we have engaged with more than 1,600 of our Wholesale Banking clients on their transition plans. In Retail Banking, including in Germany, the Netherlands and Australia, we have supported our customers with sustainable mortgages, renovation loans and digital tools, allowing them to identify possible energy upgrades to their homes and connecting them with accredited home renovators.

    “For the coming year, we remain vigilant as we foresee ongoing geopolitical volatility and a fragmented economic outlook. We are confident that we have the right strategy to deliver value to all of our stakeholders by growing our customer base, continuing to diversify our income and supporting clients in their sustainable transitions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our shareholders for their continued support, our clients for their continued trust and our employees for their hard work and collaboration.”

     
    Further information
    All publications related to ING’s Full year and 4Q 2024 results can be found at the quarterly results page on ING.com. For more on investor information, go to www.ing.com/investors.

    A short ING ON AIR video with CEO Steven van Rijswijk discussing our FY/4Q2024 results is available on Youtube.

    For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom or via the @ING_news feed on X. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

     
    Investor conference call, Media meeting and webcasts
    Steven van Rijswijk, Tanate Phutrakul and Ljiljana Čortan will discuss the results in an Investor conference call on 6 February 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CET. Members of the investment community can join the conference call at +31 20 708 5074 (NL), or +44 330 551 0202 (UK) (registration required via invitation) and via live audio webcast at www.ing.com.

    Steven van Rijswijk, Tanate Phutrakul and Ljiljana Čortan will also discuss the results in a media meeting on 6 February 2024 at 11:00 a.m. CET. Journalists are welcome at ING’s Cedar office, Bijlmerdreef 106, Amsterdam. Alternatively, they can dial-in in listen-only mode via +31 20 708 5073 (NL), or +44 330 551 0200 (UK) – quote ING Media Call 4Q2024 when prompted by the operator. The meeting can also be followed via live audio webcast at www.ing.com.

     
    Investor enquiries
    E: investor.relations@ing.com

    Press enquiries

    T: +31 20 576 5000
    E: media.relations@ing.com

     
    ING Profile
    ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank’s more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries.

    ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

    ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING’s ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as ‘AA’ in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of December 2023, in Sustainalytics’ view, ING’s management of ESG material risk is ‘Strong’. Our current ESG Risk Rating, is 17.2 (Low Risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell.

    Important legal information
    Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 (‘Market Abuse Regulation’).

    ING Group’s annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (‘IFRS- EU’). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2023 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. The Financial statements for 2024 are in progress and may be subject to adjustments from subsequent events. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

    Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: (1) changes in general economic conditions and customer behaviour, in particular economic conditions in ING’s core markets, including changes affecting currency exchange rates and the regional and global economic impact of the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and related international response measures (2) changes affecting interest rate levels (3) any default of a major market participant and related market disruption (4) changes in performance of financial markets, including in Europe and developing markets (5) fiscal uncertainty in Europe and the United States (6) discontinuation of or changes in ‘benchmark’ indices (7) inflation and deflation in our principal markets (8) changes in conditions in the credit and capital markets generally, including changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness (9) failures of banks falling under the scope of state compensation schemes (10) noncompliance with or changes in laws and regulations, including those concerning financial services, financial economic crimes and tax laws, and the interpretation and application thereof (11) geopolitical risks, political instabilities and policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, including in connection with the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and the related international response measures (12) legal and regulatory risks in certain countries with less developed legal and regulatory frameworks (13) prudential supervision and regulations, including in relation to stress tests and regulatory restrictions on dividends and distributions (also among members of the group) (14) ING’s ability to meet minimum capital and other prudential regulatory requirements (15) changes in regulation of US commodities and derivatives businesses of ING and its customers (16) application of bank recovery and resolution regimes, including write down and conversion powers in relation to our securities (17) outcome of current and future litigation, enforcement proceedings, investigations or other regulatory actions, including claims by customers or stakeholders who feel misled or treated unfairly, and other conduct issues (18) changes in tax laws and regulations and risks of non-compliance or investigation in connection with tax laws, including FATCA (19) operational and IT risks, such as system disruptions or failures, breaches of security, cyber-attacks, human error, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including in respect of third parties with which we do business and including any risks as a result of incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise flawed outputs from the algorithms and data sets utilized in artificial intelligence (20) risks and challenges related to cybercrime including the effects of cyberattacks and changes in legislation and regulation related to cybersecurity and data privacy, including such risks and challenges as a consequence of the use of emerging technologies, such as advanced forms of artificial intelligence and quantum computing (21) changes in general competitive factors, including ability to increase or maintain market share (22) inability to protect our intellectual property and infringement claims by third parties (23) inability of counterparties to meet financial obligations or ability to enforce rights against such counterparties (24) changes in credit ratings (25) business, operational, regulatory, reputation, transition and other risks and challenges in connection with climate change and ESG-related matters, including data gathering and reporting (26) inability to attract and retain key personnel (27) future liabilities under defined benefit retirement plans (28) failure to manage business risks, including in connection with use of models, use of derivatives, or maintaining appropriate policies and guidelines (29) changes in capital and credit markets, including interbank funding, as well as customer deposits, which provide the liquidity and capital required to fund our operations, and (30) the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the most recent annual report of ING Groep N.V. (including the Risk Factors contained therein) and ING’s more recent disclosures, including press releases, which are available on www.ING.com.

    This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information.

    Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are “green” or “sustainable.” Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security.

    This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING’s control.

    Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

    This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    Attachment

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  • MIL-OSI: Key Information Relating to Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, 6 February 2025 – DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today announced that pursuant to the authorization granted at the Annual General Meeting held on 6 June 2024, the Board of Directors has approved a dividend payment of NOK 0.3125 per share to be made on or about 21 February 2025 to all shareholders of record as of 14 February 2025. DNO shares will be traded ex-dividend as of 13 February 2025.

    Dividend amount: NOK 0.3125 per share
       
    Declared currency: NOK
       
    Last day including right: 12 February 2025
       
    Ex-date: 13 February 2025
       
    Record date: 14 February 2025
       
    Payment date: 21 February 2025 (on or about)
       
    Date of approval: 5 February 2025, based on authorization granted 6 June 2024

    For further information, please contact:

    Media: media@dno.no
    Investors: investor.relations@dno.no

    DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development, and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, Netherlands and Yemen.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act and section 4.2.4 of Euronext Oslo Rulebook II.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: DNO Results Reflect Robust Kurdistan Production, North Sea Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, 6 February 2025 – DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today reported 2024 revenues of USD 667 million on the back of stellar production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq in a year marked by continuing North Sea expansion.

    Cash from operations increased nearly 50 percent to USD 433 million year-on-year. Operating profit dropped to USD 6 million reflecting the Company’s decision to take non-cash impairments of USD 146 million in its accounts, part of which was previously reported.

    Net production climbed 50 percent year-on-year to 77,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), to which Kurdistan contributed 59,000 boepd, North Sea 15,200 boepd and West Africa 3,100 boepd.

    At Kurdistan’s Tawke license (75 percent and operator), DNO increased gross production from the Tawke and Peshkabir fields by 70 percent year-on-year to 78,600 boepd in 2024, with oil sold at its Fish Khabur terminal as the Iraq-Türkiye export pipeline remained shut in. Sales prices averaged USD 35 per barrel with payments deposited into DNO’s international bank accounts ahead of deliveries. At these prices, Tawke license sales generate around USD 10 million per month of free cash flow to DNO.

    Maintaining strict capital spending discipline, DNO drilled no new wells on the Tawke license in 2024. Notwithstanding, output was increased by bringing three previously drilled wells onstream and by workovers and interventions on more than 20 other wells across the license.

    “Our Kurdistan team is doing a terrific job. Maintaining, never mind increasing, production from mature carbonate reservoirs without new drilling is rare, even exceptional,” said DNO’s Executive Chairman Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani. “In Norway, we are applying a similar ‘can-do’ spirit to get our barrels from a string of recent discoveries out of the ground and into the market and do so faster than is the norm here,” he added.

    In 2024, DNO took steps to expand its North Sea business by acquiring a 25 percent interest in the producing Arran field in the United Kingdom and interests in four producing fields and one development asset in the Norne area offshore Norway. Driven by contribution from these acquisitions, recovery of production in some fields following maintenance and Trym field restart, net North Sea production climbed to 19,000 boepd in the fourth quarter.

    Meanwhile, DNO is taking part in four ongoing North Sea field development projects expected to come online between 2025 and 2028 that represent proven and probable reserves of some 30 million barrels of oil equivalent net to the Company. Two other discoveries, namely Ofelia/Kyrre (10 percent) and Cuvette (20 percent) are nearing development decisions.

    Among the 2024 exploration highlights was the play-opening Othello light oil discovery (50 percent and operator), Norway’s second largest find last year. Prior to the discovery, DNO had already taken a strong acreage position in this area in close collaboration with Aker BP, host operator of nearby Valhall hub.

    Overall, the Company plans to drill between four (firm) and six North Sea exploration wells in 2025. Meanwhile, complementing its ongoing exploration activities, last month DNO was awarded 13 new licenses in Norway’s 2024 Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) licensing round, including four operatorships, by the Norwegian Ministry of Energy.

    Planned 2025 operational spend is ramped up to USD 750 million driven by increased North Sea activity.

    DNO’s robust balance sheet supports growth and distributions to shareholders. The Board of Directors yesterday authorized a dividend of NOK 0.3125 per share in February, maintaining the quarterly distribution at the same level as last quarter.

    A videoconference call with executive management will follow today at 14:00 (CET). Please visit www.dno.no to access the call.

    Key figures

      Full-Year 2024 Q4 2024 Q3 2024
    Gross operated production (boepd) 80,280 80,765 84,212
    Net production (boepd) 77,269 77,646 77,238
    Revenues (USD million) 667 177 171
    Operating profit/-loss (USD million) 6 -82 31
    Net profit/-loss (USD million) -27 -98 20
    Free cash flow (USD million) 59 -5 35
    Net cash/-debt (USD million) 99 99 134

    For further information, please contact:
    Media: media@dno.no
    Investors: investor.relations@dno.no

    DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, Netherlands and Yemen.

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

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

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: Fourth quarter & 2024 full year results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESULTS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

    Press release                                                        
    Paris, 6 February 2025

    2024 RESULTS ABOVE ALL GROUP TARGETS
    GROUP NET INCOME OF EUR 4.2 BILLION, +69% vs. 2023

    Annual revenues of EUR 26.8 billion, up by +6.7% vs. 2023, above the ≥+5% target set for 2024, driven in particular by the strong rebound in net interest income in France and by an excellent performance in Global Banking and Investor Solutions with revenues above EUR 10 billion

    Cost-to-income ratio of 69.0%, below the target of <71% set for 2024, thanks to tight control of costs, which are stable vs. 2023

    Cost of risk at 26 basis points, at the lower end of the 2024 guidance range

    Profitability (ROTE) of 6.9%, above the target of >6% expected for 2024

    CET1 ratio of 13.3% at end-2024, around 310 basis points above regulatory requirement

    +75% INCREASE IN DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS VS. 2023

    Proposed distribution of EUR 1,740 million1, equivalent to EUR 2.18 per share1, composed of:

    • a cash dividend of EUR 1.09 per share to be proposed to the General Meeting
    • a share buyback programme of EUR 872 million, equivalent to EUR 1.09 per share1. ECB approval has been obtained to launch the programme, due to start on 10 February 2025
    • Increase of the payout ratio to 50% of net income2

    2025 FINANCIAL TARGETS, STRONG CAPITAL, EXECUTION DISCIPLINE

    Revenue growth of more than +3%3 vs. 2024

    Decrease in costs above -1%3 vs. 2024

    Improvement of the cost-to-income ratio, less than 66% in 2025

    Cost of risk between 25 and 30 basis points in 2025

    Increase of the ROTE, more than 8% in 2025

    CET1 ratio above 13% post Basel IV throughout the year 2025

    With a solid CET1 ratio ahead of the capital trajectory, we are proposing to improve the distribution policy with:

    • an overall distribution payout ratio of 50% of net income2
    • a balanced distribution between cash dividends and share buybacks

    Slawomir Krupa, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:
    “In 2024, our performance improves materially. All our targets are exceeded and ahead of plan. Strong capital build-up, strong and sustainable business growth, strong cost control and risk management, and a material progress in our integration projects led to the doubling of the earnings per share. Against this strong backdrop, we are improving both the 2024 distribution and our distribution policy. I would like to thank the entire Societe Generale team for their dedication and remarkable commitment, every single day, to serving our clients and our Bank.
    We will continue to focus in 2025 on the relentless execution of our strategy, improving our performance even further.”

    1. GROUP CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Net banking income 6,621 5,957 +11.1% +12.5%* 26,788 25,104 +6.7% +5.7%*
    Operating expenses (4,595) (4,666) -1.5% -0.7%* (18,472) (18,524) -0.3% -1.6%*
    Gross operating income 2,026 1,291 +57.0% +61.3%* 8,316 6,580 +26.4% +26.6%*
    Net cost of risk (338) (361) -6.4% -4.9%* (1,530) (1,025) +49.3% +48.6%*
    Operating income 1,688 930 +81.6% +87.4%* 6,786 5,555 +22.2% +22.5%*
    Net income/expense from other assets (11) (21) +48.9% +45.2%* (77) (113) +31.4% +26.3%*
    Income tax (413) (302) +36.6% +40.5%* (1,601) (1,679) -4.7% -4.9%*
    Net income 1,273 612 x 2.1 x 2.1* 5,129 3,449 +48.7% +49.6%*
    O.w. non-controlling interests 233 183 +27.0% +33.6%* 929 957 -3.0% -9.3%*
    Group net income 1,041 429 x 2.4 x 2.5* 4,200 2,492 +68.6% +73.2%*
    ROE 5.8% 1.5%     6.1% 3.1% +0.0% +0.0%*
    ROTE 6.6% 1.7%     6.9% 4.2% +0.0% +0.0%*
    Cost to income 69.4% 78.3%     69.0% 73.8% +0.0% +0.0%*

    Asterisks* in the document refer to data at constant perimeter and exchange rates

    The Board of Directors of Societe Generale, which met on 5 February 2025 under the chairmanship of Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, examined the Societe Generale Group’s results for Q4 24 and endorsed the 2024 financial statements.

    Net banking income 

    Net banking income stood at EUR 6.6 billion, up by +11.1% vs. Q4 23.

    Revenues of French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance were up by +15.5% vs. Q4 23 and totalled EUR 2.3 billion in Q4 24. Net interest income increased in Q4 24 (+36% vs. Q4 23), in line with the latest estimates. Assets under management in Private Banking and Insurance increased by +7% each in Q4 24 vs. Q4 23. Lastly, BoursoBank showed strong growth momentum with more than 460,000 new clients in the quarter, allowing to reach a client base of 7.2 million clients at end-December 2024, above the target of 7 million clients set for end-2024. In addition, BoursoBank posted a positive contribution to Group net income in 2024 for the second year in a row.

    Global Banking and Investor Solutions registered a +12.4% increase in revenues relative to Q4 23. Revenues amounted to EUR 2.5 billion for the quarter, driven by strong momentum across all businesses. Global Markets grew by 9.8% in Q4 24 vs. Q4 23. Revenues from the Equities business were up by +10%, reaching a record level for a fourth quarter. They were driven by favourable market conditions, particularly after the result of the presidential elections in the United States. Fixed Income and Currencies were up by +9% owing to solid commercial activity in financing and intermediation across all asset classes. In Financing and Advisory, solid commercial momentum was recorded in structured finance and the performance of M&A and advisory continued to rebound. Likewise, Global Transaction & Payment Services posted a +26% increase in revenues vs. Q4 23, driven by a sustained commercial development across all businesses, particularly in correspondent banking.

    Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services’ revenues were up by +2.0% vs. Q4 23, mainly due to an increase in margins at Ayvens. International Retail Banking recorded a -3.6% fall in revenues vs. Q4 23 at EUR 1.0 billion, due to a scope effect related to the asset disposals finalised in Africa (Morocco, Chad, Congo, Madagascar). Revenues were up +3.4% at constant perimeter and exchange rates. Revenues from Mobility and Financial Services were up by +8.3% vs. Q4 23 mainly due to non-recuring items in Q4 23 and improved margins at Ayvens.

    The Corporate Centre recorded revenues of EUR -159 million in Q4 24.

    Over 2024, net banking income increased by +6.7% vs. 2023.

