Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Middle East: Minister for Development’s statement, 28 January 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Development Minister Anneliese Dodds gave an oral statement to the House of Commons on the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and effect on humanitarian aid.

    With permission, I will update the House on the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and detail our latest efforts to get aid to those in desperate need.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, this is a fragile ceasefire – but it brings much-needed hope for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

    The agreement to end the fighting and release the hostages is what this Labour government has been pressing for from the moment we came to office.

    I thank Qatar, Egypt and the US for their tireless efforts, and echo the Prime Minister in wishing Emily Damari and the other former hostages well as they begin to recover from their horrific ordeals.

    We continue to call, Madam Deputy Speaker, for their immediate release of all those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, including the remaining hostages with links to the UK.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, civilians in Gaza have endured suffering that defies belief, and this deal brings hope that they can start to rebuild their lives.

    In the days since the guns were silenced, Israel has opened up mechanisms to surge in aid.

    The UN and aid organisations have been working tirelessly to deliver the humanitarian aims of the ceasefire agreement.

    After so much time waiting at the border – delays I saw for myself in December – trucks are now streaming in.

    Partners on the ground report that more than 200,000 food parcels have been dispatched to more than 130 distribution points since the ceasefire.

    This government has been at the forefront of the humanitarian effort in Gaza since we came to office.

    Overturning the suspension of funding to UNRWA and then boosting our support. Supporting UK-Med field hospitals to help the injured. Working with Egypt to support those Medevac-ed out of Gaza and providing vital resources to UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

    Today, I am pleased to announce that the UK is investing in the ceasefire.

    UK support will be distributed to the UN and key medical partners, so that tens of thousands of civilians get the healthcare, food and shelter they need.

    That support will amount to £17 million from the UK to get more aid into Gaza and restore services. The figure also includes £2 million for the World Bank to support the construction and restoration of critical water and energy infrastructure.

    The UK has already helped around 284,000 people in Gaza to access water, sanitation and hygiene services.

    Today’s uplift brings our commitment for the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Palestinian refugees in the region to £129 million this financial year.

    I am also pleased to announce to the House that this morning, Jordanian air force helicopters started landing in Gaza with UK-funded medical supplies and logistical support from UK armed forces.

    I thank Jordan for their excellent commitment to getting aid in, in such challenging circumstances. We will continue to support our Jordanian partners in this initiative.

    But more action is needed.

    The air bridge to Gaza is no substitute for road routes, which must remain open.

    We also call on Israel to allow more essential items like tents, mattresses and medical equipment in.

    As people start to move home, basic services need to be put back in place, and unexploded bombs and mines cleared.

    Without this, even more lives will be lost.

    And of course, the UN and humanitarian agencies must be able to operate freely.

    This Government has repeatedly stated the need for UNRWA to continue its lifesaving assistance to the people of Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank.

    The Knesset legislation taking effect on the 30th of January risks impeding the progress made since the ceasefire. Israel must allow the agency to continue to operate.

    The legislation does not and cannot change the fact that Israel has a responsibility under international law to facilitate humanitarian assistance.

    As the UN Security Council heard last week, a million Gazan children need support to process their traumatic experiences – their suffering cannot be underestimated.

    And around fifteen and a half thousand patients need medical evacuation, according to the World Health Organisation. Routes must be opened for them to get this treatment.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, the UK and wider international community stand ready to support Palestinians as they begin to rebuild their lives, their homes and their communities.

    We are under no illusions concerning the scale of the challenge ahead.

    The overwhelming majority of homes in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. The economy has collapsed. And basic services, including energy and water, have been knocked out.

    So, we are working with partners to urgently find ways to

    best finance and support recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    It is essential that the coming surge of assistance is properly coordinated, and with the access and security to reach those in need.

    The Palestinian Authority has a crucial role to play and we are providing technical and financial assistance to the Authority, including to support the urgent recovery of basic services.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, the UK has always been clear that this ceasefire is just the first step. We must build confidence on all sides to help sustain it, progress through all its phases and turn it into a lasting peace that assures the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

    The UK will focus all of our efforts on keeping up the momentum, using every diplomatic channel available.

    As you will know, Madam Deputy Speaker, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for the Middle East kept up the drumbeat of engagement during their visits to Egypt and the United Nations last week.

    We will keep up the pace until every hostage is released, aid reaches all those in need, and Palestinians are able to rebuild their homes and their lives.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement on arbitrary detentions of UN personnel in Yemen

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Statement on arbitrary detentions of UN personnel in Yemen – Government.se

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    Sweden echoes the EU statement and strongly condemns the latest round of arbitrary detentions by the Houthis of seven UN personnel working in Yemen.

    Sweden reiterates the demand by the UN Secretary‑General for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel from the UN, international and national non‑governmental organizations, and diplomatic missions, including those detained in 2021, 2023, and 2024. The continued arbitrary detention of aid workers is unacceptable and negatively impacts the ability to deliver life‑saving humanitarian aid in Yemen. 

    Sweden calls on the Houthis to act in the best interest of the Yemeni people and underscores the obligations of all parties to armed conflict under international humanitarian law to allow and facilitate rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance, as well as to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. 

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government opens discussions with Community Pharmacy England over 25/26 funding contract

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The consultation will set the future direction for the community pharmacy sector.

    The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has entered into consultation with Community Pharmacy England (CPE) regarding the 2024/25 and 2025/26 funding contractual framework.

    The discussions will set the future direction for community pharmacy as it plays a vital role in supporting delivery of the reforms set out in the government’s Plan for Change.

    A letter signalling the start of the consultation was sent to CPE on Monday.

    Moving the focus of care from hospitals into the community is one of the three core shifts outlined in the 10 Year Health Plan, which will be published later this year. The government has previously outlined its ambition to make better use of pharmacists’ skills and training to deliver more services for patients within their local communities.

    Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock said:

    Community pharmacists are at the heart of local healthcare, and they have a vital role to play as we shift from hospital to community, giving patients better access to care, closer to home, through our 10 Year Health Plan.

    We have inherited a sector that is suffering from years of underfunding and neglect, but we recognise the hard work pharmacists undertake every day to deliver for patients.

    I am committed to working closely with Community Pharmacy England to agree a package of funding that is reflective of the important support that they provide to patients up and down the country. I am confident that together we can get the sector back on its feet and fit for pharmacies and patients long into the future.

    Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England said:

    We are relieved that discussions on the arrangements for community pharmacy are now commencing.

    Community Pharmacy England will consider very carefully if the proposals that the Government is putting on the table address the severity of the funding crisis in community pharmacy.

    Everyone in community pharmacy shares the Government’s ambition for a vibrant community pharmacy sector, playing a vital role in delivering long term health plans, but this can only be achieved if the sector is put on a sustainable financial footing.

    Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care for NHS England, said:

    The NHS knows just how important pharmacies are to local communities – they offer people convenient care close to home which is a key ambition of the 10 Year Health Plan.

    We recognise that pharmacies are under pressure, and we are committed to working with the sector and government to ensure that patients can continue to receive high-quality care building on the exceptional work of teams over the past few years to develop and expand new services for patients.

    ENDS.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Happy Data Protection Day!

    Source: European Union 2

    If someone asked you to answer 100 questions about your personal life to sell the answers, would you agree? Most likely not.

    It can be difficult  to keep in control over your personal data and to keep it safe. From online shopping and browsing to social media, with every click, share and login-in you leave behind a digital trail. The GDPR ensures that your data can only be used in ways you agree to and that you can access any information about yourself.

    But do people actually know how to protect their data? 
    We asked passers-by on the streets of Brussels.

    Happy Data Protection Day!

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU sends power generators to storm-struck Ireland

    Source: European Union 2

    Following Ireland’s request for assistance relating to power outages caused by the record-breaking storm Éowyn, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated. The EU has immediately mobilised 13 power generators from the Commission’s own strategic reserve, rescEU, hosted in Poland. 4 power generators offered by Denmark via the Mechanism will also soon reach Ireland and help provide electricity on the ground.

    The EU also activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service and has provided analytical support to the national authorities.

    The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre continues to closely monitor the situation and remains in constant contact with the national authorities, ensuring that additional assistance can be promptly channelled if needed.

    EU Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, said: “Extreme weather events, like storm Éowyn, increasingly put Europe’s disaster resilience to the test. But they also demonstrate the growing strength of our joint preparedness and solidarity efforts. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the first responders in Ireland who are doing their best to bring life back to normal. I thank Denmark for their prompt offer of assistance, and Poland for their excellent collaboration in hosting and delivering the rescEU power generators to Ireland. We are in this together.”

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Bill to Codify President Trump’s Executive Border Action into Law

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Bill to Codify President Trump’s Executive Border Action into Law

    Washington, January 28, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 273, the REMAIN in Mexico Act, a bill that codifies one of President Trump’s successful immigration policies. This legislation is led by Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX) and has bipartisan support from over 100 members of Congress.
    “Under President Trump’s first administration, the American people understood the meaning of a secure border, largely due to President Trump’s successful Remain in Mexico border policy. The Biden administration’s reckless decision to repeal this policy fueled a surge of illegal immigration pouring into our communities over the last four years. Congress must codify this proven Trump policy into federal law to keep Americans safe. I am proud to cosponsor this commonsense bill to help secure our southern border and strengthen our national security,” said Rep. Simpson.
    President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy is officially known as the migrant protection protocols, first implemented by the Trump administration in January 2019. The protocols allow the U.S. government to return foreign individuals who entered the U.S. via the southern border to Mexico to await immigration proceedings.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hinton — Alberta RCMP Traffic – Roving Traffic Unit makes significant drug seizure

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Oct. 23, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., an officer with the Alberta RCMP Traffic – Roving Traffic Unit, conducted a traffic stop with a pickup truck on Highway 16 near Hinton, Alberta. During the course of the traffic stop, the investigator made several observations that led him to be suspicious that the lone male occupant was in possession of illegal drugs. The driver was detained for a drug investigation, and a Police Service Dog was deployed around the exterior of the vehicle. The canine provided a positive indication around the vehicle for the odour of a controlled substance, leading to the driver’s arrest, and subsequent search of his vehicle.

    A total of 68 kilograms of cocaine, and a loaded handgun were seized from the vehicle.

    A 36-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with the following:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking

    • Unsafe storage of a firearm

    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

    • Possess a firearm when knowing it possession is unauthorized

    • Possess a prohibited weapon

    • Possess a firearm in a motor vehicle

    • Possess a restricted weapon without registration/licence

    After a judicial interim release hearing, a subsequent court appearance, the individual has been remanded into custody until Nov. 21, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wabamun — Alberta RCMP Community Response Team recover stolen vehicles in Wabamun

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Nov. 22, 2024, police were notified of a GMC Sierra that was stolen near Entwistle, Alta. and was being GPS tracked by its owner. Officers from the Alberta RCMP Community Response Team, Parkland and Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Units were able to locate the vehicle. When a safe opportunity presented itself, officer moved in and arrested all three occupants two of which attempted to flee on foot. Continued investigation led officers to a stolen Subaru Outback at a nearby residence associated to the three individuals.

    A 34-year-old individual, a resident of Spruce Grove, Alta., was charged with the following:

    • Possession of property obtained by Crime (x2);
    • Failure to comply with release order (x5);
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
    • Operate motor vehicle while prohibited.

    A 40-year-old individual, a resident of Spruce Grove was charged with the following:

    • Possession of property obtained by crime;
    • Failure to comply with release order;
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

    An 18-year-old individual, a resident of Spruce Grove, was charged with the following:

    • Possession of property obtained by Crime;
    • Failure to comply with release order;
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

    All three individuals also had outstanding warrants on property related offenses in the Parkland County and Camrose areas at the time of the arrest.

    All individuals were taken before a justice of the peace. The 34-year-old and 18-year-old individuals were remanded into custody and the 40-year-old individual was released on bail with their next court date set for Nov. 27, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Airdrie — Airdrie RCMP search warrant leads to drug seizure

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Nov. 28, 2024, the Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit paired up with the RCMP Special Investigation Sections, RCMP Emergency Response Team and Calgary Police Tactical Team, and executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant. The search warrant was for two residences located in the Temple and Huntington Hills neighbourhoods of Calgary.

    As a result of the investigation, police seized the following:

    • Canadian currency as proceeds of crime
    • Unstamped tobacco cigarettes
    • Suspected controlled substances including:
      • fentanyl, fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, powder and crack cocaine

    In addition, police located an illegal cannabis grow operation where 265 cannabis plants in various stages of growth were seized.

