NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Fixing of Coupon Interest Rate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S                                25 September 2024
                                            Announcement no. 81/2024

    Fixing of Coupon Interest Rate

    Interest rate for Jyske Realkredit’s:

    Series 454.B.38 with ISIN DK0009361628 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 March 2025 been set at 4.13 % p.a.

    Series 154.B.38 with ISIN DK0009361701 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 March 2025 been set at 4.13 % p.a.

    Series 154.E.41 with ISIN DK0009366932 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 March 2025 been set at 3.78 % p.a.

    Series 454.E.OA.41 with ISIN DK0009367070 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 March 2025 been set at 3.78 % p.a.

    Series G422.E.OA Cb3 ju25 RF with ISIN DK0009405425 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.32 % p.a.

    Series 422.E.OA Cb3 ju25 RF with ISIN DK0009405938 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.33 % p.a.

    Series 422.E.OA Cb3 ju26 RF with ISIN DK0009408528 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.50 % p.a.

    Series G422.E.OA Cb3 ju25 RF with ISIN DK0009408601 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.37 % p.a.

    Series 422.E.OA Cb3 ju27 RF with ISIN DK0009412207 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.60 % p.a.

    Series G422.E.OA Cb3 ju27 RF with ISIN DK0009412397 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.58 % p.a.

    Series 422.B.OA Cb3 ju27 RF with ISIN DK0009412470 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.69 % p.a.

    Series G422.E.OA Cb3.ju27 RF with ISIN DK0009414682 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.45 % p.a.

    Series 422.E.OA Cb3.ju28 RF with ISIN DK0009414765 has per 1 October 2024 and until and including 31 December 2024 been set at 3.48 % p.a.

    Questions may be addressed to Christian Bech-Ravn, Head of Investor Relations, tel. (+45) 89 89 92 25.

    Best Regards

    Jyske Realkredit A/S
    Web: jyskerealkredit.dk
    Please observe that the Danish version of this announcement prevails.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tiff Macklem: Economic growth during uncertain times

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good afternoon. I want to thank the Institute of International Finance and the Canadian Bankers Association for inviting me to take part in your 2024 Forum.

    Your focus on growth during uncertainty is timely. Uncertainty feels like the new reality: The uncertainty caused by war in Europe and in the Middle East. The uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation. And the related uncertainties about supply chains, trading relationships and global investment risks.

    Rapid advances in new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and its new offspring, Generative-AI, are disrupting business models and creating new uncertainties for firms and workers.

    Uncertainty surrounds the impacts of climate change and the policy frameworks to adapt to and mitigate it.

    There is political uncertainty. And fiscal uncertainty.

    As your theme implies, uncertainty and economic growth do not sit well together: uncertainty impedes growth.

    But with inspired policy, good business decisions and sound risk management, we can manage uncertainty and reduce its impact on households, businesses and growth. We have recent historical evidence.

    Sixteen years ago this month, Lehman Brothers failed, and the financial system froze because nobody knew which banks were safe. Today, the global financial system is much safer thanks to the implementation of sweeping global reforms to increase capital and liquidity buffers, and reduce leverage.

    With the rapid development of new vaccines and with exceptional fiscal and monetary policies, uncertainty about our health and the health of our economies has decreased dramatically since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Thanks to decisive monetary policy action and the unblocking of supply chains, uncertainty about costs and inflation are much lower today than two years ago, when inflation peaked above 8% in Canada and was even higher in many other countries.

    In the past few weeks, I have given speeches on the shifting global trade landscape and the economic implications and risks of rapid advances in artificial intelligence. These are two key areas where we can reduce uncertainty through good policy and far-sighted business leadership.

    At the same time, we need to recognize that new uncertainties are a new reality, and we must be ready for the inevitable shocks in a more turbulent world. That puts a priority on risk management and investments in resilience.

    A key function of financial institutions is to help households and businesses manage the risks they face. Financial institutions also have a responsibility to manage their own risks prudently so that they do not themselves become a source of uncertainty and instability.

    As Canada’s central bank, we have a role to play in mitigating and managing risks and uncertainty. Our primary mandate is price stability-in other words, low, stable and predictable inflation. We also have mandates to foster a stable financial system and ensure safe and efficient payments.

    Let me say a few words on financial stability and payments. And then I’ll finish with some thoughts on monetary policy.

    Our financial stability focus is on risks that could lead to system-wide stress. And we publish these findings in our annual Financial Stability Report (FSR).1

    In our most recent FSR, published in May, we reported that Canadian mortgage holders had experienced a modest increase in levels of financial stress. Since then, we’ve observed that arrears on mortgages have continued to rise, although they remain below pre-pandemic levels. It also appears that these households have not leaned on revolving credit products such as lines of credit and credit cards to a greater degree than before the pandemic.

    But there is a notable increase in financial stress among borrowers without a mortgage, mainly renters. During the pandemic, for most credit products, the share of these borrowers missing payments reached historical lows. However, we’re now seeing a larger share of these borrowers lagging behind on credit card and auto loan payments. Over the past year the share of borrowers without a mortgage who carry a credit card balance of at least 90% of their credit limit has continued to climb. And this share is now above typical historical levels. This is concerning.

    Our responsibilities related to payments require us to adapt to increasing digitalization. Innovation in payments continues to accelerate.

    In 2021, the Bank assumed a new mandate for the supervision of retail payment service providers. Starting November 1st of this year, more than 3,000 service providers will need to register with the Bank and follow new rules aimed at safeguarding consumers and protecting the integrity of retail payments.  

    We are also looking at the bigger picture of payment innovation, both in Canada and around the world. As part of this work, in the past few years we’ve built an extensive body of knowledge about the framework and technology behind a possible central bank digital currency (CBDC), including the benefits and risks.

    But recognizing that there is not currently a compelling case to move forward with a CBDC in Canada, the Bank is scaling down its work on a retail central bank digital currency and shifting its focus to broader payments system research and policy development. The Bank will continue to monitor global retail CBDC developments. And the Bank will be ready to ensure Canadians always have a safe and secure supply of public money.

    Now, let me circle back to monetary policy.

    In June, we began lowering our policy interest rate. We cut the policy rate at our last three decisions, for a cumulative decline of 75 basis points to 4.25%.

    Our most recent decision on September 4th reflected two main considerations.

    First, we noted that headline and core inflation had continued to ease as expected. Second, we said that as inflation gets closer to target, we want to see economic growth pick up to absorb the slack in the economy.

    Since then, we’ve been pleased to see inflation come all the way back to the 2% target. It has been a long journey. Now we want to keep inflation close to the centre of the 1%–3% inflation-control band. We need to stick the landing.

    What does this mean for interest rates? With the continued progress we’ve seen on inflation, it is reasonable to expect further cuts in our policy rate. The timing and pace will be determined by incoming data and our assessment of what those data mean for future inflation.

    As always, we try to be as clear as we can about what we are watching as we chart the course for monetary policy.

    Economic growth picked up in the first half of this year, and we want to see it strengthen further so that inflation stays close to the 2% target. Some recent indicators suggest growth may not be as strong as we expected. We will be closely watching consumer spending, as well as business hiring and investment.

    We will also be looking for continued easing in core inflation, which is still a little above 2%. Shelter cost inflation remains elevated but has started to come down, and we are looking for it to moderate further.

    Our next decision is October 23rd. And we will have a revised economic outlook at that time.

    With those introductory thoughts, let’s get the discussion started.

    I would like to thank Russell Barnett, Claudia Godbout and Brian Peterson for their help in preparing these remarks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Alessandra Perrazzelli: Steering the transition to a quantum-safe world. An internationally coordinated approach

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Introduction

    Good morning and a very warm welcome to this important workshop on how to build a quantum-safe financial system.* I would like to start by thanking Prof. Cirac Sasturain and all the participants in the panel sessions for their insightful and thought-provoking contributions. Let me extend my gratitude to all the speakers, panellists, and attendees who have travelled from near and far to come here in Rome. Your presence and contributions are vital for the success of this workshop. I am confident that through our collective expertise and collaboration in the remainder of the workshop we will succeed in laying out actionable outcomes for steering the financial system’s transition towards a quantum-safe world.

    Quantum computing, as already noted by many speakers this morning, has the potential to revolutionize the financial system. Thanks to its unparalleled processing power and innovative capabilities, quantum computing can bring about a paradigm shift from the current ‘digital economy’ to a new era of ‘quantum economy’. Such shift encompasses unseen opportunities along with significant challenges for global financial markets, including – in particular – unbalanced access to technology and cybersecurity threats, which we must address with foresight and in a spirit of collaboration.

    As central banks and financial supervisors, we recognize the importance of striking a balance between steadfastly embracing technological changes on the one hand, and retaining a more cautious approach on the other, in light of the objective of safeguarding the stability, security, and integrity of our financial systems. It is part of our duty to promote and actively participate in the discussion on how to ensure the financial system’s transition to the quantum era in the safest possible way, considering the limitations of current technology.

    Quantum computing, while potentially threatening our system for secure communications, will also be instrumental in developing the solutions to restore resiliency in our financial system. In fact, quantum computing is bound to generate an unprecedented combination of opportunities, risks and uncertainties, which must be managed carefully in order to avoid market inertia and fragmentation, and to sustain an orderly and efficient transition to a quantum-safe world.

    With today’s workshop, we intend to launch a discussion on a possible path for steering the financial system’s migration to quantum resilience, within the framework of an internationally coordinated approach involving all the stakeholders: authorities, financial industry, technology providers and academia.

    1. The quantum financial system of the future: timeline, opportunities and risks

    The quantum revolution is already happening, although the exact timeline for its full deployment can hardly be predicted. Innovation in this field is characterized by pivotal and often unexpected transformative breakthroughs leading to sudden acceleration, and sustained by consistent and sizeable public and private investments. The explosion of artificial intelligence technologies, whose interplay with quantum computing holds the potential for both steering and accelerating the development of far-reaching solutions, is making this path even more unpredictable. Against this backdrop of high uncertainty, we expect that the quantum machine capacity necessary to give rise to a significant cybersecurity threat will be achieved in a foreseeable future.1

    The financial sector plays a dual role that enables it to look at the quantum phenomenon from two distinct perspectives: firstly, as a user, keen on embracing the capacity of quantum computing for innovation, and secondly, as a highly vulnerable target for quantum-powered cyberattacks.

    Although the use of quantum computing in the financial sector is still at an immature stage, experimental results already highlight its ability to improve key financial processes, such as risk and portfolio management, payment services and computationally intensive simulation-based tasks (e.g. analyses related to fraud detection and prevention, and anti-money laundering).

    Exploiting the benefits of quantum computing also presents unique challenges for financial institutions. Like other enabling technologies, quantum computing raises issues related to equitable access and market competitiveness; the full integration of this technology into legacy systems poses significant hurdles. Furthermore, the very nature of quantum computing entails a substantial paradigm shift in how financial services operate. Regulators must carefully navigate the new environment to support the smooth adoption and avoid misuse of these technologies from the private and public sectors.

    Quantum technologies also bring new risks for the financial sector. In particular, such technologies could be exploited to break the encryption algorithms currently underpinning the security of critical communication systems and digital assets.

    Critical financial infrastructures are among the main targets of cyberattacks based on quantum computing. They include the financial infrastructures of the future – which will support, for instance, central bank digital currencies and crypto-assets – as the two techniques of key encapsulation and digital signature currently used are both based on asymmetric encryption, which is vulnerable to the quantum threat. It will be of outmost importance to factor in the risks stemming from quantum computing when designing the central bank digital currencies.

    This risk is already on the table with the practice of ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ used by malicious actors. Information embedded in contracts currently in force needs to be kept secret for years to come. Even just the possibility that some of it will be exposed – as soon as the technology becomes available – is already a potential blow to trust.

    2. The state of the art: one problem, many potential technical approaches

    As we will see through the lunch session, some solutions to mitigate cyber issues are already available. The heart of cybersecurity lies in cryptography, which – from encrypting data to securing online transactions – is the guardian of our digital world.

    As the financial industry and governments prepare to protect against quantum threats, it is necessary that they become ‘crypto-agile’, adopting a multifaceted security strategy that incorporates a range of easily upgradable quantum-resistant solution. The showcase exercise that will be performed in this session will demonstrate that there are two different but complementary approaches that can be used in order to deal with quantum-safe cryptography.

    On the one hand, we can take advantage of quantum properties to establish secure communication channels between parties, where any attempt to eavesdrop or intercept the exchange of encryption keys is detected. On the other hand, considering that the cryptography involves the use of mathematical algorithms to transform readable data into encrypted data and vice versa, it is possible to replace the current algorithms (unbreakable now, but solvable with quantum computing) with others that are more difficult to solve, even for a quantum computer.

    Each one of these technologies – or a combination of them – will allow full end-to-end security in our digital communications. At the same time, however, these technologies are all extremely demanding in terms of time and resources. At the current state of the technology, embracing the quantum physics approach is estimated to impose costs of a higher order of magnitude, though it appears to provide a definitive solution to the quantum threat. The showcase exercise will demonstrate how some solutions already available to the market work, leveraging the points I have just mentioned.

    Clearly, this is not a technological dilemma that can be solved with a black-or-white answer, and what is optimal now may not be optimal in the medium or long term. Migrating the whole financial system toward a quantum-safe setup is a dynamic process requiring a multifaceted approach. Whatever strategy is chosen, though, we need to have interoperable solutions working at all times for the financial industry within a single jurisdiction and between different jurisdictions.

    3. Why authorities should act now

    Numerous public and private initiatives have been launched to develop what are known as ‘quantum-safe’ solutions. However, some key elements of uncertainty are hampering the market’s ability to effectively embrace the migration to quantum-resilient solutions.

    First, while the implementation timeline for the quantum threat is by no means certain, short-term risk mitigation costs are significant. Second, there is a lack of agreement on a sound migration approach and on suitable interoperable technical standards. Third, the regulatory and capability landscape is fragmented across jurisdictions. These are all obstacles to a timely and orderly transition.

    Despite growing awareness of the quantum threat, a comprehensive and widely shared action plan in this area remains elusive. The lack of harmonized regulations and of clear international guidelines and standards concerning the transition to a quantum-safe world may induce protracted inertia in the financial system’s migration efforts.

    The global nature of the financial system, the interconnectedness of intermediaries within the financial industry, and between them and the technology providers, call for public authorities to take a whole-of-government approach towards addressing the common threat posed by quantum technology. This includes fostering a dialogue between all relevant public and private stakeholders, aimed at establishing priority areas of intervention and ensuring a common path towards a quantum-safe economy through proactive cooperation and international coordination.

    A systematic approach involving all international stakeholders is particularly important for financial infrastructures, given their high interconnectedness. We need to protect all links of the chain, especially the weakest.

    4. A common path to a quantum-resilient financial system

    All these elements make the discussion on the migration strategy something that cannot be put off any longer. The importance of preparing the financial system for the transition to quantum computing is at the heart of this workshop. This is the right time to address the challenges of the transition to quantum computing, to agree on the respective roles of public authorities and of the private sector, and to take concrete action.

    To protect the financial system from the threats posed by quantum computing, the Bank of Italy is proposing – in the context of the ongoing work on risks from emerging technologies affecting the financial system that is being carried out in the G7 Finance Track – that G7 member countries jointly develop a ‘common roadmap for quantum resilience’, providing a unified policy framework for the actions needed to steer the transition to a quantum-safe financial system through an international cooperation approach.

    The roadmap should include all initiatives that are essential for a quantum-resilient financial system and could be implemented under the responsibility of different multinational organizations. The monitoring, coordination and governance of the overall roadmap should be undertaken at the highest political level. For example, a shared response at the level of G7 countries would provide a benchmark that could outline the way forward for other jurisdictions so as to cover, eventually, the global financial system.

    Whichever migration path we decide to adopt, it has to fulfil certain requirements. First, it needs to build on existing regulation in order to capitalize on best practices and, possibly, avoid over-regulation.

    Second, it will entail the standardization of the approaches taken to risk mitigation across jurisdictions, so as to enable synergies and speed up the transition, as the suppliers of technical solutions will work based on shared guidelines.

    Third, financial industry players as well as hardware and software providers must participate in the design of the strategy. Their involvement is necessary in order to devise a way forward that hinges on the best and most up-to-date technologies in a field where innovation is characterized by sudden accelerations.