    Operating expenses 

    Operating expenses came out to EUR 4,595 million in Q4 24, down by -1.5% vs. Q4 23.
    They include a scope effect of around EUR 46 million related to the integration of Bernstein’s cash equity operations and a decrease in transformation costs of EUR 26 million. Excluding these items, operating expenses were down by nearly -2% in Q4 24 vs. Q4-23 owing to the effect of the cost saving measures implemented across all business lines.

    The cost-to-income ratio stood at 69.4% in Q4 24, significantly lower than in Q4 23 (78.3%).

    Over 2024, operating expenses remained relatively stable (-0.3% vs. 2023), thanks from rigorous cost management. The cost-to-income ratio stood at 69.0% (vs. 73.8% in 2023), a level below the target of 71% for 2024.

    Cost of risk

    The cost of risk fell to 23 basis points over the quarter (or EUR 338 million). This includes a EUR 386 million provision for non-performing loans (around 26 basis points) and a reversal of a provision on performing loans for EUR -48 million.

    At end-December, the Group’s provisions on performing loans amounted to EUR 3,119 million, stable relative to 30 September 2024. The EUR -453 million contraction relative to 31 December 2023 is mainly owing to the application of IFRS 5.

    The gross non-performing loan ratio stood at 2.81%4,5 at 31 December 2024, significantly down vs. end of September 2024 (2.95%). The net coverage ratio on the Group’s non-performing loans stood at 81%6 at 31 December 2024 (after taking into account guarantees and collateral).

    Net profits from other assets

    The Group recorded a net loss of EUR -11 million in Q4 24, mainly related to the accounting impacts of finalised asset sales, such as the disposals of our activities in Morocco and Madagascar.

    Group net income

    Group net income stood at EUR 1,041 million for the quarter, equating to a Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) of 6.6%.

    Over the year, Group net income stood at EUR 4,200 million, equating to a Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) of 6.9%.

    Shareholder distribution

    The Board of Directors approved the distribution policy for the 2024 fiscal year, aiming to distribute EUR 2.18 per share, equivalent to EUR 1,740 million, of which EUR 872 million in share buyback7. A cash dividend of EUR 1.09 per share will be proposed at the General Meeting of Shareholders on 20 May 2025. The dividend will be detached on 26 May 2025 and paid out on 28 May 2025.

    1. AN ESTABLISHED ESG STRATEGY FROM WHICH TO STEP FORWARD

    In 2024, Societe Generale accelerated the execution of its ESG roadmap, particularly with respect to the contribution to the environmental transition:

    • The Group now covers ~70% of companies’8 financed emissions, with 10 alignment targets for the carbon-intensive sectors. It has already reduced its oil and gas upstream exposure by more than 50% since the end of 20199
    • In Q2 24 and ahead of schedule, the Group reached its target of EUR 300 billion for sustainable finance planned for the period 2022-2025. A new target of EUR 500 billion, complementing the work carried out as part of the portfolio alignment, was announced for the period 2024-2030. This will help increase the orientation of financial flows towards decarbonization activities.

    The Group has broadened the scope of actions to prepare for a sustainable future by supporting new players and new technologies:

    • The EUR 1 billion investment for the transition, announced during the Capital Markets Day, has entered its operationalization phase
    • A new partnership with the EIB to unlock up to EUR 8 billion in the wind industry supply chain in Europe was signed in Q4 24.

    At the same time, ESG risk management continues to be strengthened, enhancing forward-looking assessments of environmental risk materiality and further integrating environmental, social and governance risks into the risk framework.
    Lastly, the Group is moving forward with its ambitions as a responsible employer: at the end of 2024, the “Group Leaders Circle” (Top 250) had ~30% women executives10 and ~30% international members. As announced during the Capital Markets Day, the EUR 100 million envelope commitment to reduce the gender pay gap was launched in 2023.

    1. THE GROUP’S FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

    At 31 December 2024, the Group’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 13.3%11, around 310 basis points above the regulatory requirement. Likewise, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) was well ahead of regulatory requirements at 156% at end-December 2024 (145% on average for the quarter), and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) stood at 117% at end-December 2024.

    All liquidity and solvency ratios are well above the regulatory requirements.

      31/12/2024 31/12/2023 Requirements
    CET1(1) 13.3% 13.1% 10.24%
    Fully-loaded CET1 13.3% 13.1% 10.24%
    Tier 1 ratio (1) 16.1% 15.6% 12.17%
    Total Capital(1) 18.9% 18.2% 14.73%
    Leverage ratio(1) 4.34% 4.25% 3.60%
    TLAC (% RWA)(1) 29.7% 31.9% 22.31%
    TLAC (% leverage)(1) 8.0% 8.7% 6.75%
    MREL (% RWA)(1) 34.2% 33.7% 27.58%
    MREL (% leverage)(1) 9.2% 9.2% 6.23%
    End of period LCR 156% 160% >100%
    Period average LCR 145% 155% >100%
    NSFR 117% 119% >100%
    In EURbn 31/12/2024 31/12/2023
    Total consolidated balance sheet 1,574 1,554
    Shareholders’ equity (IFRS), Group share 70 66
    Risk-weighted assets 390 389
    O.w. credit risk 327 326
    Total funded balance sheet 952 970
    Customer loans 463 497
    Customer deposits 614 618

    At 31 December 2024, the parent company had issued EUR 43.2 billion in medium/long-term debt under its 2024 funding program. The subsidiaries had issued EUR 4.7 billion. In all, the Group has issued a total of EUR 47.9 billion.

    At 10 January 2025, the parent company 2025 funding program was executed at 47% for vanilla notes.

    The Group is rated by four rating agencies: (i) FitchRatings – long-term rating “A-”, stable outlook, senior preferred debt rating “A”, short-term rating “F1”; (ii) Moody’s – long-term rating (senior preferred debt) “A1”, negative outlook, short-term rating “P-1”; (iii) R&I – long-term rating (senior preferred debt) “A”, stable outlook; and (iv) S&P Global Ratings – long-term rating (senior preferred debt) “A”, stable outlook, short-term rating “A-1”.

    1. FRENCH RETAIL, PRIVATE BANKING AND INSURANCE
    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Net banking income 2,267 1,963 +15.5% 8,657 8,053 +7.5%
    Of which net interest income 1,091 801 +36.2% 3,868 3,199 +20.9%
    Of which fees 1,028 948 +8.5% 4,108 3,975 +3.3%
    Operating expenses (1,672) (1,683) -0.7% (6,634) (6,756) -1.8%
    Gross operating income 596 280 x 2.1 2,024 1,297 +56.0%
    Net cost of risk (115) (163) -29.6% (712) (505) +41.0%
    Operating income 481 118 x 4.1 1,312 792 +65.6%
    Net profits or losses from other assets (2) 5 n/s 6 9 -35.1%
    Group net income 360 90 x 4.0 991 596 +66.2%
    RONE 9.1% 2.3%   6.3% 3.9%  
    Cost to income 73.7% 85.7%   76.6% 83.9%  

    Commercial activity

    SG Network, Private Banking and Insurance 

    The SG Network’s average outstanding deposits amounted to EUR 232 billion in Q4 24, down by -1% on Q4 23, with strong shift of inflows into investment products and savings life insurance.

    The SG Network’s average loan outstandings contracted by -4% vs. Q4 23 to EUR 194 billion, but -2.5% excluding PGE (state guaranteed loans). Outstanding loans to corporate and professional clients grew vs. Q3 24 excluding state guaranteed PGE loans, and individual clients lending experienced an increased commercial momentum.

    The average loan to deposit ratio came to 83.6% in Q4 24, down by 2.6 percentage points relative to Q4 23.

    Private Banking activities saw their assets under management12 maintain a record level of EUR 154 billion in Q4 24, up by +7% vs. Q4 23. Net gathering stood at EUR 6.3 billion in 2024, the annual net asset gathering pace (net new money divided by AuM) being at +4% in 2024. Net banking income came to EUR 348 million over the quarter, a decrease of -2% vs. Q4 23. It stands at EUR 1,469 million for 2024, unchanged from 2023.

    Insurance, which covers activities in and outside France, posted a very strong commercial performance. Life insurance outstandings increased sharply by +7% vs. Q4 23 to reach a record EUR 146 billion at                end-December 2024. The share of unit-linked products remained high at 40%. Savings Life insurance gross inflows amounted to EUR 3.4 billion in Q4 24, and EUR 18.3 billion for 2024, up by +42% vs. 2023.

    Personal protection and P&C premia were up by +3% vs. Q4 23 (+5% at constant perimeter).

    BoursoBank 

    BoursoBank’s growth momentum continued with more than 460K new clients in the fourth quarter of 2024. BoursoBank reached almost 7.2 million clients in December 2024, above 2024 target.

    Thanks notably to its comprehensive banking offer and recognized among the “Digital Leaders”13, the Bank has a low attrition rate (~3% in 2024), still down vs. 2023.

    BoursoBank continued its profitable growth trajectory in 2024 with a cost per client down by -17.0% vs. 2023 with an expanding client base, more than 1.3 million net clients over 12 months (+22.4% vs. 2023).

    Loans outstanding improved by +5.4% relative to Q4 23, at EUR 16 billion in Q4 24.

    Average outstanding in savings including deposits and financial savings were +15.5% higher vs. Q4 23 at EUR 64 billion. Deposits outstanding totalled EUR 39 billion in Q4 24, posting another strong increase of +15.4% vs. Q4 23, driven by interest-bearing savings. Average life insurance outstandings, at EUR 13 billion in Q4 24, rose by +10.2% vs. Q4 23 (o/w 48% in unit-lined products, +3.8 percentage points vs. Q4 23). The activity continued to register strong gross inflows over the quarter (+50.4% vs. Q4 23, 65% unit-linked products).

    For the second year in a row, BoursoBank recorded a positive contribution to Group net income in 2024.

    At end of 2025, BoursoBank aims to exceed 8 million clients.

    Net banking income

    Over the quarter, revenues amounted to EUR 2,267 million (including PEL/CEL provision), up by +15% compared with Q4 23 and up by +1% compared with Q3 24. Net interest income grew by +36% vs. Q4 23 and +3% vs. Q3 24. Fee income rose by +9% relative to Q4 23.

    Over the year, revenues reached EUR 8,657 million, up by +8% compared with 2023 (including PEL/CEL provision). Net interest income was up by +21% vs. 2023. Fees increased by +3% relative to 2023.

    Operating expenses

    Over the quarter, operating expenses came to EUR 1,672 million, down -1% compared to Q4 23. The cost-to-income ratio reached 73.7% in Q4 24 and improved by 12 percentage points vs. Q4 23.

    Over the year, operating expenses totalled EUR 6,634 million, decreasing by -2% vs. 2023.                                         The cost-to-income ratio stood at 76.6% and improved by 7.3 percentage points compared with 2023.

    Cost of risk

    Over the quarter, the cost of risk amounted to EUR 115 million, or 20 basis points, down compared with Q3 24 (30 basis points).

    Over the year, the cost of risk totalled EUR 712 million, or 30 basis points.

    Group net income

    Over the quarter, Group net income totalled EUR 360 million. RONE stood at 9.1% in Q4 24.

    Over the year, Group net income totalled EUR 991 million. RONE stood at 6.3% for the year.

    1. GLOBAL BANKING AND INVESTOR SOLUTIONS
    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Net banking income 2,457 2,185 +12.4% +11.6%* 10,122 9,642 +5.0% +4.8%*
    Operating expenses (1,644) (1,601) +2.7% +2.0%* (6,542) (6,788) -3.6% -3.7%*
    Gross operating income 812 584 +39.0% +37.9%* 3,580 2,854 +25.4% +25.0%*
    Net cost of risk (97) (38) x 2.5 x 2.5* (126) (30) x 4.2 x 4.3*
    Operating income 715 546 +31.0% +30.1%* 3,455 2,824 +22.3% +21.9%*
    Group net income 627 467 +34.4% +33.0%* 2,788 2,280 +22.2% +21.7%*
    RONE 16.6% 12.2% +0.0% +0.0%* 18.4% 14.8% +0.0% +0.0%*
    Cost to income 66.9% 73.3% +0.0% +0.0%* 64.6% 70.4% +0.0% +0.0%*

    Net banking income

    Global Banking & Investor Solutions delivered an excellent fourth quarter, with revenues up by +12.4% compared with Q4 23, at EUR 2,457 million.

    Over 2024, revenues reached a record14 level of EUR 10,122 million, up by +5.0% vs. FY23, owing to excellent momentum across all business lines.

    Global Markets and Investor Services recorded a sharp rise in revenues over the quarter vs Q4 23 of +9.8% to EUR 1,493 million. Over 2024, they totalled EUR 6,557 million, up by +4.5% vs. FY 2023. This growth is the result of solid performance across all activities.

    Global Markets posted both a record fourth quarter and a record1 year with revenues, respectively, of EUR 1,332 million, up +9.5% vs. Q4 23, and EUR 5,884 million, up +5.6% vs. 2023, in a market environment that remains conducive.

    The Equities business delivered an excellent performance, with both a record year and fourth quarter. In Q4 24, revenues amounted to EUR 831 million, a steady increase of +10.0% vs. Q4 23, benefiting from a strong commercial dynamic post US elections especially in flow, listed products and financing activities. Over 2024, revenues increased sharply by +12.2% versus 2023 to EUR 3,569 million.

    Fixed Income and Currencies grew by +8.8% to EUR 501 million in Q4 24, thanks to a solid performance across all products, with an increased client engagement across Corporates and Financial Institutions following the impact of the US elections on rates and currencies. In addition, European rates and currencies franchise outperformed, together with solid secured financing opportunities in the Americas. Over 2024, revenues decreased slightly by -3.2% to EUR 2,315 million.

    Securities Services’ revenues were sharply up by +12.4% versus Q4 23 at EUR 162 million but increased by +4.8% excluding the impact of equity participations. The business continued to reap the benefit of a positive fee generation trend and robust momentum in fund distribution, especially in France and Italy. Over 2024, revenues were down by -4.0%, but up by +2.8% excluding equity participations. Assets under Custody and Assets under Administration amounted to EUR 4,921 billion and EUR 623 billion, respectively.

    The Financing and Advisory business posted revenues of EUR 964 million, up by +16.7% vs. Q4 23. Over 2024, revenues totalled EUR 3,566 million, up by +5.8% vs. 2023.

    The Global Banking & Advisory business grew steadily by +13.7% compared with Q4 23 with a double digit increase in fees vs. Q4 23 driven by strong origination and distribution volumes in Fund Financing and Structured Finance. The rebound in M&A and Advisory continued in the fourth quarter with a strong increase in revenues. This is the second best quarter ever in terms of revenues, close to record Q4 22. Over 2024, revenues grew by +3.2% vs. 2023.

    The Global Transaction & Payment Services business once again delivered an excellent performance compared with Q4 23. The sharp increase in revenues of +26.1% was driven by solid commercial momentum in all activities, as well as a high level of fee generation, led by a strong performance in correspondent banking. Over 2024, revenues saw a steady increase of +13.9%. This represents a record year and fourth quarter.

    Operating expenses

    Operating expenses came out to EUR 1,644 million for the quarter, including around EUR 32 million in transformation costs. They are up by +2.7% relative to Q4 23. The cost-to-income ratio came to 66.9% in Q4 24.

    Over 2024, operating expenses decreased by -3.6% compared with 2023 and the cost-to-income ratio came to 64.6%.

    Cost of risk

    Over the quarter, the cost of risk was EUR 97 million, or 24 basis points vs. 9 basis points in Q4 23.

    Over 2024, the cost of risk was EUR 126 million, or 8 basis points.

    Group net income

    Group net income recorded strong growth, up by +34.4% vs. Q4 23 to EUR 627 million. Over 2024, Group net income rose sharply by +22.2% to EUR 2,788 million.

    Global Banking and Investor Solutions reported significant RONE of 16.6% over the quarter and 18.4% over 2024.