    A 52-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
    • Cultivate more than four cannabis plants
    • Selling tobacco products
    • Fraud under $5000 (defrauding the Government of Alberta for tobacco tax)
    • Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
    • Theft of electricity

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was released on a release order with conditions. The individual is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Calgary Courts Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Names 50 U.S. Schools as State Winners in the Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition, Vying for a Share of $2 Million in Prizes

    Source: Samsung

    Gen Z and Gen Alpha students across the nation have accepted the challenge to boldly solve pressing community issues using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Today, Samsung Electronics America announced that 50 U.S. public middle and high schools are moving forward as State Winners in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition. Each of these schools has been awarded a $12,000 Samsung technology prize package, including a Samsung Video Kit to showcase their proposed STEM solution. The full list of State Winners can be viewed at Samsung.com/Solve.
    “Congratulations to all the incredible State Winners in the 2024-2025 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition,” said Allison Stransky, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics America. “Solve for Tomorrow was born from Samsung’s deep belief in the power of STEM to improve lives and transform communities. It’s truly inspiring to see these bright Gen Z and Gen Alpha innovators harnessing emerging technologies, with nearly half of their STEM solutions incorporating AI, to address critical societal issues with creativity, determination, and purpose.”

    By combining problem-based learning(PBL), STEM disciplines, social impact entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow engages middle and high school students to drive meaningful societal progress. Through hands-on, real-world experiences, the competition inspires young minds to see STEM as a pathway to becoming changemakers and pursuing fulfilling, impactful careers. The State Winner honor marks a key milestone toward the ultimate prize—being named one of three National Winners, each unlocking $100,000 for their school. Overall, Samsung will award more than $2 million* in prizes to this year’s participating schools.
    Ingenuity & Empathy Drive Gen Z & Gen Alpha STEM Solutions
    Samsung Solve for Tomorrow State Winners are redefining STEM’s potential—not as a field reserved for those attending elite institutions, but as a universal tool for solving real-world problems. Impressively, 58% of the State Winners represent Title 1 schools, aligned with Samsung’s commitment to bringing equitable STEM opportunities to underrepresented communities. Among the State Winners are several all-girl teams breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields, while 48% of teams are from middle schools, showing Gen Alpha’s early passion for innovation and social good.

    The competition also provides a unique glimpse into the priorities of America’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z.  As a group, the State Winners are most concerned with environmental sustainability and climate disasters (28%), public health (26%), and accessibility (20%), followed by public safety and mental health. The student team from Oklahoma is using drones and AI to predict and manage wildfire risks, providing real-time data to firefighters and helping mitigate the devastating effects of climate events. In Arkansas, another school is addressing oral cancer detection by developing an AI-powered mobile app for affordable, non-invasive screenings, making early detection more accessible in rural areas and addressing public health disparities.
    “These 50 State Winners are recasting the role of STEM in solving matters close to their lives and their communities,” said Salman Taufiq, Head of Brand Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. “By addressing real-world issues with empathy and advanced technology like AI, machine learning, drones, and virtual reality, they’re preparing to lead in a rapidly evolving, impact-focused workforce.”
    The competing entries are embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI (42%), 3D printing (34%), and robotics (14%) to bring their ideas to life. Mississippi’s State Winner is developing an AI-driven app that uses biometric sensors to detect the early signs of anxiety in students with autism, giving them and their teachers real-time alerts to help prevent panic attacks. Meanwhile, Nevada’s team are designing a low-cost, fully recyclable modular prosthetic arm using 3D printing, enabling a classmate with a partial arm amputation to participate fully in orchestra performances.

    Innovation & Mentorship Power Next Phase of Competition
    For the next phase of the competition, State Winners will receive a $12,000 prize package, including a Samsung Video Kit consisting of a Galaxy Book and a Galaxy Z Flip to help create a three-minute STEM solution pitch video. The video must demonstrate how STEM is being applied to address the community issue outlined in the student teams’ Activity Plans. State Winners must submit their videos by the deadline of Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Judges will review the submissions to select 10 National Finalists, who will be announced in mid-March and are invited to participate in a live pitch event in April 2025.
    Samsung employees will once again serve as one-on-one mentors to the State Winners, guiding student teams through project development and prototype building. Using their professional expertise, mentors will also help teams create compelling video pitches for their STEM solutions to advance to the National Finalist phase.

    National FinalistsBased on their State Winner pitch videos, 10 National Finalists will be chosen to participate in a live pitch event and present their project to a panel of judges. Seven of these schools will be awarded $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies.
    National WinnersBased on the live pitch presentations, judges will name three National Winners, each earning a $100,00 prize package.
    From the 50 State Winners, one school will be selected for the Rising Entrepreneurship Award, receiving an added $25,000 prize package to nurture and develop their STEM solution into a venture extending beyond the competition.
    One of the 50 State Winner schools will be recognized with a Sustainability Innovation Award for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation, and an additional $25,000 prize package, including Samsung ENERGY STAR® technology.
    From the National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner, selected through online voting by the general public, will receive an additional $10,000 in prizes on top of their National Finalist winnings.
    One Employee Choice Winner will be chosen by Samsung employees from among the National Finalists to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings.
    *$2 million prize is based on an estimated retail value.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Launches New Environmental and Social Policy to Drive Sustainable Trade

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

    JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), member of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), unveiled its new Environmental and Social (ES) policy. This policy reinforces ITFC’s commitment to embedding sustainable practices across its trade finance operations, recognizing the essential role trade finance and trade development can play in mitigating climate change and promoting social equity.  

    ITFC’s member countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change, social challenges, and economic inequality. This ongoing climate crisis requires  urgent action. With trade being responsible for 20-30% of global CO₂ emissions, ITFC is aligning its operations with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to make trading greener in its markets of operations. By championing responsible and inclusive trade finance, ITFC aims to reduce its carbon footprint while supporting its member countries in achieving sustainable economic growth. 

    This new ES policy is focused on 5 key areas: 

    • Environmental Action. ITFC is proactively incorporating green practices throughout every aspect of its operations and work environment. By prioritizing digitization, implementing paperless solutions, and enhancing energy efficiency, we aim to lead by example in embracing environmentally responsible initiatives and  demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.  
    • Sustainable and Inclusive Trade Finance. ITFC aims to increase its share of financing in goods and services that promote sustainability. By prioritizing sectors that strengthen resilience, such as sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and eco-friendly supply chains, ITFC is contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth in our member countries. 

    • Empowering for Sustainable Impact. Through capacity-building programs and technical assistance, ITFC will help businesses and governments reduce climate risks, advance social inclusion, and access green financing opportunities. 

    • Innovative Treasury Solutions. ITFC is dedicated to increasing investment in Shariah-compliant sustainable financial instruments, including exploring the issuance of green Sukuk to bolster climate-resilient trade and development for ITFC member countries.  

    • Credible Assessment and Disclosure. ITFC is committed to adopting best practices to embed environmental and social considerations in its transactions and projects. We aim to transparently disclose our ES performance, adhering to international best practices, promote accountability and build trust with our stakeholders. 

    On this note, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO ITFC stated: “Our work in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions have given us firsthand insight into the reality of climate change. From rural landscapes to urban centers, we are witnessing the effects of an accelerating environmental shift and as we remain true to our commitment to powering sustainable growth, it has become imperative for the Corporation to fully streamline and operationalize its new direction towards sustainability and climate change.” 

    ITFC’s new environmental and social policy reflects its vision to foster economic growth that is both inclusive and sustainable, setting a new standard for trade finance institutions globally. ITFC remains committed to fostering intra-OIC trade, enhancing member countries’ capacities to adopt green energy solutions. 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New humanitarian support for Gaza as ceasefire allows operations to scale up

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Minister for Development announces new £17 million package to support thousands of civilians across the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    • UK aid package will ensure healthcare, food and shelter reaches tens of thousands of civilians and supports vital infrastructure across the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    • Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds announces £17 million package and reiterates need for much more aid to enter Gaza with the support of UN agencies including UNRWA.

    • Comes as 300,000 people now confirmed treated by UK-Med at field hospitals in Gaza thanks to UK funding.

    Thousands of civilians in Gaza will receive humanitarian aid funded by the UK.

    Food assistance programmes, water and sanitation services and maternal and children’s healthcare are some of the areas which will be scaled up with new funding.

    This will build on UK efforts over the past 15 months which have ensured more than half a million people have received essential healthcare in Gaza.  

    Within this £17 million package announced today, £2 million in funding for the World Bank will support critical water and energy infrastructure construction and restoration across the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), including in Gaza. The UK’s ongoing support has meant 284,000 people in Gaza already have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services. 

    This announcement brings the total UK support for the OPTs this financial year to £129 million, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to playing a leading role in alleviating Palestinian suffering and helping to build security and economic recovery in the Middle East. This will help drive UK security, in support of the Government’s Plan for Change. 

    It comes as a Jordanian-led helicopter initiative flying aid directly to Gaza has started delivering lifesaving UK-funded medicines to civilians today. As well as providing up to £500,000 of supplies onboard, the UK has also deployed military planners to assist with logistics. Speaking in the House this afternoon, Minister Dodds will underscore the UK’s pride in working with Jordan – who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to deliver aid via all routes possible – to get the airbridge up and running in such challenging circumstances.

    Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said: 

    The scale of suffering in Gaza cannot be overstated and the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, must be allowed by Israel to do their vital work.  

    This announcement is part of the UK’s investment in the ceasefire deal, scaling up aid operations and helping the most desperate people access healthcare, water, food and shelter.  

    We must seize this opportunity to get a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, all the hostages released and a path towards a viable Palestinian state.

    Minister Dodds emphasised the UK will also continue to support the crucial role played by UN agencies and NGOs operating in Gaza. This includes UNRWA, which has played a vital role in the increase in humanitarian assistance since the ceasefire earlier this month.

    Ahead of the upcoming implementation of Israel’s UNRWA legislation on 30 January, which risks jeopardising the humanitarian response in Gaza and the delivery of essential services in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, the UK has urged Israel to ensure that UNRWA can continue its lifesaving operations for Palestinian refugees. Israel has a responsibility under international law to facilitate humanitarian assistance. Minister Dodds will again reiterate that humanitarian operations must not face a cliff edge on 30 January.

    The Minister for Development also confirmed that the UK provided an additional £4.5 million to UK-Med last year. The charity deploys staff, many of whom work in the NHS, to crisis-hit areas around the world to deliver life and limb-saving healthcare. NHS staff who work for UK-Med typically deploy to Gaza for a four-week period, supporting lifesaving efforts and gaining essential trauma experience.

    UK funding has helped doctors in Gaza treat more than 300,000 patients in Gaza with a range of medical conditions as well as treating injuries directly associated with the conflict. This funding is on top of the £5.5 million announced for the charity on the Foreign Secretary’s first visit to Israel and the OPTs in July last year. 

    UK-Med CEO, David Wightwick said:

    After more than two decades in humanitarian work, I have never seen a crisis of this scale and severity.

    That’s why UK Government funding is vital in providing support to UK-Med to deliver life-saving care to over 300,000 patients in Gaza during 2024. 

    I want to thank our 400-strong team on the ground for their determination, professionalism and tireless work to address the health impacts of this devastating conflict.

    This government’s steadfast support for UNRWA, including £41m of support this financial year, has helped the organisation deliver its humanitarian operation and provide essential services such as education, social care and vaccinations across the OPTs and to Palestinian refugees in the region.  