    Fourth, preservation of interoperability and quality of services must remain the guiding principle of this transition process together with its gradual and safe implementation and with the principle of proportionality, to strike a balance between short-term fixes and long-term solutions. Continuous monitoring of the progress achieved and of the resources absorbed in this endeavour will be important: on this basis, the roadmap commitments can be reassessed along the way, including with respect to the timeline, by accelerating or delaying some milestones as needed.

    Finally, international coordination is a key aspect. The G7 Cyber Expert Group could be the right forum for operatively managing the quantum resilience migration roadmap, as well as for drafting policy guidelines. Other multinational institutions already involved in the adoption of quantum technologies in the financial system, such as the BIS and the standard setting bodies, could contribute proactively in defining guidelines and standards as cornerstones of the migration.

    Due to their critical role, financial markets and payment infrastructures, including those that will be supporting the central bank digital currencies, deserve particular attention. The CPMI-IOSCO could be the right organization to lead the work for the quantum resilience of these crucial nodes of the financial system.

    * * *

    Let me conclude by thanking you all for gathering today to discuss this extremely important topic. Hopefully, the discussion that we initiated today will continue in a fruitful way in the immediate future to deliver as quickly as possible a migration roadmap which can be embraced by all G7 members and possibly also shared with G20 and other countries for wider adoption.

    * I would like to thank Silvia Vori, Valerio Paolo Vacca, Giuseppe Bruno, Lorenzo Bencivelli, Mauro De Santis, Cristina Andriani, Sabina Marchetti, Antonio Castellucci and Giovanna Piantanida for their contributions to this speech.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Luigi Federico Signorini: Building a quantum-safe financial system – what role for authorities and for the private sector?

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is my pleasure to open this seminar on the implications of quantum technology for the financial sector.

    Experts agree that we are on the eve of a very significant technological change: one that will redefine our approach to data and to the tools we use to process them, and may well revolutionise important, even critical, aspects of the way financial institutions operate.

    Like all significant technological advances, the quantum revolution comes with both promises and threats. Massively enhanced computational power, algorithms that are far more efficient than existing ones, and a much stronger base for artificial intelligence, are expected to offer opportunities for better and cheaper services, but they will also introduce new challenges, not least for financial stability.

    Central banks and financial institutions have often been early adopters of technological innovations. To preserve trust, institutions should continue to be bold and imaginative, but at the same time fully aware of the risks. Prudent supervisory guidance is needed to preserve the stability, security and integrity of the financial system. Our seminar will be an opportunity to go beyond generalities and explore the most likely concrete challenges and trade-offs we need to face in the quantum era.

    The Bank of Italy has a tradition of actively and rapidly adapting its policies to changes in the data management landscape. Drawing on our experience, we have long contributed to the action of the European System of Central Banks. We continue to work in partnership with academia and in cooperation with national and international institutions.

    The most immediate threat most of us currently perceive concerns the protection of the integrity and confidentiality of data. We feel that such a threat calls for a coordinated response, within the G7 and beyond. We shall take the opportunity of this workshop to share our experiences and ongoing work at the Bank of Italy and to present some real-life examples of useful and feasible cooperation at the national, European and global level. We encourage all participants to do the same.

    Since Peter Shor demonstrated, in 1994, that a quantum computer could theoretically solve problems much faster than traditional ones, he has inspired scientists all over the world to imagine the countless possibilities of this technology, and technologists to look for ways to actually build a functioning machine based on it. Thirty years on, while we still lack a fully functional and reliable quantum computer, we seem to be actually getting closer and closer.

    As the cybersecurity threat is serious but there are potential ways to fend it off, we cannot afford to wait. Implementing quantum-resistant cryptography tools before quantum computers become practically operational is crucial for data longevity. Sensitive data that are encrypted using today’s technology could be stored now by malicious agents and decrypted later, once quantum tools become available; upgrading cryptographic tools as soon as possible is therefore necessary to ensure long-term data security. This is especially relevant for financial institutions. Their core business is ultimately based on the ability to create, manage and use sensitive data, and it is not unlikely that the quantum revolution will hit the financial sector faster and more intensively than other industries.

    Awareness of the need to act is growing. In the spring of this year, the European Commission published a ‘Recommendation on a Coordinated Implementation Roadmap for the transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography’. In the US, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially released its first set of finalised post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms last month. This is a major step forward.

    In the G7 Finance Track, the Italian presidency identified quantum computing as one of the key strategic cyber issues facing us. It may affect multiple policy areas, including national security, competitiveness, ethics, and skill development.

    While solutions to achieve quantum security are starting to become available, there are factors that can make market players reluctant to adopt them quickly. These include uncertainty about the actual urgency of the quantum threat, the fact that a common transition approach has not yet emerged, and the fragmentation of investments, responsibilities and regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions.

    The G7 has launched several technical initiatives to foster coordination among the main stakeholders. With today’s workshop, we aim to engage key experts in G7 countries, with a view to developing a shared understanding of the most urgent issues, a potential roadmap to address the transition to quantum resilience and, to the extent possible, an agreed policy agenda. We are fortunate today to have speakers and attendants from a wide range of backgrounds: academia, government institutions (including law-enforcement agencies), central banks, international organisations and the finance industry. This promises to be an ideal opportunity to exchange views, in that it brings together a set of distinguished experts with considerably diverse experience. I encourage all participants to be active, ask questions and share their insights.

    Ladies and gentlemen, we are also honoured to have Professor Juan Ignacio Cirac Sasturain with us today as a keynote speaker. As many of you will know, our speaker is one of the leading theorists in quantum computation. His contributions range from the physics of quantum computers to quantum algorithms and quantum information theory. Many here will be especially interested in his seminal work on quantum cryptography. Professor Cirac is the Director of the Theory Department at the Max Planck Institute of quantum optics in Garching bei München, Bavaria, and collaborates with many other academic institutions. He has received an impressive number of high-level awards, including the Prince of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research (2006), the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2008), the Benjamin Franklin Medal (2010), the Wolf Prize in Physics (2013), the Max Planck Medal (2018), and many others; more are sure to come. The subject of his talk is, very aptly, ‘opportunities and challenges of the next generation’s computers’. We are certain that his remarks on today’s central issue will set the stage for a very productive seminar.

    Please join me in welcoming Ignacio Cirac to the stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Eightco Announces $100 million Revenue Forecast – Releases 2025 Strategic Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Improved Financial Condition Allows Focus on Revenue Growth & Profitability

    Easton, PA, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OCTO) (the “Company” or “Eightco”) is pleased to provide an update to its shareholders regarding its achievements year to date and 2025 initiatives.

    2024 Achievements

    The Company has made significant progress in 2024 by improving its balance sheet, most notably through the elimination of $5.4 million in convertible notes and increasing shareholder equity by $23 million. An aggregate of 5,846,627 dilutive shares related to warrants and convertible securities were cancelled in connection therewith, as well as several one-time accounting events.

    Operationally, during the 6 months ended June 30, 2024:

    • Gross profit margin was increased to 22%, versus 12% in the prior year period; and
    • SG&A was reduced to $6.9 million, down 23% from $9.0 million in the prior year period

    These improvements helped the Company regain compliance with two NASDAQ requirements, as was announced yesterday.

    2025 Plan

    The Company’s primary focus is the growth of its primary operating subsidiary, Forever 8 Fund LLC (“Forever 8”), which operates in two main areas: providing inventory solutions for small to mid-sized e-commerce sellers in the US & UK, as well as supplying refurbished Apple products for sellers in the UK and Europe. Forever 8 buys existing inventory from e-commerce sellers and commits to purchasing future inventory directly from their suppliers, maintaining specific inventory levels to enhance sales and growth. The sellers are invoiced after sales occur on a monthly basis, at which point Forever 8 charges them its cost plus a markup. Forever 8’s tech platform facilitates this entire process end-to-end, making it seamless and scalable.

    In the short term, the Company intends to seek additional non-dilutive senior debt financing to replace the capital used to repay its dilutive convertible notes in the first quarter of 2024. The Company currently has approximately 1.8 million shares outstanding. By deploying this capital, the Company aims to deliver 2025 revenues of $100 million, with the Company achieving positive EBITDA at the public company level. Such funding would also support further growth in 2025. Forever 8 believes it can deploy significant additional capital via its scalable platforms due to high inbound demand for its services from existing and new customers.

    Paul Vassilakos, CEO of Eightco and President of Forever 8, said “The Company is excited to focus on prioritizing the Forever 8 business to deliver growth and shareholder value through 2025. With regaining compliance with the NASDAQ rules behind us and a significantly improved balance sheet, we believe 2025 has the potential to be our best year since our inception in 2020.”

    About Eightco

    Eightco (NASDAQ: OCTO) is committed to growth of its subsidiaries, made up of Forever 8 Fund LLC, an inventory capital and management platform for e-commerce sellers, and Ferguson Containers, Inc., a provider of complete manufacturing and logistical solutions for product and packaging needs, through strategic management and investment. In addition, the Company is actively seeking new opportunities to add to its portfolio of technology solutions focused on the e-commerce ecosystem through strategic acquisitions. Through a combination of innovative strategies and focused execution, Eightco aims to create significant value and growth for its portfolio companies and stockholders.

    For additional information, please visit www.8co.holdings

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward looking. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “expand,” “advance,” “develop” “believes,” “guidance,” “target,” “may,” “remain,” “project,” “outlook,” “intend,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: Eightco’s ability to regain and maintain compliance with the Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements; unexpected costs, charges or expenses that reduce Eightco’s capital resources; Eightco’s inability to raise adequate capital to fund its business; the inability to innovate and attract users for Eightco’s and its subsidiaries’ products; future legislation and rulemaking negatively impacting digital assets; and shifting public and governmental positions on digital asset mining activity. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause Eightco’s actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, see Eightco’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024, as amended. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Eightco undertakes no duty to update this information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    investors@8co.holdings

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on Fund of Funds ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions on the following YieldMax™ ETFs:

    ETF
    Ticker    1    		 ETF Name Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield    3    		 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs $0.2220 Weekly 64.49% 65.73% 9/26/2024 9/27/2024
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs $0.1701 Weekly 45.49% 50.80% 9/26/2024 9/27/2024

    The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    1   YMAX and YMAG each have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs.

    2   The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on September 24, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3   The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended August 31, 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

    4  As of the date hereof, distributions for YMAX and YMAG have included return of investor capital. For additional information, please visit http://www.yieldmaxetfs.com/TaxInfo.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here.

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

    There is no guarantee that that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

    THE FUND, TRUST, ADVISER, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING ISSUER.

    Risk Disclosures (the following risks are applicable to all YieldMax ETFs shown in the table above)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Underlying Security Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF invests in options contracts that are based on the value of its Underlying Security. This subjects each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of its Underlying Security, even though it does not. As a result, each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF is subject to the risks associated with the industry of the corresponding Underlying Issuer.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The Underlying YieldMax™ ETFs investment strategies are options-based. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are

    affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international policies, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF aims to provide current income, although there’s no guarantee of distribution in any given period, and the distribution amounts may vary significantly. Distributions may consist of capital returns, reducing each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s NAV and trading price over time, thus potentially leading to significant losses for investors (including the Fund), especially as an Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s returns exclude any dividends paid by the Underlying Security, which may result in lesser income compared to a direct investment in the Underlying Security.

    NAV Erosion Risk Due to Distributions. When an Underlying YieldMax™ ETF makes a distribution, its NAV typically drops by the distribution amount on the related ex-dividend date. The repetitive payment of distributions may significantly erode an Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s NAV and trading price over time, potentially resulting in notable losses for investors (including the Fund).

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The continuous application of each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s call writing strategy impacts its ability to participate in the positive price returns of its Underlying Security, which in turn affects each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s returns both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time frames. An Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s participation in its Underlying Security’s positive price returns and its own returns will depend not only on the Underlying Security’s price but also on the path the Underlying Security’s price takes over time, illustrating that certain price trajectories of the Underlying Security could lead to suboptimal outcomes for the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF.

    Single Issuer Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF, focusing on an individual security (Underlying Security), may experience more volatility compared to traditional pooled investments or the market generally due to issuer-specific attributes. Its performance may deviate from that of diversified investments or the overall market, making it potentially more susceptible to the specific performance and risks associated with the Underlying Security.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s expenses.

    Counterparty Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF faces counterparty risk through its investments in options contracts, held via clearing members due to its non-membership in clearing houses, with the risk exacerbated if a clearing member defaults or if limited clearing members are willing to transact on its behalf. This risk is also magnified as the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF primarily focuses on options contracts on a single security, potentially leading to losses or hindrance in implementing its investment strategy if adverse situations with clearing members arise.

    Price Participation Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF employs a strategy of selling call option contracts, limiting its participation in the value increase of the Underlying Security during the call period. Should an Underlying Security’s value increase beyond the sold call options’ strike price, the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF may not experience the same extent of increase, potentially underperforming the Underlying Security and experiencing a NAV decrease, especially given its full exposure to any value decrease of the Underlying Security over the call period.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Earnings season, not central banks, will now drive markets – deVere Group

    Source: deVere Group

    September 25 2024 – With central banks beginning to lower interest rates, earnings season will be a primary driver of stock markets, affirms the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

    Nigel Green of deVere Group is weighing in ahead of the critical reporting season which moves up a gear next week and as US futures dipped on Wednesday morning as Wall Street seems on track to extend its impressive September gains.

    “As the Federal Reserve, and its global central bank peers, shift gears by lowering interest rates, the spotlight is turning to the broader economy, raising the stakes for the upcoming Q3 earnings season,” he says.

    “Investors are now eagerly awaiting company reports that will provide crucial insights into how key businesses are doing.

    “With the recent rate cuts signaling concerns about economic growth, corporate performance and guidance will play a critical role in shaping market sentiment and investment strategies in the coming months.”

    This move has shifted investor focus from the central bank’s actions to the overall health of the economy.

    “As interest rates drop, the effectiveness of this monetary easing in stimulating growth and sustaining corporate profitability becomes a key concern for market participants,” notes the deVere CEO.

    While the rate cut provides some relief from borrowing costs, it also indicates that the economic outlook may be less robust than previously thought.

    This has raised the importance of corporate earnings reports as investors seek tangible data on how companies are coping with challenges such as changing consumer demand.

    Nigel Green continues: “Beyond the top-line and bottom-line numbers, the commentary from corporate leaders will be particularly telling. Executives’ perspectives on demand trends, cost pressures, and strategic adjustments will provide deeper insights into the business climate and potential growth opportunities or pitfalls.”

    As the Q3 earnings season ramps up, it is likely to bring increased market volatility.

    “Unexpected earnings results or cautious forward guidance is going to trigger sharp market moves, particularly in sectors most sensitive to economic changes, consumer discretionary, financials, and industrials. Investors should be prepared for a period of heightened activity and adjust their strategies accordingly,” he confirms.

    Financials and consumer goods companies typically report early, followed by tech and industrial firms.

    The deVere Group CEO concludes: “This earnings season will be the true barometer of economic health.

    “As companies report their results, the narratives they share will carry more weight than any central bank policy change.

    “The earnings we see in the coming weeks will not only illuminate the resilience of businesses, but also provide crucial insights for investors facing this transitional phase.”

    deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $12bn under advisement.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: Climb Channel Solutions Announces A-LIGN, Security and Compliance Partner, as Global Contract

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EATONTOWN, N.J., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Climb Channel Solutions, an international specialty technology distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLMB) has announced the addition of A-LIGN, a security vendor leading the industry in compliance, to its global offerings.

    A-LIGN is a leader in SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP, CMMC, and more, while addressing cybersecurity needs, such as, penetration testing, ransomware preparedness, social engineering, and GDPR. Together, Climb and A-LIGN can expand their global partner base, providing existing and new partners with top cybersecurity compliance programs to assist in mitigating cybersecurity risk.

    “We are excited to partner with Climb, and their recognized distribution network, to enhance our reach into the market. This collaboration allows us to work with a vast network of MSPs and VARs, filling a crucial gap in their current offerings. Together, we are well-positioned to expand internationally and domestically, staying on the cutting edge of evolving market trends. As leaders in the space, this partnership underscores our commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity and compliance solutions globally.” said Andrew Steioff, Vice President, Global Strategic Alliances at A-LIGN.