    1. MOBILITY, INTERNATIONAL RETAIL BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Net banking income 2,056 2,016 +2.0% +6.7%* 8,458 8,507 -0.6% -3.8%*
    Operating expenses (1,240) (1,281) -3.2% +0.8%* (5,072) (4,760) +6.6% +1.7%*
    Gross operating income 816 734 +11.1% +17.0%* 3,386 3,747 -9.6% -10.9%*
    Net cost of risk (133) (137) -2.5% +2.2%* (705) (486) +45.1% +43.5%*
    Operating income 682 598 +14.2% +20.4%* 2,681 3,261 -17.8% -19.1%*
    Net income/expense from other assets (2) (12) +86.1% +84.3%* 96 (11) n/s n/s
    Non-controlling interests 203 152 +33.1% +39.6%* 826 826 -0.1% -7.1%*
    Group net income 314 284 +10.5% +16.1%* 1,270 1,609 -21.1% -20.0%*
    RONE 12.0% 11.0%     12.2% 16.6%    
    Cost to income 60.3% 63.6%     60.0% 56.0%    

    (2)()

    Commercial activity

    International Retail Banking

    International Retail Banking15 activity remained strong in Q4 24 with outstanding loans at EUR 59 billion, up by +3.4%* vs. Q4 23 and deposits at EUR 74 billion, up by +3.9%* vs. Q4 23.

    Europe continues to post good commercial performance for both entities in individual and corporate client segments. With EUR 43 billion in Q4 24, outstanding loans increased by 4.9%* vs. Q4 23, across segments in Romania and more particularly in home loans in the Czech Republic. Outstanding deposits totalled EUR 55 billion in Q4 24, up by +3.8%* vs. Q4 23, mostly driven by Romania.

    In the Africa, Mediterranean Basin and Overseas France network, outstanding loans were stable* vs. Q4 23, with EUR 16 billion in Q4 24, on the back of the good performance in retail. Outstanding deposits of EUR 20 billion in Q4 24 increased by 4.0%* vs. Q4 23, mainly driven by sight deposits in retail.

    Mobility and Financial Services

    Overall, Mobility and Financial Services maintained a good commercial performance.

    Ayvens’ earning assets totalled EUR 53.6 billion at end-December 2024, a +2.9% increase vs. end-December 2023.

    Consumer Finance posted outstandings of EUR 23 billion in Q4 24, still down by -4.0% vs. Q4 23.

    With EUR 15 billion in Q4 24, Equipment Finance outstandings slightly decreased by -1.4% vs. Q4 23.

    Net banking income

    Over the quarter, Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services’ revenues rose by +2.0% vs. Q4 23 to EUR 2,056 million in Q4 24.

    Over the year, revenues were stable compared with 2023 at EUR 8,458 million.

    International Retail Banking revenues reached EUR 1,029 million, up by +3.4%* vs. Q4 23. Over 2024, revenues amounted to EUR 4,161 million, up by 3.8%* vs. 2023.

    Revenues in Europe, which amounted to EUR 539 million in Q4 24, rose by +6.4%* vs. Q4 23, driven by the +3.5%* increase in net interest income for both KB in Czech Republic and BRD in Romania. Fee income increased strongly over the quarter in the Czech Republic, up by +29.5%* vs. Q4 23. Over 2024, revenues improved by +2.8%* vs. 2023 at EUR 2,028 million.

    The Africa, Mediterranean Basin and French Overseas network maintained a sustained level of revenues in Q4 24 of EUR 490 million, stable* vs. Q4 23, mainly driven by fee growth. Over 2024, revenues improved by +4.8%* vs. 2023 at EUR 2,133 million.

    Overall, revenues from Mobility and Financial Services were up by 8.3% vs. Q4 23 at EUR 1,026 million. They remained stable vs. 2023, at EUR 4,298 million in 2024.

    At Ayvens, net banking income stood at EUR 707 million in Q4 24, a sharp increase of +16,3% vs. Q4 23 as reported, and of +2.0% adjusted for non-recurring items16. The amount of margins stood at 541 basis points, generating revenues up +12%1 vs. T4-23. The used car sales markets are gradually normalising, as expected, with an average Used Car Sale (UCS) result per unit of EUR 1,2671 per unit this quarter, vs. EUR 1,4201 in Q3 24 and EUR 1,7061 in Q4 23. In 2024, Ayvens posted an increase in revenues of +1.2% vs. 2023 (at EUR 3,015 million), with an increase in underlying margins.

    The Consumer Finance entities posted revenues of EUR 216 million in Q4 24, still down by -4.2% vs. Q4 23. These are stabilizing from Q3 24, with an improvement in the margin for new production. Revenues from the Equipment Finance business was down this quarter by -9.3% vs. Q4 23, with EUR 103 million in Q4 24. In 2024, overall revenues for both businesses decreased by -4.0% vs. 2023.

    Operating expenses

    Over the quarter, operating expenses remained contained at EUR 1,240 million (-3.2% vs. Q4 23, stable* at constant perimeter and exchange rates). The cost-to-income ratio stood at 60.3% in Q4 24 vs. 63.6% in Q4 23.

    Over the year, operating expenses came to EUR 5,072 million, up by +6.6% vs. 2023. They include transformation costs of around EUR 200 million.

    International Retail Banking recorded an increase in costs of +4.8%* vs. Q4 23 (down by -2.1% at current perimeter and exchange rates, to EUR 577 million in Q4 24), still including the new bank tax in Romania, implemented since January 2024.

    Mobility and Financial Services costs reached EUR 663 million in Q4 24, down by -4.2% vs. Q4 23.

    Cost of risk

    Over the quarter, the cost of risk amounted to EUR 133 million or 32 basis points, which was considerably lower than in Q3 24 (48 basis points).

    Over the year, the cost of risk normalised to a level of 42 basis points, compared with 32 basis points in 2023.

    Group net income

    Over the quarter, Group net income came out to EUR 314 million, up by +10.5% vs. Q4 23. RONE stood at 12.0% in Q4 24. RONE was 16.3% in International Retail Banking, and 9.1% in Mobility and Financial Services in Q4 24.

    Over 2024, Group net income came out to EUR 1,270 million, down by -21.1% vs. 2023. RONE stood at 12.2% in 2024. RONE was 16.4% in International Retail Banking, and 9.4% in Mobility and Financial Services in 2024.

    1. CORPORATE CENTRE
    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Net banking income (159) (207) +23.4% +24.4%* (450) (1,098) +59.0% +59.6%*
    Operating expenses (39) (101) -61.8% -61.8%* (224) (220) +1.6% +1.4%*
    Gross operating income (197) (308) +36.0% +36.5%* (674) (1,318) +48.9% +49.5%*
    Net cost of risk 7 (23) n/s n/s 12 (4) n/s n/s
    Net income/expense from other assets (7) (15) +51.3% +51.3%* (179) (111) -61.3% -61.4%*
    Income tax (37) (45) -17.9% -16.6%* 81 (130) n/s n/s
    Group net income (261) (412) +36.7% +37.0%* (848) (1,994) +57.5% +57.8%*

    The Corporate Centre includes:

    • the property management of the Group’s head office,
    • the Group’s equity portfolio,
    • the Treasury function for the Group,
    • certain costs related to cross-functional projects, as well as several costs incurred by the Group that are not re-invoiced to the businesses.

    Net banking income

    Over the quarter, the Corporate Centre’s net banking income totalled EUR -159 million, vs. EUR  – 207 million in Q4 23.

    Over the year, the Corporate Centre’s net banking income totalled EUR -450 million, vs. EUR – 1,098 million in 2023. It includes the booking in Q3 24 of exceptional proceeds received of approximately EUR 0.3 billion17.

    Operating expenses

    Over the quarter, operating expenses totalled EUR -39 million, vs. EUR -101 million in Q4 23.

    Over the year, operating expenses totalled EUR -224 million, vs. EUR -220 million in 2023.

    Net losses from other assets

    Pursuant notably to the application of IFRS 5, the Group booked in Q4 24 various impacts from ongoing disposals of assets.

    Group net income

    Over the quarter, the Corporate Centre’s Group net income totalled EUR -261 million, vs. EUR -412 million in Q4 23.

    Over the year, the Corporate Centre’s Group net income totalled EUR -848 million, vs. EUR -1,994 million in 2023.

    To be noted that starting from 2025, normative return to businesses will be based on a 13% capital allocation.

          8.   2024 AND 2025 FINANCIAL CALENDAR

    2025 Financial communication calendar
    April 30, 2025 First quarter 2025 results
    May 20, 2025 2024 Combined General Meeting
    May 26, 2025 Dividend detachment
    May 28, 2025 Dividend payment
    July 31, 2025 Second quarter and first half 2025 results
    October 30, 2025          Third quarter and nine months 2025 results
    The Alternative Performance Measures, notably the notions of net banking income for the pillars, operating expenses, cost of risk in basis points, ROE, ROTE, RONE, net assets and tangible net assets are presented in the methodology notes, as are the principles for the presentation of prudential ratios.

    This document contains forward-looking statements relating to the targets and strategies of the Societe Generale Group.

    These forward-looking statements are based on a series of assumptions, both general and specific, in particular the application of accounting principles and methods in accordance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) as adopted in the European Union, as well as the application of existing prudential regulations.

    These forward-looking statements have also been developed from scenarios based on a number of economic assumptions in the context of a given competitive and regulatory environment. The Group may be unable to:

    – anticipate all the risks, uncertainties or other factors likely to affect its business and to appraise their potential consequences;

    – evaluate the extent to which the occurrence of a risk or a combination of risks could cause actual results to differ materially from those provided in this document and the related presentation.

    Therefore, although Societe Generale believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including matters not yet known to it or its management or not currently considered material, and there can be no assurance that anticipated events will occur or that the objectives set out will actually be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, overall trends in general economic activity and in Societe Generale’s markets in particular, regulatory and prudential changes, and the success of Societe Generale’s strategic, operating and financial initiatives.

    More detailed information on the potential risks that could affect Societe Generale’s financial results can be found in the section “Risk Factors” in our Universal Registration Document filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (which is available on https://investors.societegenerale.com/en).

    Investors are advised to take into account factors of uncertainty and risk likely to impact the operations of the Group when considering the information contained in such forward-looking statements. Other than as required by applicable law, Societe Generale does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements. Unless otherwise specified, the sources for the business rankings and market positions are internal.

          9.   APPENDIX 1: FINANCIAL DATA

    GROUP NET INCOME BY CORE BUSINESS

    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 Variation 2024 2023 Variation
    French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance 360 90 x 4.0 991 596 +66.2%
    Global Banking and Investor Solutions 627 467 +34.4% 2,788 2,280 +22.2%
    Mobility, International Retail Banking & Financial Services 314 284 +10.5% 1,270 1,609 -21.1%
    Core Businesses 1,301 841 +54.7% 5,048 4,486 +12.5%
    Corporate Centre (261) (412) +36.7% (848) (1,994) +57.5%
    Group 1,041 429 x 2.4 4,200 2,492 +68.6%

    MAIN EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 12M24 12M23
    Net Banking Income – Total exceptional items 0 41 287 (199)
    One-off legacy items – Corporate Centre 0 41 0 (199)
    Exceptional proceeds received – Corporate Centre 0 0 287 0
             
    Operating expenses – Total one-off items and transformation charges (76) (102) (613) (765)
    Transformation charges (76) (102) (613) (730)
    Of which French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance 7 18 (132) (312)
    Of which Global Banking & Investor Solutions (32) (64) (236) (167)
    Of which Mobility, International Retail Banking & Financial Services (51) (56) (199) (251)
    Of which Corporate Centre 0 0 (47) 0
    One-off items 0 0 0 (35)
    Of which French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance 0 0 0 60
    Of which Global Banking & Investor Solutions 0 0 0 (95)
             
    Other one-off items – Total (7) (115) (74) (820)
    Net profits or losses from other assets (7) (15) (74) (112)
    Of which Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services 0 0 86 0
    Of which Corporate Centre (7) (15) (160) (112)
    Goodwill impairment – Corporate Centre 0 0 0 (338)
    Provision of Deferred Tax Assets – Corporate Centre 0 (100) 0 (370)

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

    In EUR m   31/12/2024 31/12/2023
    Cash, due from central banks   201,680 223,048
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   526,048 495,882
    Hedging derivatives   9,233 10,585
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income   96,024 90,894
    Securities at amortised cost   32,655 28,147
    Due from banks at amortised cost   84,051 77,879
    Customer loans at amortised cost   454,622 485,449
    Revaluation differences on portfolios hedged against interest rate risk   (292) (433)
    Insurance and reinsurance contracts assets   615 459
    Tax assets   4,687 4,717
    Other assets   70,903 69,765
    Non-current assets held for sale   26,426 1,763
    Investments accounted for using the equity method   398 227
    Tangible and intangible fixed assets   61,409 60,714
    Goodwill   5,086 4,949
    Total   1,573,545 1,554,045
    In EUR m   31/12/2024 31/12/2023
    Due to central banks   11,364 9,718
    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss   396,614 375,584
    Hedging derivatives   15,750 18,708
    Debt securities issued   162,200 160,506
    Due to banks   99,744 117,847
    Customer deposits   531,675 541,677
    Revaluation differences on portfolios hedged

    against interest rate risk

      (5,277) (5,857)
    Tax liabilities   2,237 2,402
    Other liabilities   90,786 93,658
    Non-current liabilities held for sale   17,079 1,703
    Insurance and reinsurance contracts liabilities   150,691 141,723
    Provisions   4,085 4,235
    Subordinated debts   17,009 15,894
    Total liabilities   1,493,957 1,477,798
    Shareholder’s equity  
    Shareholders’ equity, Group share  
    Issued common stocks and capital reserves   21,281 21,186
    Other equity instruments   9,873 8,924
    Retained earnings   33,863 32,891
    Net income   4,200 2,493
    Sub-total   69,217 65,494
    Unrealised or deferred capital gains and losses   1,039 481
    Sub-total equity, Group share   70,256 65,975
    Non-controlling interests   9,332 10,272
    Total equity   79,588 76,247
    Total   1,573,545 1,554,045

          10.    APPENDIX 2: METHODOLOGY

    1 –The financial information presented for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 was examined by the Board of Directors on February 5th, 2025 and has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted in the European Union and applicable at that date. The audit procedures carried out by the Statutory Auditors on the consolidated financial statements are in progress.

    2 – Net banking income

    The pillars’ net banking income is defined on page 42 of Societe Generale’s 2024 Universal Registration Document. The terms “Revenues” or “Net Banking Income” are used interchangeably. They provide a normalised measure of each pillar’s net banking income taking into account the normative capital mobilised for its activity.

    3 – Operating expenses

    Operating expenses correspond to the “Operating Expenses” as presented in note 5 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements as at December 31st, 2023. The term “costs” is also used to refer to Operating Expenses. The Cost/Income Ratio is defined on page 42 of Societe Generale’s 2024 Universal Registration Document.

    4 – Cost of risk in basis points, coverage ratio for non-performing loan outstandings

    The cost of risk is defined on pages 43 and 770 of Societe Generale’s 2024 Universal Registration Document. This indicator makes it possible to assess the level of risk of each of the pillars as a percentage of balance sheet loan commitments, including operating leases.

    In EURm   Q4 24 Q4 23 2024 2023
    French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance Net Cost Of Risk 115 163 712 505
    Gross loan Outstandings 233,298 240,533 235,539 246,701
    Cost of Risk in bp 20 27 30 20
    Global Banking and Investor Solutions Net Cost Of Risk 97 38 126 30
    Gross loan Outstandings 160,551 168,799 162,749 169,823
    Cost of Risk in bp 24 9 8 2
    Mobility, International Retail Banking & Financial Services Net Cost Of Risk 133 137 705 486
    Gross loan Outstandings 167,911 164,965 167,738 150,161
    Cost of Risk in bp 32 33 42 32
    Corporate Centre Net Cost Of Risk (7) 23 (12) 4
    Gross loan Outstandings 25,730 23,075 24,700 20,291
    Cost of Risk in bp (11) 40 (5) 2
    Societe Generale Group Net Cost Of Risk 338 361 1,530 1,025
    Gross loan Outstandings 587,490 597,371 590,725 586,977
    Cost of Risk in bp 23 24 26 17

    The gross coverage ratio for non-performing loan outstandings is calculated as the ratio of provisions recognised in respect of the credit risk to gross outstandings identified as in default within the meaning of the regulations, without taking account of any guarantees provided. This coverage ratio measures the maximum residual risk associated with outstandings in default (“non-performing loans”).