    Notes to editors 

    • The £17 million package announced today consists of: 
    • £15 million of UK funding comes from the Crisis Reserve pool to be allocated to partner agencies. 
    • £2 million of funding for the World Bank to deliver water and energy infrastructure across the OPTs, including in Gaza 
    • An additional £4.5 million of funding to UK-Med has previously been allocated and spent but not announced  
    • UK-Med operate two field hospitals in Gaza, Deir Al Balah and Al Mawasi. The Al Mawasi field hospital has, among other facilities, an operating theatre, a maternity unit and physical rehabilitation services for patients. At Deir Al Balah, UK-Med staff deliver primary care and see over 400 patients a day.  *This air bridge to Gaza is no substitute for the road routes. The terms of the ceasefire must be adhered to, so that many more trucks can safely and effectively distribute aid within Gaza.
    • Footage – b-roll of UK aid to Gaza via Jordanian helicopters and UK-Med field hospital

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    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: The number of energy-efficient houses under construction has increased by 14%

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Russian construction industry is increasingly using technologies aimed at increasing energy efficiency. Thus, according to DOM.RF, at the beginning of 2025, almost 3.7 thousand apartment buildings with energy efficiency of A and higher are being built. This is 14% more than the year before. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “The development of energy-efficient housing construction in the country has become possible thanks to comprehensive approaches developed to improve the infrastructure. This is also facilitated by the green GOST R created by the Ministry of Construction and DOM.RF for apartment buildings. Also, to stimulate the construction of such housing, targeted financial support measures are being introduced in the country and systematic work is being carried out to improve the quality of data on the energy efficiency of the housing stock. All this together gives citizens comfortable living, since utility costs are significantly reduced in such houses. As of January 1, 2024, 3,139 energy-efficient houses were under construction, and a year later – already 3,667. The total living area of green buildings is 43.7 million square meters,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    At the beginning of 2025, Moscow became the leader in the construction of energy-efficient housing, reaching 12.4 million square meters. It is followed by the Moscow Region (4.4 million square meters) and the Tyumen Region (2.4 million square meters). Next on the list are the Sverdlovsk Region (2 million square meters), Primorsky Krai (1.8 million square meters), St. Petersburg (1.7 million square meters) and Krasnoyarsk Krai (1.1 million square meters).

    “Over the year, the geography of energy-efficient housing construction has expanded and now covers 82 regions. The share of green buildings among all buildings at the construction stage is also steadily growing – from 24.5% in 2021 to 32% at the beginning of 2025. All this is the result of comprehensive work on the sustainable development of the industry, which the Russian Government is carrying out together with DOM.RF. It includes the development of green standards, the launch of targeted measures to support high-quality projects within the framework of preferential project financing with a cluster approach and the creation of conditions for the transition of developers to a closed-loop economy,” said Vitaly Mutko, General Director of DOM.RF.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Winter Academy on Nuclear Energy for Students from China Concluded

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The International Winter Academy on Energy has ended at the Institute of Energy. This project is aimed at developing international educational cooperation in energy with universities in different countries. This winter, the Nuclear Energy module was organized for Chinese students from Harbin Engineering University, Sichuan University, Shandong University, and Tsinghua University.

    The staff of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of the Institute of Power Engineering have been conducting classes in a hybrid format since the pandemic. The transition to online classes was inevitable then, and now it has become a convenient option for students who, for various reasons, cannot come.

    We will continue to accept students both online and in person, as there is demand for this. Our program is short-term, it covers both basic and special aspects of energy, so we provide some participants with the opportunity to study after their main classes and after finishing work, – said Ekaterina Sokolova, associate professor at HSE and founder of the academy.

    The Winter Academy received the “status” of an academy when the organizers and founders of the project realized that education is not the only area of cooperation in which students, teachers from foreign universities and polytechnics are interested.

    Now the program includes not only lectures and intensive courses, but also case studies and presentations of scientific research. The Academy participants presented projects on various topics: “Artificial Intelligence on the Path to Sustainable Energy”, “Small Modular Reactors”, “Nuclear Energy and Climate Change”, etc.

    Students wrote review articles and provided examples of the latest developments in their country, Russia and the world, based on the knowledge they had gained during the program. They presented their research results on the final day at the energy forum.

    The guys visited the laboratory of the Scientific and Educational Center “Thermal Physics in Power Engineering”, where Professor Vladimir Mityakov of the Higher School of Engineering and Technology gave a tour in English, showed the work of the wind tunnel and the results of experiments conducted with its help. Associate Professors of the Higher School of Engineering and Technology Khashayar Sadeghi and Hadi Seyed accompanied the students of the Academy, assistant Alexey Tarasenko gave a lecture on the basics of probabilistic safety analysis.

    We would like our academy to be able to provide not only knowledge, but also the skills required for conducting scientific activities and writing articles. The guys get acquainted with the Polytechnic, with teachers and students. We hold events that teach them to work in a team, overcome the language barrier and develop the skill of communicating with future colleagues and scientists. The language of science is, first of all, the language of cooperation, both in education and in culture, – shared Ekaterina Andreyevna.

    A cultural program was prepared for the Academy participants. The children visited the Hermitage and the Yusupov Palace. Senior lecturer of the Higher School of Architecture and Technical Ethics Natalia Donmez and specialist of the SPbPU History Museum Maria Zavyalova conducted a bilingual excursion dedicated to the history of the Polytechnic University.

    The academy’s organizers plan to attract Russian students and students from international educational programs to obtain different opinions and come to new solutions.

    In the near future, IE employees will begin preparing for the spring program on hydrogen energy, which is very popular. Scientists Competence Center for Advanced Nuclear Technologies in the Area of Sustainable Development and Decarbonization of Energy create a course taking into account the latest industry developments.

    In the summer, the team is preparing for the arrival of several delegations from China and students from other countries for modules on electric power, oil and gas industry, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources.

    Students can follow the updates and recruitment to the academy as tutors on the IE website.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Results of the International Festival of the Merry and Inventive: the Scientific and Methodological Center of KVN will open at the State University of Management

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    From January 21 to 25 this year, the fourth All-Russian forum “KVN – School of Leaders” was held in Sochi as part of the International Festival “KiViN-2025”. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the State University of Management and the Television Creative Association “AMiK”.

    The goal of the Forum is to strengthen and further develop the youth movement of the Club of the Merry and Resourceful among employees of federal and regional executive authorities involved in the implementation of youth policy and educational work, as well as specialists from higher education institutions involved in programs in the same areas.

    The central event of the Forum was the panel discussion “KVN – School of Leaders”. The participants were greeted via videoconference by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova. The speakers of the panel discussion were:

    — Tatyana Omelchuk – representative of the Department for Public Projects of the Presidential Administration; — Vladimir Stroyev – rector of the State University of Management; — Alexander Maslyakov – general director of TTO “AMiK”; — Anton Serikov – general director of the Mashuk Knowledge Center; — Ruben Partevyan – deputy general director of TTO “AMiK”; — Pavel Pavlovsky – vice-rector of the State University of Management.

    The participants discussed the scale of the KVN movement in Russian universities, which involves about 22 thousand activists from all over the country, who played about 650 games at their universities last year. “KiViN-2025” brought together more than 550 teams in Sochi. All of them represent enormous potential for the development of youth policy and creative industry in their regions.

    In order to develop the university movement of the cheerful and resourceful, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, it was decided to create a Scientific and Methodological Center for KVN on the basis of the State University of Management, which will help everyone who wants to organize their games, leagues and cups, teach them how to interact with the management of universities, seek financial support outside of universities, and set the right vector for the development of student KVN in Russia.

    The Forum program was rich and diverse. Key tasks and goals were presented at the introductory session. During the first day, participants also had a unique opportunity to meet with the management of TTO “AMiK”, discuss the prospects for the development of the KVN movement, and exchange their experiences with each other in an informal setting.

    The second day opened with a lecture on the role and importance of the movement of the cheerful and resourceful in achieving the national goal – revealing the potential of each person, developing their talents and nurturing patriotism and social responsibility. Later, the participants had the opportunity to talk with the head of the Safe Internet League Ekaterina Mizulina. During the day, master classes were held on the legal aspects of organizing KVN games, as well as issues of interaction between official children’s leagues and regional branches of the “Movement of the First”.

    The third day of the forum included a workshop on “Creative and motivational aspects of organizing Club games in educational institutions.” A strategic session on new forms of integrating the KVN movement into state youth policy was also held with the participation of representatives of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.

    The last, fourth day, January 24, gave the participants the opportunity to attend a lecture on the formation of federal standards for organizing KVN games and training teams of various levels. This was followed by a strategic session dedicated to children’s KVN, issues of its development and interaction at the local level.

    The organizers expressed confidence that the Forum will be an important step towards strengthening and further developing the KVN youth movement in Russia, contributing to the formation of a new generation of leaders capable of making a significant contribution to the future of the country.

    At the International Festival “KiViN-2025” the State University of Management was represented by four teams: “Singlplayer”, “Ikhnie”, “Fildepersovye” and “Kontora”. The guys coped with dignity, showing brilliant performances and a high level of training.

    “Singlplayer” once again made it to the second round of the festival and eventually received an invitation to the show “League of Cities” on TNT. “Fildepersovye” made it to the second round for the first time, performed in front of Alexander Maslyakov and got the opportunity to play in the Central Leagues of the International Union of KVN. “Kontora” made a successful debut at the Sochi festival and received an “increased rating”, which is a significant achievement for newcomers and gives the right to perform in the Central Leagues.

    Moreover, these three teams were nominated for the “Break of the Day” after their performances in the first round. The editors only award this nomination to 5 out of 80-90 teams whose performances were the funniest and most memorable.

    The KiViN-2025 festival for the teams of the KVN League of the State University of Management was incredibly successful. We are proud of the guys for their work, creativity and desire to win. Congratulations to everyone and wish them great success in the next season!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 01/28/2025

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The ensemble “Zori Rossii” in the cultural center of F.A. Iskander – library No. 36

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A concert by the ensemble “Zori Rossii” under the direction of Antonina Melnik, former soloist of the State Academic Russian Folk Choir named after M.E. Pyatnitsky, will be held in the F.A. Iskander Cultural Center – Library No. 36.

    The program will feature Russian folk songs, including famous pieces that have long been part of the national culture. After the concert, guests will be able to chat with the band members and take memorable photos.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/afisha/event/330025257/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Origami. Funny animals” in the club “Atom”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Atom club will host an origami master class. Participants will create animal figures — from playful kittens to graceful cranes — and, under the guidance of an experienced teacher, will learn the basics of this ancient art. The class will tell you about the best types of paper, useful tools, and important techniques that will help you achieve excellent results. The crafts you create can become both an original decoration for your home and a touching gift.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/afisha/event/330027257/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Changes Coming for Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Georgia

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    he Disaster Recovery Center in Jefferson County will close permanently at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan.  30. The recovery center in Coffee County will close at its current location at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, and reopen at a new location at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. 
    The centers’ standard hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except Fulton County center, where the hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturday. All centers are closed on Sundays.
    Jefferson County (closing permanently 6 p.m. Jan. 30)
    National Guard Bid-EOC
    1841 Hwy. 24 West
    Louisville, GA 30434
    Coffee County (location through 6 p.m. Jan. 29)
    The Atrium         
    114 N. Peterson Ave
    Douglas, GA 31533
    Coffee County (new location as of 10 a.m. Jan. 30)
    Coffee County Service Center         
    1115 West Baker Hwy
    Douglas, GA 31533
    Residents can visit any open center. They can find the center closest to them by going to fema.gov/drc. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 
    FEMA provides help to all disaster survivors, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Our top priority is ensuring that disaster assistance is reaching people in need.
    Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.
    If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.
    For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.
    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam.
    ###
    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.
    Learn more at fema.gov/helene/georgia
     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA To Offer Tips for Home Repair and Rebuilding in the Upstate

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA To Offer Tips for Home Repair and Rebuilding in the Upstate

    FEMA To Offer Tips for Home Repair and Rebuilding in the Upstate

    COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents repairing and rebuilding following Hurricane Helene can visit two Home Depot locations in Spartanburg County to get tips and advice on making homes stronger and safer against storms and other hazards. The Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists will be available Jan. 27-Jan. 31, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., to answer questions and share home-improvement tips and other proven building methods to prevent or lessen damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. This free information is geared toward do-it-yourselfers and general contractors.The locations are:Home Depot, 121 Dorman Center Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29301 Home Depot, 2300 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307FEMA specialists can answer questions and discuss topics such as:Techniques for home repair and rebuilding.Methods for preventing damage from future disasters.Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent a home.FEMA is encouraging South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helen to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is Jan. 28, just one day away. The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day, and the help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 
    martyce.allenjr
    Tue, 01/28/2025 – 14:15

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Netcompany – Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement
    No. 07/2025

                                                     28 January 2025

    Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities
    Pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Netcompany Group A/S, CVR no. 39 48 89 14 (“Netcompany”), hereby notifies receipt of information of the following transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities in Netcompany in connection with automatic vesting of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) granted under the terms of the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”).