    A-LIGN’s compliance expertise will benefit Climb and its partners to answer the demand for customers to stay secure and compliant. A-LIGN’s holistic approach allows customers to continue to utilize their current infrastructure without having to restructure amidst changing regulations.

    “Compliance is at the forefront of conversations across the IT channel as organizations are constantly navigating regulations,” says Dale Foster, CEO of Climb Channel Solutions. “At Climb, the priority to provide the necessary cybersecurity tools and resources in this age of compliance is tantamount.  By partnering with A-LIGN, a trusted leader in SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP and more, we are ensuring that our reseller partners have the resources needed to go from audit to strategic compliance.”

    Those interested in distribution services and solutions should contact Climb by phone at +1.800.847.7078 (US), or +1.888.523.7777 (Canada), or by email at Sales@ClimbCS.com.

    About Climb Channel Solutions and Climb Global Solutions

    Climb Channel Solutions is a global specialty technology distributor focusing on Security, Data Management, Connectivity, Storage & HCI, Virtualization & Cloud, and Software & Application Lifecycle. What sets Climb apart is our commitment to transform distribution by providing emerging and established IT technologies, flexible financing, real-time quoting, best of breed channel operations, speed to market, and exceptional service to our partners worldwide. Climb Channel Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions (NASDAQ: CLMB). Experience the Climb difference and learn how our people-first approach empowers VARs and MSPs to grow, scale, and accelerate their business. Visit www.ClimbCS.com, call 1-800-847-7078, and connect with us on LinkedIn!

    For Media & PR inquiries contact:
    Climb Channel Solutions
    Media Relations
    media@ClimbCS.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Elevate IR
    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    T: 720-330-2829
    CLMB@elevate-ir.com

    About A-LIGN 

    A-LIGN is the leading provider of high-quality, efficient cybersecurity compliance programs. Combining experienced auditors and audit management technology, A-LIGN provides the widest breadth and depth of services including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP, and PCI. A-LIGN is the number one issuer of SOC 2 and HITRUST and a top three FedRAMP assessor. To learn more, visit a-lign.com. 

    For Media & PR inquiries contact:

    A-LIGN
    Abigail Rodrigues
    abigail.rodrigues@a-lign.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Net Asset Values

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THAMES VENTURES VCT 2 PLC
    LEI: 21380035MV1VRYEXPR95

    NET ASSET VALUES
    25 SEPTEMBER 2024

    Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc announces that the unaudited Net Asset Values of its share classes, as at 30 June 2024 were as follows:

      Pence Per Share
      30 June 2024
    Ventures Ordinary Share 46.1p
    Healthcare Ordinary Share 40.9p
    AIM Shares 103.1p
    DP67 Ordinary Share 27.3p

    For further information, please contact:

    Company Secretary
     Foresight Group LLP
    Contact: Stephen Thayer Tel: 0203 667 8100

    Investor Relations
     Foresight Group LLP
    Contact: Andrew James Tel: 0203 667 8181

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Issue of Tranche 1 shares in IDEX Biometrics private placement on 16 September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to the announcement by IDEX Biometrics ASA (the “Company”) on 17 September 2024 regarding the private placement of shares with gross proceeds of NOK 70 million (the “Private Placement”). The Company retained Arctic Securities AS as sole manager and bookrunner for the Private Placement (the “Manager”).

    The Private Placement is divided into two tranches. 101,624,966 shares were allocated in the first tranche (“Tranche 1” and the “Tranche 1 Offer Shares”) and 365,041,700 Offer Shares were allocated in the second tranche (“Tranche 2”). Completion of Tranche 1 was subject to the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) being granted a board authorization to issue shares (the “Board Authorization”). The Board Authorization was granted to the Board by the 23 September 2024 Extraordinary General Meeting. Completion of Tranche 2 is subject to approval by an Extraordinary General Meeting in the Company on 9 October 2024.

    The Board resolved on 25 September 2024 to issue the Tranche 1 Offer Shares in the Private Placement. The Tranche 1 Offer Shares will, following registration of the share capital increase associated with such shares in the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises, be delivered on a separate and non-tradable ISIN, pending publication by the Company of a prospectus approved by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority.

    Following registration of the share capital increase associated with the issuance of the Tranche 1 Offer Shares, the Company’s share capital will be NOK 66,056,228.10 divided into 440,374,854 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.15.

    For more information about the Private Placement, please see the above-mentioned announcement.

    For further information contact:
    Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations
    E-mail: marianne.boe@idexbiometrics.com
    Tel: + 47 9180 0186

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

    About this notice
    This notice is published in accordance with section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Keiretsu Forum Investor Capital Expo: A Must-Attend Event for Angel Investors, Family Offices, and Venture Capital Professionals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The upcoming Investor Capital Expo, hosted by Keiretsu Forum in Philadelphia, offers a rare opportunity for accredited investors to engage directly with early-stage companies that have undergone Keiretsu Forum’s rigorous due diligence process. Scheduled for October 31, 2024, at Convene City View in Philadelphia, this event provides a platform for investors to explore diverse high-growth opportunities while building relationships with fellow investors and company founders.

    This year’s twelve presenting companies represent a wide range of sectors, each poised to make a significant impact in their respective industries. Among them are Relavo Medical, Seneca Therapeutics, and Iris Dynamics Limited:

    Relavo Medical is revolutionizing kidney failure treatment with its innovative device, the PeritoneX, which addresses a critical barrier to peritoneal dialysis (PD) adoption by reducing the risk of peritonitis. With only 12% of kidney failure patients currently choosing PD, the PeritoneX’s in-line disinfection system significantly reduces microbial contamination and integrates with existing setups, offering a safer, more accessible option for patients to receive treatment at home. Investors will find a compelling opportunity in Relavo Medical’s mission to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.

    Seneca Therapeutics is advancing cancer treatment with its oncolytic immunotherapy, SVV-001. This innovative approach targets solid tumors that express the TEM8 receptor, enhancing the immune response and offering hope for patients with drug-resistant cancers. Having demonstrated safety and potential efficacy in preclinical and clinical trials, Seneca Therapeutics is actively seeking funding to push its promising cancer therapy into later-stage trials.

    Iris Dynamics Ltd., based in Victoria, British Columbia, specializes in advanced motion control systems designed for applications ranging from aerospace to virtual reality simulation. Their Orca Series motors and IO SmartHub are transforming industrial automation with high-precision control and simplified integration. Investors interested in cutting-edge technology will find Iris Dynamics’ expansion plans to be an exciting opportunity in intelligent motion control.

    These companies, along with the other presenters, have comprehensive investment packages and are actively raising capital. Attendees at the Investor Capital Expo will have the chance to engage with these companies’ leadership teams, gaining deeper insights into their growth strategies and potential returns on investment.

    “We’re proud to present such a strong lineup of companies that are actively shaping the future of their industries,” said Howard Lubert, Regional President of Keiretsu Forum. “This Expo is a valuable chance for investors to collaborate with other seasoned professionals and explore opportunities backed by our extensive due diligence process.”

    Networking and Collaboration: The Key to Successful Investing

    In addition to company presentations, the Investor Capital Expo offers unparalleled networking opportunities for investors to connect with peers from across the angel investing and early-stage company landscape. Whether attending in person or virtually, participants will have the chance to build relationships and discover new investment opportunities.

    Event Details:

    Date: October 31, 2024, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT

    Location: Convene City View, 30 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA

    Registration: Accredited angel investors can register HERE

    Don’t miss this chance to engage with high-potential companies and collaborate with top investors. Join us in Philadelphia for a day of learning, networking, and discovery.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Cindi Sutera
    CindiS@AMSCommunications.net
    610-613-2773

    About Keiretsu Forum

    Keiretsu Forum is the world’s largest private equity angel investment network with 2000+ accredited investors in 35 North American and 23 International chapters, who have invested more than $1B in early-stage companies in the last 23 years.

    The Keiretsu Forum portfolio features Entrepreneurs and Companies from Technology-(Internet, Software, Cyber Security, SaaS, Mobile Systems, IoT, etc.), Life Sciences-(Pharma, Medical Devices, Health IT, etc.), FinServ/FinTech, Consumer Products, Clean-Green Energy, Consumer Products, & more!

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by Antonio Tajani, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy in his capacity as Chair of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly (23 September 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    1. Introduction

    In today’s meeting in New York, in the wake of the Summit of the Future, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law, humanitarian principles and international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and to protecting human rights and dignity for all individuals.

    They re-emphasized their determination to foster collective action in order to preserve peace and stability to address global challenges, such as the climate crisis and to advance the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    In doing so, the G7 members renewed their commitment to the promotion of free societies and democratic principles, where all persons can freely exercise their rights and freedoms.

    2. Summit for the Future

    In the spirit of the renewed determination to strengthen the multilateral system based on the UN Charter’s principles, as reflected in the Pact for the Future adopted at the Summit of the Future by world Leaders, the G7 members committed to continue working with countries and all relevant stakeholders within the UN system through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect in the pursuit of common solutions, with the aim of upholding and reforming the multilateral system so that it better reflects today’s world and is fit to respond to the complex global challenges of the future. They reaffirmed their commitment to work with all UN member states to strengthen the roles of the UNSG as well as the UNGA. They also recommitted to the reform of the UNSC.

    3. Steadfast Support to Ukraine

    The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support to Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, against Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression. The G7 members strongly condemned Russia’s blatant breach of international law, including the UN Charter, and of the basic principles that underpin the international order. They strongly condemned the serious violations of international humanitarian law perpetrated by Russia’s forces in Ukraine, which have caused a devastating impact on the civilian population. Violence against civilians, including women, children, and prisoners of war is unacceptable.

    They expressed their outrage at Russia’s repeated attacks against critical infrastructure and they condemned in the strongest possible terms any targeting of civilian buildings and even hospitals. Ensuring the protection and resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid and its power generation capacity remains a fundamental and urgent priority as winter approaches. They welcomed the international conference on energy security held on August 22. .as well as the ongoing coordination of the G7 energy group. They reiterated their commitment to help Ukraine meet its urgent short-term financing needs, as well as support its long-term recovery and reconstruction priorities.

    Russia must end its war of aggression and pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. The G7 members reiterated their commitment to explore and use all possible lawful avenues by which Russia is made to meet those obligations.

    The launch of the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine, as mandated by G7 leaders, will make available approximately USD 50 billion in additional funding to Ukraine that will be serviced and repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilization of Russian sovereign assets held in the European Union and other relevant jurisdictions.

    The G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative are working, together with Finance Ministers, to operationalize the G7 Leaders’ commitment by the end of the year. They will maintain solidarity in this commitment to providing this support to Ukraine. The G7 members confirmed that, consistent with all applicable laws and their respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets in their jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia ends its aggression and pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine.

    They also committed to strengthening the Ukraine Donor Platform to help coordinate the disbursal of funds and ensure they align with Ukraine’s highest priority needs at a pace it can effectively absorb. This will play a key role in advancing Ukraine’s reforms in line with its European path and in contributing to a successful Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Italy in 2025.

    Any use of nuclear weapons by Russia in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine would be inadmissible. They therefore condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia’s irresponsible and threatening nuclear rhetoric, as well as its posture of strategic intimidation. They also expressed their deepest concern about the reported use of chemical weapons as well as riot control agents as a method of warfare by Russia in Ukraine.

    The G7 members remained committed to holding those responsible accountable for atrocities in Ukraine, in line with international law. They also condemned the seizures of foreign companies and called on Russia to reverse these measures and seek acceptable solutions with the companies targeted by them.

    They condemned Russia’s seizure and continued control and militarization of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which poses severe risks for nuclear safety and security, potentially affecting the entire international community. They reiterated their support to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts directed at mitigating such risks.

    They underlined once again their support for Ukraine’s right of self-defense and reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, recalling the launch of the Ukraine Compact in Washington on 11 July 2024. They re-affirmed the intention to increasing industrial production and delivery capabilities to assist Ukraine’s self-defense. They highlighted their support to Ukraine in its efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its own defense industry. They expressed their resolve to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to save lives and protect critical infrastructure.

    They remained committed to raising the costs of Russia’s war of aggression by building on the comprehensive package of sanctions and economic measures already in place. Though existing measures have had a significant impact on Russia’s war machine and ability to fund its invasion, its military is still posing a threat not just to Ukraine but also to international security.

    The G7 members expressed the intention to continue taking appropriate measures, consistent with their legal systems, against actors in China and in third countries that materially support Russia’s war machine, including financial institutions, and other entities that facilitate Russia’s acquisition of items for its defense industrial base.

    They expressed their intention to continue to apply significant pressure on Russian revenues from energy and other commodities. This will include improving the efficacy of the oil price cap policy by taking further steps to tighten compliance and enforcement, including against Russia’s shadow fleet, while working to maintain market stability.

    They especially emphasized the urgency to support Ukraine’s energy security, including by coordinating international assistance through the G7+Ukraine Energy Coordination Group. They underscored the importance to continue working with the Ukrainian authorities and International Financial Institutions through the Ukraine Donor Platform, and by mobilizing private investments and fostering participation of civil society.

    They highlighted the reality of millions of internally displaced Ukrainians and the importance of an inclusive rights-based, gender-responsive recovery, including the reintegration of veterans and civilians with disabilities, and to address the needs of women, children as well as other population groups who have been disproportionately affected by Russia’s war of aggression. They reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children and welcomed coordinated efforts to secure their safe return. They called on Russia to release all persons it has unjustly detained and safely return all civilians it has illegally transferred or deported, starting with children. They welcomed the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10 point peace formula that will be hosted by Canada on October 30-31.

    They reiterated the need to support Ukraine’s agriculture sector, which is critical for global food supply, particularly for the most vulnerable nations, and called for unimpeded exports of grain, foodstuffs, fertilizers and inputs from Ukraine.

    They acknowledged the importance to involve the private sector in the sustainable economic recovery of Ukraine. They welcomed and underscored the significance of Ukraine itself continuing to implement domestic reform efforts, especially in the fields of anti-corruption, justice system reform, decentralization, and promotion of the rule of law. These endeavors are in line with the Euro-Atlantic path Ukraine has embraced. The G7 members were unanimous on the need to continue to support efforts of the Ukrainian government and people in these endeavors.

    They resolutely condemned Russia’s holding of illegitimate ‘elections’ in the occupied Ukrainian Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Russia’s actions once again demonstrate its blatant disregard for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, and the UN Charter. They called on all members of the international community to refrain from recognizing Russia’s illegitimate actions.

    They welcomed the Summit on Peace in Ukraine that took place in Switzerland on June 15-16 and its focus on the key priorities needed to achieve a framework for peace based on international law, including the UN Charter and its principles, and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They remained committed to follow up on the Conference through constructive engagement with all international partners to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

    The G7 members acknowledged that Russia continues to expand its campaigns of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). They condemned Russia’s use of FIMI to support its war of aggression against Ukraine. They reiterated their determination to bolster the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism by developing a collective response framework to counter foreign threats to democracies.

    4. Situation in the Middle East

    The G7 members reiterated their condemnation of Hamas’ horrendous attacks on October 7, 2023. 101 hostages are still in the hands of Hamas. They noted with deep concern the trend of escalatory violence in the Middle East and its repercussions on regional stability and on the lives of civilians shattered by this conflict, from the Gaza Strip to the Israeli-Lebanese Blue Line. Actions and counter-reactions risk magnifying this dangerous spiral of violence and dragging the entire Middle East into a broader regional conflict with unimaginable consequences. They called for a stop to the current destructive cycle, while emphasizing that no country stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.

    They expressed their deep concern about the situation along the Blue Line. They recognized the essential stabilizing role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon in mitigating that risk. They demanded the full implementation of UNSCR 1701 (2006) and urged that all relevant actors implement immediate measures towards de-escalation.

    The G7 members reaffirmed their strong support for the ongoing mediation efforts undertaken by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to reach a resolution between the parties to the conflict in Gaza. They reiterated their full commitment for the implementation of the UNSC Resolution 2735 (2024) and the comprehensive deal outlined by President Biden in May that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, to secure a pathway to a two-state solution with a safe Israel alongside a sovereign Palestinian state. They urged the parties to the conflict to unequivocally accept the ceasefire proposal, stressing the need for countries in a position to directly influence the parties to cooperate in strengthening mediation efforts. They called for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions.