    5 – ROE, ROTE, RONE

    The notions of ROE (Return on Equity) and ROTE (Return on Tangible Equity), as well as their calculation methodology, are specified on pages 43 and 44 of Societe Generale’s 2024 Universal Registration Document. This measure makes it possible to assess Societe Generale’s return on equity and return on tangible equity.
    RONE (Return on Normative Equity) determines the return on average normative equity allocated to the Group’s businesses, according to the principles presented on page 44 of Societe Generale’s 2024 Universal Registration Document.
    Group net income used for the ratio numerator is the accounting Group net income adjusted for “Interest paid and payable to holders if deeply subordinated notes and undated subordinated notes, issue premium amortisation”. For ROTE, income is also restated for goodwill impairment.
    Details of the corrections made to the accounting equity in order to calculate ROE and ROTE for the period are given in the table below:

    ROTE calculation: calculation methodology

    End of period (in EURm) Q4 24 Q4 23 2024 2023
    Shareholders’ equity Group share 70,256 65,975 70,256 65,975
    Deeply subordinated and undated subordinated notes (10,526) (9,095) (10,526) (9,095)
    Interest payable to holders of deeply & undated subordinated notes, issue premium amortisation(1) (25) (21) (25) (21)
    OCI excluding conversion reserves 757 636 757 636
    Distribution provision(2) (1,740) (995) (1,740) (995)
    Distribution N-1 to be paid
    Equity end-of-period for ROE 58,722 56,500 58,722 56,500
    Average equity for ROE 58,204 56,607 57,223 56,396
    Average Goodwill(3) (4,192) (4,068) (4,108) (4,011)
    Average Intangible Assets (2,883) (3,188) (2,921) (3,143)
    Average equity for ROTE 51,129 49,351 50,194 49,242
             
    Group net Income 1,041 430 4,200 2,493
    Interest paid and payable to holders of deeply subordinated notes and undated subordinated notes, issue premium amortisation (199) (215) (720) (759)
    Cancellation of goodwill impairment 338
    Adjusted Group net Income 842 215 3,480 2,073
    ROTE 6.6% 1.7% 6.9% 4.2%

    181920

    RONE calculation: Average capital allocated to Core Businesses (in EURm)

    In EURm Q4 24 Q4 23 Change 2024 2023 Change
    French Retail , Private Banking and Insurance 15,731 15,445 +1.9% 15,634 15,454 +1.2%
    Global Banking and Investor Solutions 15,129 15,247 -0.8% 15,147 15,426 -1.8%
    Mobility, International Retail Banking & Financial Services 10,460 10,313 +1.4% 10,433 9,707 +7.5%
    Core Businesses 41,320 41,006 +0.8% 41,214 40,587 +1.5%
    Corporate Center 16,884 15,601 +8.2% 16,009 15,809 +1.3%
    Group 58,204 56,607 +2.8% 57,223 56,396 +1.5%

    6 – Net assets and tangible net assets

    Net assets and tangible net assets are defined in the methodology, page 45 of the Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document. The items used to calculate them are presented below:
    2122

    End of period (in EURm) 2024 2023 2022
    Shareholders’ equity Group share 70,256 65,975 66,970
    Deeply subordinated and undated subordinated notes (10,526) (9,095) (10,017)
    Interest of deeply & undated subordinated notes, issue premium amortisation(1) (25) (21) (24)
    Book value of own shares in trading portfolio 8 36 67
    Net Asset Value 59,713 56,895 56,996
    Goodwill(2) (4,207) (4,008) (3,652)
    Intangible Assets (2,871) (2,954) (2,875)
    Net Tangible Asset Value 52,635 49,933 50,469
           
    Number of shares used to calculate NAPS(3) 796,498 796,244 801,147
    Net Asset Value per Share 75.0 71.5 71.1
    Net Tangible Asset Value per Share 66.1 62.7 63.0

    7 – Calculation of Earnings Per Share (EPS)

    The EPS published by Societe Generale is calculated according to the rules defined by the IAS 33 standard (see page 44 of Societe Generale’s 2024 Universal Registration Document). The corrections made to Group net income in order to calculate EPS correspond to the restatements carried out for the calculation of ROE and ROTE.
    The calculation of Earnings Per Share is described in the following table:

    Average number of shares (thousands) 2024 2023 2022
    Existing shares 801,915 818,008 845,478
    Deductions      
    Shares allocated to cover stock option plans and free shares awarded to staff 4,402 6,802 6,252
    Other own shares and treasury shares 2,344 11,891 16,788
    Number of shares used to calculate EPS(4) 795,169 799,315 822,437
    Group net Income (in EUR m) 4,200 2,493 1,825
    Interest on deeply subordinated notes and undated subordinated notes (in EUR m) (720) (759) (596)
    Adjusted Group net income (in EUR m) 3,480 1,735 1,230
    EPS (in EUR) 4.38 2.17 1.50

    2324
    8 – The Societe Generale Group’s Common Equity Tier 1 capital is calculated in accordance with applicable CRR2/CRD5 rules. The fully loaded solvency ratios are presented pro forma for current earnings, net of dividends, for the current financial year, unless specified otherwise. When there is reference to phased-in ratios, these do not include the earnings for the current financial year, unless specified otherwise. The leverage ratio is also calculated according to applicable CRR2/CRD5 rules including the phased-in following the same rationale as solvency ratios.

    9 – Funded balance sheet, loan to deposit ratio

    The funded balance sheet is based on the Group financial statements. It is obtained in two steps:

    • A first step aiming at reclassifying the items of the financial statements into aggregates allowing for a more economic reading of the balance sheet. Main reclassifications:

    Insurance: grouping of the accounting items related to insurance within a single aggregate in both assets and liabilities.
    Customer loans: include outstanding loans with customers (net of provisions and write-downs, including net lease financing outstanding and transactions at fair value through profit and loss); excludes financial assets reclassified under loans and receivables in accordance with the conditions stipulated by IFRS 9 (these positions have been reclassified in their original lines).
    Wholesale funding: Includes interbank liabilities and debt securities issued. Financing transactions have been allocated to medium/long-term resources and short-term resources based on the maturity of outstanding, more or less than one year.
    Reclassification under customer deposits of the share of issues placed by French Retail Banking networks (recorded in medium/long-term financing), and certain transactions carried out with counterparties equivalent to customer deposits (previously included in short term financing).
    Deduction from customer deposits and reintegration into short-term financing of certain transactions equivalent to market resources.

    • A second step aiming at excluding the contribution of insurance subsidiaries, and netting derivatives, repurchase agreements, securities borrowing/lending, accruals and “due to central banks”.

    The Group loan/deposit ratio is determined as the division of the customer loans by customer deposits as presented in the funded balance sheet.

    NB (1) The sum of values contained in the tables and analyses may differ slightly from the total reported due to rounding rules.
    (2) All the information on the results for the period (notably: press release, downloadable data, presentation slides and supplement) is available on Societe Generale’s website:
    www.societegenerale.com in the “Investor” section.

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with more than 126,000 employees serving about 25 million clients in 65 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.


    1 Based on the number of shares in circulation at 31 December 2024 excluding own shares, subject to usual approvals from the General Meeting
    2 Reported Group net income, after deduction of interest on deeply subordinated notes and undated subordinated notes, restated from non-cash items that have no impact on CET1 ratio
    3 Excluding assets sold
    4 Ratio calculated according to EBA methodology published on 16 July 2019
    5 Ratio excluding loans outstanding of companies currently being disposed of in compliance with IFRS 5 (in particular Société Générale Equipment Finance, SG Marocaine de Banques and La Marocaine Vie)
    6 Ratio of S3 provisions, guarantees and collaterals over gross outstanding non-performing loans
    7 The share buyback programme and the subsequent capital reduction, aim also, and in priority, at fully offsetting the dilutive impact of the future capital increase as part of the next Group Employee Share Ownership Plan, the principle of which was adopted by the Board of Directors on February 5, 2025
    8 Scopes 1 & 2 of corporate clients’ financed emissions
    9Target: -80% upstream exposure reduction by 2030 vs. 2019, with an intermediary step in 2025 at -50% vs. 2019
    10 The target is to have at least 35% of women executives by 2026
    11Including IFRS 9 phasing
    12France and International (including Switzerland and the United Kingdom)
    13 Banking App #1 in France and #2 worldwide based on Sia Partners International Mobile Banking Benchmark in October 2024
    14 At comparable business model in the post Global Financial Crisis (GFC) regulatory regime

    15 Including entities reported under IFRS 5, excluding entities sold in Morocco and Madagascar in December 2024
    16 Excluding non-recurring items on either margins or UCS (mainly linked to fleet revaluation at EUR 107m in Q4 23 vs. EUR 0m in Q4 24, prospective depreciation at EUR -191m in Q4 23 vs. EUR -87m in Q4 24, hyperinflation in Turkey at EUR -27m in Q4 23 vs. EUR -40m in Q4 24 and MtM of derivatives at EUR -137m in Q4 23 vs. EUR -2m in Q4 24)

    17 As stated in Q2 24 results press release
    18 Interest net of tax
    19 Based on the 2024 proposed distribution, subject to usual approvals of the General Meeting
    20 Excluding goodwill arising from non-controlling interests
    21 Interest net of tax
    22 Excluding goodwill arising from non-controlling interests
    23 The number of shares considered is the number of ordinary shares outstanding at the end of the period, excluding treasury shares and buybacks, but including the trading shares held by the Group (expressed in thousand of shares)
    24 The number of shares considered is the average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, excluding treasury shares and buybacks, but including the trading shares held by the Group

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: We know how hard it is for young people to buy a home – so how are some still doing it anyway?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University

    PrasitRodphan/Shutterstock

    For young Australians, breaking into the housing market feels tougher than ever. Many now fear they’ll never be able to own a home.

    Despite public debates on whether it’s truly harder to buy a house than it was decades ago, falling homeownership rates across generations suggest the market has indeed shifted significantly against those just starting out.

    But if it’s so difficult, how are some young people still managing to buy homes? Our newly published study set out to investigate the major barriers – and the factors – that might tip the scales in favour of ownership.

    Despite the challenges imposed by high home prices relative to incomes, some young Australians are still finding a way onto the property ladder.

    While being a good saver helps, a boost from the “bank of mum and dad” can be a game changer.

    A fading dream

    Using 14 years of data from the 2006-2020 government-funded Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, we tracked independent adults aged 25-44 who were not homeowners.

    Our calculations from the HILDA survey show for those aged 25-44 , average house prices across major cities in 2006 were 4.5 times the average household income.

    In Sydney, for example, the average price of properties faced by these young people was about A$600,000 in 2006 while the average household income was $102,000.

    Across major cities, this ratio rose steadily to 6 times income in 2018, before dropping slightly to 5.4 times income at the start of the pandemic.

    For young people in cities, house prices are spiralling upward at faster rates than their incomes.

    A generous ‘bank’ available to some

    As property markets have become more unaffordable, the share of non-homeowning young people receiving help from the “bank of mum and dad” has climbed.

    We estimated from the HILDA survey that in 2006, 3.1% of this group received more than $5,000 in transfers or inheritance from their parents, rising to 5.3% by 2020.

    Young people are good savers

    Contrary to popular some commentary that young people are unable to purchase a house because they are spending their money on “smashed avocados”, young people are actually saving more.

    In 2006, around two-thirds of non-homeowning adults aged 25-44 saved regularly by putting money aside each month, saved non-regular income, or saved money left over after they met their spending needs. This proportion increased to four in five of young non-homeowning adults in 2020.

    In general, young non-homeowners are also financially planning further ahead. In 2006, 47% were planning more than a year ahead. By 2020, this share had risen to 55%.

    How are some young people buying houses?

    We looked at how the personal saving habits of young people influence their homeownership chances, taking each person’s finances and living situation into account.

    Not surprisingly, saving regularly does improve the likelihood of eventually buying a house. However, being a regular saver is much less likely to offset the impact of rising prices than parental help.

    Our research found that once prices exceed three times an individual’s income, their odds of becoming a homeowner are halved.

    No, brunch is not to blame for the state of Australia’s housing market.
    Tatiana Volgutova/Shutterstock

    In much of Australia, prices are already well above that mark. In all state capitals, they’ve gone beyond six times annual household income – a line where the odds of homeownership fall to about a third.

    However, we found having access to the “bank of mum and dad” can shift these odds dramatically.

    We found receiving financial assistance of more than $5,000 quadruples the odds of becoming a homeowner.

    Parents also help in indirect ways. Young people living in rent-free dwellings provided by family or friends had more than double the odds of private renters.

    This puts those from well-off families at a distinct advantage. Those without parental assistance face steeper deposit hurdles and risk missing out on access to areas with better job prospects.

    How governments can help

    For those without parental assistance, governments have an important role to play. Property prices will continue to soar faster than incomes grow, unless policies are implemented to address both supply and demand challenges.

    Loosening restrictions on mortgage borrowing could help some first homebuyers overcome the hurdle to homeownership. But there’s a worrying trade-off between making it easier to borrow and exposing young people to more financial risk.

    Government grants that place more cash into the hands of first-time homebuyers will likely push house prices up further, unless supply of entry-level properties can keep up.

    Such grants should also be carefully targeted to those without access to personal or family resources to help buy a home.

    Finally, tax reforms could be used to increase the supply of dwellings in first homeowner entry markets, and hold back demand from multi-property owners who can crowd out first-time home buyers.




    Read more:
    Our housing system is broken and the poorest Australians are being hardest hit


    Rachel Ong ViforJ is the recipient of an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (project FT200100422). She also receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

    Christopher Phelps and Jack Hewton 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. We know how hard it is for young people to buy a home – so how are some still doing it anyway? – https://theconversation.com/we-know-how-hard-it-is-for-young-people-to-buy-a-home-so-how-are-some-still-doing-it-anyway-248666

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guam Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Ricky Junior O. Quichocho, age 37, from Dededo, Guam, was sentenced by the U.S. District Court of Guam on February 4, 2025 to 10 years imprisonment for Attempted Enticement of a Minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).  The Court also ordered five years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.  Quichocho was ordered to register with the Sex Offender Registry anywhere he resides, is employed, or is in school.

    In May of 2024, Air Force Office of Special Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations conducted a joint undercover operation to identify and target individuals who were seeking to contact and engage in sexual activity with minor children. Agents created multiple personas on several social networking applications and posted in online forums.

    On May 7, 2024, Ricky Junior O. Quichocho, a civilian employee of a military contractor, initiated contact with the undercover persona. Even though the undercover persona said she was 13 years old, Quichocho continued communication and stated he was interested in “sexual fun.” Throughout the month, Quichocho continued text messages of a sexual nature, indicating various sex acts he wanted to do with the undercover persona. On June 10, 2024, after an agreement to meet with the minor at the Anderson Air Force Base Visitor Control Center parking lot, Quichocho instead was met by Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agents. In a subsequent interview, Quichocho admitted to his conduct. A forensic analysis of Quichocho’s cellphone confirmed text messages and photographs sent to the undercover persona.

    “Interagency partnerships are the key to fighting child exploitation,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “This case is another reminder of the dangers faced by children during online activity.  We will continue to target offenders who prey on this vulnerable segment of our communities. I applaud HSI and AFOSI in bringing Quichocho to justice.”

    “HSI utilizes partnerships with agencies including AFOSI to protect our communities from child predators.  By working together, HSI ensures resources are utilized most effectively to seek out and apprehend those who intend to harm our most vulnerable community members,” said Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas.

    “AFOSI will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to root out criminal behavior that threatens the mission, equipment and people of the Department of the Air Force,” said Special Agent Eric Beebe, Commander of AFOSI Detachment 602. “We are dedicated to protecting our Airmen, their families, and the broader Guam community, as Operation Island Fever showcased.”

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 602.

    Assistant United States Attorney Devarup Rastogi prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Remarks to the Business Council of Australia Dinner

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Thanks to Bran for the invitation, Geoff for the introduction and to you all for being here.

    It’s a pleasure to be back for this annual gathering on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land. I acknowledge, as Geoff did, elders, customs and traditions.

    I know I speak for Mark, Katy, Don, Chris, Murray and Andrew when I say our attendance is a symbol of our appreciation for your engagement with us on economic policy.

    It’s also another chance to thank you for the jobs and opportunities you create around Australia.

    And from a personal point of view, to thank you for the opportunity we have to catch up every month or 2 with the board or other small groups, to compare notes.

    This bigger gathering is timely in political terms with an election due by May.

    It’s also timely from an economic perspective.

    We’ve seen really important data released in the last month, a new administration in the US making some big announcements, some volatility in markets as well.

    I want to focus almost exclusively on economics tonight.

    Because 2 inflation readings and the jobs figures have brought the soft landing we have been working towards into sharper focus.

    Last week’s CPI data saw underlying inflation fall to a 3‑year low and headline inflation fall to an almost 4‑year low.

    That represents the sharpest moderation in a parliamentary term since inflation targeting began.

    Even more extraordinary that we’ve made this substantial and sustained progress on inflation at the same time as we’ve seen the creation of more than 1.1 million new jobs.