    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated  
    a) Name  André Rogaczewski
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status  CEO
    b) Initial notification/Amendment  Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name  Netcompany Group A/S, CVR no. 39488914 
    b) LEI  5299006DEGAWX1Z1X779
    4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

     Shares

     DK0060952919

    b) Nature of the transaction Acquisition following the automatic vesting of 1,935 RSUs granted   under the terms of the LTIP, resulting in the delivery of 1,935 shares previously held by Netcompany as treasury shares
    c) Price(s) and volume(s)   Price(s)         Volume(s)
      DKK 0            1,935
    d) Aggregated information

    • Aggregated volume
    • Price
     

     N/A

    e) Date of the transaction  28 January 2025
    f) Place of the transaction  Outside a trading venue (XOFF)
    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated  
    a) Name  Claus Jørgensen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status  COO
    b) Initial notification/Amendment  Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name  Netcompany Group A/S, CVR no. 39488914 
    b) LEI  5299006DEGAWX1Z1X779
    4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

     Shares

     DK0060952919

    b) Nature of the transaction Acquisition following the automatic vesting of 1,935 RSUs granted under the terms of the LTIP, resulting in the delivery of 1,935 shares previously held by Netcompany as treasury shares
    c) Price(s) and volume(s)   Price(s)         Volume(s)
      DKK 0            1,935
    d) Aggregated information

    • Aggregated volume
    • Price
     

     N/A

    e) Date of the transaction  28 January 2025
    f) Place of the transaction  Outside a trading venue (XOFF)
    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated  
    a) Name  Thomas Johansen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status  CFO
    b) Initial notification/Amendment  Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name  Netcompany Group A/S, CVR no. 39488914 
    b) LEI  5299006DEGAWX1Z1X779
    4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

     Shares

     DK0060952919

    b) Nature of the transaction Acquisition following the automatic vesting of 1,075 RSUs granted under the terms of the LTIP, resulting in the delivery of 1,075 shares previously held by Netcompany as treasury shares
    c) Price(s) and volume(s)  Price(s)         Volume(s)
     DKK 0            1,075
    d) Aggregated information

    • Aggregated volume
    • Price
     

     N/A

    e) Date of the transaction  28 January 2025
    f) Place of the transaction  Outside a trading venue (XOFF)

    Additional information
    For additional information, please contact:

    Netcompany Group A/S
    Thomas Johansen, CFO, +45 51 19 32 24
    Frederikke Linde, Head of IR, +45 60 62 60 87

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Coastal Financial Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”, “Coastal”, “we”, “our”, or “us”), the holding company for Coastal Community Bank (the “Bank”), through which it operates a community-focused bank with an industry leading banking as a service (“BaaS”) segment, today reported unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, including net income of $13.4 million, or $0.94 per diluted common share, compared to $13.5 million, or $0.97 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $45.2 million, or $3.26 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $44.6 million, or $3.27 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    Management Discussion of the Quarter and Full-year Results

    “2024 was highlighted by the completion of our $98.0 million capital raise during the fourth quarter, which we will utilize to support growth of the Bank including in our CCBX segment,” said CEO Eric Sprink. “We saw high quality net loan growth of $67.7 million despite selling $845.5 million in loans during the fourth quarter, and our CCBX program fee income continued to increase which was up 56.9% for full-year 2024 relative to the prior year. We continue to invest heavily in CCBX to support future growth, and we are pleased to have three letters of intent (“LOI”) signed going into 2025 with an active pipeline.”

    Key Points for Fourth Quarter and Our Go-Forward Strategy

    • Completed Capital Raise Allows CCBX Growth to Continue. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we completed a $98.0 million common equity raise, which was priced at $71.00/share. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and to support growth of the Bank including in our CCBX segment. As of December 31, 2024 we had three signed LOIs and continue to have an active pipeline for 2025. The growth in common-equity tier 1 and total risk-based capital to 12.04% and 14.67%, respectively, includes the benefit of the capital raise.
    • Strong Annual Growth in CCBX Program Fees. Total BaaS program fee income was $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $9.3 million, or 56.9%, from the year ended December 31, 2023, and is representative of growth in partner transaction activity and expanded product offerings within our CCBX operating segment. Trends in CCBX noninterest income were also positive during the quarter, with total program fees of $8.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $1.8 million, or 27.6%, from the three months ended September 30, 2024.
    • Investments for Growth Continues. Total non-interest expense of $64.2 million was down $1.4 million, or 2.1%, as compared to $65.6 million in the third quarter of 2024, mainly driven by lower BaaS loan expense, partially offset by higher salaries and employee benefits, point of sale expense, and legal and professional expenses. As we increase the number of new CCBX partners and programs launching in 2025, we expect that expenses will tend to be front-loaded with a focus on compliance and operational risk before any new program reaches significant revenues.
    • Off Balance Sheet Activity Update. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we sold $845.5 million of loans, the majority of which were credit card receivables, and swept $273.2 million of deposits off balance-sheet. We are able to retain a portion of the fee income on these sold credit card loans. As of December 31, 2024 there were 182,449 credit cards with fee earning potential, an increase of 101,023 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and an increase of 172,400 from December 31, 2023.
    • Continued Monitoring of CCBX Risk. We remain fully indemnified against fraud and 98.7% indemnified against credit risk with our CCBX partners as of year-end of 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

    The tables below outline some of our key operating metrics.

      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data; unaudited) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Income Statement Data:                  
    Interest and dividend income $ 96,587     $ 105,079     $ 97,487     $ 90,472     $ 88,243  
    Interest expense   30,071       32,892       31,250       29,536       28,586  
    Net interest income   66,516       72,187       66,237       60,936       59,657  
    Provision for credit losses   61,867       70,257       62,325       83,158       60,789  
    Net interest (expense)/ income after provision for credit losses   4,649       1,930       3,912       (22,222 )     (1,132 )
    Noninterest income   76,756       80,068       69,918       86,955       64,694  
    Noninterest expense   64,206       65,616       58,809       56,018       51,703  
    Provision for income tax   3,832       2,926       3,425       1,915       2,847  
    Net income   13,367       13,456       11,596       6,800       9,012  
                       
      As of and for the Three Month Period
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Balance Sheet Data:                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 452,513     $ 484,026     $ 487,245     $ 515,128     $ 483,128  
    Investment securities   47,321       48,620       49,213       50,090       150,364  
    Loans held for sale   20,600       7,565             797        
    Loans receivable   3,486,565       3,418,832       3,326,460       3,199,554       3,026,092  
    Allowance for credit losses   (176,994 )     (170,263 )     (147,914 )     (139,258 )     (116,958 )
    Total assets   4,121,208       4,065,821       3,961,546       3,865,258       3,753,366  
    Interest bearing deposits   3,057,808       3,047,861       2,949,643       2,888,867       2,735,161  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   527,524       579,427       593,789       574,112       625,202  
    Core deposits (1)   3,123,434       3,190,869       3,528,339       3,447,864       3,342,004  
    Total deposits   3,585,332       3,627,288       3,543,432       3,462,979       3,360,363  
    Total borrowings   47,884       47,847       47,810       47,771       47,734  
    Total shareholders’ equity   438,704       331,930       316,693       303,709       294,978  
                       
    Share and Per Share Data (2):                  
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.97     $ 1.00     $ 0.86     $ 0.51     $ 0.68  
    Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.94     $ 0.97     $ 0.84     $ 0.50     $ 0.66  
    Dividends per share                            
    Book value per share (3) $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54     $ 22.65     $ 22.17  
    Tangible book value per share (4) $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54     $ 22.65     $ 22.17  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – basic   13,828,605       13,447,066       13,412,667       13,340,997       13,286,828  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – diluted   14,268,229       13,822,270       13,736,508       13,676,917       13,676,513  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   14,935,298       13,543,282       13,453,805       13,407,320       13,304,339  
    Stock options outstanding at end of period   186,354       198,370       286,119       309,069       354,969  

    See footnotes that follow the tables below

      As of and for the Three Month Period
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Credit Quality Data:                  
    Nonperforming assets (5) to total assets   1.52 %     1.63 %     1.34 %     1.42 %     1.43 %
    Nonperforming assets (5) to loans receivable and OREO   1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %     1.71 %     1.78 %
    Nonperforming loans (5) to total loans receivable   1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %     1.71 %     1.78 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans   282.5 %     256.5 %     278.1 %     253.8 %     217.2 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable   5.08 %     4.98 %     4.45 %     4.35 %     3.86 %
    Gross charge-offs $ 61,585     $ 53,305     $ 55,207     $ 58,994     $ 47,652  
    Gross recoveries $ 5,646     $ 4,069     $ 1,973     $ 1,776     $ 2,781  
    Net charge-offs to average loans (6)   6.51 %     5.65 %     6.57 %     7.34 %     5.92 %
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Company                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.78 %     8.40 %     8.31 %     8.24 %     8.10 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.04 %     9.24 %     9.03 %     8.98 %     9.10 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.14 %     9.34 %     9.13 %     9.08 %     9.20 %
    Total risk-based capital   14.67 %     11.89 %     11.70 %     11.70 %     11.87 %
    Bank                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.64 %     9.29 %     9.24 %     9.19 %     9.06 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %     10.14 %     10.30 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %     10.14 %     10.30 %
    Total risk-based capital   13.28 %     11.63 %     11.44 %     11.43 %     11.58 %

    (1) Core deposits are defined as all deposits excluding brokered and time deposits.
    (2) Share and per share amounts are based on total actual or average common shares outstanding, as applicable.
    (3) We calculate book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period.
    (4) Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate tangible book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period, less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is book value per share. We had no goodwill or other intangible assets as of any of the dates indicated. As a result, tangible book value per share is the same as book value per share as of each of the dates indicated.
    (5) Nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans include loans 90+ days past due and accruing interest.
    (6) Annualized calculations.

    Key Performance Ratios

    Return on average assets (“ROA”) was 1.30% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to 1.34% and 0.97% for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.  ROA for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, decreased 0.04% and increased 0.33% compared to September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Noninterest expenses were lower for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 largely due to a decrease in BaaS loan expense, which is directly related to the amount of interest earned on CCBX loans, and higher than the quarter ended December 31, 2023 largely due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits, data processing and software licenses, legal and professional expenses and point of sale expenses, all of which are related to the growth of Company and investments in technology and risk management.

    Yield on earning assets and yield on loans receivable decreased 1.14% and 0.99%, respectively, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024. This decrease is due to a combination of factors. We continue to refine our credit approach with partners, widening the scope of loans that we are moving to nonaccrual, which decreased loan interest income in the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to prior quarters. Average loans receivable as of December 31, 2024 decreased $45.4 million compared to September 30, 2024 as we continue to sell CCBX loans as part of our on-going strategy to manage the loan portfolio and credit quality. New loans are being booked with enhanced credit standards, which typically results in a lower interest rate than some of the higher risk loans that have paid off or we have chosen to sell.

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

        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    (unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
                                 
    Return on average assets (1)   1.30%   1.34%   1.21%   0.73%   0.97%   1.15%   1.28%
    Return on average equity (1)   14.90%   16.67%   15.22%   9.21%   12.35%   14.11%   16.41%
    Yield on earnings assets (1)   9.65%   10.79%   10.49%   10.07%   9.77%   10.25%   9.82%
    Yield on loans receivable (1)   10.44%   11.43%   11.23%   10.85%   10.71%   10.99%   10.60%
    Cost of funds (1)   3.24%   3.62%   3.60%   3.52%   3.39%   3.49%   2.91%
    Cost of deposits (1)   3.21%   3.59%   3.58%   3.49%   3.36%   3.46%   2.87%
    Net interest margin (1)   6.65%   7.41%   7.13%   6.78%   6.61%   6.99%   7.10%
    Noninterest expense to average assets (1)   6.23%   6.54%   6.14%   6.04%   5.56%   6.24%   5.90%
    Noninterest income to average assets (1)   7.45%   7.98%   7.30%   9.38%   6.95%   8.00%   5.97%
    Efficiency ratio   44.81%   43.10%   43.19%   37.88%   41.58%   42.21%   45.92%
    Loans receivable to deposits (2)   97.82%   94.46%   93.88%   92.42%   90.05%   97.8%   90.1%

    (1) Annualized calculations shown for quarterly periods presented.
    (2) Includes loans held for sale.