    They called on all parties to fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. They expressed their deep alarm for the heavy toll this conflict has taken on civilians, deploring all losses of civilian lives equally and noting with great concern that, after nearly a year of hostilities and regional instability, it is mostly civilians, including women and children, who are paying the highest price. Protection of civilians must be an absolute priority for all parties at all times.

    The G7 members expressed concern at the unprecedented level of food insecurity affecting most of the population in the Gaza Strip. Securing full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access in all its forms and through all relevant crossing points remains an absolute priority. They urged all parties to allow the unimpeded delivery of aid and ensure protection of humanitarian workers by properly implementing de-confliction measures. They recognized the crucial role played by UN agencies and other humanitarian actors in delivering assistance especially health care for the most vulnerable persons, including the polio vaccination campaign. They expressed their support for UNRWA to effectively uphold its mandate, emphasizing the vital role that the UN Agency plays.

    The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering commitment, through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process, to the vision of a two-state solution where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and in this regard stress the importance of unifying the Gaza strip with the West Bank under Palestinian Authority. We note that mutual recognition, to include the recognition of a Palestinian state, at the appropriate time, would be a crucial component of that political process. They expressed their concern about the risk of weakening the Palestinian Authority and underlined the importance of maintaining economic stability in the West Bank. They welcomed the EU’s 400 million Euro emergency package for the Palestinian Authority. All parties must refrain from unilateral actions and from divisive statements that may undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, including the Israeli expansion of settlements and the “legalization” of settlement outposts. They condemned the rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians, which undermines security and stability in the West Bank and threatens prospects for a lasting peace. They expressed their deep concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank.

    They reiterated their commitment to working together – and with other international partners – to closely coordinate and institutionalize their support for civil society peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that they are part of a larger strategy to build the foundation necessary for a negotiated and lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace. The G7 members called on Iran to contribute to de-escalation of tensions in the region. They demanded that Iran cease its destabilizing actions in the Middle East. They underlined that they stand ready to adopt further sanctions or take other measures in response to further destabilizing initiatives.

    They reiterated their determination that Iran must never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon and that the G7 will continue working together, and with other international partners, to address Iran’s nuclear escalation. A diplomatic solution remains the best way to resolve this issue. As the IAEA remains unable to verify that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, they urged Iran’s leadership to cease and reverse nuclear activities that have no credible civilian justification and to cooperate with the IAEA without further delay to fully implement their legally binding safeguards agreement and their commitments under UNSCR 2231(2015).

    They condemned in the strongest possible terms Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. Evidence that Iran has continued to transfer weaponry to Russia despite repeated international calls to stop represents a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has used Iranian weaponry such as UAVs to kill Ukrainian civilians and strike their critical infrastructure.

    They reiterated that Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine and halt such transfers of ballistic missiles, UAVs and related technology, which constitute a direct threat to the Ukrainian people as well as European and international security more broadly.

    They reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to hold Iran to account for its unacceptable support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine that further undermines global security. In line with their previous statements on the matter, they underscored that they are already responding with new and significant measures.

    They also reiterated their deep concern about Iran’s human rights violations, especially against women and minority groups. They reiterated their call on Iran to allow access to the country to relevant UN Human Rights Council Special Procedures mandate holders.

    De-escalation efforts in the region must also include the immediate and unconditional termination of any attack by the Houthis against international and commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. The G7 members reiterated their strong condemnation of these attacks and the right of countries to defend their vessels from attacks. They called for the immediate release by the Houthis of the Galaxy Leader and its crew. They expressed their strong concern about the August 21 attack on the merchant vessel Sounion and the ongoing risk of an environmental catastrophe as salvage operations continue. They welcomed the efforts by the EU maritime operation Aspides and by the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect vital sea lanes. They appreciated the efforts of those countries that are committed to protect freedom of navigation and trade, as well as maritime security, in line with UNSCR 2722 (2024) and in accordance with international law.

    5. Fostering partnerships with African Countries

    The G7 members reaffirmed their commitment to support African nations in the pursuit of sustainable development as well as the creation of jobs and growth. The focus remains on fostering fair partnerships, built on shared principles, democratic values, local leadership, and practical initiatives.

    They reiterated their intention to align actions with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the specific needs of African countries, including plans to improve local and regional food security, infrastructure, trade, and agricultural productivity. They expressed their support for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, a crucial factor for Africa’s growth in the next decade.

    The G7 members emphasized the need to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with African countries and regional organizations. In addition to maintaining financial support for African nations, they expressed their determination to improve the coordination and effectiveness of G7 resources, mobilizing domestic resources and encouraging increased private investments.

    They welcomed the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, and the creation of an additional Chair for Sub-Saharan Africa on the IMF Executive Board in November.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to the G20 Compact with Africa, a tool aimed at enhancing private investment, driving structural reforms, supporting local entrepreneurship, and fostering cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. The G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), and initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway can contribute to promote sustainable, resilient, and economically viable infrastructure in Africa, ensuring transparency in project selection, procurement, and financing. In this framework, they welcomed Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

    They recognized that sustainable development, peace and security and democracy go hand in hand, reaffirming their commitment to help African governments in strengthening democratic governance and respect for human rights, while addressing conditions conducive to terrorism, violent extremism, and instability.

    They expressed their deep concern about the destabilizing activities of the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group and other Russia-supported entities. They called for accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.

    6. Indo-Pacific

    The G7 members reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, which is inclusive, prosperous and secure, grounded on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights. They reaffirmed the importance of working together with regional partners and organizations, notably the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They reaffirmed their thorough support for ASEAN centrality and unity. They reaffirmed their intention to work to support Pacific Island Countries’ priorities, as articulated through the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

    As they seek constructive and stable relations with China, they recognized the importance of direct and candid engagement to express concerns and manage differences. They reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate with China to address global challenges. They expressed their deep concern at the China’s support to Russia. They called on China to step up efforts to promote international peace and security, and to press Russia to stop its military aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine. They encouraged China to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on territorial integrity and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including through its direct dialogue with Ukraine. They also expressed their deep concern at China’s ongoing support for Russia’s defense industrial base, which is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine and has significant and broad-based security implications. They called on China to cease the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, that are inputs for Russia’s defense sector.

    They recognized the importance of China in global trade. However, they expressed their concerns about China’s persistent industrial targeting and comprehensive non-market policies and practices that are leading to global spillovers, market distortions and harmful overcapacity in a growing range of sectors, undermining our workers, industries and economic resilience and security, as well as impacting on currencies. The G7 members are not decoupling or turning inwards. They are de-risking and diversifying supply chains where necessary and appropriate and fostering resilience to economic coercion. They called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures, particularly on critical minerals, that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. Together with partners, the G7 members will invest in building their respective industrial capacities, promote diversified and resilient supply chains, and reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities.

    They remained seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. They reaffirmed that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and they reiterated their opposition to China’s militarization and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea. They re-emphasized the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reaffirmed UNCLOS’s important role in setting out the legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and the seas. They reiterated that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016 is a significant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. They reiterated their strong opposition to China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ high seas freedom of navigation. They expressed deep concern about the dangerous and obstructive maneuvers, including water cannons and ramming, by the China Coast Guard and maritime militia against Philippines vessels.

    The G7 members reaffirmed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity, and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. There is no change in the basic position of the G7 members on Taiwan, including stated One-China policies. They supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is.

    They remained concerned by the human rights situation in China, including in Xinjiang and Tibet. They are also worried about the crackdown on Hong Kong’s autonomy and independent institutions, and ongoing erosion of rights and freedoms. They urged China and the Hong Kong authorities to act in accordance with their international commitments and applicable legal obligations.

    The G7 members strongly condemned North Korea’s continuing expansion of its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of multiple UNSC resolutions and its continuous destabilizing activities. They reiterated their call for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and demanded that North Korea abandons all its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other WMD and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, in accordance with all relevant UNSC resolutions. They called on North Korea to return to dialogue to promote peace and stability in the Korean peninsula. They urged all UN Member States to fully implement all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They reiterated their deep disappointment with Russia’s veto last March on the mandate renewal of the UNSC 1718 Committee Panel of Experts.

    They condemned in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including North Korea’s export and Russia’s procurement of North Korean ballistic missiles and munitions in direct violation of relevant UNSCRs, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles and munitions against Ukraine. They are also deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear or ballistic missiles-related technology to North Korea, in violation of the relevant UNSCRs. They urged Russia and North Korea to immediately cease all such activities and abide by relevant UNSCRs. They urged North Korea to respect human rights, facilitate access for international humanitarian organizations, and resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    They called on China not to conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions, and to act in strict accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

    7. Regional Issues

    Venezuela

    The G7 members reiterated their deep concern about the situation in Venezuela, following the vote on July 28.

    They emphasized that the announced victory of Maduro lacks credibility and democratic legitimacy, as indicated by reports of the UN Panel of Experts and independent international observers as well as data published by the opposition. They underscored that it is essential for electoral results to be complete and independently verified to ensure respect for the will of the Venezuelan people.

    They expressed their outrage for the arrest warrant and constant threats to the security of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who decided to seek refuge in Spain. According to the above-mentioned independent reports, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia appears to have won the most votes.

    They urged Venezuelan representatives to cease all human rights violations and abuses, arbitrary detentions and widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms, particularly affecting the political opposition, human rights defenders, and representatives of independent media and civil society. They called for the release of all political prisoners and for a path to freedom and democracy for the people of Venezuela.

    They urged the international community to keep Venezuela high on the diplomatic agenda and they expressed their support for efforts by regional partners to facilitate the Venezuelan-led democratic and peaceful transition that the people of Venezuela have clearly chosen in the polls.

    Haiti

    The G7 members expressed their determination to continue supporting Haitian institutions – including the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and the Government of Prime Minister Conille – in their commitment to create the necessary conditions of general security and stability for the convening, by February 2026, of free and fair elections. The expression of popular will would set the foundation for the full restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Haiti.

    They also expressed full support to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which is providing critical support to the Haitian National Police as they counter criminal gangs engaged in illicit trafficking and inflicting brutal violence upon the population.

    The G7 members emphasized the importance of continued support to the MSS mission through financial contributions to the UN Trust Fund as well as contributions in kind. They expressed their strong appreciation for the commitment of the Government of Kenya – which has already deployed 380 personnel on the ground – to support the Haitian National Police in restoring peace and security.

    They called on all countries that have committed to deploy their contingents to the MSS mission to do so as soon as possible, to consolidate the mission and its fundamental role in the Country. They called on Haiti’s partners to continue their humanitarian assistance to the Haitian people and to expedite their financial and in-kind contributions to the MSS mission to help ensure that the mission is resourced for success.

    They called also on the United Nations Security Council to consider a UN Peace Operation to maintain the security gains of the Haiti National Police and the MSS mission for holding free and fair elections and called on the Secretary-General accordingly to provide support.

    The G7 members welcomed the work of the G7 Working Group on Haiti in monitoring institutional, political, social and security developments in Haiti, with a view to supporting the stabilization of the country and the restoration of full democratic governance.

    Libya

    The G7 members reiterated their unwavering commitment to Libyan stability, sovereignty, independence and unity. They expressed deep concern about recent developments in the country, in particular those involving the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya and the High Council of State, which show the fragility and unsustainability of the present status quo. They urged relevant Libyan parties to rapidly reach the necessary compromises to begin to restore the institutional integrity of the Central Bank of Libya and its standing with the international financial community. They called on Libyan political actors to refrain from taking harmful unilateral actions that create further political tension and fragmentation and make the country vulnerable to harmful foreign interference.

    They noted advances made in the organization of local elections and they called for a free, fair and inclusive participation of all Libyans. It is now imperative to relaunch a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process facilitated by the UN towards free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections.

    They expressed their support and commended the efforts made by UNSMIL officer in charge Stephanie Koury in support of the stabilization of Libya. They called on the Secretary General to appoint a new Special Representative without delay.

    Sudan

    The G7 members reiterated their grave concern over the ongoing fighting, mass-displacement and famine in Sudan.

    They condemned the serious human rights violations and abuses against the civilian population, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence, as well as international humanitarian law violations by both sides to the conflict. They called for an immediate end to the escalating violence, which is creating further displacement, and urged the warring parties to ensure the protection of civilians. They reiterated their commitment to holding accountable all those responsible for violations of international law in Sudan.

    They condemned the emergence of famine in Sudan as a direct consequence of efforts to restrict access of humanitarian actors. They noted recent progress in relation to the re-opening of the Chad-Sudan Adre border crossing, in the wake of the Paris Conference and of the Geneva talks. They called for full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access both into Sudan and across lines of conflict so aid can reach all those in need.

    They urged all parties to cease hostilities immediately and to engage in serious negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire, humanitarian access and protection of civilians without pre-conditions.

    They called on external actors to refrain from fueling the conflict, to respect the UN arms embargo on Darfur, and to play a responsible role in resolving the crisis.

    They welcomed mediation efforts by regional and international actors and organizations to facilitate a durable peace for the country.

    Inclusive, national dialogue, aimed at restoring democracy, re-establishing and strengthening the civilian and representative institutions after the end of the conflict, is a prerequisite for lasting peace. The G7 Members emphasized that it is necessary for representatives of Sudanese civil society, including women, to be fully engaged in the reflection on the political future of the country.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Celebration of Creative Industries”: Telling Stories 2024 Festival Held at HSE

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    It was dedicated to the 10th anniversary Faculty of Creative Industries HSE University. September 20 at the venues Center of Cultures Lectures, master classes, discussions, screenings of works and other activities were held at the HSE. Students, teachers and other faculty members, artists and media business leaders, as well as future applicants took part in them.

    The first Telling Stories festival took place in 2018 and since then it has usually been held for 1-3 days at the end of May. This time the dates have been changed, as it became part of the FCI anniversary program.

    “Telling Stories “This is a celebration of the creative industries of the Higher School of Economics,” says the deputy dean of the FCI, director Institute for the Development of Creative Industries HSE Tatyana Rivchun. – It is a large program consisting of lectures, seminars, round tables, master classes, demonstrations of students’ work and much more. The best and completed works are selected, which are worth showing to a wide audience, including our future applicants.”

    All departments of the faculty demonstrate their achievements: Institute of Media, School of Design, School of Communications, Institute of Cinema and the Institute for the Development of Creative Industries. So the festival becomes a platform for interaction between students and teachers of various educational programs.

    “Here we have the opportunity to discuss issues that go beyond the interests of a particular school or institute,” explains Arseniy Meshcheryakov, head of the School of Design. “Creative industries are an interdisciplinary concept, so designers should communicate with advertisers, media people with filmmakers, and so on. The festival helps establish horizontal connections and the emergence of joint projects.”

    “I was delighted”

    Every year, the festival welcomes stars of the creative industries.

    This time, writer and screenwriter Alexander Tsypkin was among them. He held a screening and discussion of two of his short films, one of which, “Farewell, Beloved!”, was awarded the Russian Guild of Film Scholars and Film Critics prize at Kinotavr “For an original solution to the traditional theme of separation in the spirit of modern times.”

    “I really enjoyed interacting with the students. Not only did they ask great questions, but they also offered me creative ideas,” he said. “One young man reimagined the ending of the film ‘Farewell, Love!’ and I think his version is cooler than mine. I was amazed.”

    The discussion “From Cannes Lions Winners to Russian Masterpieces,” dedicated to storytelling techniques in advertising videos, was moderated by Vladimir Evstafiev, a professor at the HSE School of Communications and a legend in the Russian advertising industry.

    “I like the HSE auditorium, and as a teacher I consider it one of the most interesting for communication,” said Vladimir Evstafyev. “Advanced and interested students study here, who want to know, think and understand meanings. All the questions were to the point, and not a single person left the room.”

    Together with the master, Guzella Nikolaishvili, president of the LIME social advertising and communications festival, also held at the FKI, took part in the conversation with the students. “We showed a brilliant work – a social video that won one of the seasons. The viewers were able to see that social advertising is a special art,” added Vladimir Evstafiev, head of the LIME jury.