    I put it this way because I think we’re on the cusp of achieving something remarkable, together.

    Inflation is down, unemployment is still low, and, unlike most of our peers, we’ve avoided even one negative quarter of growth.

    You’d know and appreciate how unusual this is in historical terms and in contemporary global experience as well.

    Every other time we’ve gone through an inflation spike, it’s been followed by higher unemployment.

    On other occasions and now in most other advanced economies progress on inflation has been paid for with much higher unemployment and negative quarters of growth.

    Since the start of 2022 every major advanced economy, and two-thirds of the OECD, has gone backwards at least once.

    We’ve made as much or more progress on inflation without paying that price.

    Before I get carried away here let me acknowledge 3 important truths.

    Australians are still under very substantial if not severe financial pressure – we get that.

    Our economy is not productive enough – more on that shortly.

    And our economy is barely growing – an inevitable consequence of higher interest rates and global pressures.

    In this soft economy there have still been some remarkable developments we shouldn’t dismiss or diminish:

    The lowest average unemployment rate for any government in 50 years.

    Stronger employment growth than any major advanced economy.

    Four in every 5 of the 1.1 million jobs created in the private sector.

    More jobs created in the market sector than any first‑term government on record.

    Record labour force participation.

    The strongest rate of real wage growth since 2020 – and now 4 consecutive quarters of annual real wage growth.

    The narrowest gender pay gap on record.

    Unemployment at 4 per cent and inflation below 3 per cent at the same time, for the first time in half a century.

    The highest level of business investment in over a decade, in the last financial year.

    25,000 new businesses created each month this term, the highest average on record.

    27 share market record highs since the election –

    25 per cent growth in household wealth via super and shares as a result.

    The biggest nominal improvement in the budget in a Parliamentary term.

    The first back‑to‑back surpluses in almost 2 decades.

    We know the job’s not done and the economy is not yet what we want it to be but there is progress to be proud of too.

    I run through this list not to take the credit, but to share it.

    Because our exceptionalism is the result of governments, employers and employees all doing their bit.

    This is the soft landing we’ve been planning and preparing for.

    We decided we’d rather deliver a soft landing than clean up after a hard one.

    It’s why our economic plan was always about fighting inflation without ignoring risks to growth.

    Public demand has played a role in keeping the economy from going backwards over the past 2 years.

    But we know that the best kind of strong and sustainable economic growth means growth led by the private sector.

    When I’ve said this on many occasions before, I’ve seen it written up as some kind of reluctant admission, but I think it’s just common sense.

    Our economy is at its best when it’s private companies powering growth and propelling us forward.

    This is what guides our productivity agenda.

    It has 5 pillars:

    Creating a more dynamic and resilient economy.

    Building a skilled and adaptable workforce.

    Harnessing data and digital technology.

    Delivering quality care more efficiently.

    Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation.

    We’ve asked the Productivity Commission for a big piece of work on each pillar, deliberately timed for the second half of this year to inform whoever wins the election.

    But we haven’t been waiting for those inquiries to land.

    We’ve already put in place some substantial and under‑recognised policy:

    Abolishing 500 nuisance tariffs.

    Introducing comprehensive competition reforms.

    The biggest overhaul to merger settings in 50 years.

    Better designing and informing our capital markets.

    Reforming our foreign investment framework.

    A $900 million National Productivity Fund.

    Record investment in skills.

    The Universities Accord.

    Finishing the NBN.

    Investing in quantum computing.

    Reforming the NDIS.

    Unlocking tens of billions in private investment via the Capacity Investment Scheme.

    Realising net zero industrial opportunities through a Future Made in Australia –

    Like our green hydrogen, critical minerals, and green aluminium production incentives.

    This list isn’t exhaustive but it’s indicative and I use it to make this point:

    There was a big focus on productivity in this first term and there will be an even bigger focus in a second, should we win one.

    Let me give you a couple of examples.

    Take regulation.

    Here I pay tribute to all the work Katy has been driving to harmonise standards, streamline accreditation and make it easier to export Australian goods.

    This year, we’ll also stand up our single front door for investors –

    And I can let you know tonight I’ve asked Danielle Wood to look into how we can further streamline regulation as part of the inquiries the PC are doing on our 5 pillars.

    This is all aimed at making it easier to invest, easier to hire, easier to trade and easier to do business in Australia.

    Historically, more than half of our productivity growth has come from working smarter – combining our skills and capital resources in more efficient and innovative ways.

    Here it’s AI and the digital economy where we see huge opportunities.

    You only need to look at the events of the last few weeks to get a sense of the scale and breadth of the sweeping change AI presents.

    From the Americans announcing the $800 billion Stargate AI project one day –

    To Chinese start‑up DeepSeek causing $1 trillion to be wiped from Nvidia’s market cap – the biggest one‑day rout in the history of the US share market.

    It’s clear AI will become a bigger part of our economy and lives.

    How we respond will shape the future.

    Australia is among the top 5 global destinations for the data centre infrastructure AI depends on.

    Our reputation and software development know‑how also means we’re a priority market for AI app development.

    Already 70 per cent of Australian businesses have implemented AI and another 20 odd per cent are planning to in the next year.

    It’s a big focus for us now and will be over the coming years.

    Ed has already done a lot of work on how we get the policy settings right – including how to make sure AI is deployed safely and sustainably.

    Our focus with AI is also on the huge gains on offer, not just the guardrails.

    We want to continue to build and foster innovation, so more workers and more businesses adapt and adopt AI to their advantage.

    And also give investors clarity and certainty to invest in AI infrastructure in Australia with confidence.

    That will be a big focus our National AI Capability Plan for Australia.

    We want you to bring forward your ideas, your innovation and your ambition to shape that plan.

    We’ll always listen when you do –

    We read with interest the BCA’s 2025 election platform this week, with technology, AI and deregulation all featuring.

    Because we know to make the momentous changes happening in the digital economy, energy transformation, services sector, geopolitics and demographics work for us, your ideas and insights will be key.

    The patterns of history tell us what happens when our relationship is at its best.

    Those of you who have heard me speak a lot will recognise my obsession with our fourth economy.

    Let me put this in some broader context.

    You all spend as much time in airport bookshops as me.

    And you’re all probably bigger readers than I am when it comes to investing and market cycles.

    So I know you’d all be familiar with people like Ray Dalio, George Friedman, or Neil Howe and William Strauss.

    They’re all grappling with a similar question:

    Where do we fit in the bigger sweep of economic history and how should that inform our strategy?

    In the US, 80‑year historical cycles lead from one kind of society and economy to the next.

    For Australia it’s more like 40‑years.

    Every 4 decades or so from the 1900s we have transformed our economy.

    From largely agrarian at the start of the 20th century.

    To one that was industrial and protected after the Second World War.

    And then unshackled and opened up to the world in the 1980s.

    Every time one of these 3 economies has taken shape the private sector has been at the forefront of the transformation.

    In the 1900s it was the wool and wheat industries.

    In the 1940s it was manufacturing, underpinned by trade agreements which supported our domestic and export industries.

    And 40 years later, it was the services and financial sector – new drivers of growth unlocked as Labor dismantled the tariff wall and floated the dollar.

    The BCA itself came to life during one of these seismic shifts – following Bob’s National Economic Summit in 1983.

    It’s 4 decades since we unleashed our third economy –

    And we’re now building a fourth, transformed by technology and powered by cleaner and cheaper energy.

    An economy that ensures Australians are primary beneficiaries of all the churn and change occurring around the world.

    Over the last 15 years, we’ve seen 3 major economic shocks, war, and tensions in our region.

    At the same time as the big 5 shifts identified in our Intergenerational Report transform the world.

    From globalisation to fragmentation;

    From hydrocarbons to renewables;

    From information technology to AI;

    From a younger population to an older one;

    And changes to our industrial base.

    All this is shaped by a pronounced slowdown in China, a new administration in the US with new priorities, and an uncertain outlook for Europe and the Middle East.

    The fourth economy is about how we make Australia an island of opportunity and prosperity in a sea of uncertainty.

    Modernising our economy, managing pressures, and maximising our advantages.

    We see a powerful and pre-eminent place for the private sector in the future we will build together.

    Propelling our growth and pushing us forward.

    Innovating and investing.

    Employing and upskilling.

    Our political opponents want to pick fights with you on cultural issues and take the country backwards, divided.

    We want to work with you on the economy to take the country forwards, together.

    We know we wouldn’t be approaching this soft landing without you.

    And we know that we can’t build Australia’s fourth economy without you either.

    For all these reasons I’m looking forward to the discussion tonight.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to OECD International Workshop on Rigorous Impact Evaluation Approaches including Randomised Controlled Trials

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    As is customary in Australia, I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, on whose lands I am recording these remarks, and all First Nations people joining this international workshop.

    Thank you to our OECD Public Management and budgeting colleagues, Jon Blondal, Andrew Blazey and the team for helping to coordinate this event and offering me the opportunity to provide this opening address. This event is being run by the OECD in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Evaluation in the Department of the Treasury. The Australian Government is delighted to be contributing to global efforts to advocate for better evidence. And we are keen to connect with international endeavours that promote its generation, synthesis and sharing in public policy.

    Today, I want to discuss how countries can collaborate to better create and use evidence. This is a substantial reform. Indeed, I argue that randomised trials and better use of evidence isn’t just another worthy public policy tweak. It’s bigger than that. Much bigger. Effectively using evidence to make policy decisions is a public administration reform on par with the biggest changes in good government that humanity has put into place. It is the seventh phase of good government.

    Let’s take a quick moment to run through the major milestones in the history of public administration.

    Six big reforms in the history of public administration

    Throughout history, there have been 6 big reforms in public administration.

    The first was the rise of bureaucracy and professionalised governance. It was during the 18th and 19th centuries that public administration shifted from patronage and informal systems to emphasising impartiality, specialisation, and accountability. Democratic institutions and a robust civil society provided the conditions for an independent and accountable civil service.

    The second big reform occurred in the early 20th century. The efficiency revolution – scientific management of public administration that focused on efficiency and rational organisation – was inspired by industrial principles.

    In response to economic crises and post‑WWII recovery, we saw the rise of the third big reform – the welfare state and the expansion of government responsibilities in social welfare, healthcare and economic planning.

    The fourth big reform in public administration in the late 20th century was market‑oriented governance. We saw governments adopt private‑sector practices like outsourcing, performance metrics, and competition.

    Concerns about accountability also carried through to the fifth big historic reform – the era of digital transformation and e‑governance. The early 21st century saw technology revolutionise public administration. It enabled data‑driven decision‑making and citizen engagement.

    Building on the lessons learnt during the digital transformation, the past decade has seen the move towards adaptive governance – the sixth big reform in public administration. Top‑down processes were swapped out for more flexible, collaborative and cross‑sector approaches that embrace ‘long‑term systems thinking’ to address interconnected crises such as climate change (Brunner and Lynch 2017).

    Each of these 6 big reforms from the past 3 centuries has helped to reshape government and improve citizens’ lives.

    The seventh big reform in public administration: randomised trials

    Today I want to argue that we are on the cusp of a seventh big reform in public administration.

    It will involve the widespread adoption of randomised trials as a means of testing policies by providing a counterfactual.

    This reform should include the synthesis of quality evidence about what works, and what doesn’t, to provide public administrators with irrefutable knowledge that can improve people’s lives.

    Let’s consider a couple of examples to see how this might work in practice.

    Eye care is often a neglected field of public health in developing economies.

    In rural Bangladesh, a randomised trial of providing free reading glasses involved more than 800 adults with jobs requiring close attention to detail, such as tea pickers, weavers, and seamstresses (Jacobs 2024). The study found that when workers were given free reading glasses, they earned 33 per cent more than those who were not given glasses (Sehrin et al. 2024).

    Speaking to The New York Times, Dr Nathan Congdon, one of the authors of the study findings, said that ‘…what makes the results especially exciting is the potential to convince governments that vision care interventions are as inexpensive, cost‑effective and life‑changing as anything else that we can offer in healthcare’ (Jacobs 2024).

    As well as garnering evidence on what does work, the widespread adoption of randomised trials must also include quality evidence about what doesn’t work.

    In 2014, the US state of Massachusetts launched a 4‑year intervention program called the Juvenile Justice Pay for Success Initiative (Patrick DL 2014). The program aimed to reduce recidivism and improve employment outcomes in young men who were at high risk of re‑offending (Third Sector 2024).

    The initiative involved an experimental financial contract called ‘Pay For Success’ – also known as a social impact bond. Funders assumed the US$27 million up‑front financial risk. And the government would only refund the cost of the program if a third‑party evaluator and validator determined that the initiative achieved a reduction in the number of days the young men spent in jail, and improvements in their employment and job readiness (Patrick DL 2014).

    At the end of the 4‑year program, a randomised trial found no discernible effects on reincarceration or employment (Coalition for Evidence‑Based Policy 2025). Neither the recidivism nor employment outcomes were sizable enough to trigger the repayment under the pay‑for‑success contract (Roca et al. 2025).

    Why randomised trials should be prioritised over other forms of evaluation

    When the evaluation of a social program does not produce the hoped‑for results, it’s difficult to avoid feelings of disappointment.

    But this has been the reality for some time.

    We know from the history of large, well‑conducted randomised trial evaluations that only a small percentage find that the intervention being evaluated produces a meaningful improvement over the status quo.

    As Peter Rossi attested in his 1987 Iron Law of Evaluation, ‘The expected value of any net impact assessment of any large‑scale social program is zero’ (Arnold Ventures 2018a).

    But here’s the light on the hill.

    The ‘iron law’ applies to most fields of research. That includes medicine, where 50–80 per cent of positive results from initial clinical studies are overturned by a subsequent randomised trial (Arnold Ventures 2018a).

    In medicine, the move towards randomised trials continues to save lives and stop unnecessary interventions.

    For every new treatment such as AIDS drugs, the HPV vaccine and genetic testing – medicine has discarded old ones, like bloodletting, gastric freezing and tonsillectomy (Leigh 2018).

    The willingness to test cures against placebos, or the best available alternative, is how we make progress. In public policy, we can do the same. If it works, we use it; if not, it’s back to the lab.

    The central goal of evaluation: finding interventions that work

    The key is having a big, ambitious goal to strive towards.

    I propose the primary goal of government evaluation should be to find interventions that work.

    More specifically – to build a body of programs backed by strong, replicated randomised trial evidence of important, lasting improvements in people’s lives.

    In other words, evidence that provides policymakers with confidence that if another jurisdiction were to implement the program faithfully in a similar population, it would improve people’s lives in a meaningful way.

    Imagine being able to confidently draw from a codified body of social programs and interventions that your jurisdiction could test, deploy and regulate.

    In the United States, the Coalition for Evidence‑Based Policy points towards Saga Education, a high‑dosage mathematics tutoring program for year 9 and 10 students in low‑income US schools that underwent 3 rigorous randomised trials. This program produced sizable, statistically significant effects on students’ maths scores on the district tests at the end of the tutoring year (Arnold Ventures 2024a). I’ll come back to this program a bit later.

    Similarly, the Coalition for Evidence‑Based Policy points to 2 job‑training programs for low‑income adults that were both shown to increase long‑term earnings by 20 to 40 per cent. These programs focused on the fast‑growing IT and financial services sectors, where jobs are well paid, and employees are in high demand (Arnold Ventures 2022a and 2022b).

    Finding interventions that work should be evaluators’ central goal. It is the only plausible path by which rigorous evaluations will improve the human condition. If we don’t allocate spending based on rigorous evidence, it is hard to see how governments can make progress on critical social problems.

    Here in Australia, a think tank study examined a sample of 20 Australian Government programs conducted between 2015 and 2022 (Winzar et al. 2023).

    Their report concluded that 95 per cent of the programs, which had a total expenditure of over A$200 billion, were not properly evaluated. And its analysis of Australian state and territory government evaluations reported similar results.

    The researchers noted that the problems with evaluation started from the outset of program and policy design. They also estimated that fewer than 1.5 per cent of government evaluations use a randomised design (Winzar et al. 2023).

    This finding echoes the Australian Productivity Commission’s 2020 report into the evaluation of Indigenous programs (Productivity Commission 2020).

    This report concluded that ‘both the quality and usefulness of evaluations of policies and programs affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are lacking’, and that ‘Evaluation is often an afterthought rather than built into policy design’ (Productivity Commission 2020).

    Finding what works: using strong signals from prior research

    If we accept that the central goal of evaluation is to find interventions that work, there are important implications for researchers and research funders.