    Management Outlook; CEO Eric Sprink

    “As we look forward to 2025, our strategy involves selectively expanding our current base of CCBX partners while continuing to invest in and enhance our technology and risk management infrastructure. This will enable us to support the next phase of growth within CCBX more efficiently. Additionally, we are focused on growing noninterest income through increased transaction activity and new product offerings with our established partners. We plan to continue selling credit card loans while retaining a portion of the fee income for our role in processing transactions, which offers an additional source of noninterest income without adding on-balance-sheet risk. We believe that by increasing noninterest income, we can mitigate the uncertainties associated with fluctuating interest rates and provide a more stable income stream in the future.” said CEO Eric Sprink.

    Coastal Financial Corporation Overview

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

    CCBX Performance Update

    Our CCBX segment continues to evolve, and we have 24 relationships, at varying stages, including three signed letters of intent as of December 31, 2024.  We continue to refine the criteria for CCBX partnerships, exploring relationships with larger more established partners, with experienced management teams, existing customer bases and strong financial positions and will continue to exit relationships where it makes sense for us to do so.

    As we explore relationships with new partners we plan to continue expanding product offerings with our existing CCBX partners. As we become more proficient in the BaaS space we aim to cultivate new relationships that align with our long-term goals. We believe that a strategy of adding new partnerships and launching new products with existing partners positions us to reach a wide and established customer base with a modest increase in regulatory risk given that we have already vetted existing partners and have an operational history. Increases in partner activity/transaction counts is positively impacting noninterest income and we expect that trend to continue as products launched earlier in the year gain traction. We plan to continue selling loans as part of our strategy to balance partner and lending limits, and manage the loan portfolio and credit quality. We retain a portion of the fee income for our role in processing transactions on sold credit card balances, and plan to continue this strategy to provide an on-going and passive revenue stream with no on balance sheet risk.

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

      As of
    (unaudited) December 31,
    2024
    September 30,
    2024
    December 31,
    2023
    Active 19 19 19
    Friends and family / testing 1 1 1
    Implementation / onboarding 1 1 1
    Signed letters of intent 3 1 0
    Wind down – active but preparing to exit relationship 0 0 0
    Total CCBX relationships 24 22 21
           

    CCBX loans increased $82.3 million, or 5.4%, to $1.60 billion despite selling $845.5 million loans during the three months ended December 31, 2024. In accordance with the program agreement for one partner, effective April 1, 2024, the portion of the CCBX portfolio that we are responsible for losses on decreased from 10% to 5%. At December 31, 2024 the portion of this portfolio for which we are responsible represented $20.6 million in loans.

    The following table details the CCBX loan portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans:                        
    Capital call lines   $ 109,017     6.8 %   $ 103,924     6.8 %   $ 87,494     7.3 %
    All other commercial & industrial loans     33,961     2.1       36,494     2.4       54,298     4.5  
    Real estate loans:                        
    Residential real estate loans     267,707     16.7       265,402     17.5       238,035     19.9  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Credit cards     528,554     33.0       633,691     41.6       505,837     42.3  
    Other consumer and other loans     664,780     41.4       482,228     31.7       310,574     26.0  
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,604,019     100.0 %     1,521,739     100.0 %     1,196,238     100.0 %
    Net deferred origination (fees) costs     (442 )         (447 )         (300 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,603,577         $ 1,521,292         $ 1,195,938      
    Loan Yield – CCBX (1)(2)     15.28 %         17.35 %         17.36 %    
                             

    (1) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense.  BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.

    The increase in CCBX loans in the quarter ended December 31, 2024, includes an increase of $77.4 million or 6.9%, in consumer and other loans, an increase of $5.1 million, or 4.9%, in capital call lines as a result of normal balance fluctuations and business activities, and an increase of $2.3 million, or 0.9%, in residential real estate loans. We continue to monitor and manage the CCBX loan portfolio, and sold $845.5 million in CCBX loans during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to sales of $423.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2024. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio and generate off balance sheet fee income.

    CCBX loan yield decreased 2.06% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as a result of our widening the scope of loans that we are moving to nonaccrual, which decreased loan interest income in the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Also contributing to the decrease are lower interest rates on new CCBX loans, which are replacing higher risk and higher rate loans that have paid off or were sold as part of our strategy to manage the loan portfolio and credit quality. The recent decrease in the Fed funds interest rate further contributed to the change.

    The following chart show the growth in credit card accounts that we are able to generate fee income from. This includes accounts with balances, which are included in our loan totals, and accounts that have been sold and have no corresponding balance in our loan totals, but that we are still able to generate fee income on.

    The following table details the CCBX deposit portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 55,686     2.7 %   $ 60,655     2.9 %   $ 63,630     3.4 %
    Interest bearing demand and
    money market
        1,958,459     94.9       1,991,858     94.6       1,794,168     96.3  
    Savings     5,710     0.3       5,204     0.3       4,964     0.3  
    Total core deposits     2,019,855     97.9       2,057,717     97.8       1,862,762     100.0  
    Other deposits     44,233     2.1       47,046     2.2            
    Total CCBX deposits   $ 2,064,088     100.0 %   $ 2,104,763     100.0 %   $ 1,862,762     100.0 %
    Cost of deposits (1)     4.19 %         4.82 %         4.90 %    

    (1)  Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.

    CCBX deposits decreased $40.7 million, or 1.9%, in the three months ended December 31, 2024 to $2.06 billion as a result of normal balance fluctuations. This excludes the $273.2 million in CCBX deposits that were transferred off balance sheet for increased Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance coverage and sweep purposes, compared to $214.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Amounts in excess of FDIC insurance coverage are transferred, using a third party facilitator/vendor sweep product, to participating financial institutions.

    Community Bank Performance Update

    In the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the community bank saw net loans decrease $14.6 million, or 0.8%, to $1.88 billion.

    The following table details the Community Bank loan portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 150,395     8.0 %   $ 152,161     8.0 %   $ 149,502     8.2 %
    Real estate loans:                        
    Construction, land and land development loans     148,198     7.8       163,051     8.6       157,100     8.5  
    Residential real estate loans     202,064     10.7       212,467     11.2       225,391     12.3  
    Commercial real estate loans     1,374,801     72.8       1,362,452     71.5       1,303,533     70.9  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Other consumer and other loans     13,542     0.7       14,173     0.7       1,628     0.1  
    Gross Community Bank loans receivable     1,889,000     100.0 %     1,904,304     100.0 %     1,837,154     100.0 %
    Net deferred origination fees     (6,012 )         (6,764 )         (7,000 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,882,988         $ 1,897,540         $ 1,830,154      
    Loan Yield(1)     6.53 %         6.64 %         6.32 %    

    (1) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.

    Community bank loans decreased $14.9 million in construction, land and land development loans, decreased $1.8 million in commercial and industrial loans and decreased $631,000 in consumer and other loans, and were partially offset by an increase in commercial real estate loans of $12.3 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    The following table details the community bank deposit portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 471,838     31.0 %   $ 518,772     34.1 %   $ 561,572     37.5 %
    Interest bearing demand and money market     570,625     37.5       552,108     36.3       846,072     56.5  
    Savings     61,116     4.0       62,272     4.1       71,598     4.8  
    Total core deposits     1,103,579     72.5       1,133,152     74.5       1,479,242     98.8  
    Other deposits     400,118     26.3       373,681     24.5       1     0.0  
    Time deposits less than $100,000     5,920     0.4       6,305     0.4       8,109     0.5  
    Time deposits $100,000 and over     11,627     0.8       9,387     0.6       10,249     0.7  
    Total Community Bank deposits   $ 1,521,244     100.0 %   $ 1,522,525     100.0 %   $ 1,497,601     100.0 %
    Cost of deposits(1)     1.86 %         1.92 %         1.57 %    

    (1) Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.

    Community bank deposits decreased $1.3 million, or 0.1%, during the three months ended December 31, 2024 to $1.52 billion as result of normal balance fluctuations. The community bank segment includes noninterest bearing deposits of $471.8 million, or 31.0%, of total community bank deposits, resulting in a cost of deposits of 1.86%, which compared to 1.92% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, largely due to the decreases in the Fed funds rate late in the third quarter and during the fourth quarter of 2024. The cost of community bank deposits are projected to decline further as the Fed funds rate had a decrease of 0.25%, which occurred in December 2024 and the full quarterly effect of that decrease will not be recognized until the first quarter of 2025.

    Net Interest Income and Margin Discussion

    Net interest income was $66.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $5.7 million, or 7.9%, from $72.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and an increase of $6.9 million, or 11.5%, from $59.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net interest income compared to September 30, 2024, was a result of a decrease in average loans receivable as a result of selling $845.5 million in CCBX loans during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the recent decrease in the Fed funds interest rate, and continued enhancements to our partner credit practices that resulted in a reduction of interest income on loans. The increase in net interest income compared to December 31, 2023 was largely related to increased yield on loans resulting from higher interest rates and growth in higher yielding loans, partially offset by an increase in cost of funds relating to higher interest rates and growth in interest bearing deposits.  

    Net interest margin was 6.65% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 7.41% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, largely due to lower loan yield. Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, (A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release.) was 4.16% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.06% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Net interest margin was 6.61% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net interest margin for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023 was largely due to an increase in loan yield, partially offset by higher interest rates on interest bearing deposits. Interest and fees on loans receivable decreased $9.9 million, or 9.9%, to $89.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $99.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as a result of loan sales and a decrease in the Fed funds interest rate. Additionally, as we continue to refine our credit approach with partners, we are widening the scope of loans that we are moving to nonaccrual which decreased interest income in the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and lowered loan yield and net interest margin; however this also decreased BaaS loan expense (which is in noninterest expense) resulting in no impact to net income. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $8.6 million, or 10.5%, compared to $81.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, due to an increase in outstanding balances and higher interest rates. Net interest margin, net of Baas loan expense (A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release.) increased 0.10% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024 and increased 0.25% compared the three months ended December 31, 2023.

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

    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended As of and for the Twelve
    Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31
    2024
      September 30
    2024
      December 31
    2023
    December 31
    2024
      December 31
    2023
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:              
    Net interest margin (1)     6.65 %     7.41 %     6.61 %   6.99 %     7.10 %
    Earning assets     3,980,078       3,875,911       3,581,772     3,802,275       3,364,406  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     66,516       72,187       59,657     265,876       238,727  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (24,859 )     (32,612 )     (24,310 )   (111,384 )     (86,900 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense(2)   $ 41,657     $ 39,575     $ 35,347   $ 154,492     $ 151,827  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)(2)     4.16 %     4.06 %     3.92 %   4.06 %     4.51 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:         
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     10.44 %     11.43 %     10.71 %   10.99 %     10.60 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,419,476     $ 3,464,871     $ 3,007,289   $ 3,320,582     $ 2,936,908  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     89,714       99,590       81,159     364,869       311,441  
    BaaS loan expense     (24,859 )     (32,612 )     (24,310 )   (111,384 )     (86,900 )
    Net loan income(2)   $ 64,855     $ 66,978     $ 56,849   $ 253,485     $ 224,541  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)(2)     7.55 %     7.69 %     7.50 %   7.63 %     7.65 %

    (1) Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.
    (2) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.

    Average investment securities decreased $820,000 to $48.2 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024 and decreased $101.5 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023 as a result of principal paydowns and maturing securities.

    Cost of funds was 3.24% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of 38 basis points from the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and a decrease of 16 basis points from the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Cost of deposits for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was 3.21%, compared to 3.59% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and 3.36% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The decreased cost of funds and deposits compared to September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was largely due to the recent reductions in the Fed funds rate.

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

      For the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
    Community Bank 6.53%   1.86%   6.64%   1.92%   6.32%   1.57%
    CCBX (1) 15.28%   4.19%   17.35%   4.82%   17.36%   4.90%
    Consolidated 10.44%   3.21%   11.43%   3.59%   10.71%   3.36%

    (1) Annualized calculations for periods shown for credit and fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans.  To determine Net BaaS loan income earned from CCBX loan relationships, the Company takes BaaS loan interest income and deducts BaaS loan expense to arrive at Net BaaS loan income which can be compared to interest income on the Company’s community bank loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Annualized calculations for periods shown.

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

        For the Three Months Ended
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   Income /
    Expense
      Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
      Income /
    Expense
      Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
      Income /
    Expense
      Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 58,671   15.28%   $ 67,692   17.35 %   $ 52,327   17.36%
    Less: BaaS loan expense     24,859   6.48%     32,612   8.36 %     24,310   8.06%
    Net BaaS loan income (1)   $ 33,812   8.81%   $ 35,080   8.99 %   $ 28,017   9.30%
    Average BaaS Loans(3)   $ 1,527,178       $ 1,552,443       $ 1,196,137    

    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
    (2) Annualized calculations shown for quarterly periods presented.
    (3) Includes loans held for sale.