    “A Surge of Creativity”

    The lecture by Igor Kirikchi, a well-known media manager and CEO of the advertising and communications group BBDO Moscow, was devoted to creativity in advertising. He gave a definition according to which creativity is, among other things, a person’s ability to deviate from standard rules, ideas and templates, and put forward the thesis that creativity determines the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

    “The modern history of Russian advertising began in 1989 and in the 1990s it was marked by a surge of creativity,” said Igor Kirikchi. “It may seem strange to you, but even a fan factory was among the advertisers. Financial pyramids were advertised – “MMM”, “Khoper-Invest”, as well as the bank “Imperial”, vodka “White Eagle”, Herschi Cola and much more. This advertising was remembered by people who lived in those times, because it was original, sometimes a little primitive, sometimes naive, but quite interesting.”

    The lobby of the Center of Culture hosted the All-Russian creative competition “Advertising Designer,” which is held annually by the School of Communications at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    “In the tenth grade, I took part in the first ever “Advertising Designer” competition, not suspecting that it would help me at the start and when choosing a profession,” shared Arina Torubarova, a student at the Faculty of Culture and Information Technologies. “I was very interested in the topic of museums, and I made a video about the favorite museums of my peers. In it, I showed that culture and museum work are not boring, that this is a real cultural field where there is room for creativity and a modern approach. I took a camera from my father, edited the video and won. Now I am studying at the Higher School of Economics.”

    Film about the temple

    One of the key events of the festival was the screening of the documentary film “Remember What You Want to Forget”, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the tragedy in Beslan. The authors focused on the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, located next to School No. 1. The heroes of the film were school teachers, former hostages, parents who lost their children, and icon painters.

    Before the screening, the authors of the film, 4th-year students of the educational program “Journalism» HSE Institute of Media Arina Korosteleva and Maxim Selivanov — told about the history of its creation and promotion. They especially noted the role of the senior lecturer of the Institute of Media Alexander Dyukov, who took over the leadership of this project. On September 1, 2024, the premiere of the film took place on the Spas TV channel.

    The students emphasized that the work on the film was completed with the support of the FKI – with a grant from the HSE this summer they went on a second trip to Beslan, which made it possible to make the film long and multifaceted. “If you want to realize your idea and you need advice on how to fill out an application for a grant, contact us, we will be happy to explain everything,” Arina Korosteleva told the meeting participants.

    After the premiere, it was possible to speed up the collection of funds to complete the construction and painting of the temple. You can find out more about how the students worked on the film Here.

    Chekhov and Shakespeare

    The festival program also included screenings of feature films shot by students of the HSE Film Institute. There was also a screening of the play “The Seagull”, prepared last year by second-year students. The director was the academic director of the educational program “Actor» Igor Sharoiko.

    The play’s protagonist is a young director, Kostya Treplev. In order to understand his fate, he decides to stage a play through the prism of his memories and finds similarities between his life and Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”. In particular, he finds out that his family’s quiet life has ceased to be so because of his father.

    The genre of the play is a combination of physical theatre, when the actors’ movements dominate the text, and modern drama. True connoisseurs recognized not only Chekhov and Shakespeare, but also contemporary figures of theatrical art in the lines heard from the stage.

    Actor Sergey Bolgar, a student at the Institute of Cinema, told how the work on the play went. “Each student brought a sketch, paired or single. Based on them, we put together a physical theater play. Each movement has its own subtext,” he explained.

    “For us, performing at the festival with the play “The Seagull” is a happy opportunity to show what we do,” says Igor Sharoiko. “In addition, this is a popularization of physical theater, which exists in Russia, but is rarely talked about. Young artists enter the territory of an expressive language, which requires words to a lesser extent, and to a greater extent – their psychophysical expression, as well as plastic skills.”

    “Camera, action!”

    The festival program also featured student works in the short film and animation genres.

    The School of Design showed the audience a selection of animated films that combined minimalist motion design and animation created using traditional, hand-made materials. Nikolai Kovalenko, a graduate of Ivan Tverdovsky’s workshop at the School of Design, presented the film “Lelera” to the guests. This work was awarded the Grand Prix of the 31st Open Festival of Student and Debut Films “Saint Anne”. Alexandra Persheeva, academic director of the educational program “Contemporary art“.

    Students of the Institute for the Development of Creative Industries Danil Popov and Alena Semirikova recorded a special episode of the program “Perspective” with the guests of the festival. “This is a podcast from students for students, in which we, together with experts, discuss what creative industries are,” they explained.

    AI and designers

    The authors of the Telling Stories 2024 program could not leave aside the topic of artificial intelligence. It was the subject of a discussion organized by the School of Design. The participants — famous artists and designers — were asked to answer the question of how the paradigm of their work is changing in the era of AI.

    According to digital artist Andrey Maksimov, there are very few players left in the design industry who do not use neural networks. “Everyone chooses what a neural network will be for them – an assistant in some work or a powerful tool for implementing visual ideas. This, of course, makes work easier and helps in self-expression,” he explained.

    Arseniy Meshcheryakov stated that the use of AI will lead to increased competition in the field of art and design.

    “Previously, you could say: “I learned to draw a plaster head in art school, look what a master I am,” but today it is nonsense. You need to create a comprehensive project that for some reason will be in demand by your audience, consumer, customer. And this clashes with what is happening in education in the era of ChatGPT, when there is no point in exams based on tickets, and students need to develop their horizons, system of views, and the ability to implement projects,” says the head of the School of Design.

    What’s next?

    As Tatyana Rivchun noted, other events dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the FCI are also being held under the Telling Stories festival brand this year. In particular, the School of Design and the School of Communications are planning to organize them in the coming months.

    “Our faculty is a whole universe of creativity, full of stars. Each of them is constantly growing and shining brighter. Every year new stars appear. Due to this, our FCI universe is expanding. We hope that it will give birth to other galaxies and dimensions in the field of creative industries, and our festival will involve new participants from all over the world in its orbit,” added Tatyana Rivchun.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/life/966313170.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Management Limited Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    • Reported quarterly adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.37
    • Total assets under management and fee-earning assets of $49.7 billion
    • Declared quarterly dividend per share of 11.5 cents

    AGF Management Limited (AGF or the Company) (TSX: AGF.B) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended August 31, 2024.

    AGF reported total assets under management and fee-earning assets1 of $49.7 billion compared to $47.8 billion as at May 31, 2024 and $42.3 billion as at August 31, 2023.

    “Amid an uncertain economic backdrop and significant market volatility, we are pleased to see early signs of improvement with positive retail net flows complementing our solid investment performance,” said Kevin McCreadie, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, AGF. “This improvement can be attributed to our long-term strategic plan which diversifies our business across asset classes and client channels ensuring we thrive through changing market cycles.”

    AGF’s mutual fund gross sales were $1,012 million for the quarter compared to $934 million in the previous quarter and $633 million in the prior year quarter. Mutual fund net sales were $14 million compared to net redemptions of $112 million in the previous quarter and net redemptions of $151 million in the prior year quarter.

    “Given the current market environment and industry trends, we are pleased with the trajectory of our sales strategy,” said Judy Goldring, President and Head of Global Distribution, AGF. “Heading into the final months of 2024, we remain focused on diversifying our capabilities and offerings through a vehicle agnostic approach that meets the evolving needs of our clients.”

    _________________
    1 Fee-earning assets represents assets in which AGF has carried interest ownership and earns recurring fees but does not have ownership interest in the managers

    Key Business and Financial Highlights:

    • AGF International Advisors Company Limited, a subsidiary of AGF, was once again accepted as a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, a best-practice benchmark in investment stewardship.
    • AGF Management Limited partnered with Archer Holdco, LLC – a leading technology-enabled service provider to the investment management industry – to help further grow its Separately Managed Accounts (SMA) model business through additional product offerings and investment strategies.
    • AGF SAF Private Credit LP was named a Top Contender for a 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Award Fund.
    • Adjusted EBITDA2 for the three months ended August 31, 2024, was $40.2 million, compared to $37.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $33.7 million in the prior year comparative period.
    • Net management, advisory and administration fees2 were $78.7 million for the three months ended August 31, 2024, compared to $81.2 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $73.8 million for the comparative prior year period.
    • Adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners for the three months ended August 31, 2024, was $18.5 million, compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $7.3 million for the comparative prior year period. The increase quarter over quarter and year over year were driven by higher fair value adjustments and distribution income and the consolidation of a full quarter of KCPL financial results. Revenue from AGF Capital Partners can be variable quarter to quarter and can be impacted by fair value adjustments, timing of monetizations and cash distributions as well as performance fees and carried interest.
    • Adjusted selling, general and administrative costs2 were $59.6 million for the three months ended August 31, 2024, compared to $60.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $50.3 million for the comparative prior year period.
    • Adjusted net income attributable to equity owners was $24.5 million ($0.37 adjusted diluted EPS) for the three months ended August 31, 2024, compared to $23.6 million ($0.35 adjusted diluted EPS) for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and $22.9 million ($0.34 adjusted diluted EPS) for the comparative prior year period.
        Three months ended Nine months ended
          August 31,     May 31,     August 31,     August 31,     August 31,  
      (in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
                           
      Revenues                    
      Management, advisory and administration fees $ 114.4   $ 116.4   $ 107.4   $ 339.4   $ 324.0  
      Trailing commissions and investment advisory fees   (35.7 )   (35.2 )   (33.6 )   (104.6 )   (101.5 )
      Net management, advisory and administration fees2 $ 78.7   $ 81.2   $ 73.8   $ 234.8   $ 222.5  
      Deferred sales charges   1.4     1.9     1.8     5.3     5.7  
      Adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners2   18.5     12.0     7.3     54.7     29.4  
      Other revenue2   1.2     1.9     1.1     5.1     2.4  
      Total adjusted net revenue2   99.8     97.0     84.0     299.9     260.0  
                           
      Selling, general and administrative   66.3     68.2     50.2     192.3     156.2  
      Adjusted selling, general and administrative2   59.6     60.0     50.3     173.1     155.0  
                           
      EBITDA2   33.0     26.6     33.8     104.8     103.8  
      Adjusted EBITDA2   40.2     37.0     33.7     126.8     105.0  
                           
      Net income – equity owners of the Company   20.3     18.1     23.0     68.9     70.9  
      Adjusted net income – equity owners of the Company   24.5     23.6     22.9     81.8     71.9  
                           
      Diluted earnings per share   0.30     0.27     0.34     1.03     1.05  
                           
      Adjusted diluted earnings per share   0.37     0.35     0.34     1.23     1.07  
                           
      Free cash flow2   29.1     23.7     22.9     73.9     62.8  
                           
      Dividends per share   0.115     0.115     0.110     0.340     0.320  
      (end of period) Three months ended
          Aug. 31,     May 31,     Feb. 28,     Nov. 30,     Aug. 31,  
      (in millions of Canadian dollars)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
                             
      Mutual fund assets under management (AUM)3 $ 28,104   $ 26,961   $ 26,186   $ 24,459   $ 24,377  
      ETFs and SMA AUM   2,128     1,800     1,676     1,465     1,332  
      Segregated accounts and sub-advisory AUM   6,430     6,313     7,162     6,774     7,058  
      Total AGF Investments AUM   36,662     35,074     35,024     32,698     32,767  
      AGF Private Wealth AUM   8,186     8,026     7,836     7,341     7,360  
      AGF Capital Partners AUM   2,774     2,663     48     46     42  
      Total AUM $ 47,622   $ 45,763   $ 42,908   $ 40,085   $ 40,169  
      AGF Capital Partners fee-earning assets4   2,080     2,081     2,104     2,095     2,090  
      Total AUM and fee-earning assets4 $ 49,702   $ 47,844   $ 45,012   $ 42,180   $ 42,259  
                             
      Net mutual fund sales (redemptions)3   14     (112 )   (125 )   (224 )   (151 )
      Average daily mutual fund AUM3   27,542     26,604     25,197     23,840     24,168  

    2 Net management, advisory and administration fees, adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners, total net revenue, adjusted selling, general and administrative, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow are not standardized measures prescribed by IFRS. The Company utilizes non-IFRS measures to assess our overall performance and facilitate a comparison of quarterly and full-year results from period to period. They allow us to assess our investment management business without the impact of non-operational items. These non-IFRS measures may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other companies. These non-IFRS measures and reconciliations to IFRS, where necessary, are included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis available at www.agf.com.
    3 Mutual fund AUM includes retail AUM and institutional client AUM invested in customized series offered within mutual funds.
    4 Fee-earning assets represents assets in which AGF has carried interest ownership and earns recurring fees but does not have ownership interest in the managers.

    For further information and detailed financial statements for the third quarter ended August 31, 2024, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which contains discussions of non-IFRS measures, please refer to AGF’s website at www.agf.com under ‘About AGF’ and ‘Investor Relations’ and at www.sedarplus.com.

    Conference Call

    AGF will host a conference call to review its earnings results today at 11 a.m. ET.

    The live audio webcast with supporting materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of AGF’s website at www.agf.com or at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/fwjgan3c/. Alternatively, the call can be accessed over the phone by registering here or in the Investor Relations section of AGF’s website at www.agf.com, to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN.

    A complete archive of this discussion along with supporting materials will be available at the same webcast address within 24 hours of the end of the conference call.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $50 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 800,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    AGF Management Limited shareholders, analysts and media, please contact:

    Ken Tsang
    Chief Financial Officer
    416-865-4338, InvestorRelations@agf.com

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements about the Company, including its business operations, strategy and expected financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as ‘expects,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘intends,’ ‘plans,’ ‘believes’ or negative versions thereof and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘should,’ ‘would’ and ‘could.’ In addition, any statement that may be made concerning future financial performance (including income, revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, fund performance, and possible future action on our part, is also a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on certain factors and assumptions, including expected growth, results of operations, business prospects, business performance and opportunities. While we consider these factors and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions about our operations, economic factors and the financial services industry generally. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by us due to, but not limited to, important risk factors such as level of assets under our management, volume of sales and redemptions of our investment products, performance of our investment funds and of our investment managers and advisors, client-driven asset allocation decisions, pipeline, competitive fee levels for investment management products and administration, and competitive dealer compensation levels and cost efficiency in our investment management operations, as well as general economic, political and market factors in North America and internationally, interest and foreign exchange rates, global equity and capital markets, business competition, taxation, changes in government regulations, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings, technological changes, cybersecurity, the possible effects of war or terrorist activities, outbreaks of disease or illness that affect local, national or international economies, natural disasters and disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power or water supply or other catastrophic events, and our ability to complete strategic transactions and integrate acquisitions, and attract and retain key personnel. We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than specifically required by applicable laws, we are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors that may impact actual results, please refer to the ‘Risk Factors and Management of Risk’ section of the 2023 Annual MD&A.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Management Limited Declares Third Quarter 2024 Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On September 24, 2024, the Board of Directors of AGF Management Limited (TSX:AGF.B) declared a dividend of 11.5 cents per share on both the Class B Non-Voting shares and the Class A Voting common shares of the company. This dividend will be payable on October 17, 2024 to shareholders of record on October 10, 2024.

    ABOUT AGF MANAGEMENT LIMITED

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $50 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 800,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    AGF Management Limited shareholders, analysts and media, please contact:

    Ken Tsang
    Chief Financial Officer
    416-865-4338, InvestorRelations@agf.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Final September 2024 Distribution Rate for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. announced today the final September 2024 distribution rates for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund.

    Due to the recent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, the distribution levels for our US cash funds have been proportionately reduced to align with this adjustment.

    The following table reflects the final distribution amounts for the month of September. Ex-distribution date is September 26, 2024.

    Open-End Fund Ticker Symbol Final distribution per unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.4091 09/26/2024 10/02/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $ 0.3587 09/26/2024 10/02/2024 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $ 0.1670 09/26/2024 10/02/2024 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.4052 09/26/2024 10/02/2024 Monthly


    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $20 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hampton Financial Corporation Announces the Appointment of New CEO of its Oxygen Working Capital Subsidiary

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hampton Financial Corporation (“Hampton” or the “Company”, TSXV:HFC) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Levac, as CEO of Oxygen Working Capital Corp. (“Oxygen”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hampton.