    It means that it makes sense to evaluate an intervention, using a large randomised trial, only if there is a strong signal in prior research.

    Examples of prior research could include a pilot randomised trial, a high‑quality quasi‑experiment, or a randomised trial of a related program.

    This is the approach that Arnold Ventures is taking in the US via the Coalition for Evidence‑Based Policy, the US nonprofit relaunched under the leadership of Jon Baron (Coalition for Evidence‑Based Policy n.d.).

    Rigorous testing enabled Arnold Ventures to create a growing body of proven interventions in education and training (Coalition for Evidence‑Based Policy n.d.). It’s an approach also being used by the US Department of Education in its Investing in Innovation Fund, which was recently renamed the Education Innovation and Research Program. It has yielded a much higher success rate in identifying interventions with true effectiveness. In 2019, robust evidence standards used by the Fund (as it was at the time) resulted in positive impacts for 40 to 50 per cent of its larger grants.

    Compare this to the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, which had a much lower hit rate of success – just 17 per cent – for its larger grants (Arnold Ventures 2019).

    Arnold Ventures (2018b) proposes a strategy for policy and researchers that involves 3 tiers of evidence – top, middle and low.

    Expand the implementation of programs backed by strong (‘top tier’) evidence of sizable, sustained effects on important life outcomes.

    Fund and/or conduct rigorous evaluations of programs backed by highly promising (‘middle tier’) evidence, to hopefully move them into the top tier.

    Build the pipeline of promising programs through modest investments in the development and initial testing of many diverse approaches (as part of a ‘lower tier’).

    This is about systematising our use of evidence: a familiar approach in medicine, but one that has not been standard practice for all policymakers.

    It is about producing tangible proof that randomised policy trials improve lives, in that way that we already have tangible proof that randomised medical trials save lives.

    As a specific example of this kind of approach, in the US state of Maryland, a partnership between Arnold Ventures and the state government is already scaling‑up proven programs.

    In August last year, the high‑dosage maths tutoring program for 9th and 10th graders I mentioned earlier (Saga Education) and ASSISTments – an educational tool for mathematics – received scale‑up funding under the US$20 million Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs with Arnold Ventures (Arnold Ventures 2024b).

    In the UK, the development of the What Works Network is a world‑leading achievement which owes credit to the network of evidence‑based policymakers. That includes the extraordinary David Halpern, who will be speaking on the panel shortly (for an excellent snapshot of his recommendations for the coming decade, see Halpern 2023).

    Across health and housing, education and employment, hundreds of UK randomised trials have been conducted. For a practitioner, policymaker or curious member of the British public, it is now easier than ever to see what we know, and what we do not (Leigh 2024a).

    For example, the Education Endowment Foundation has run literally hundreds of randomised trials in the education sector. It uses these findings, alongside rigorous evaluations conducted outside the UK, to advocate for evidence‑based education policies (Education Endowment Foundation n.d.).

    The Education Endowment Foundation has commissioned 316 research projects (208 of which are randomised trials). Sixty per cent of schools in England have taken part in a randomised trial funded by the Foundation. Seventy per cent of school leaders use the Education Endowment Foundation’s teaching and learning toolkit when making their funding decisions on spending for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    Here in Australia, we are committed to taking a stronger approach towards evidence‑based policymaking.

    In July 2023 we established the Australian Centre for Evaluation in the Department of the Treasury.

    The main role of the centre is to collaborate with other Australian Government departments to conduct rigorous evaluations, including randomised trials. Such agreements have already been forged with federal agencies responsible for employment, health, education and social services.

    Led by Eleanor Williams, armed with a modest budget of A$2 million per year and just over a dozen staff, the Centre operates on smarts and gentle persuasion, not mandates or orders (Leigh 2024b).

    No agency is forced to use the services of the Australian Centre for Evaluation, but all are encouraged to do so. This reflects the reality that evaluation, unlike audit, isn’t something that can be done as an afterthought. A high‑quality impact evaluation needs to be built into the design of a program from the outset (Leigh 2024b).

    The centre takes an active role in considering aspects that are relevant to all evaluations, such as rigorous ethical review and access to administrative microdata. The Australian Bureau of Statistics is playing a pivotal role in brokering access to administrative data for policy experiments.

    Collaboration with evaluation researchers outside of government is critical, too. Thanks to a joint initiative by the Centre and the Australian Education Research Organisation, we now have the Impact Evaluation Practitioners Network, which is bringing together government and external impact evaluators.

    The centre has several randomised trials currently underway, and I await the results with interest.

    In the next month, the centre will release a Randomised Controlled Trial Showcase Report, featuring examples of public policy‑related trials in Australia.

    Another organisation doing extraordinarily thorough research across the whole of social policy and the social sciences is the nonprofit Campbell Collaboration.

    For example, the Campbell Countering Violent Extremism evidence synthesis program is a global research initiative that is attracting attention here in Australia. The program originated from a 5‑country partnership of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US (Campbell Collaboration n.d.). Professor Lorraine Mazerolle from the University of Queensland is one of the principal investigators on the program (Campbell Collaboration n.d.).

    Creating an experimenting society

    Bringing a ‘what works’ philosophy to social policy is vital to helping the most vulnerable.

    And it is by no means a new idea. It follows the path forged by the prominent social scientist Donald Campbell.

    He is of course, the ‘Campbell’ in the Campbell Collaboration, which was named after him to honour his substantial contributions to social science and methodology.

    Over 50 years ago, Dr Campbell wrote Methods for the Experimenting Society, outlining his vision for helping governments to produce better‑informed policies and social interventions via research and evaluation (Campbell 1991).[1]

    In this paper, Campbell forewarns policymakers of the ‘over‑advocacy trap’, where advocates of a new social program or policy make exaggerated claims about its effectiveness in order to get it adopted (Campbell 1991). He effectively highlights the tension between the need for strong advocacy to get social programs funded and adopted, and the need for rigorous evaluation to determine their true effectiveness (Campbell 1991).

    Thirty years after Dr Campbell wrote Methods for the Experimenting Society, the US Department of Education was allocating over a billion US dollars each year to an after‑school program called the 21st Century Community Learning Center initiative.

    The program, which was initiated in 1998, saw children attending the centres for up to 4 hours of after‑school programs, where they partook in everything from tutoring to drama to sports. It attracted high‑profile advocates, including the former Californian governor and Mr Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

    It’s no wonder then, that a randomised trial by Mathematica in 2003 startled everyone with its findings (Haskins 2009). Attending the after‑school program raised a child’s likelihood of being suspended from school (Leigh 2018). And there was no evidence that the after‑school program improved academic outcomes.

    The program’s prominent advocates had fallen head‑first into the over‑advocacy trap.

    Overcoming denial with collaboration and momentum

    American political scientist Ron Haskins commented on how easy it was for Schwarzenegger to flex his celebrity muscle to overcome a negative evaluation. ‘The lesson here, yet again, is that good evidence does not speak for itself in the policy process and is only one – sometimes a rather puny – element in a policy debate’ (Haskins 2009).

    Overcoming denial in the face of irrefutable evidence requires continuous collaboration and sustained momentum. In 2025 and beyond, we will need both to reach the tipping point on the widespread use of rigorous impact evaluation across public policy. It will be harder to run roughshod over good evidence if OECD nations continue to collaborate – both internally with non‑profit researchers outside of government, and externally with other nations.

    Philanthropic foundations in the UK, US and other OECD nations have a strong track record in supporting randomised policy trials. Initiatives such as the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs and Arnold Ventures, which I mentioned earlier, demonstrate that the ‘what works’ philosophy in social policy is gaining traction.

    Here in Australia, the Paul Ramsay Foundation launched a A$2.1 million open grant round in 2024. Its structure is similar to a successful model that the Laura and John Arnold Foundation has deployed in the United States over the past decade (Leigh 2024c).

    The grants, which last for 3 years and are valued at up to A$300,000 each, will support up to 7 experimental evaluations conducted by non‑profits with a social impact mission. For example, improving education outcomes for young people with disabilities, reducing domestic and family violence, or helping jobless people find work (Paul Ramsay Foundation 2024).

    The Australian Centre for Evaluation supported the open grant round, and is helping to connect grantees with administrative data relevant to the evaluation, and I am excited to see what we learn from these studies (Leigh 2024b).

    One of the most appealing advantages of well‑conducted randomised trials is that they resonate well with 3 democratic principles: non‑arbitrariness, revisability and public justification (Tanasoca and Leigh 2023).

    This gives us good democratic reasons to seek out such evidence for policymaking. Indeed, the more democratic a regime is, the more likely it is to conduct randomised trials (Tanasoca and Leigh 2023).

    Recall the first big public administration reform – the growth of a professionalised civil service – rested on the development of democratic institutions. Nobel laureates Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson call this the ‘red queen effect’, in which societies offering more public goods also need to offer more democratic social power (Acemoglu and Robinson 2019).

    The seventh reform – randomised trials and evidence‑based policymaking – takes us further along the corridor. Things are not true simply because politicians assert them. Policies must be backed by evidence, and citizens must be able to test and trust that evidence.

    Democracies are on this journey together, and international collaboration is vital to reaching the tipping point.

    This is not about the performative use of words like ‘evaluation’ and ‘evidence’. It is about raising the quality and quantity of evidence, which is one reason that I keep referring to randomised trials. I acknowledge the work of the OECD towards achieving the goal of institutionalising rigorous evaluation across public policy areas, as per the OECD Recommendation of the Council on Public Policy Evaluation (OECD 2022).

    The second annual update of the Global Commission on Evidence also confirms the many signs of momentum towards the Commission’s 3 implementation priorities to formalise and strengthen domestic evidence‑support systems, enhance and leverage the global evidence architecture, and put evidence at the centre of everyday life (Global Commission on Evidence 2024).

    Conclusion

    We’re here because we care about good government. And because we understand that evaluation and evidence science are not fields in their infancy.

    Just as we don’t put homeopathy on the same level as science‑based medicine, it is a mistake to think that evidence‑free policy is on a par with evidence‑based policy.

    OECD governments have decades of experience about how to identify evidence gaps, put policies to the test, and implement the most effective programs (Leigh 2024a).

    Policymaking by focus groups and gut‑feel alone is the modern‑day equivalent of bloodletting and lobotomies in medicine (Leigh 2024a). Which is why the seventh big reform to public administration must focus on finding interventions that work. And on building a body of programs backed by strong, replicated randomised trial evidence of important, lasting improvements in people’s lives.

    This goal requires OECD nations to get behind the momentum of the Global Commission on Evidence.

    This will have massive benefits. It will save lives. It will save dollars. And it will make government work better.

    So let’s make it happen.


    My thanks to officials in the Australian Centre for Evaluation for valuable drafting assistance, and to Jon Baron, President and CEO of the Coalition for Evidence‑Based Policy, and David Halpern CBE, President Emeritus at the Behavioural Insights Team, for valuable discussions that helped shape this speech.

    References

    Acemoglu D and Robinson JA (2019) The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty, Penguin, New York.

    Arnold Ventures (21 March 2018a) ‘How to solve U.S. social problems when most rigorous program evaluations find disappointing effects (part one in a series)’, Straight Talk on Evidence, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Arnold Ventures (13 April 2018b) ‘How to solve U.S. social problems when most rigorous program evaluations find disappointing effects (part 2 – a proposed solution)’, Straight Talk on Evidence, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Arnold Ventures (18 June 2019) ‘Evidence‑Based Policy ‘Lite’ Won’t Solve U.S. Social Problems: The Case of HHS’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program’, Straight Talk on Evidence, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Arnold Ventures (26 October 2022a) ‘Year Up’, Social Programs That Work, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Arnold Ventures (21 March 2022b) ‘Per Scholas Employment/Training Program for Low-Income Workers’, Social Programs That Work, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Arnold Ventures (11 July 2024a) ‘Saga Math Tutoring’, Social Programs That Work, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Arnold Ventures (28 August 2024b) Governor Moore Announces $20 Million in Grants for Education Programs, First Awards Under Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs with Arnold Ventures [media release], Arnold Ventures, accessed 16 January 2025.

    Australian Education Research Organisation (n.d.), About us, Australian Education Research Organisation website, accessed 22 January 2025.

    Brunner R and Lynch A (2017) ‘Adaptive Governance’, Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Climate Science, doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190228620.013.601.

    Campbell Collaboration (n.d.) Our work, Campbell Collaboration website, accessed 16 January 2025.

    Campbell Collaboration (n.d.) About the CVE programme, Campbell Collaboration website, accessed 21 January 2025.

    Campbell DT (1991) ‘Methods for the Experimenting Society’, Evaluation Practice, 12(3):223–260.

    Education Endowment Foundation (n.d.) How we work, Education Endowment Foundation website, accessed 22 January 2025.

    Global Commission on Evidence to Address Societal Challenges (2024), ‘Global Evidence Commission update 2024: Building momentum in strengthening domestic evidence‑support systems, enhancing the global evidence architecture, and putting evidence at the centre of everyday life’ [PDF 5MB], McMaster Health Forum, Hamilton, accessed 17 January 2025.

    Halpern D (2023) ‘Foreword’, in Sanders M and Breckon J (eds) The What Works Centres: Lessons and Insights from an Evidence Movement, Bristol University Press, Bristol.

    Haskins R (17–18  August 2009) ‘Chapter 3 With a scope so wide: using evidence to innovate, improve, manage, budget’ [roundtablee presentation] Strengthening Evidence‑based Policy in the Australian Federation, Session 1 Evidence‑based policy: Its principles and development Canberra, accessed 16 January 2025.

    Jacobs A (4 April 2024) ‘Glasses Improve Income, Not Just Eyesight’, The New York Times, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Leigh A (2018) Randomistas: How Radical Researchers Changed Our World, Black Inc, Melbourne.

    Leigh A (3 October 2024a) ‘Address to the UK Evaluation Task Force, 9 Downing Street, London’ [presentation], London, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Leigh A (17 June 2024) ‘Address to the Australian Evaluation Showcase, Canberra’ [presentation], Australian Evaluation Showcase, Canberra, accessed 15 January 2025.

    Leigh A (28 November 2024c) ‘Address to 10th Annual Social Impact Measurement Network Australia Awards’ [presentation], 10th Annual Social Impact Measurement Network Australia Awards, Virtual, accessed 17 January 2025.

    OECD (Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development) (2022) Recommendation of the Council on Public Policy Evaluation, Adopted on 06/07/2022, OECD Legal Instruments, OECD/LEGAL/0478, accessed 17 January 2025.

    Patrick DL (29 January 2014) Massachusetts Launches Landmark Initiative to Reduce Recidivism Among At‑Risk Youth [media release], Commonwealth of Massachusetts, accessed 14 January 2025.

    Paul Ramsay Foundation (17 June 2024) ‘Experimental evaluation open grant round’, Paul Ramsay Foundation, accessed 17 January 2025.

    Productivity Commission (2020) Indigenous Evaluation Strategy: Background Paper, Australian Government.

    Roca Inc., Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Third Sector Capital Partners (30 August 2024) Final Report: the Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Pay for Success project, accessed 14 January 2025.

    Sehrin F, Jin L, Naher K, Chandra Das N, Chan VF, Li DF, Bergson S, Gudwin E, Clarke M, Stephan T and Congdon N (2024) ‘The effect on income of providing near vision correction to workers in Bangladesh: The THRIVE (Tradespeople and Hand‑workers Rural Initiative for a Vision‑enhanced Economy) randomized controlled trial’, PLOS ONE, 19(4):e0296115, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0296115.

    Tanasoca A and Leigh A (2024) ‘The Democratic Virtues of Randomized Trials’, Moral Philosophy and Politics, 22(1):113–140, doi:10.1515/mopp‑2022–0039.

    Winzar C, Tofts‑Len S, Corpu E (2023) Disrupting disadvantage 3: Finding what works, Committee for Economic Development of Australia, Melbourne, accessed 16 January 2025.

    Footnotes

    [1] Campbell’s paper was written around 1971 and used in presentations to the Eastern Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. It was revised and first published in 1988 (see Campbell 1991).

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Australia – Mandatory sentencing is not the answer – Law Council

    Source: Law Council of Australia

    The Law Council of Australia is extremely disappointed in the Government’s proposal to impose mandatory sentencing in response to certain hate crimes and a broad range of terrorism offences.

    “The Law Council has been gravely concerned by the recent incidents and acts of antisemitism that have occurred across the country. At the same time, it is vitally important in challenging times to uphold rule of law principles and not adopt measures that risk serious injustice,” Law Council of Australia President, Juliana Warner said.