    Noninterest Income Discussion

    Noninterest income was $76.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $3.3 million from $80.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and an increase of $12.1 million from $64.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in noninterest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease of $3.3 million in total BaaS income. The $3.3 million decrease in total BaaS income included an $8.0 million decrease in BaaS credit enhancements related to the provision for credit losses, partially offset by a a $3.0 million increase in BaaS fraud enhancements and an increase of $1.8 million in BaaS program income. The $1.8 million increase in BaaS program income is largely due to higher reimbursement of expenses as well as an increase in transaction fees and interchange fees, our primary BaaS source for recurring fee income, as well as higher reimbursement of expenses (see “Appendix B” for more information on the accounting for BaaS allowance for credit losses and credit and fraud enhancements).

    The $12.1 million increase in noninterest income over the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to a $7.9 million increase in BaaS credit and fraud enhancements and an increase of $3.8 million in BaaS program income.

    Noninterest Expense Discussion
    Total noninterest expense decreased $1.4 million to $64.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $65.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and increased $12.5 million from $51.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in noninterest expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was primarily due to a $4.8 million decrease in BaaS expense from a $7.8 million decrease in BaaS loan expense, partially offset by a $3.0 million increase in BaaS fraud expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, and originating & servicing CCBX loans. BaaS fraud expense represents non-credit fraud losses on partner’s customer loan and deposit accounts. A portion of this expense is realized during the quarter in which the loss occurs, and a portion is estimated based on historical or other information from our partners. Other variances that partially offset the net decrease in noninterest expense include an increase of $1.4 million in point of sale expenses as a result of increased partner transaction activity, an increase of $893,000 in salaries and employee benefits and an increase of $1.0 million in legal and professional fees as part of our continued investments in technology and risk management.

    The increase in noninterest expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was largely due to an increase of $4.8 million in BaaS partner expense primarily from a $4.3 million increase in BaaS fraud expense, a $549,000 increase in BaaS loan expense, a $2.0 million increase in legal and professional expenses, a $1.8 million increase in point of sale expenses, a $1.5 million increase in salary and employee benefits, and a $1.2 million increase in data processing and software licenses due to enhancements in technology.

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

        Three Months Ended
        December 31,   September 30,   December 31,
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   2024   2024   2023
    Total noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 64,206   $ 65,616   $ 51,703
    Less: BaaS loan expense     24,859     32,612     24,310
    Less: BaaS fraud expense     5,043     2,084     779
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses (Baas)     3,468     1,843     1,076
    Noninterest expense, net of Baas loan expense, BaaS fraud expense and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) (1)   $ 30,836   $ 29,077   $ 25,538

    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.

    Provision for Income Taxes

    The provision for income taxes was $3.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $2.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.  The income tax provision was higher for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as a result of the deductibility of certain equity awards which reduced tax expense during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 despite net income being higher fairly even, and higher than the quarter ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to higher net income compared to that quarter, partially offset by the deductibility of certain equity awards.

    The Company is subject to various state taxes that are assessed as CCBX activities and employees expand into other states, which has increased the overall tax rate used in calculating the provision for income taxes in the current and future periods. The Company uses a federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% as a basis for calculating provision for federal income taxes and 2.63% for calculating the provision for state income taxes.

    Financial Condition Overview

    Total assets increased $55.4 million, or 1.4%, to $4.12 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to $4.07 billion at September 30, 2024.  The increase is primarily due to stronger loan growth, partially offset by lower cash balances. Total loans receivable increased $67.7 million to $3.49 billion at December 31, 2024, from $3.42 billion at September 30, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had the capacity to borrow up to a total of $642.1 million from the Federal Reserve Bank discount window and Federal Home Loan Bank, and an additional $50.0 million from a correspondent bank. There were no borrowings outstanding on these lines as of December 31, 2024.

    The Company completed a $98.0 million capital raise during the quarter ended December 31, 2024. After contributing $50.0 million to the Bank, the Company had a cash balance of $47.7 million as of December 31, 2024, which is retained for general operating purposes, including debt repayment, and for funding $480,000 in commitments to bank technology investment funds.  

    Uninsured deposits were $543.0 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $542.2 million as of September 30, 2024.

    Total shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2024 increased $106.8 million since September 30, 2024.  The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to an increase of $93.4 million in common stock outstanding as a result of the aforementioned capital raise and, to a lessor extent, equity awards exercised during the three months ended December 31, 2024 combined with $13.4 million in net earnings.

    The Company and the Bank remained well capitalized at December 31, 2024, as summarized in the following table.

    (unaudited)   Coastal Community
    Bank
      Coastal Financial
    Corporation
      Minimum Well
    Capitalized Ratios
    under Prompt
    Corrective Action
    (1)
    Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to average assets)   10.64%   10.78%   5.00%
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   11.99%   12.04%   6.50%
    Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   11.99%   12.14%   8.00%
    Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   13.28%   14.67%   10.00%

    (1) Presents the minimum capital ratios for an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, to be considered well capitalized under the Prompt Corrective Action framework. The minimum requirements for the Company to be considered well capitalized under Regulation Y include to maintain, on a consolidated basis, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 percent or greater and a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0 percent or greater.

    Asset Quality

    The total allowance for credit losses was $177.0 million and 5.08% of loans receivable at December 31, 2024 compared to $170.3 million and 4.98% at September 30, 2024 and $117.0 million and 3.86% at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit loss allocated to the CCBX portfolio was $158.1 million and 9.86% of CCBX loans receivable at December 31, 2024, with $18.9 million of allowance for credit loss allocated to the community bank or 1.00% of total community bank loans receivable.

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

        As of December 31, 2024   As of September 30, 2024   As of December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total
    Loans receivable   $ 1,882,988     $ 1,603,577     $ 3,486,565     $ 1,897,540     $ 1,521,292     $ 3,418,832     $ 1,830,154     $ 1,195,938     $ 3,026,092  
    Allowance for credit losses     (18,924 )     (158,070 )     (176,994 )     (20,132 )     (150,131 )     (170,263 )     (21,595 )     (95,363 )     (116,958 )
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable     1.00 %     9.86 %     5.08 %     1.06 %     9.87 %     4.98 %     1.18 %     7.97 %     3.86 %
                                                                             

    Net charge-offs totaled $55.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $49.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and $44.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans increased to 6.51% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to 5.65% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. CCBX partner agreements provide for a credit enhancement that covers the net-charge-offs on CCBX loans and negative deposit accounts by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses, except in accordance with the program agreement for one partner where the Company was responsible for credit losses on approximately 5% of a $324.6 million loan portfolio. At December 31, 2024, our portion of this portfolio represented $20.6 million in loans. Net charge-offs for this $20.6 million in loans were $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $1.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

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

        Three Months Ended
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total
    Gross charge-offs   $ 139     $ 61,446     $ 61,585     $ 398     $ 52,907     $ 53,305     $ 2     $ 47,650     $ 47,652  
    Gross recoveries     (3 )     (5,643 )     (5,646 )     (3 )     (4,066 )     (4,069 )     (4 )     (2,777 )     (2,781 )
    Net charge-offs   $ 136     $ 55,803     $ 55,939     $ 395     $ 48,841     $ 49,236     $ (2 )   $ 44,873     $ 44,871  
    Net charge-offs to average loans (1)     0.03 %     14.54 %     6.51 %     0.08 %     12.52 %     5.65 %     0.00 %     14.88 %     5.92 %

    (1) Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, a $63.7 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans, compared to the $72.1 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the provision was based on management’s analysis, bringing the CCBX allowance for credit losses to $158.1 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $150.1 million at September 30, 2024. The increase in the allowance is due to the addition of new loans, partially offset by loan sales. CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses.

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

    The factors used in management’s analysis for community bank credit losses indicated that a provision recapture of $1.1 million and was needed for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to a provision recapture of $519,000 and provision of $277,000 for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The recapture in the current period was due to the decrease in the community bank loan portfolio combined with an improvement in the forward look, which is driven by the future projected unemployment and GDP curves, which flattened since last quarter, lessening the impact of this factor.

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

        Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Community bank   $ (1,071 )   $ (519 )   $ 277
    CCBX     63,741       72,104       60,467
    Total provision expense   $ 62,670     $ 71,585     $ 60,744

    A recapture for unfunded commitments of $803,000 was recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as a result of a decrease in the overall available balance combined with an improvement in the reserve rates.

    At December 31, 2024, our nonperforming assets were $62.7 million, or 1.52%, of total assets, compared to $66.4 million, or 1.63%, of total assets, at September 30, 2024, and $53.8 million, or 1.43%, of total assets, at December 31, 2023. These ratios are impacted by nonperforming CCBX loans that are covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements. As of December 31, 2024, $60.8 million of the $62.6 million in nonperforming CCBX loans were covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements described above.

    Nonperforming assets decreased $3.7 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024. This change is due to a decrease in CCBX and community bank nonaccrual loans. Community bank nonperforming loans decreased $1.0 million from September 30, 2024 to $100,000 as of December 31, 2024, and CCBX nonperforming loans decreased $2.7 million to $62.6 million from September 30, 2024. The decrease in CCBX nonperforming loans is due to an decrease of $570,000 in nonaccrual loans from September 30, 2024 to $19.5 million. Some CCBX partners have a collection practice that places certain loans on nonaccrual status to improve collectability. $17.2 million of these loans are less than 90 days past due as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, there was a $2.2 million decrease in CCBX loans that are past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. As a result of the type of loans (primarily consumer loans) originated through our CCBX partners we anticipate that balances 90 days past due or more and still accruing will generally increase as those loan portfolios grow. Installment/closed-end and revolving/open-end consumer loans originated through CCBX lending partners will continue to accrue interest until 120 and 180 days past due, respectively and are reported as substandard, 90 days or more days past due and still accruing. There were no repossessed assets or other real estate owned at December 31, 2024. Our nonperforming loans to loans receivable ratio was 1.80% at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.94% at September 30, 2024, and 1.78% at December 31, 2023.

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, there were $136,000 community bank net charge-offs and $55.8 million in net charge-offs were recorded on CCBX loans. These CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses.

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

    Consolidated As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 334     $ 531     $  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate         44       170  
    Commercial real estate         831       7,145  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   10,262       7,987        
    Other consumer and other loans   8,967       11,713        
    Total nonaccrual loans   19,563       21,106       7,315  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   1,006       1,566       2,086  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   2,608       3,025       1,115  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   34,490       34,562       34,835  
    Other consumer and other loans   4,989       6,111       8,488  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   43,093       45,264       46,524  
    Total nonperforming loans   62,656       66,370       53,839  
    Real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 62,656     $ 66,370     $ 53,839  
    Total nonaccrual loans to loans receivable   0.56 %     0.62 %     0.24 %
    Total nonperforming loans to loans receivable   1.80 %     1.94 %     1.78 %
    Total nonperforming assets to total assets   1.52 %     1.63 %     1.43 %
                           

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

    CCBX As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans:          
    All other commercial & industrial loans $ 234     $ 333     $  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   10,262       7,987        
    Other consumer and other loans   8,967       11,713        
    Total nonaccrual loans   19,463       20,033        
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   1,006       1,566       2,086  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   2,608       3,025       1,115  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   34,490       34,562       34,835  
    Other consumer and other loans   4,989       6,111       8,488  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   43,093       45,264       46,524  
    Total nonperforming loans   62,556       65,297       46,524  
    Other real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 62,556     $ 65,297     $ 46,524  
    Total CCBX nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets   1.52 %     1.61 %     1.24 %
    Community Bank As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 100   $ 198     $  
    Real estate:          
    Residential real estate       44       170  
    Commercial real estate       831       7,145  
    Total nonaccrual loans   100     1,073       7,315  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more              
    Total nonperforming loans   100     1,073       7,315  
    Other real estate owned              
    Repossessed assets              
    Total nonperforming assets $ 100   $ 1,073     $ 7,315  
    Total community bank nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets < 0.01%     0.03 %     0.19 %
                       

    About Coastal Financial

    Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”), is an Everett, Washington based bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries are Coastal Community Bank (“Bank”) and Arlington Olympic LLC.  The $4.12 billion Bank provides service through 14 branches in Snohomish, Island, and King Counties, the Internet and its mobile banking application.  The Bank provides banking as a service to broker-dealers, digital financial service providers, companies and brands that want to provide financial services to their customers through the Bank’s CCBX segment.  To learn more about the Company visit www.coastalbank.com.