    “As we continue to develop and expand the scale of our newly acquired factoring business, Oxygen Working Capital Corp., we are delighted to welcome John Levac as CEO of Oxygen. John brings decades of experience in asset-backed and securitized lending to the company, having worked previously with major players in this space such as Wells Fargo & RBC. He also brings along numerous industry, lender and borrower relationships and we are pleased to have him join the team,” said Hampton Executive Chairman & CEO, Peter Deeb.

    “I am delighted to announce my appointment as CEO of Oxygen Working Capital, joining their Toronto based team. Oxygen consists of a highly diversified team of financial experts. As their growth potential across North America as an established and growing alternative lender is very exciting, the future looks bright. Under this new role, I look forward to connecting with many of my industry colleagues and developing new relationships with those whom I have not had the privilege of meeting yet, to enhance Oxygen’s capabilities and further diversify their relationship base,” stated John Levac.

    Hampton acquired Oxygen in early 2024 and has worked to integrate Oxygen’s factoring business into the Hampton platform while expanding Oxygen’s lending portfolio.

    About Oxygen Working Capital

    Oxygen, founded in 2017, is a specialized Canadian based lender focused on the commercial factoring business with clients across Canada, and with prospects for expanded reach and continued growth across broader North America. Oxygen provides entrepreneurs with short term financing solutions via immediate upfront capital by factoring their invoices and receivables, allowing businesses to meet their immediate working capital needs. Acquired in 2024, Oxygen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hampton.

    About Hampton Financial Corporation

    Hampton is a unique private equity firm that seeks to build shareholder value through long-term strategic investments. In addition to Oxygen, through its Investment Dealer subsidiary, Hampton Securities Limited (“HSL”), Hampton is actively engaged in family office, wealth management, institutional services and capital markets activities. HSL is a full-service investment dealer, regulated by CIRO (Formally IIROC) and registered in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, and Quebec. In addition, the Company provides investment banking services, which include assisting companies with raising capital, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and aiding issuers in obtaining a listing on recognized securities exchanges in Canada and abroad. The Company is also exploring opportunities to diversify its sources of revenue by way of strategic investments and acquisitions in both complimentary business and non-core sectors that can leverage the expertise of its Board and the diverse experience of its management team.

    For more information, please contact:

    Olga Juravlev
    Chief Financial Officer
    Hampton Financial Corporation
    (416) 862-8701

    Or

    Peter M. Deeb
    Executive Chairman & CEO
    Hampton Financial Corporation
    (416) 862-8651

    The TSXV has in no way approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction outside of Canada. The securities being offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to a U.S. person absent registration or pursuant to an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no public offering of securities in the United States.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements“) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which may include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding or inferring the future business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “should”, “hopeful”, “recovery”, “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements herein. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results may vary, and vary materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements herein. Accordingly, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements herein and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. Announces Definitive Agreement to Merge with YD Biopharma Limited

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    YD Biopharma is a Clinical-Stage Biopharmaceutical Company Focusing on Cancer Prevention Diagnostics and Seeking to Transform the Treatment of a Wide Spectrum of Diseases

    Pro Forma for the Transaction, Combined Company is Expected to Have an Estimated Enterprise Value of Nearly $700 Million

    The Proposed Merger is Expected to Close by Early 2025; After Closing, the Combined Company is Expected to be Listed on Nasdaq Capital Market

    YD Biopharma has Recently Obtained Patents, Technology, and U.S. Authorization for Core Methylation Detection of Pancreatic Cancer, Along with Entering into an Agreement to Acquire Licenses for Breast Cancer Detection Upon the Closing of the Merger

    IRVING, Texas, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. (OTCQX: BRZH, BRZHR, BRZHW) (“Breeze” or the “Company”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with YD Biopharma Limited (“YD Biopharma”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on cancer prevention medical diagnostics and the development of exosome-based therapeutics with the potential to transform the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need. Following the closing, the combined company is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

    Using Technology to Detect Health Problems Early On
    YD Biopharma specializes in the biopharmaceutical business and serves as a supplier of drugs and medical materials for clinical trials. In 2015, YD Biopharma was appointed as a clinical testing drug supplier by Novartis and has since expanded its offerings to include development and supply of ancillary products post-launch. YD Biopharma’s mission is to create a cancer-free world through advancements in biotechnology.

    More recently, YD Biopharma obtained patent and technology authorization from 3D Global Biotech Inc. (“3D Biotech”) to pioneer the application of corneal mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes for treating eye diseases. YD Biopharma has introduced new advanced drugs and treatments for conditions such as dry eye disease, glaucoma, and corneal repair. YD Biopharma aims to optimize the treatment market for eye diseases by distribution through pharmacies, optometrists, and other channels.

    Earlier this year, YD Biopharma obtained patents, technology and U.S. market authorization from EG Biomed Taiwan for core methylation detection of pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. This partnership has led to the establishment of an independent laboratory in the U.S. dedicated to pancreatic cancer early detection and monitoring technology that marks a significant expansion of YD Biopharma’s research and development capabilities to collaborate with hospitals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies to reach new patients.

    YD Biopharma has also recently negotiated related authorizations for breast cancer detection to further expand the Company’s product offerings. YD Biopharma is in the process of acquiring licenses from EG BioMed Taiwan for advanced breast cancer detection technology in the U.S., E.U., and Asia-Pacific that has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The acquisition of the licenses for EG Biomed’s breast cancer detection technology in the U.S., E.U., and Asia-Pacific is expected to be consummated simultaneously with the closing of the merger with Breeze.

    Management Commentary
    Dr. Ethan Shen, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of YD Biopharma, has an extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry having worked at a well-known global pharmaceutical company. Inspired by his father’s struggle with cancer and subsequent passing, Dr. Shen is dedicated to eradicating cancer and helping people to avoid chronic and painful treatments through early detection.

    Dr. Shen stated the following regarding the proposed transaction, “I’m pleased to announce the next phase of our strategy as we embark on a public listing in the U.S. through the proposed business combination with Breeze. Since our founding in 2013, we’ve made significant strides in expanding our capabilities through organic innovation, licensing agreements, and notable strategic partnerships. We have a strategic roadmap in place for accelerated growth and a compelling story to tell in the U.S. market as we aim to deliver health problem detection at an earlier stage than ever before through minimal intervention.”

    J. Douglas Ramsey, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Breeze, commented, “From day one, it has been our mission at Breeze to find a company with innovative and disruptive technology that has the potential to deliver significant growth to our shareholders. We are highly optimistic about the proposed business combination with YD Biopharma, a company that we believe is a true outlier in the biotech industry with strong growth potential in a variety of healthcare markets. We are working closely with their team to expeditiously close the transaction by early 2025 and move forward with YD Biopharma as a publicly traded company in the U.S.”

    YD Biopharma Key Investment Highlights

    • Proven Capabilities Across a Broad Spectrum of Solutions: YD Biopharma has an extensive suite of solutions ranging from ophthalmology cellular drug development to pancreatic and breast cancer diagnostics to nutritional product sales.
    • Notable Strategic Partnerships, Offering Validation and Growth Potential: YD Biopharma is a clinical testing drug supplier for Novartis, a top five global pharmaceutical company, as well as having licensing partnerships with EG BioMed for pancreatic cancer detection and 3D Global Biotech to develop treatment for eye disorders.
    • Proprietary Technology Supported by Licensing Agreements and IP Portfolio: Multi-decade, exclusive licensing agreements and owned, patented technology provides YD Biopharma with significant competitive first-mover advantage in each of its clinical markets.
    • Large and Underserved Markets for Each Solution Showcase Untapped Growth Potential: Multi-billion-dollar global market sizes and high single digit CAGRs over the next decade provide significant growth potential for YD Biopharma’s solutions.
    • Strong Leadership Team with Deep Expertise in Biotech and Finance: YD Biopharma has a founder-led management team with experience in new drug development, medical-grade health product development, pharmacy channel development, and financial management and accounting.

    Transaction Overview
    Under the terms of the business combination agreement, Breeze and YD Biopharma will each merge into wholly-owned subsidiaries of a newly formed Cayman holding company expected to be named “YD Biopharma Holdings Limited” and is anticipated to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

    Assuming no redemptions, the combined company will have an estimated post-transaction enterprise value of $694 million, consisting of an estimated equity value of $715 million, $21.0 million in cash and no debt. Cash proceeds raised will consist of Breeze’s $10.1 million cash in trust (before redemptions and payment of any transaction expenses) and $15 million in anticipated new capital.

    YD Biopharma intends to use the proceeds from the transaction to expand production and continue development, approval and launch of new technologies.

    The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both YD Biopharma and Breeze. It is expected to close by early 2025, subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions. Additional information may be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed by Breeze Holdings today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Upon completion of the transaction, YD Biopharma will continue to be led by Founder, Chairman, and CEO Dr. Ethan Shen. Wu Cheng-fend will serve as Chief Medical Officer, and May Tsai will serve as Chief Business Officer.

    Advisors
    ArentFox Schiff LLP and Ogier are acting as legal advisors to YD Biopharma. I-Bankers Securities, Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Breeze Holdings. Woolery & Co. PLLC is acting as legal advisor to Breeze Holdings.

    About YD Biopharma
    YD Biopharma Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on cancer prevention medical diagnostics and the development of exosome-based therapeutics with the potential to transform the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need. Through continuous effort and innovation, the Company has also become a recognized supplier of clinical trial drugs and has begun developing and supplying post-market auxiliary products.

    For more information, please visit www.yd-biopharma.com.

    About Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.
    Breeze Holdings is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combinations with one or more businesses or entities.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It
    This press release relates to a proposed business combination transaction involving Breeze Holdings and YD Biopharma. In connection with the proposed transaction, a newly-formed Cayman exempted company expected to be named “YD Biopharma Holdings Limited” (“YD Holdings”) intends to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form F-4 that will include a proxy statement of Breeze and that also will constitute a prospectus of YD Holdings with respect to the ordinary shares of YD Holdings to be issued in the proposed transaction (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). This document is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) will be delivered to Breeze Holdings’ and YD Biopharma’s stockholders. Breeze Holdings may also file other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF BREEZE HOLDINGS AND YD BIOPHARMA AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BREEZE HOLDINGS, YD HOLDINGS, YD BIOPHARMA, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

    Investors and security holders of Breeze Holdings and YD Biopharma may obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) and other documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by Breeze Holdings through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Breeze Holdings will be available free of charge at Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp., 955 W. John Carpenter Fwy., Suite 100-929, Irving, TX 75039, attention: J. Douglas Ramsey.

    Participants in the Solicitation
    Breeze Holdings, YD Biopharma and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Breeze Holdings and YD Biopharma in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Breeze Holdings’ directors and executive officers and their ownership of Breeze Holdings common stock is set forth in Breeze Holdings’ filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on April 25, 2024 (the “Annual Report”). To the extent that holdings of Breeze Holdings’ securities have changed since the amounts included in the Annual Report, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership of Form 4 filed with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in respect of the proposed transaction when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among other things, statements regarding the anticipated benefits and impact of the proposed transaction on the combined company’s business and future financial and operating results, the anticipated timing of closing of the proposed transaction, the anticipated growth of the industries and markets in which YD Biopharma competes, the success and customer acceptance of YD Biopharma’s product and service offerings and other aspects of YD Biopharma’s operations, plans, objectives, opportunities, expectations or operating results, the expected ownership structure of the combined company and the likelihood and ability of the parties to successfully consummate the proposed transaction. Words such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimated,” “target,” “project,” and similar phrases or words of similar meaning that denote future expectations or intent regarding the combined company’s financial results, operations and other matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and other factors, both known and unknown, which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control and that may cause actual results and the timing of future events to differ materially from the results and timing of future events anticipated by the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction within the time frame anticipated or at all, which may adversely impact the price of Breeze Holdings’ securities; (ii) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction or those benefits taking longer than anticipated to be realized; (iii) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed by Breeze Holdings’ business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain further extensions of the business combination deadline if sought by Breeze Holdings; (iv) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the adoption of the definitive merger agreement by the stockholders of Breeze Holdings or YD Biopharma, the receipt of any required governmental or regulatory approvals or the failure to meet the Nasdaq listing standards in connection with the closing of the proposed transaction; (v) the lack of a third party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transaction; (vi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the definitive merger agreement; (vii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or related governmental or regulatory orders ; (viii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on YD Biopharma’s business relationships, performance and business generally; (ix) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of YD Biopharma and any potential difficulties in YD Biopharma employee retention as a result of the proposed transaction; (x) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against YD Biopharma or Breeze Holdings related to the definitive merger agreement or the proposed transaction or any product liability or regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to YD Biopharma’s products or services; (xi) the ability to maintain the listing of YD Holdings’ securities on the Nasdaq Capital Market after the closing of the proposed transaction; (xii) potential volatility in the price of Breeze Holdings’ securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which YD Biopharma operates, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting YD Biopharma’s business, and changes in the combined company’s capital structure; (xiii) the ability to implement business plans, identify and realize additional opportunities and achieve forecasts and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transaction; (xiv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industries in which YD Biopharma operates or the markets that YD Biopharma targets; (xv) the inability of YD Biopharma and its current and future collaborators to successfully develop and commercialize YD Biopharma’s products and services in the expected time frame or at all; (xvi) the risk that the combined company may never achieve or sustain profitability or may need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; and (xvii) the costs of the proposed transaction. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties and factors, including those described in Breeze Holdings’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Breeze Holdings from time to time. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date hereof. Forecasts and estimates regarding YD Biopharma’s industry and end markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable, however there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

    No Offer or Solicitation
    This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or to buy any securities or a solicitation of any proxy, consent, vote or approval with respect to any securities in respect of the proposed transaction and is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any other document that Breeze Holdings may file with the SEC or send to Breeze Holdings’ or YD Biopharma’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. No offer, sale, issuance or transfer of securities shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale, issuance or transfer would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    Contacts:

    YD Biopharma Limited
    Bob Chiu
    bobc95@udn-pharm.com

    Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.
    Investor Relations
    Cody Slach and Cody Cree
    Gateway Group

    (949) 574-3860
    BREZ@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Signs Concession Agreements with Governments of Angola and Zambia to advance Zambia Lobito Rail Project

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

    NEW YORK, United States of America, September 25, 2024/APO Group/ —

    In a significant milestone for the Zambia Lobito Rail Project, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has signed concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia for the financing, construction, ownership and operation of the transformational railway project. The agreements, which were signed yesterday in a ceremonial signing hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and the Biden Administration’s G-7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), paves the way for the Corporation to spearhead and complete the development of the railway.

    Last year, AFC was appointed lead developer on the Zambia Lobito rail project in collaboration with the United States Government, the European Union, the African Development Bank and the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The project involves the construction of approximately 800km greenfield rail line connecting the Benguela rail line in Luacano, Angola, to the existing Zambia Railways Line in Chingola, Zambia. Once completed, the trade corridor will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and promote investments in agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, mining, and electricity access along the corridor.

    Concurrent to signing the concession agreements, AFC also signed an agreement to receive US$ 2 million grant funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) (https://apo-opa.co/3zINnnM), towards completion of the environmental and social studies for the project. The grant, which marks the first time the Corporation will tap into USTDA funding, will facilitate comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) to ensure that the Zambia Lobito Rail Project aligns with international best practices and environmental standards.

    AFC will play the pivotal role of lead developer on the rail project which not only offers an efficient evacuation route for minerals and metals from the region but helps establish a trade corridor across Africa from the Port of Lobito on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the Port of Dar es Salam in Tanzania on the coast of the Indian Ocean, facilitating global and intra-African trade. The railway is expected to create economic benefit of approximately $3 billion across both countries, reduce emissions by approximately 300,000 tons per year and add over 1,250 jobs across construction and operations.

    The Honourable Minister of Transport for Angola Mr Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu noted, “We are pleased to partner with Africa Finance Corporation on this transformative project which will deepen our nation’s role as a regional logistics hub, boosting trade not only with Zambia but with the rest of the world.”

    Mr Frank Tayali MP, Honourable Minister of Transport for Zambia added, “The Zambia Lobito Rail Project is an important milestone in our efforts to modernise infrastructure, enhance the competitiveness of our economy, and improve the livelihoods of our people. We look forward to partnering with Africa Finance Corporation to deliver on this groundbreaking project.”