    “The Government’s amendments to the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 have introduced mandatory minimum sentences for certain hate crimes and terrorism offences. This would mean, for example, a person guilty of public display of prohibited symbols at a political protest would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 months imprisonment.

    “Under mandatory sentencing, the personal circumstances of the offender are not taken into consideration. This has the potential to disproportionately impact vulnerable groups.”

    Other elements of the amendments would see minimum sentences of six years imposed in relation to a broad range of terrorism offences. This would include the offence of getting funds to, from or for a terrorist organisation. Financing terrorism offences would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of three years.

    “Mandatory sentencing laws are arbitrary and limit the individual’s right to a fair trial by preventing judges from imposing a just penalty based on the unique circumstances of each offence and offender,” Ms Warner said. “Judges are best placed to determine the appropriate and just penalty under these laws on an individual, case-by-case basis.

    “The decision to add mandatory sentencing as part of the Government’s response to hate crimes has come late in the day without proper consideration. Further, the Australian Labor Party has gone against its 2023 National Platform that states Labor opposes mandatory sentencing. To our knowledge, no security or law enforcement agency has asked for these extraordinary measures.

    “There has been no opportunity to scrutinise the rationale, necessity and proportionality of these changes, which comes as part of the Federal Government’s response to a rise in antisemitic incidents and deterioration in social cohesion.

    “Australia is a multicultural society and we must preserve our social cohesion and protect against the specific harms of hateful speech on vulnerable groups. In doing so, we acknowledge the importance of carefully framed criminal laws proscribing speech to prevent radicalisation, violence and activities that incite hatred.

    “However, expanding offences and strengthening penalties should not be seen as the default tool through which to prevent radicalism and extremism from propagating or to facilitate behavioural change of disaffected individuals. There should be greater resourcing for countering violent extremism through early intervention and diversionary programs with a specific focus on children and young people.

    “We are also concerned the new offences contained in the Hate Crimes Bill have the potential to worsen existing uncertainty and inconsistency by piecemeal expansion of Commonwealth criminal offences.

    “Complex and overlapping Commonwealth and state offences are more difficult to enforce and may lead to arbitrary differences in outcome. There is a risk that inconsistent penalties at Commonwealth level will have limited impact on the intended objectives and worsen complexity in this area. Further, overly broad offences may rely on discretion to enforce in circumstances which become politicised.

    “Before we pursue changes to our laws, we must ensure gaps do indeed exist that require a legislative response and consult on proposals to ensure they are the best solution.

    “As debate on the Bill moves through Parliament, the Law Council urges the Senate to ensure proper consideration by, and consultation with, our community before mandatory sentencing legislation is passed.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI China: China likely to achieve 5% growth this year

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China is expected to maintain its annual economic growth target at around 5 percent for 2025, the same as last year’s goal, in a bid to shore up market expectations in the face of tepid domestic demand and rising trade protectionism, analysts and executives said.

    The world’s second-largest economy has vowed to enhance countercyclical adjustments, including a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy, and provide a strong underpinning for achieving its annual goals, they added.

    Though China’s GDP target will only be officially disclosed during the National People’s Congress session in March, the anticipation for the unchanged growth target comes as China’s major economic hubs — like Beijing and Shanghai as well as the provinces of Guangdong and Zhejiang — have announced GDP growth goals in the vicinity of 5 percent for the year.

    Aside from Qinghai’s relatively lower target of around 4.5 percent, most other provincial-level regions have also set their growth goals at around 5 percent or slightly above 5 percent.

    Notably, the Xizang autonomous region has set the most ambitious growth objective, targeting over 7 percent with an aim to reach 8 percent. Chongqing, along with the provinces of Hainan and Hubei as well as the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, have set their growth goals at around 6 percent for this year.

    “The country is expected to aim for a GDP expansion of around 5 percent, as China is committed to achieving the goal of doubling per capita GDP by 2035, which requires an implied growth rate of no less than 4.6 percent,” said Zhang Ming, deputy director of the Institute of Finance and Banking, which is part of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

    The growth target will also help boost confidence and expectations in the current context of relatively subdued sentiment and provides a framework for policymakers to coordinate resources, Zhang said.

    Moreover, based on data from 2020 to 2024, every 1 percentage point increase in GDP has the potential to create around 2.61 million new urban jobs. A growth rate of around 5 percent could generate over 13 million new jobs, which would significantly alleviate employment pressure, said China Minsheng Bank.

    Through ramping up the intensity of countercyclical adjustments, China can harness its underlying growth potential to meet its 5 percent GDP growth target for 2025, even in the face of potential economic headwinds, said Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank.

    “With external demand likely to face trade barriers tipped by certain economies, China will need to direct its efforts toward unlocking the potential of domestic consumption as the main engine of economic growth,” Wen said.

    China’s consumer goods trade-in programs, which have driven a more than 1 percentage point increase in the annual growth of the country’s total retail sales last year, are set to cover a broader range of consumer goods and offer even more attractive incentives in 2025.

    “China is likely to double the funding for its consumer goods trade-in initiatives this year to 300 billion yuan ($41 billion),” said Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International.

    This significant increase in funding is expected to drive a substantial boost in consumption, with Wang forecasting an additional 750 billion yuan in spending in 2025, equivalent to a 1.5 percentage point acceleration in the growth rate of the total retail sales of consumer goods.

    China’s economic growth is poised to outshine the global average this year, underpinned by the dynamism of its innovation-driven private sector and the rapid expansion of future-oriented industries, said Ernesto Torres Cantu, head of international at Citi.

    This dynamism in the private sphere is a key factor behind China’s robust economic performance and the positive sentiment surrounding Chinese companies, he said.

    Meanwhile, such future-oriented industries as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, green energy and humanoid robots will keep driving the country’s growth forward for years to come, with their impact also being felt worldwide, he added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Votes NO On Advancing Trump’s Pick to Lead Commerce Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.05.25

    Cantwell Votes NO On Advancing Trump’s Pick to Lead Commerce Department

    Lutnick supports Trump’s tariffs & waffled on his commitment to allocate chips funding & preserve NOAA; In WA state, every 2 in 5 jobs are tied to trade

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, voted against advancing Howard Lutnick, President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Commerce, to the full Senate for consideration.

    In a committee markup today, Sen. Cantwell expressed her concerns with Lutnick’s support for President Trump’s proposed tariffs. She also pointed to Lutnick’s failure to commit to fully allocating the funds approved by Congress under the Cantwell-led CHIPS & Science Act, as well as his waffling on whether he’d protect NOAA – including NOAA’s crucial missions and functions, and the workforce delivering those services to the American people.

    Sen. Cantwell had previously questioned Lutnick on these topics in a committee hearing last week – video of that hearing is HERE.

    ON TRADE & TARIFFS

    “Tariffs and trade wars are a major problem for my state, where two out of every five jobs are tied to trade-related industries,” Sen. Cantwell said in today’s committee meeting. “The Commerce [nominee] has said he’s advocating for the president’s policy [that] would cost my constituents $5 billion or more. We need a secretary that understands that these products and these issues need coalition building, not throwing down gauntlets that will lose jobs for my farmers.”

    Yesterday, Sen. Cantwell delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for the United States to repudiate the trade philosophy of Trump — whose proposed 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariff on goods from China would spark a trade war, drive up costs for American consumers, harm domestic businesses across hundreds of industries, and compromise the United States’ global leadership in the free trade ecosystem. A video of that speech is HERE; a transcript is HERE.

    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and related industries. In 2023, the state imported $19.9 billion of goods from Canada – primarily oil, gas, lumber, and electrical power — making our northern neighbors Washington state’s largest trade partner. Also in 2023, the state imported $1.7 billion in goods from Mexico, including motor vehicles, vehicle parts, and household appliances. More information about how President Trump’s proposed tariffs will impact businesses and consumers in the State of Washington is HERE.

    ON CHIPS & SCIENCE FUNDING

    “Over the last four years, there has been much investment in infrastructure [for] manufacturing that this committee has supported. Semiconductor expansion — $450 billion right here in the United States, thanks to the CHIPS & Science Act — and Mr. Lutnick, in various answers to various members of the committee, did not give a full commitment to making sure this money continues to go out the door,” Sen. Cantwell said in today’s committee meeting.

    Sen. Cantwell was the main architect and key negotiator of the CHIPS & Science Act. In her position as Commerce chair, she was instrumental in securing the science R&D funding authorizations in the 11th hour of negotiations. A key component of the legislation is the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program that was authored by Sen. Cantwell to strengthen U.S. economic and national security with investments in regions across the country. Earlier this month, the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) in Spokane was awarded $48 million from the program to establish the first-of-its-kind testbed facility in the United States focused on developing advanced thermoplastic materials – new types of lightweight, heat-moldable, and recyclable materials that can replace metal in aircraft parts. The AAMMC will serve as the nation’s hub for creating and testing these innovative materials that are essential for more rapidly building fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. 

    ON DISMANTLING NOAA

    “[NOAA] makes up more than 60% of the Commerce budget. When asked for the record if NOAA should be dismantled, as called for in [Project 2025], Mr. Lutnick would only say, if confirmed, he would figure it out. Given how central NOAA is for providing accurate weather forecasting, managing our fisheries, protecting our fishermen from Russian and Chinese illegal fishing, I was looking for a stronger commitment,” Sen. Cantwell said today.

    Project 2025 calls for NOAA to be “dismantled and many of its functions eliminated,” calling it part of the “climate change alarm industry.” NOAA provides critical services to the Nation including weather forecasts, extreme storm tracking and monitoring, tools to enable communities to adapt to sea level rise and climate change, supporting fisheries management, and conserving marine mammals and other protected species.

    Sen. Cantwell is a champion of NOAA and helped secure $3.3 billion in NOAA investments in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change, boost science needed to understand changing weather and climate patterns, and invest in advanced computer technologies that are critical for extreme weather prediction and emergency response. Her Fire Ready Nation Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen NOAA’s ability to help forecast, prevent, and fight wildfires, passed the Commerce committee unanimously today and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks on her Lutnick vote is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Calls For Immediate Hearings on DOGE Treasury Access

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.05.25

    Cantwell Calls For Immediate Hearings on DOGE Treasury Access

    Joins letter from 19 Senators to Republican leaders of Senate Finance, Senate Banking committees

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined fellow members of the Senate Committee on Finance and of the Senate Banking Committee in sending a letter to Finance Chair Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Banking Chair Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), requesting immediate hearings about reports that officials associated with Elon Musk gained access to sensitive U.S. Treasury payment systems.

    “The Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service’s payment systems control the flow of more than $6 trillion in annual payments to households, businesses and other entities nationwide,” the lawmakers write. “Putting this system in the hands of unaccountable political actors raises significant economic and national security risks.”

    “We ask that the Finance Committee and Banking Committee swiftly schedule hearings to allow Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to answer critical questions about the risks posed by Musk and DOGE’s access to the Bureau of Fiscal Service’s payment systems,” the lawmakers conclude.

    On Sunday, Sen. Cantwell released a statement regarding reports that Musk and his DOGE team had accessed these systems: “This threatens the privacy and funds owed to every American taxpayer and Social Security recipient. Congressional Republicans cannot continue to turn a blind eye as to how their own constituents’ private financial records are handled,” she said.

    The full text of the letter is HERE and below:

    Dear Chairman Crapo and Chairman Scott:

    We write requesting that the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs immediately hold hearings to examine reports that officials associated with Elon Musk and the so-called U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) have gained access to systems that control payments to millions of American citizens, including Social Security, Medicare, tax refunds, and payments to small businesses.1 It is critical that the Senate understands this threat to the stability of a payment system that millions of Americans rely upon and that is critical to America’s global financial standing.

    The Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service’s payment systems control the flow of more than $6 trillion in annual payments to households, businesses and other entities nationwide. These payment systems cover 87% of all federal payments and process more than a billion payments annually and are responsible for the distribution of Social Security and Medicare benefits, tax refunds, payments to federal employees and contractors, including competitors of Musk-owned companies, and thousands of other functions.

    Putting this system in the hands of unaccountable political actors raises significant economic and national security risks. Information in these systems is critical to the Department’s management of the national debt. The takeover by Mr. Musk and his associates was achieved by engineering the ouster of a key official responsible for managing the extraordinary measures the Department has been taking to avoid a default. A misstep with these payment systems could lead to a technical default with a wide range of devastating consequences, from seniors missing Social Security payments to a global financial meltdown that costs trillions of dollars and millions of jobs.

    Furthermore, granting access to Mr. Musk and his team – who may not have appropriate security clearances – access to this system risks exposing the sensitive tax and financial information of nearly every American. The Treasury payment system “includes sensitive personal information about the millions of Americans who receive Social Security checks, tax refunds and other payments from the federal government.” It is not clear why these individuals were granted unfettered access to such data, what they could do with it once inside the system, and what protections are in place to ensure the Department has been complying with its legal obligations under the Privacy Act, 26 U.S.C. 6103, as well as other statutes and Treasury regulations and policies that protect such sensitive information about millions of Americans.

    Finally, we are deeply concerned that following the federal grant and loan freeze earlier this week, as well as Musk’s own comments on social media, officials associated with Musk may have intended to access these payment systems to illegally withhold payments authorized by law, and to circumvent the court orders prohibiting that freeze from going into effect. We ask that the Finance Committee and Banking Committee swiftly schedule hearings to allow Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to answer critical questions about the risks posed by Musk and DOGE’s access to the Bureau of Fiscal Service’s payment systems.

    Sincerely,



    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wollongong businesses encouraged to pursue growth opportunities in South East Asia

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Wollongong businesses encouraged to pursue growth opportunities in South East Asia

    Published: 6 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Minister for Industry and Trade


    The huge trade potential of Wollongong and the wider Illawarra area will be the focus of the latest NSW Government ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses series being held in Wollongong today.

    The updates provide local businesses with information about trends and export opportunities across Southeast Asian markets.

    The ASEAN bloc is NSW’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods growing by more than nine per cent in the past year. Continued rapid growth is expected in sectors where NSW businesses excel, such as food and beverage, health, and the digital economy.

    Held in partnership with Asialink Business, today’s session will bring together around 80 participants, including Wollongong businesses, industry groups, and diplomatic representatives from Southeast Asian nations, at iAccelerate within the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.

    Speakers at the forum include NSW exporters who have already utilised Investment NSW’s export support services to build connections and drive export sales across Southeast Asia.

    The NSW Government is focussed on promoting ASEAN market opportunities to NSW businesses, with the region expected to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2040.

    The ASEAN Market Updates series, is supported by other initiatives led by Investment NSW to help small and medium businesses pursue international growth objectives in Southeast Asia and other important export markets around the globe.

    In 2024/25, these include supporting cleantech companies to export to Malaysia and Singapore, and wine to be exported to Vietnam.

    The ASEAN Market Updates series began with a session in Western Sydney last October and will continue in the coming months with events in the Northern Rivers, the Hunter and Wagga Wagga.

    For more information on how the NSW Government supports business to export, visit Investment NSW: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/

    Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

    “The ASEAN region is entering a golden age, propelled by a young population, industrialisation and technological advances, which present significant opportunities for NSW exporters.

    “ASEAN nations are actively pursuing economic growth, with an increasing focus on sustainable development, food and health resilience, the digital economy and skills.

    “My ASEAN Market Updates series is all about unlocking the potential of NSW businesses to export and partner with Southeast Asia, where our two-way trade is worth $33.6 billion and continuing to grow.

    “The attendance of so many senior ranking diplomats, including Ambassadors and Consuls General shows the international attractiveness of the NSW economy and is a big vote of confidence in the Illawarra region.”

    Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

    “The Illawarra is home to innovative businesses with enormous export potential, and Southeast Asia presents a golden opportunity for growth.

    “The NSW Government is here to support Wollongong businesses every step of the way to ensure they can compete and thrive on the global stage.”

    Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

    “I’m more than willing to take any opportunity to help sell Wollongong to the world.

    “Wollongong has strong connections with the ASEAN region, but there remains enormous potential to take our trade and investment relationship to the next level.

    “The University of Wollongong has opened three campuses across Malaysia and has several research partnerships, which is just one example of how we’re cultivating deeper connections with the ASEAN region.