    CCB-ER

    Contact

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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

    ASSETS
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Cash and due from banks $ 36,533     $ 45,327     $ 59,995     $ 32,790     $ 31,345  
    Interest earning deposits with other banks   415,980       438,699       427,250       482,338       451,783  
    Investment securities, available for sale, at fair value   35       38       39       41       99,504  
    Investment securities, held to maturity, at amortized cost   47,286       48,582       49,174       50,049       50,860  
    Other investments   10,800       10,757       10,664       10,583       10,227  
    Loans held for sale   20,600       7,565             797        
    Loans receivable   3,486,565       3,418,832       3,326,460       3,199,554       3,026,092  
    Allowance for credit losses   (176,994 )     (170,263 )     (147,914 )     (139,258 )     (116,958 )
    Total loans receivable, net   3,309,571       3,248,569       3,178,546       3,060,296       2,909,134  
    CCBX credit enhancement asset   181,890       167,251       143,485       137,276       107,921  
    CCBX receivable   14,138       16,060       11,520       10,369       9,088  
    Premises and equipment, net   27,431       25,833       24,526       22,995       22,090  
    Lease right-of-use assets   5,219       5,427       5,635       5,756       5,932  
    Accrued interest receivable   21,104       23,664       23,617       24,681       26,819  
    Bank-owned life insurance, net   13,375       13,255       13,132       12,991       12,870  
    Deferred tax asset, net   3,600       3,083       2,221       2,221       3,806  
    Other assets   13,646       11,711       11,742       12,075       11,987  
    Total assets $ 4,121,208     $ 4,065,821     $ 3,961,546     $ 3,865,258     $ 3,753,366  
                       
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    LIABILITIES                  
    Deposits $ 3,585,332     $ 3,627,288     $ 3,543,432     $ 3,462,979     $ 3,360,363  
    Subordinated debt, net   44,293       44,256       44,219       44,181       44,144  
    Junior subordinated debentures, net   3,591       3,591       3,591       3,590       3,590  
    Deferred compensation   332       369       405       442       479  
    Accrued interest payable   962       1,070       999       1,061       892  
    Lease liabilities   5,398       5,609       5,821       5,946       6,124  
    CCBX payable   29,171       39,188       34,536       33,095       33,651  
    Other liabilities   13,425       12,520       11,850       10,255       9,145  
    Total liabilities   3,682,504       3,733,891       3,644,853       3,561,549       3,458,388  
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Common Stock   228,177       134,769       132,989       131,601       130,136  
    Retained earnings   210,529       197,162       183,706       172,110       165,311  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (2 )     (1 )     (2 )     (2 )     (469 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   438,704       331,930       316,693       303,709       294,978  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,121,208     $ 4,065,821     $ 3,961,546     $ 3,865,258     $ 3,753,366  

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

      Three Months Ended
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 89,714   $ 99,590   $ 90,944     $ 84,621     $ 81,159  
    Interest on interest earning deposits with other banks   6,021     4,781     5,683       4,780       5,687  
    Interest on investment securities   661     675     686       1,034       1,225  
    Dividends on other investments   191     33     174       37       172  
    Total interest income   96,587     105,079     97,487       90,472       88,243  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Interest on deposits   29,404     32,083     30,578       28,867       27,916  
    Interest on borrowed funds   667     809     672       669       670  
    Total interest expense   30,071     32,892     31,250       29,536       28,586  
    Net interest income   66,516     72,187     66,237       60,936       59,657  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   61,867     70,257     62,325       83,158       60,789  
    Net interest income/(expense) after provision for credit losses   4,649     1,930     3,912       (22,222 )     (1,132 )
    NONINTEREST INCOME                  
    Service charges and fees   932     952     946       908       957  
    Loan referral fees                 168        
    Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities, net   1     2     9       15       80  
    Other income   473     486     257       308       60  
    Noninterest income, excluding BaaS program income and BaaS indemnification income   1,406     1,440     1,212       1,399       1,097  
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   1,043     1,044     1,525       1,131       1,015  
    Transaction fees   1,783     1,696     1,309       1,122       1,006  
    Interchange fees   1,916     1,853     1,625       1,539       1,272  
    Reimbursement of expenses   3,468     1,843     1,637       1,033       1,076  
    BaaS program income   8,210     6,436     6,096       4,825       4,369  
    BaaS credit enhancements   62,097     70,108     60,826       79,808       58,449  
    BaaS fraud enhancements   5,043     2,084     1,784       923       779  
    BaaS indemnification income   67,140     72,192     62,610       80,731       59,228  
    Total noninterest income   76,756     80,068     69,918       86,955       64,694  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   17,994     17,101     17,005       17,984       16,490  
    Occupancy   958     964     985       1,029       976  
    Data processing and software licenses   4,010     4,297     3,625       3,381       2,781  
    Legal and professional expenses   4,606     3,597     3,631       3,672       2,649  
    Point of sale expense   2,745     1,351     852       869       899  
    Excise taxes   778     762     (706 )     320       449  
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assessments   750     740     690       683       665  
    Director and staff expenses   683     559     470       400       478  
    Marketing   28     67     14       53       138  
    Other expense   1,752     1,482     1,383       1,867       1,089  
    Noninterest expense, excluding BaaS loan and BaaS fraud expense   34,304     30,920     27,949       30,258       26,614  
    BaaS loan expense   24,859     32,612     29,076       24,837       24,310  
    BaaS fraud expense   5,043     2,084     1,784       923       779  
    BaaS loan and fraud expense   29,902     34,696     30,860       25,760       25,089  
    Total noninterest expense   64,206     65,616     58,809       56,018       51,703  
    Income before provision for income taxes   17,199     16,382     15,021       8,715       11,859  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   3,832     2,926     3,425       1,915       2,847  
    NET INCOME $ 13,367   $ 13,456   $ 11,596     $ 6,800     $ 9,012  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.97   $ 1.00   $ 0.86     $ 0.51     $ 0.68  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.94   $ 0.97   $ 0.84     $ 0.50     $ 0.66  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                  
    Basic   13,828,605     13,447,066     13,412,667       13,340,997       13,286,828  
    Diluted   14,268,229     13,822,270     13,736,508       13,676,917       13,676,513  

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

      For the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning deposits with other banks $ 501,654     $ 6,021   4.77 %   $ 350,915     $ 4,781   5.42 %   $ 413,127     $ 5,687   5.46 %
    Investment securities, available for sale (2)   39               40               100,204       546   2.16  
    Investment securities, held to maturity (2)   48,126       661   5.46       48,945       675   5.49       49,469       679   5.45  
    Other investments   10,783       191   7.05       11,140       33   1.18       11,683       172   5.84  
    Loans receivable (3)   3,419,476       89,714   10.44       3,464,871       99,590   11.43       3,007,289       81,159   10.71  
    Total interest earning assets   3,980,078       96,587   9.65       3,875,911       105,079   10.79       3,581,772       88,243   9.77  
    Noninterest earning assets:                                  
    Allowance for credit losses   (156,687 )             (151,292 )             (95,391 )        
    Other noninterest earning assets   277,922               268,903               204,052          
    Total assets $ 4,101,313             $ 3,993,522             $ 3,690,433          
                                       
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
    Interest bearing deposits $ 3,068,357     $ 29,404   3.81 %   $ 2,966,527     $ 32,083   4.30 %   $ 2,660,235     $ 27,916   4.16 %
    FHLB advances and other borrowings         1         9,717       140   5.73       3          
    Subordinated debt   44,272       599   5.38       44,234       598   5.38       44,121       598   5.38  
    Junior subordinated debentures   3,591       67   7.42       3,591       71   7.87       3,590       72   7.96  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   3,116,220       30,071   3.84       3,024,069       32,892   4.33       2,707,949       28,586   4.19  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   577,453               588,178               640,424          
    Other liabilities   50,824               60,101               52,450          
    Total shareholders’ equity   356,816               321,174               289,612          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,101,313             $ 3,993,522             $ 3,690,435          
    Net interest income     $ 66,516           $ 72,187           $ 59,657    
    Interest rate spread         5.82 %           6.46 %           5.59 %
    Net interest margin (4)         6.65 %           7.41 %           6.61 %

    (1) Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (3) Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (4) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.

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

      For the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Community Bank                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2) $ 1,892,298   $ 31,043   6.53 %   $ 1,912,428   $ 31,898   6.64 %   $ 1,811,152   $ 28,832   6.32 %
    Total interest earning assets   1,892,298     31,043   6.53       1,912,428     31,898   6.64       1,811,152     28,832   6.32  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                
    Interest bearing deposits   1,029,346     7,161   2.77 %     982,280     7,264   2.94 %     951,148     6,090   2.54 %
    Intrabank liability   357,442     4,290   4.77       406,641     5,540   5.42       275,995     3,799   5.46  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   1,386,788     11,451   3.28       1,388,921     12,804   3.67       1,227,143     9,889   3.20  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   505,510             523,507             584,009        
    Net interest income     $ 19,592           $ 19,094           $ 18,943    
    Net interest margin(3)         4.12 %           3.97 %           4.15 %
                                       
    CCBX                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2)(4) $ 1,527,178   $ 58,671   15.28 %   $ 1,552,443   $ 67,692   17.35 %   $ 1,196,137   $ 52,327   17.36 %
    Intrabank asset   583,776     7,007   4.78       496,475     6,764   5.42       569,365     7,837   5.46  
    Total interest earning assets   2,110,954     65,678   12.38       2,048,918     74,456   14.46       1,765,502     60,164   13.52  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                            
    Interest bearing deposits   2,039,011     22,243   4.34 %     1,984,247     24,819   4.98 %     1,709,087     21,826   5.07 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   2,039,011     22,243   4.34       1,984,247     24,819   4.98       1,709,087     21,826   5.07  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   71,943             64,671             56,415        
    Net interest income     $ 43,435           $ 49,637           $ 38,338    
    Net interest margin(3)         8.19 %           9.64 %           8.62 %
    Net interest margin, net of Baas loan expense (5)         3.50 %           3.31 %           3.15 %
      For the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Treasury & Administration                            
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning deposits with other banks $ 501,654   $ 6,021   4.77 %   $ 350,915   $ 4,781   5.42 %   $ 413,127   $ 5,687   5.46 %
    Investment securities, available for sale (6)   39             40             100,204     546   2.16  
    Investment securities, held to maturity (6)   48,126     661   5.46       48,945     675   5.49       49,469     679   5.45  
    Other investments   10,783     191   7.05       11,140     33   1.18       11,683     172   5.84  
    Total interest earning assets   560,602     6,873   4.88 %     411,040   5,489   5.31 %     574,483     7,084   4.89 %
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
    FHLB advances and borrowings $   $ 1   %     9,717     140   5.73 %     3       %
    Subordinated debt   44,272     599   5.38 %     44,234     598   5.38 %     44,121     598   5.38 %
    Junior subordinated debentures   3,591     67   7.42       3,591     71   7.87       3,590     72   7.96  
    Intrabank liability, net (7)   226,334     2,717   4.78       89,834     1,224   5.42       293,370     4,038   5.46  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   274,197     3,384   4.91       147,376     2,033   5.49       341,084     4,708   5.48  
    Net interest income     $ 3,489           $ 3,456           $ 2,376    
    Net interest margin(3)         2.48 %           3.34 %           1.64 %