    “The Zambia Lobito Rail Project represents a game-changing development for the region, unlocking tremendous potential for trade, industrialisation, and socio-economic growth.,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. “AFC is proud to partner with the governments of Angola and Zambia to deliver worldclass rail infrastructure, which will accelerate industrial development in Africa, promote regional integration and provide a vital export route for copper and other critical minerals for the global energy transition,” he added.

    The corridor will provide an alternative strategic route to international export markets for Zambia and DRC. It will offer the shortest route for export and imports, linking key mining regions, agricultural clusters and businesses in Zambia and DRC to the Port of Lobito. It will significantly facilitate the movement of cargo from the Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces, through Angola to the Western markets.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: PUBLICATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROSPECTUS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Issuer LEI: 213800ZBKL9BHSL2K459

    OSB GROUP PLC

    (the “Company” or “Issuer”)

    The Company announces today that a supplementary prospectus dated 25 September 2024 to the base prospectus dated 14 May 2024 (the “Base Prospectus“), in relation to the establishment of its £3,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the “EMTN Programme”) has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority and is available for viewing.

    To view the full document, paste the following URL into the address bar of your browser:

    https://www.osb.co.uk/investors/debt-investors/emtn-programme/

    A copy of the supplementary prospectus will also be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    OSB GROUP PLC

    Alastair Pate                                                 
    Group Head of Investor Relations
    Email: osbrelations@osb.co.uk                                t: 01634 838 973

    Jens Bech
    Group Commercial Director                                    t: 01634 835 796

    Brunswick                                                                            
    Robin Wrench/Simone Selzer                                 t: 020 7404 5959 

    Notes to Editors

    About OSB GROUP PLC

    OneSavings Bank plc (OSB) began trading as a bank on 1 February 2011 and was admitted to the main market of the London Stock Exchange in June 2014 (OSB.L). OSB joined the FTSE 250 index in June 2015. On 4 October 2019, OSB acquired Charter Court Financial Services Group plc and its subsidiary businesses. On 30 November 2020, OSB GROUP PLC became the listed entity and holding company for the OSB Group. The Group provides specialist lending and retail savings and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, part of the Bank of England, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The Group reports under two segments, OneSavings Bank and Charter Court Financial Services.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: illumin to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — illumin Holdings Inc. (TSX:ILLM, OTCQB:ILLMF) (“illumin” or “Company”), a Journey Advertising technology company that empowers marketers to make smarter decisions about communicating with online consumers, today announced that Simon Cairns, Chief Executive Officer, and Elliot Muchnik, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the following upcoming conferences.

    Wedbush Securities AdTech Conference

    Management will participate (virtually) in a fireside chart at the Wedbush Securities AdTech Conference on Thursday, October 10th at 12:15 pm ET, and will also host virtual investor meetings.

    TD Securities Technology Conference

    The Company will also participate in the TD Securities Technology Conference taking place in Toronto from November 25- 26th. Management will also host investor meetings on Tuesday, November 26th.

    For more information about the conferences or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with management, please contact your representatives at Wedbush Securities and TD Securities.

    About illumin:

    illumin is a journey advertising platform that enables marketers to reach consumers at every stage of their journey by leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms and real-time data analytics. The Company’s mission is to illuminate the path for brands to connect with their customers through the power of data-driven advertising. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, illumin serves clients across North America, Latin America, and Europe.

    For further information, please contact.

      Steve Hosein  David Hanover
      Investor Relations Investor Relations – U.S.
      illumin Holdings Inc. KCSA Strategic Communications
      416-218-9888 x5313  212-896-1220
      investors@illumin.com dhanover@kcsa.com
         

    Disclaimer in regard to Forward-looking Statements

    Certain statements included herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FactSet’s GHG Emissions Commitment Validated by Science Based Targets Initiative

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FactSet, a global financial digital platform and enterprise solutions provider, today announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its near-term, company-wide sustainability initiative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat the global climate crisis.

    This validation follows FactSet’s 2022 near-term emission reduction commitment, confirming the company’s goals have been reviewed by corporate climate experts and are inline and attainable according to SBTi’s guidelines. These goals include reducing scope 1, direct and owned company emissions; scope 2, indirect and off-site company emissions; and scope 3, indirect value chain emissions.

    FactSet’s commitment involves:

    • FactSet Research Systems Inc. commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 45% by its 2030 fiscal year from its fiscal 2023 base year levels.
    • FactSet Research Systems Inc. commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by its 2030 fiscal year from its fiscal 2023 base year levels.

    As outlined in FactSet’s 2023 Sustainability Report, FactSet commits to measuring and disclosing its GHG emissions to drive business goals and reach a net zero future. As FactSet progresses towards its decarbonization targets, FactSet will be researching and implementing alternate strategies to adapt its operations to decrease its scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

    “At FactSet, we are committed to upholding the highest standards to achieve our sustainability goals,” said Bénédicte Godet Crochet, Chair of the Sustainability Committee at FactSet. “As we receive this validation from the Science Based Targets initiative, we continue to progress our efforts towards making a meaningful impact on our planet and community. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey, and we are proud to be a player in reaching a net-zero future.”

    This validation is in accordance with FactSet’s sustainability plan, which is reinforced by the company’s executive-sponsored Sustainability Committee, a group that supports and executes sustainability goals and initiatives, as well as previous pledges with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI).

    To learn more about FactSet’s sustainability program, please visit: https://www.factset.com/our-company/sustainability.

    About FactSet
    FactSet (NYSE:FDS | NASDAQ:FDS) helps the financial community to see more, think bigger, and work better. Our digital platform and enterprise solutions deliver financial data, analytics, and open technology to more than 8,200 global clients, including over 216,000 individual users. Clients across the buy-side and sell-side as well as wealth managers, private equity firms, and corporations achieve more every day with our comprehensive and connected content, flexible next-generation workflow solutions, and client-centric specialized support. As a member of the S&P 500, we are committed to sustainable growth and have been recognized amongst the Best Places to Work in 2023 by Glassdoor as a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award winner. Learn more at www.factset.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    FactSet
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Ali van Nes
    +1.203.810.2273
    Avannes@factset.com

    Media Contact:
    Megan Kovach
    +1.512.736.2795
    megan.kovach@factset.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Synchronoss Introduces Enhanced Version of Flagship Personal Cloud Platform for Service Providers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (“Synchronoss” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SNCR), a global leader and innovator in personal cloud platforms, today announced the latest version of its carrier-grade Synchronoss Personal Cloud platform. Unlike over-the-top (OTT) solutions, the new Synchronoss Personal Cloud offers a tailored white-label solution for service providers to enable subscribers to manage, backup and optimize all types of digital content across a range of mobile devices, laptops, and computers.

    Available now, the latest Synchronoss Personal Cloud introduces several enhanced features and capabilities that are designed to increase awareness and drive subscriber engagement:

    • Memories – an AI curated personalization of user’s content in a movie format that users can enjoy and share with their family and friends.
    • AI-Enhanced Genius with One-Click Editing – allows users to edit and optimize photos with an array of AI filters and transformations.
    • Improved Backups – significant enhancements to improve backup and notification management.
    • Tip Cards – new in-app communications “tiles” allow carriers to provide relevant tips to their subscribers to drive awareness and adoption of new features.

    “The newest version of Synchronoss Personal Cloud enables our service provider partners to deliver robust cloud solutions with enhanced user experiences aimed specifically at improving engagement,” said Jeff Miller, President and CEO of Synchronoss. “With the introduction of Memories and AI-Enhanced Genius features, subscribers can effortlessly curate, share, and optimize their digital content – all within an intuitive and consistent interface. We are very proud to announce these new capabilities and are excited for subscriber feedback based on the user experience testing we have done.”

    Delivered as a white-label solution through leading communications service providers, telecom carriers, and mobile operators, Synchronoss Personal Cloud currently supports over 10 million mobile and broadband subscribers worldwide. Synchronoss’ flexible and highly scalable platform enables operators and service providers to rapidly launch and offer personal cloud solutions across tiered plans, value-added bundles, and premium features, effectively minimizing churn and increasing average revenue per user (ARPU).

    About Synchronoss
    Synchronoss Technologies (Nasdaq: SNCR), a global leader in personal Cloud solutions, empowers service providers to establish secure and meaningful connections with their subscribers. Our SaaS Cloud platform simplifies onboarding processes and fosters subscriber engagement, resulting in enhanced revenue streams, reduced expenses, and faster time-to-market. Millions of subscribers trust Synchronoss to safeguard their most cherished memories and important digital content. Explore how our Cloud-focused solutions redefine the way you connect with your digital world at www.synchronoss.com.

    Media Relations Contact: 
    Domenick Cilea 
    Springboard 
    dcilea@springboardpr.com 

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Ryan Gardella
    ICR for Synchronoss
    SNCRIR@icrinc.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tactile Medical Announces Positive Clinical Trial Results in Lymphedema Patients Using Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device Therapy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (“Tactile Medical”; the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TCMD), a medical technology company providing therapies for people with chronic disorders, today announced the publication of a new clinical study in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. This study assessed outcomes associated with use of the Company’s Flexitouch advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD) in Veterans with lower extremity lymphedema. Notably, this 52-week study represents the largest peer-reviewed, prospective, clinical trial investigating PCDs and lymphedema ever published in the United States.

    The prospective, longitudinal, pragmatic study publication, titled “Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes with at home advanced pneumatic compression treatment of lower extremity lymphedema”, was authored by Padberg et al. and included 179 Veterans across four participating VA medical centers. The primary outcome measures included disease-specific health-related quality of life (QoL) endpoints obtained at baseline and again at each of 12, 24, and 52 weeks. The secondary outcome measures assessed limb circumference, cellulitis events, skin quality, and therapy compliance over the course of 52 weeks. Among the patients included in the study, chronic venous insufficiency was the most common etiology of lymphedema (phlebolymphedema), presenting in approximately 63% of study participants. Further, mild lymphedema was the most common disease stage, presenting in 68% of patients.

    The secondary endpoint results demonstrated several statistically significant improvements, baseline to 52 weeks, with reductions in limb girth, cellulitis events, and skin hyperpigmentation. Among these results, the following were observed:

    • Limb girth decreased by 1.4 cm
    • Cellulitis events decreased from 21.4% to 6.1%
    • Skin hyperpigmentation decreased from 75% of patients to 40% 

    There were additional improvements also noted in compliance and limb girth reduction which included:

    • 92% patient compliance (defined as used for 5 to 7 days per week) with Flexitouch at 8 weeks and 72% patient compliance at 52 weeks
    • 74% patient compliance with compression garments at 52 weeks, compared to 64% at baseline
    • 6% limb girth reduction at 12 weeks in patients with moderate (stage 2) and severe (stage 3) lymphedema.

    “We sincerely thank the clinical researchers, patients, and VA Medical Centers for advancing peer-reviewed evidence that supports clinical and patient benefits of our Flexitouch therapy,” said Sheri Dodd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tactile Medical. “Achieving these impressive study results, including outstanding compliance over a 1-year timeframe, validates the importance of APCD therapy outcomes and demonstrates a patient experience that supports strong adherence to therapy. We are proud to provide Veterans the at-home tools they need to improve their clinical symptoms and quality of life.”

    Full text of the study may be found online at: https://www.jvsvenous.org/article/S2213-333X(24)00208-7/fulltext.

    About Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (DBA Tactile Medical)

    Tactile Medical is a leader in developing and marketing at-home therapies for people suffering from underserved, chronic conditions including lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency and chronic pulmonary disease by helping them live better and care for themselves at home. Tactile Medical collaborates with clinicians to expand clinical evidence, raise awareness, increase access to care, reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of patients each year.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Sam Bentzinger
    Gilmartin Group
    investorrelations@tactilemedical.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Monthly Leasing and Finance Index Shows Originations Down 10% Y/Y, Improved Credit Performance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), a survey of economic activity from 25 companies representing a cross section of the $1 trillion equipment finance sector, reports that in August:

    • New business volume (NBV) was $9.2 billion, down 10% from August 2023.
    • Month over month, NBV was down 17% from $11.1 billion in July 2024.
    • Year to date, cumulative NBV was up 3.5% compared to 2023.

    Additional findings include:

    • Receivables over 30 days were 2.2%, down from 2.5% the previous month and down from 2.3% in the same period in 2023.
    • Charge-offs were 0.4%, down from 0.5% the previous month, and up from 0.3% year over year.
    • Credit approvals totaled 76%, unchanged from July.
    • Total headcount for equipment finance companies was up 1.2% year-over-year.

    Separately, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index in September is 61.9, up from the August index of 58.4, and the highest level in more than two years.

    ELFA President and CEO Leigh Lytle said, “The Fed’s decision to begin lowering interest rates will support demand for equipment, even if some businesses wait for rates to fall further before investing. That wait-and-see approach showed up in our August MLFI as new business volumes declined. However, ELFA members expect acquisitions to pick up once we‘re past the election and interest rates fall a bit further. That sentiment was also reflected in our Foundation’s recent Monthly Confidence Index, which showed that equipment finance executives are very optimistic about their organizations’ prospects over the next four months. Finally, credit conditions remain healthy, which will allow lessors and financiers to service new demand when it shows up later this year.”

    Marci Slagle, CLFP, President, BankFinancial Equipment Finance, said, “It appears there is still a slight slowdown in the equipment finance industry, which was heavily weighted in the decrease in origination activity at banks, which led to a dip in new business volume. However, it’s reassuring to hear that portfolio quality is remaining stable, with improvements in receivables and a reduction in losses. What was not baked into these numbers was the Fed rate drop this month. This will help stimulate fourth quarter growth, for both independent lessors and banks. The anticipation of further rate reductions may indeed boost demand, encouraging businesses to invest in capital expenditures. It’s definitely a pivotal time for both independent lessors and banks as we navigate these changes, but I think we are going to start trending in the right direction.”

    About ELFA’s MLFI-25
    The MLFI-25 is the only near-real-time index that reflects capex, or the volume of commercial equipment financed in the U.S. It is released monthly from Washington, D.C., one day before the U.S. Department of Commerce’s durable goods report. This financial indicator complements reports like the Institute for Supply Management Index, providing a comprehensive view of productive assets in the U.S. economy—equipment produced, acquired and financed. The MLFI-25 consists of two years of business activity data from 25 participating companies. For more details, including methodology and participants, visit www.elfaonline.org/knowledge-hub/mlfi.

    About ELFA
    The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA’s 575 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses’ success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.

    Follow ELFA:
    X: @ELFAonline
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/89692/

    Media/Press Contact: Amy Vogt, Vice President, Communications and Marketing, ELFA, avogt@elfaonline.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KnowBe4 Joins AWS ISV Accelerate Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA BAY, FL, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform announced today that it has joined the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Accelerate Program and simultaneously launched its KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training (KSAT), PhishER Plus, Compliance Plus, and SecurityCoach in AWS Marketplace. Customers can now procure KnowBe4 products through AWS Marketplace using their AWS committed spend. In addition to streamlined procurement, it simplifies product onboarding shortening implementation time, which is much needed as organizations race to meet compliance requirements and implement cybersecurity best practices.

    According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, phishing was the most used threat action variety, representing 22% of data breaches and was the second most seen threat action in all incidents. Phishing and other social engineering tactics can bypass security technologies by targeting humans directly. Employees across many organizations are likely still failing to recognize phishing emails, allowing attackers to successfully execute their attacks.

    The AWS ISV Accelerate Program maintains rigorous standards, and KnowBe4 underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including architectural and security reviews, to gain acceptance. This process ensures the quality and design of our offerings meet AWS’s high standards. Proof of customer excellence was also reviewed to validate the successes KnowBe4 customers have achieved across industry verticals.   

    A joint KnowBe4 and AWS customer, Martha’s Vineyard Bank, developed a robust security awareness culture with KnowBe4’s KSAT: “KnowBe4 had a number of innovations. We could have [training in] shorter vignettes, they could provide phishing tests to our employees, and [could] make them realistic not only to help our employees through the business line but for their personal lives as well,” said John Shorrock, training and development manager, Martha’s Vineyard Bank.