    “Today’s ASEAN Market Updates series is an important opportunity for our local businesses to learn more about this dynamic region and how exporting their products and services could turbocharge their growth.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: CERo Therapeutics Announces $5 Million Public Offering Priced At-The-Market Under Nasdaq Rules

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOUTH SAN FRANSCISCO, Calif., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., (Nasdaq: CERO) (“CERo” or the “Company”) an innovative immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms, today announced the pricing of its “reasonable best efforts” public offering with participation from a member of the Company’s board and a single institutional investor for the purchase and sale of 2,551,020 shares of its common stock (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) and warrants to purchase up to 2,551,020 shares of common stock at a combined purchase price of $1.96 (the “Offering”). The warrants will have an exercise price of $1.96 per share, will be immediately exercisable upon stockholder approval and will expire 5 years from the initial exercise date.

    The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about February 7, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The gross proceeds from the Offering are expected to be approximately $5 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for advancement of our clinical programs and working capital and other general corporate purposes.

    A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as sole placement agent for the Offering. Jones is acting as financial advisor for the Offering.

    The securities described above are being offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-284007), previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which was declared effective on February 5, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. Copies of the preliminary prospectus and, when available, copies of the final prospectus, relating to the Offering may be obtained on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained, when available, from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at (212) 624-2060, or by email at prospectus@allianceg.com.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.

    CERo is an innovative immunotherapy company advancing the development of next generation engineered T cell therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Its proprietary approach to T cell engineering, which enables it to integrate certain desirable characteristics of both innate and adaptive immunity into a single therapeutic construct, is designed to engage the body’s full immune repertoire to achieve optimized cancer therapy. This novel cellular immunotherapy platform is expected to redirect patient-derived T cells to eliminate tumors by building in engulfment pathways that employ phagocytic mechanisms to destroy cancer cells, creating what CERo refers to as Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells (“CER-T”). CERo believes the differentiated activity of CER-T cells will afford them greater therapeutic application than currently approved chimeric antigen receptor (“CAR-T”) cell therapy, as the use of CER-T may potentially span both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. CERo anticipates initiating clinical trials for its lead product candidate, CER-1236, in 2024 for hematological malignancies.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This communication contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the expected Closing Date and use of proceeds of the Offering. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this communication, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. When CERo discusses its strategies or plans, it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, CERo’s management.

    Actual results could differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements in this communication. Certain risks that could cause actual results to differ are set forth in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on April 2, 2024, and the documents incorporated by reference therein. The risks described in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can CERo assess the impact of all such risk factors on its business, or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements made by CERo or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. CERo undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Chris Ehrlich
    Chief Executive Officer
    chris@cero.bio

    Investors:

    CORE IR
    investors@cero.bio

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami Murder Suspect Attempts to Flee, Captured in Colorado Springs

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Colorado Springs, CO – The U.S. Marshals Service’s Colorado Violent Offender Task Force (COVOTF) along with the Fountain Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and Colorado Springs Police Department located and arrested a Florida homicide suspect Tuesday evening in Colorado Springs.

    De Sean Phang, 28, is wanted by the Miramar (FL) Police Department on a felony arrest warrant for second degree murder with a firearm in connection with an incident in early 2023 in Miramar, Florida that left one man dead. A warrant for Phang’s arrest in that case was issued on Jan. 17. 

    Task Force Officers from the Miramar P.D. assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service’s Florida-Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force – Ft. Lauderdale division recently developed information indicating Phang had fled Florida and was possibly hiding in Colorado. On Feb. 3, that information was relayed to the U.S. Marshals Service’s Colorado Violent Offender Task Force in Colorado Springs who then picked up the investigation. COVOTF investigators learned Phang was moving between Colorado Springs and the south Denver metro to include the Englewood and Highlands Ranch areas. He was travelling in a rental car which was located by the COVOTF on Feb 4 near C-470 and S. Quebec St, before moving back south to Colorado Springs.

    COVOTF Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers from the Fountain Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and Colorado Dept. of Corrections then contacted both the Colorado Springs Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. As CSPD officers approached to make contact, the vehicle Phang was traveling in fled the area at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was followed until it eventually stopped in the parking lot of the Big R store located at 165 Fontaine Blvd in Colorado Springs. All occupants of the vehicle, including Phang, attempted to flee on foot, but were quickly apprehended.

    Phang was transported to the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center where he was booked on the outstanding homicide warrant from Florida. He is currently awaiting extradition. Please direct any inquiries about the underlying case to the Miramar (FL) Police Department.

    The success of this arrest represents a culmination of extensive cooperative investigative efforts between the U.S. Marshals Florida-Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force – Ft. Lauderdale, U.S. Marshals Colorado Violent Offender Task Force, Miramar Police Department, Fountain Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Department of Corrections, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Englewood Police Department, and Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. 

    The Colorado Violent Offender Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional fugitive task force that targets the most violent offenders to include those wanted for murder, assault, sex offenses, and other serious offenses throughout the state and country.  Nationally, the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 58 local fugitive task forces, eight regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries. 

    Tips can be submitted to the U.S. Marshals Service directly and anonymously by using the USMS Tips app. You can also follow the latest news and updates about the U.S. Marshals Service on X (previously Twitter): @USMSDenver.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Releases Additional Records Demonstrating Success of Shuttered ATF Anti-Arms Trafficking Operation, Demands Explanation for its Closure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is probing a Biden-era decision to shut down Project Thor, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led program, that identified and dismantled Mexican cartel arms trafficking networks.

    “The government must be fully transparent to the American people about why it eliminated Project Thor, even though, based on the records obtained to-date, the program protected U.S. national security interests and helped to disrupt and dismantle criminal cartel networks’ access to firearms,” Grassley wrote

    In his letter, Grassley highlights new internal government records provided by legally protected whistleblower disclosures detailing Project Thor’s “Operation Nordic Giant.” These records reveal the first Trump administration successfully used Project Thor’s unique capabilities to disrupt and dismantle cartel arms trafficking networks operating in the U.S.

    “In this case, Andrew Scott Pierson, an American fugitive hiding in Mexico, was identified and prosecuted for operating a sophisticated, firearms trafficking network for years for the Cartel del Noreste (CDN) cartel,” Grassley continued. “The information gathered, analyzed and disseminated through Project Thor, as well as its efforts to coordinate several investigations across multiple law enforcement agencies, played a critical role in dismantling Pierson’s trafficking network and substantially reducing the CDN’s ability to obtain firearms.” 

    Grassley sent letters and enclosed records to ATF, the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. 

    Background: 

    ATF’s Project Thor brought together over 16 executive branch agencies in a whole-of-government effort to stem the flow of firearms between the U.S. and cartels in Mexico. The operation received public and private accolades for its accomplishments, before being defunded by the Biden administration in 2022. 

    Grassley is continuing his extensive oversight of U.S. efforts to combat Mexican cartels on both sides of the border. Last Congress, he demanded the Biden administration’s ATF provide a full account of Project Thor’s work and the reasons for defunding the operation. He also pressed the previous administration on its lackluster policies to address the proliferation of cartel arms trafficking networks operating in the U.S.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Blackburn Introduce SHOW UP Act to Get Federal Employees Back in the Office, Prevent Future Lax Telework Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in introducing the Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems (SHOW UP) Act to return federal employees to in-person work.
    The legislation would require government agencies to reinstate their pre-COVID-19 telework policies and direct agency heads to submit to Congress a report on the adverse impacts of agencies’ expansion of telework policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. It would also prevent federal agencies from permanently expanding telework without submitting to Congress details on how its proposed remote work policies would bolster agency mission performance. 
    “Iowans show up for work every day, and federal agency staff need to be doing the same. The pandemic has passed, and now it’s high time to dismantle unacceptable post-COVID-19 telework policies that have led to insufficient service for the American people. We need to get the rest of the government back in the office and back to work now,” Grassley said.  
    Additional cosponsors are Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    Read the bill text HERE.
    Download video of Grassley discussing the legislation HERE.
    Background:  
    In 2022, Grassley joined Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) to introduce the Return Employees To Understaffed Worksites to Reopen Now (RETURN) Act. The bill directs federal agencies to submit a comprehensive plan to resume in-person operations and address constituents’ concerns about federal government services.
    In a letter to heads of the office of Personnel Management (OPM), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the senators demanded answers regarding plans to bring federal workers back to the office.
    At a Senate Finance Committee hearing last May, Grassley pressed Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O’Malley on how SSA’s persistent telework policies were impacting the agency’s ability to provide services for seniors.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen’s Bipartisan Bill to Help Lower Child Care Costs, Expand Availability Advances Out of Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    A Recent Report Labels Entire State Of Nevada As A “Child Care Desert”
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that her bipartisan Small Business Child Care Investment Act has advanced out of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. This bipartisan legislation will help lower child care costs by increasing the availability of affordable, high-quality child care for Nevada families. It allows non-profit child care providers that otherwise qualify as small businesses to access larger and more flexible loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 
    A recent report labeled the entire state of Nevada as a “child care desert,” and found that nearly 75 percent of children below the age of five don’t have access to a licensed child care provider. The report deemed the cost of child care a “huge concern” in Nevada and found it often to be more expensive than college tuition. It also attributed the lack of affordable and accessible child care to the worker shortage that Nevada businesses report experiencing.
    “The lack of affordable, quality child care options is hurting hardworking Nevada families and forcing them to make tough financial choices,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’ve been working across the aisle to pass my bipartisan bill to help lower costs by increasing access to affordable child care in our state. This legislation will help nonprofits, community organizations, churches, synagogues, and others to set up or expand child care centers, and I’m glad to see it advance out of committee today.”
    Senator Rosen continues working to lower child care costs for Nevada’s hardworking families. Last year, she joined a bipartisan bill to provide child care services for police officers and support law enforcement families. Senator Rosen also joined in helping to introduce the Child Care for Working Families Act, legislation that would help lower child care costs for an average American family to no more than $10-a-day. During a confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Rosen secured a commitment from General David Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff, to cut red tape in a program designed to make child care available for military families like Airmen at Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases who work overnight shifts.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: On Senate Floor, Warren Underscores Danger of Budget Director Nominee Russ Vought

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 05, 2025

    Russ Vought is the architect of Project 2025 and responsible for last week’s government shutdown

    Video of Remarks (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) took to the Senate floor as part of a 30-hour hold by Senate Democrats to delay the confirmation of Mr. Russell Vought, nominee to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Senator Warren called out the serious consequences of Mr. Vought’s leadership, including the impacts of a government shutdown last week, on Massachusetts communities and families. Senator Warren also underscored the dangers of hundreds of executive orders President Trump has signed in his first few weeks. 

    Transcript: Senator Warren’s Floor Speech on the Nomination of Russ Vought
    U.S. Senate Floor
    February 5, 2025
    As Delivered

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to thank Senator Murray for her extraordinary leadership. She’s been a stalwart in the Senate for many, many years, and now is the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, and knows firsthand the importance of the process by which we make a law in the United States, and that includes that we pass those laws in Congress, we fund them in Congress, it’s signed by the president of the United States, and people across this nation can know, through that process those are what the laws are. And if you don’t like those laws, then elect different people who will come up with different versions of the law. But everyone, Democrat or Republican, sticks to the same version, and that is: a law is a law. 

    The President of the United States, or his Co-President Elon Musk, do not have the right, simply, to go back on the laws and say, “Oh, we pick that one, that one, and that one to enforce, and that one, no, that one, no, and maybe that one half-time.” That is not how the process works. And Senator Murray has been a leading voice in fighting back against this and I just want to say how much I appreciate all that she has done.

    So, I want to talk for just a minute about Project 2025. During the 2024 election, the American people became familiar with this Republican document called Project 2025. The document laid out Republican plans to reshape our country, if they gained control. Now, Americans, a little at a time, got a chance to see the plan. People started to read it, and they were shocked. In no time, people from across the political spectrum, not just Democrats – Democrats, Republicans, independents, made clear how much they hated Project 2025, and that they wanted no part of it. So, what was in Project 2025 that made it so widely hated across the political spectrum? A few things – firing civil servants, weaponizing the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, unleashing force onto protestors, and targeting political opponents, restricting abortion nationwide, ripping retirement and health care benefits from seniors, dismantling public education, and, biggest and best, funding tax cuts for the rich by raising taxes on America’s middle class. And, I want to be clear – it’s a big document. Those are just the top lines. 

    So Donald Trump’s response was to swear over and over and over again that he had nothing to do with those plans. Didn’t know about them, didn’t endorse them, didn’t want anything to do with them. Here are some of the things that Donald Trump said about Project 2025 back in 2024: “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have nothing to do with Project 2025. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying, and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.” And, my personal favorite, “They’ve been told, officially, legally, in every way, that we have nothing to do with Project 2025.” 

    So, think about that. During the 2024 election, Donald Trump claimed he didn’t know anything about Project 2025, but he lied. Shortly after the election, he nominated one of the chief architects of Project 2025 in a key role with the government. Now, Donald Trump has named the lead architect of Project 2025, Russ Vought, to oversee the federal government’s entire budget office. That’s right, listen to this one, he is putting the head writer of the plans that you had only read about in nightmares in a key government position. Russ Vought wrote Project 2025, and now Donald Trump is rewarding him by inviting him into the government in order to carry out the Republican blueprint to make our government force people to live in the image that Russ Vought and other extremist Republicans approve of. And he plans to rework our economy to benefit the wealthiest among us and make everybody else pay for it. 

    Here are just a few of the things that Russ Vought has called for –- Russ Vought has called on Congress to outlaw medication abortion nationwide, restricting women’s reproductive rights even in states that protect abortion. Russ Vought has encouraged discrimination against transgender people in the workplace and in health care. In his first stint as OMB Director, Russ Vought decried the use of federal funding for diversity and equity training in a letter to federal agencies. The Project 2025 playbook calls for eliminating almost every civil rights office in the federal government. And Russ Vought has said he intends to put federal workers “in trauma” and destroy the merit-based system for civil servants so that he can fill the government with right wing extremists. 

    I’m going to pause here for a minute to see if Senator Gillibrand wants to speak. 

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: Thank you, Senator Warren, for your unbelievable tenacity and clear-eyed and thoughtful remarks. I yield the balance of my post-cloture debate time on the vote nomination to Senator Schumer. 

    Presiding Officer: Duly noted. 

    Senator Gillibrand: Thank you again, Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren: Let’s keep in mind, Russ Vought has called for outlawing abortion, medication abortion nationwide. Doesn’t matter whether or not you live in the state that says, “No, we’re going to protect abortion,” Russ Vought wants to find a way to make sure it’s shut down everywhere. He wants to encourage discrimination against transgender people. He thinks getting rid of civil rights is the way to go for the American government. And he says he wants to put federal workers “in trauma” and destroy the merit-based system for civil servants so he can fill up our government with right wing extremists. 

    Now, we are already seeing firsthand the devastating effects of Russ Vought’s plan for America. Russ Vought was the puppet master behind the funding shutdown that threw this country into chaos last week. I saw this in Massachusetts. Parents didn’t know if their toddlers’ day care would be open. Seniors didn’t know if the hot meal that they were expecting from Meals on Wheels would grind to a halt. No one knew if the nursing homes funded by Medicaid would be able to pay their workers. And that was just the tip of the iceberg for Russ Vought. 

    If he is confirmed, you can absolutely bet on Russ Vought pulling out the rug from working people over and over and over again. And, quite frankly, we don’t know where he will stop. This is where they started – three weeks in and this is where they’ve started. 

    So will Russ Vought, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump stop when they’ve ripped abortion rights away from every single woman in America? Will he stop when he’s abolished the Department of Education and fired 180,000 teachers from their jobs? Will he stop when he has privatized Medicare and when seniors can’t afford to go see the doctor? Will he stop when he’s done stealing from middle-class families in order to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest households? Yep, by the way, that is in his blueprint, too. Tax hikes for the middle class, tax breaks for the rich. Or will he stop when he crashes the economy? And take it from me, with these kinds of plans, crashing the economy is no longer a stretch. 

    Russ Vought’s Project 2025 proposals will lead to higher inflation, higher interest rates, and weaker economic growth. Project 2025 would seriously threaten another recession. Look, already families all across this country are feeling the pressure from high grocery prices while Donald Trump and his administration just turn their backs on working families. American families cannot afford for Russ Vought to be in charge. We don’t know how far Russ Vought’s extremism will go, but we can’t afford to wait and find out. 

    Americans voted for each and every one of us right here in the United States Senate to fight for them, and they do not expect us to roll over and play dead. It is our sworn duty to stop dangerous people like Russ Vought before he destroys our freedom, our economy, and the stability of every working family in this nation. And so I urge every senator to vote no on his nomination. 

    Video of Senator Warren’s full remarks can be found here

    MIL OSI USA News