    “With our strong collaboration with AWS, our customers now have greater flexibility and speed in how they can procure and implement KnowBe4 products,” said Prashant Pai, EVP of global business development, KnowBe4. “This allows us to collaborate closely with AWS field sellers globally while providing customers with simplified access to KnowBe4, enabling them to achieve a robust security culture and reduce human risk.”

    KSAT, PhishER Plus, CompliancePlus, and SecurityCoach are now generally available in AWS Marketplace, and KnowBe4’s platform is available globally. For more information on KnowBe4 and its platform or to learn more about our participation in the AWS ISV Accelerate Program, please visit here.

    About KnowBe4 

    KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 70,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. The late Kevin Mitnick, who was an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4’s Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense and trust the KnowBe4 platform to strengthen their security culture and reduce human risk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Gwarube commits to stabilising the education system

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and her deputy, Dr Reginah Mhaule, have committed to take all necessary steps to stabilise the education system given the budgetary constraints affecting provinces.

    The Minister said this while addressing the media on developments regarding budget cuts in the education sector, in Pretoria, on Wednesday. 

    “The Deputy Minister and I have been in constant engagement with provinces to support them during this challenging fiscal environment. We have committed ourselves to doing everything we can to stabilise the system and have appealed to provinces to retain the basket of posts, in order to not compromise education outcomes,” the Minister said. 

    She also moved to appreciate the work that the provinces have been doing around the clock to help the sector get to grips with these challenges. 

    “I have witnessed MECs work tirelessly with their provincial departments to protect teaching and learning in our schools.”

    Challenges

    The briefing comes weeks after several provincial Departments of Education have been vocal about the budgetary pressures they face. 

    These, said the Minister, have been years in the making due to the aggressive budget cuts, economic stagnation and fiscal mismanagement which is now set to impact schools.

    “These budget pressures are not just numbers on a spreadsheet – they translate into fewer teachers, reduced textbooks, and fewer admin support staff, which means teachers spend more time on admin work, thereby reducing learning and teaching time. In essence, the very fabric of our children’s future is under threat.”

    She explained that provinces like the Western Cape have seen the painful decision to reduce the basket of teaching posts for 2025, a move that may result in fewer educators in classrooms. 

    “This may mean larger class sizes, reduced individual attention for learners, and ultimately, a risk to the achievement of quality education outcomes.”

    She added that unfortunately, other provinces throughout the country are in a similar position with many desperately working to find ways of avoiding having to top slice budgets for key services like textbooks, admin support and scholar transport programmes. 

    “We are faced with a pending national crisis, one that affects not just our learners but our teachers, principals, and broader communities.

    “It is crucial to understand that this crisis is not confined to one province or one aspect of the education sector. Every province is grappling with these painful choices.”

    Provincial education departments will in the next two to three years, find it increasingly difficult to fund their existing basket of posts and existing programmes within the available budget, unless measures are taken proactively to mitigate this risk.

    For instance, she said in the 2025/26 financial year, four provincial departments will battle to cover their budgets; in the 2026/27 financial year, five provinces will battle to cover their budgets. In the 2027/28 financial year, seven provinces will not be able to afford their budgets. 

    “Several provinces have preserved the same post basket for the past three academic years, despite learner numbers increasing, while other provinces have decreased their posts in the past three years. It is important to note that these have been cuts in posts but not warm bodies. 

    “Meaning that no person gets retrenched but rather vacancies are not filled,” she said. 

    Increase in learner numbers

    Nationally, the Minister highlighted that the number of learners within the education system has increased by approximately 292,820 over the last five years.

    Learner/Educator Ratios have also steadily increased across most provinces. 
    She explained that an increase in learners’ numbers without increasing the post basket, may affect the quality of teaching which may soon be reflected in the performance of the system.

    Largely, she added that the financial constraints have had the largest impact on educator provisioning, leading to a steady increase in Learner/Educator Ratios in most provincial education departments.

    “Most provincial Education Departments require between R350 million and R3.8 billion [over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to fully fund their respective basket of posts].

    “The numbers are staggering. If we continue down this path, projections indicate that most provincial education departments will not be able to maintain their respective basket of posts,” she said. 

    Interventions

    In response to this potential crisis, Minister Gwarube said she convened two special meetings of the Council of Education Ministers (CEM). These meetings brought together education MECs from across the country and they conducted a thorough analysis of the budget challenges in each province. 

    MECs from each province have compiled provisional provincial reports with sobering results.

    “For the first time in a decade, we now have a clearer picture of where the most significant budget pressures lie and how we need to engage treasury in a bid to address the challenges we see.

    “As a result, I have requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Finance to discuss the matter further. I am grateful to Minister [Enoch] Godongwana for his cooperation and support on this important matter.

    “We are also appreciative of Treasury’s willingness to engage with the Education sector. Ultimately a solution must be found in order for us to protect front line services,” the Minister said. 

    Gwarube has also requested a convening of a political 10X10 meeting between the Minister of Finance and the provincial MECs for Finance, as well as herself and the nine MECs of Education. 

    “We must work together with all 10 treasuries to unlock additional funds to alleviate the pressures facing the education sector, even if it is for the short term, and to prevent further cuts to teaching posts and critical support services like school nutrition and transport.

    “We also need to look at cross-departmental reprioritisation of budgets from departments that have under-performing programmes – ensuring that funding across government is directed to appropriate national priorities,” she said. 

    The Minister concluded that while the sector faces significant challenges, “these are not insurmountable. But they require decisive action and an unwavering commitment to putting education first.”

    Earlier this month, the Department of Basic Education said that the Minister had held meetings with various international partners to reinforce South Africa’s commitment to enhancing the education sector through global collaboration. 

    READ | Minister Gwarube in talks to enhance education sector

    – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Investment Position, 2nd Quarter 2024

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. net international investment position, the difference between U.S. residents’ foreign financial assets and liabilities, was –$22.52 trillion at the end of the second quarter of 2024, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (chart 1). Assets totaled $36.00 trillion, and liabilities were $58.52 trillion (chart 2). At the end of the first quarter, the net investment position was –$21.29 trillion (revised). The net investment position and components of assets and liabilities are presented in table 1.

    The –$1.23 trillion change in the net investment position from the first quarter to the second quarter came from net financial transactions of –$299.8 billion and net other changes in position, such as price and exchange-rate changes, of –$930.5 billion (table 2).

    Price changes of –$616.9 billion reflected U.S. stock price increases that exceeded foreign stock price increases, which raised the market value of U.S. liabilities more than U.S. assets.

    Exchange-rate changes of –$214.8 billion reflected foreign currency depreciation against the U.S. dollar, which lowered the value of U.S. assets more than U.S. liabilities in dollar terms.

    U.S. assets increased by $173.2 billion to a total of $36.00 trillion at the end of the second quarter, mainly attributable to a $112.8 billion increase in financial derivatives (chart 3). The increase in financial derivatives mostly reflected increases in single-currency interest rate contracts.

    Portfolio investment and direct investment assets (the two largest categories of assets) changed little in the second quarter, as financial transactions and foreign stock price increases were mostly offset by foreign currency depreciation against the U.S. dollar that lowered the value of foreign-currency-denominated assets in dollar terms (table 2).

    U.S. liabilities increased by $1.40 trillion to a total of $58.52 trillion at the end of the second quarter, driven mainly by U.S. stock price increases that raised the market value of portfolio investment and direct investment liabilities (chart 4). Financial transactions of $391.1 billion, notably foreign purchases of U.S. stocks and long-term debt securities, also contributed to the overall increase in U.S. liabilities.

    Portfolio investment liabilities increased by $666.4 billion to $30.89 trillion, and direct investment liabilities increased by $568.2 billion to $16.64 trillion, mostly attributable to U.S. stock price increases (table 2).

    Table A. Updates to First-Quarter 2024 International Investment Position Aggregates
    [Trillions of dollars, not seasonally adjusted]

      Preliminary estimates Revised estimates
    U.S. net international investment position –21.28 –21.29
       U.S. assets 35.78 35.83
       U.S. liabilities 57.06 57.12

    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Next release: December 27, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EST
    U.S. International Investment Position, 3rd Quarter 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Arq Publishes its First-Ever ESG Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arq, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQ) (the “Company” or “Arq”), a producer of activated carbon and other environmentally efficient carbon products, today announced the publication of its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. This report builds upon the Company’s previously published 2023 ESG Overview Tear Sheet and provides a comprehensive assessment of Arq’s ongoing efforts to drive positive environmental impact, employee well-being, and responsible governance.

    “The release of our 2023 ESG Report further illustrates our unwavering commitment to the environmental technology sector and reflects where we are and the strides we’ve made in addressing key environmental and social challenges,” said Bob Rasmus, CEO of Arq. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to refining our ESG practices, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing the experience we offer our employees and stakeholders.”

    Key Highlights from the report include:

    Environmental Impact:

    • Arq has developed a proprietary process to reclaim, purify, and recycle waste coal fines, ensuring sustainability from sourcing to product impact.
    • Arq’s products are designed to enhance access to high-quality water. We prioritize water efficiency and recycling at our manufacturing facilities, continually striving to improve our resource management.
    • Energy efficiency is central to our operations. Arq’s manufacturing process maximizes energy reuse, with our Red River facility consistently exporting more electricity than it consumes.

    Social Responsibility:

    • “Safety is never compromised” remains a core value at Arq, upheld across all levels—from frontline operators to lab technicians, customer relations, and C-Suite leaders.
    • We believe that our success depends on our people. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and affirmation, we unite our workforce and encourage collective achievement.
    • Engagement is vital to our sustainability. Our team-building activities connect employees while also fostering community service across our sites.

    Governance:

    • We are committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring integrity in all aspects of our business while driving Arq’s growth, sustainability, and performance.
    • Our ESG program is run by multi-functional team composed of dedicated individuals, overseen by a dedicated team, led by an executive officer and monitored by the Nominating and Governance Committee to ensure best practices, data accuracy, and continuous improvement.
    • Arq holds itself accountable to a broad range of stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees, and investors, operating with honesty, fairness, and integrity at every level.

    The full 2023 ESG Report is available for download at Arq’s Sustainability Page.

    This report comes on the heels of the Company’s 2023 ESG Overview Tear Sheet, reinforcing Arq’s mission to drive environmental innovation through responsible corporate governance, ethical business practices, and a strong commitment to stakeholders.

    About Arq

    Arq (NASDAQ: ARQ) is a diversified, environmental technology company with products that enable a cleaner and safer planet while actively reducing our environmental impact. As the only vertically integrated producer of activated carbon products in North America, we deliver a reliable domestic supply of innovative, hard-to-source, high-demand products. We apply our extensive expertise to develop groundbreaking solutions to remove harmful chemicals and pollutants from water, land and air. Learn more at: www.arq.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Anthony Nathan, Arq
    Marc Silverberg, ICR
    investors@arq.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NEWTON GOLF Introduces New Gravity Putter Line, Building on Momentum from Recent Rebranding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Gravity, the putter division of parent company NEWTON GOLF, introduces five putters in its new premium series

    CAMARILLO, CA, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEWTON GOLF, (Nasdaq: SPGC) (“NEWTON GOLF” or the “Company”), a technology-forward golf company with a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, builds on its recent rebranding with the launch of three new putter models and two redesigned classics in its newly formed Gravity Premium Series (“Gravity”) of putters.

    Formerly known as Sacks Parente Golf putters, the putter line has been redesigned and rebranded as Gravity under the NEWTON GOLF umbrella, ushering in a new era with a fresh, modern aesthetic. Featuring striking red and black colors and a premium ceramic coating finish previously reserved for Tour-level putters, these models embody NEWTON GOLF’s core design principles, including the brand’s signature patented Ultra’Low Balance Point (ULBP) and Center of Gravity (CG) technology.

    The new lineup includes three new models: The Classic, the DEUCE, and the DUKE. Additionally, the DRAC and the PRISM are two models from the previous Sacks Parente brand that have been redesigned and have the new Gravity logo and colorways. The Company is also introducing a new putter shaft, Newton Tempo, which is an improved design to provide better feel and balance with the newly designed heads.

    At the core of NEWTON GOLF’s Gravity putter design is the belief that gravity truly matters.

    Technology and Innovation: Gravity and Tempo

    All of the Gravity Premium Series putters are equipped with advanced features, such as Ultra Low Balance Point and optimized Center of Gravity. This ensures that golfers experience improved tempo by placing the weight of the putter predominantly in the head, with very light grips and carbon fiber shafts.The center of gravity is designed to be as low and close to the ball as possible. This promotes a smooth, repeatable tempo, minimizes side spin, and ensures the ball stays on the intended line for a truer, consisent roll.

    PGA Tour Champions player Ken Duke has already adopted a Gravity putter in his bag, saying, “The putters are beautiful and have amazing feel and sound. I fell in love with them instantly. Finally, the consumers will get to experience a true Tour-only quality product without paying thousands of dollars.”

    Forgiveness and Sweet Spot

    Each Gravity Premium Series putter is engineered for maximum Moment of Inertia (MOI). This increases the stability of the face, effectively widening the sweet spot to ensure off-center strikes are met with forgiveness and consistency.

    The Gravity Premium Series Putters:

    • The Classic – The Classic, Gravity’s new traditional anser-style putter in the Premium Series, is optimized for modern stroke types with a shallower arc. It features a newly designed hosel for enhanced performance and feel. The Classic is made with 1018 carbon steel material for the best ball feel with Tour Only quality ceramic coating finish. MSRP: $450
    • The DEUCE – The new DEUCE is a double-wide anser putter that is easy to aim with a blade-like look. Available in 1018 carbon steel body, the DEUCE is designed to fit all stroke types with two hosel locations. MSRP: $450
    • The DUKE – The new DUKE putter takes its inspiration from PGA TOUR Champions player Ken Duke. Made with a 1018 carbon steel body with tungsten weighting, the DUKE is a modern interpretation of a classic-style putter that has a shorter blade length with a half mallet back: MSRP: $450
    • The PRISM – Gravity’s redesigned PRISM mallet putter naturally improves the putting stroke and tightens the dispersion of putts. Engineered to deliver the right MOI and unmatched stability, the PRISM optimizes the stroke and provides the best roll in golf. It is made of 6061 aluminum and 50 grams of tungsten. The mallet head has been reshaped to improve stability and move CG more forward. MSRP: $450
    • The DRAC – The redesigned DRAC is the modernization of a fang-style putter. It is Gravity’s highest MOI putter that is made of 6061 aluminum and 100 grams of tungsten. It has been redesigned with the Gravity logo and colorways. MSRP: $450

    “We named the new putter division ‘Gravity’ because it perfectly encapsulates this fundamental design principle that enhances the natural tempo and precision of every putt,” said NEWTON GOLF’s Executive Chairman Greg Campbell. “When the golfer lifts the putter on the backstroke, potential energy is stored, and, by trusting gravity to accelerate the putter head during the stroke, golfers can achieve consistent velocity at impact – which is proportional to the length of the backstroke.”

    All Gravity putters are available for preorder on October 1, 2024 at https://newtongolfco.com.
    Images of the Gravity putters can be found here.

    About NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company

    NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company, is a technology-forward golf company that help golfers elevate their game. With a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, the Company’s innovative accomplishments include: the First Vernier Acuity putter, patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) putter technology, weight-forward Center-of-Gravity (CG) design, and pioneering ultra-light carbon fiber putter shafts.

    In consideration of its growth opportunities in golf shaft technologies, the Company expanded its manufacturing business in April of 2022 to develop the advanced Newton brand of premium golf shafts by opening a new shaft manufacturing facility in St. Joseph, MO. It is the Company’s intent to manufacture and assemble substantially all products in the United States, while also expanding into golf apparel and other golf-related product lines to enhance its growth.

    The Company’s future expansions may include broadening its offerings through mergers, acquisitions or internal developments of product lines that are complementary to its premium brand. The Company currently sells its products through resellers, the Company’s websites, Club Champion retail stores, and distributors in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.newtongolfco.com or on social media at @newtongolfco.com, @newtonshafts, or @gravityputters.

    Media Contact for NEWTON GOLF

    Beth Gast
    BG Public Relations
    beth.gast@bgpublicrelations.com

    Investor Contact for NEWTON GOLF
    CORE IR
    516-222-2560
    investors@sacksparente.com

    The MIL Network –