    (1) Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.
    (4) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (5) Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, includes the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release.
    (6) For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (7) Intrabank assets and liabilities are consolidated for period calculations and presented as intrabank asset, net or intrabank liability, net in the table above.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    CCBX   As of and for the Three Months Ended As of and for the Twelve Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31
    2024
      September 30
    2024
      December 31
    2023
    December 31
    2024
      December 31
    2023
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans:      
    CCBX loan yield (GAAP)(1)     15.28 %     17.35 %     17.36 %   16.89 %     16.89 %
    Total average CCBX loans receivable   $ 1,527,178     $ 1,552,443     $ 1,196,137   $ 1,427,571     $ 1,210,413  
    Interest and earned fee income on CCBX loans (GAAP)     58,671       67,692       52,327     241,134       204,458  
    BaaS loan expense     (24,859 )     (32,612 )     (24,310 )   (111,384 )     (86,900 )
    Net BaaS loan income   $ 33,812     $ 35,080     $ 28,017   $ 129,750     $ 117,558  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans (1)     8.81 %     8.99 %     9.30 %   9.09 %     9.71 %
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:              
    CCBX net interest margin (1)     8.19 %     9.64 %     8.62 %   8.87 %     9.65 %
    CCBX earning assets     2,110,954       2,048,918       1,765,502     1,999,695       1,574,334  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     43,435       49,637       38,338     177,320       151,883  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (24,859 )     (32,612 )     (24,310 )   (111,384 )     (86,900 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense   $ 18,576     $ 17,025     $ 14,028   $ 65,936     $ 64,983  
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     3.50 %     3.31 %     3.15 %   3.30 %     4.13 %
    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended As of and for the Twelve Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31
    2024
      September 30
    2024
      December 31
    2023
    December 31
    2024
      December 31
    2023
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:              
    Net interest margin (1)     6.65 %     7.41 %     6.61 %   6.99 %     7.10 %
    Earning assets     3,980,078       3,875,911       3,581,772     3,802,275       3,364,406  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     66,516       72,187       59,657     265,876       238,727  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (24,859 )     (32,612 )     (24,310 )   (111,384 )     (86,900 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense   $ 41,657     $ 39,575     $ 35,347   $ 154,492     $ 151,827  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     4.16 %     4.06 %     3.92 %   4.06 %     4.51 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:          
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     10.44 %     11.43 %     10.71 %   10.99 %     10.60 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,419,476     $ 3,464,871     $ 3,007,289   $ 3,320,582     $ 2,936,908  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     89,714       99,590       81,159     364,869       311,441  
    BaaS loan expense     (24,859 )     (32,612 )     (24,310 )   (111,384 )     (86,900 )
    Net loan income   $ 64,855     $ 66,978     $ 56,849   $ 253,485     $ 224,541  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)     7.55 %     7.69 %     7.50 %   7.63 %     7.65 %

    (1) Annualized calculations for periods presented.

    The following non-GAAP measure is presented to illustrate the impact of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) on noninterest expense. The most comparable GAAP measure is noninterest expense.

        As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Noninterest expense, net of reimbursement of expenses (BaaS)
    Noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 64,206   $ 65,616   $ 51,703
    Less: BaaS loan expense     24,859     32,612     24,310
    Less: BaaS fraud expense     5,043     2,084     779
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses     3,468     1,843     1,076
    Noninterest expense, net of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense and reimbursement of expenses   $ 30,836   $ 29,077   $ 25,538


    APPENDIX A –

    As of December 31, 2024

    Industry Concentration

    We have a diversified loan portfolio, representing a wide variety of industries. Our major categories of loans are commercial real estate, consumer and other loans, residential real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction, land and land development loans. Together they represent $3.49 billion in outstanding loan balances. When combined with $1.96 billion in unused commitments the total of these categories is $5.46 billion.

    Commercial real estate loans represent the largest segment of our loans, comprising 39.4% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of December 31, 2024. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $34.2 million, and the combined total in commercial real estate loans represents $1.41 billion, or 25.8% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial real estate portfolio as of December 31, 2024:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding
    Balance
      Available
    Loan
    Commitments
      Total
    Outstanding
    Balance &
    Available
    Commitment
      % of Total
    Loans

    (Outstanding
    Balance &

    Available
    Commitment)
      Average Loan
    Balance
      Number of
    Loans
    Apartments   $ 405,561   $ 4,953   $ 410,514   7.5 %   $ 3,937   103
    Hotel/Motel     154,691     68     154,759   2.8       6,726   23
    Convenience Store     139,735     575     140,310   2.6       2,329   60
    Office     122,897     7,687     130,584   2.4       1,366   90
    Retail     103,312     414     103,726   1.9       993   104
    Warehouse     103,130         103,130   1.9       1,748   59
    Mixed use     91,607     5,365     96,972   1.8       1,160   79
    Mini Storage     80,837     10,183     91,020   1.7       3,674   22
    Strip Mall     43,894         43,894   0.8       6,271   7
    Manufacturing     37,617     1,200     38,817   0.7       1,297   29
    Groups < 0.70% of total     91,520     3,777     95,297   1.7       1,173   78
    Total   $ 1,374,801   $ 34,222   $ 1,409,023   25.8 %   $ 2,102   654
                                       

    Consumer loans comprise 34.6% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of December 31, 2024. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $735.8 million, and the combined total in consumer and other loans represents $1.94 billion, or 35.6% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. As illustrated in the table below, our CCBX partners bring in a large number of mostly smaller dollar loans, resulting in an average consumer loan balance of just $1,000. CCBX consumer loans are underwritten to CCBX credit standards and underwriting of these loans is regularly tested, including quarterly testing for partners with portfolio balances greater than $10.0 million.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our consumer and other loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding
    Balance
      Available
    Loan
    Commitments
    (1)
      Total
    Outstanding
    Balance &
    Available
    Commitment
    (1)
      % of Total
     Loans

    (Outstanding
    Balance &

    Available
    Commitment)
      Average Loan
    Balance
      Number of
    Loans
    CCBX consumer loans
    Credit cards   $ 528,554   $ 717,198   $ 1,245,752   22.8 %   $ 1.8   301,799
    Installment loans     656,797     15,806     672,603   12.3       1.0   690,596
    Lines of credit     722     1     723   0.0       1.4   524
    Other loans     7,261         7,261   0.1         163,026
    Community bank consumer loans
    Installment loans     1,917     2     1,919   0.1       68.5   28
    Lines of credit     181     344     525   0.0       5.7   32
    Other loans     11,444     2,400     13,844   0.3       30.6   374
    Total   $ 1,206,876   $ 735,751   $ 1,942,627   35.6 %   $ 1.0   1,156,379

    (1)  Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.

    Residential real estate loans comprise 13.4% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of December 31, 2024. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $499.5 million, and the combined total in residential real estate loans represents $969.3 million, or 17.8% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our residential real estate loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding
    Balance
      Available
    Loan
    Commitments
    (1)
      Total
    Outstanding
    Balance &
    Available
    Commitment
    (1)
      % of Total 
    Loans

    (Outstanding
    Balance &

    Available
    Commitment)
      Average Loan
    Balance
      Number of
    Loans
    CCBX residential real estate loans
    Home equity line of credit   $ 267,707   $ 453,369   $ 721,076   13.2 %   $ 27   10,092
    Community bank residential real estate loans
    Closed end, secured by first liens     165,433     2,080     167,513   3.1       537   308
    Home equity line of credit     25,506     43,102     68,608   1.3       109   234
    Closed end, second liens     11,125     965     12,090   0.2       371   30
    Total   $ 469,771   $ 499,516   $ 969,287   17.8 %   $ 44   10,664

    (1) Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.

    Commercial and industrial loans comprise 8.4% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of December 31, 2024. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $645.5 million, and the combined total in commercial and industrial loans represents $938.9 million, or 17.2% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. Included in commercial and industrial loans is $109.0 million in outstanding capital call lines, with an additional $550.9 million in available loan commitments which is limited to a $350.0 million portfolio maximum. Capital call lines are provided to venture capital firms through one of our CCBX BaaS clients. These loans are secured by the capital call rights and are individually underwritten to the Bank’s credit standards and the underwriting is reviewed by the Bank on every capital call line.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial and industrial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding
    Balance
      Available
    Loan
    Commitments
    (1)
      Total
    Outstanding
    Balance &
    Available
    Commitment
    (1)
      % of Total
    Loans

    (Outstanding
    Balance &

    Available
    Commitment)
      Average Loan
    Balance
      Number of
    Loans
    Consolidated C&I loans
    Capital Call Lines   $ 109,017   $ 550,948   $ 659,965   12.1 %   $ 808   135
    Construction/Contractor Services     24,367     36,343     60,710   1.1       121   202
    Financial Institutions     48,648         48,648   0.9       4,054   12
    Retail     28,533     5,664     34,197   0.6       14   2,052
    Manufacturing     5,604     4,581     10,185   0.2       147   38
    Medical / Dental / Other Care     7,074     2,641     9,715   0.2       544   13
    Groups < 0.20% of total     70,130     45,360     115,490   2.1       55   1,275
    Total   $ 293,373   $ 645,537   $ 938,910   17.2 %   $ 79   3,727

    (1)  Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits.

    Construction, land and land development loans comprise 4.2% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of December 31, 2024. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $47.8 million, and the combined total in construction, land and land development loans represents $196.0 million, or 3.6% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table details our loan commitment for our construction, land and land development portfolio as of December 31, 2024:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding
    Balance
      Available
    Loan
    Commitments
      Total
    Outstanding
    Balance &
    Available
    Commitment
      % of Total
    Loans

    (Outstanding
    Balance &

    Available
    Commitment)
      Average Loan
    Balance
      Number of
    Loans
    Commercial construction   $ 83,216   $ 30,500   $ 113,716   2.1 %   $ 6,935   12
    Residential construction     40,940     10,873     51,813   0.9       2,408   17
    Developed land loans     8,305     456     8,761   0.2       489   17
    Undeveloped land loans     8,665     4,816     13,481   0.2       619   14
    Land development     7,072     1,157     8,229   0.2       643   11
    Total   $ 148,198   $ 47,802   $ 196,000   3.6 %   $ 2,087   71
                                       

    Exposure and risk in our construction, land and land development portfolio is declining compared to previous periods as indicated in the following table:

        Outstanding Balance as of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Commercial construction   $ 83,216   $ 97,792   $ 110,372   $ 102,099   $ 81,489
    Residential construction     40,940     35,822     34,652     28,751     34,213
    Undeveloped land loans     8,665     8,606     8,372     8,190     7,890
    Developed land loans     8,305     14,863     13,954     14,307     20,515
    Land development     7,072     5,968     5,714     7,515     12,993
    Total   $ 148,198   $ 163,051   $ 173,064   $ 160,862   $ 157,100
                                   

    Commitments to extend credit total $1.96 billion at December 31, 2024,   however we do not anticipate our customers using the $1.96 billion that is showing as available due to CCBX partner and portfolio limits.

    The following table presents outstanding commitments to extend credit as of December 31, 2024:

    Consolidated    
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   As of December 31, 2024
    Commitments to extend credit:    
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 94,589
    Commercial and industrial loans – capital call lines     550,948
    Construction – commercial real estate loans     36,873
    Construction – residential real estate loans     10,929
    Residential real estate loans     499,516
    Commercial real estate loans     34,222
    Credit cards     717,198
    Consumer and other loans     18,553
    Total commitments to extend credit   $ 1,962,828
           

    We have individual CCBX partner portfolio limits with our each of our partners to manage loan concentration risk, liquidity risk, and counter-party partner risk. For example, as of December 31, 2024, capital call lines outstanding balance totaled $109.0 million, and while commitments totaled $550.9 million, the commitments are limited to a maximum of $350.0 million by agreement with the partner. If a CCBX partner goes over their individual limit, it would be a breach of their contract and the Bank may impose penalties and would have the choice to fund the loan.

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

    CCBX                
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   Percent of CCBX
    loans receivable
    Available
    Commitments
    (1)
      Maximum Portfolio
    Size
    Cash
    Reserve/Pledge
    Account Amount
    (2)
    Commercial and industrial loans:            
    Capital call lines   $ 109,017     6.8 % $ 550,948   $ 350,000 $
    All other commercial & industrial loans     33,961     2.1     19,104     480,000   834
    Real estate loans:                
    Home equity lines of credit (3)     267,707     16.7     453,369     375,000   36,241
    Consumer and other loans:            
    Credit cards – cash secured     211              
    Credit cards – unsecured     528,343         717,198       26,742
    Credit cards – total     528,554     33.0     717,198     807,484   26,742
    Installment loans – cash secured     127,014         15,806      
    Installment loans – unsecured     529,783               5,332
    Installment loans – total     656,797     40.9     15,806     1,787,118   5,332
    Other consumer and other loans     7,983     0.5     1     5,398   196
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,604,019     100.0 %   1,756,426     3,805,000 $ 69,345
    Net deferred origination fees     (442 )            
    Loans receivable   $ 1,603,577              

    (1) Remaining commitment available, net of outstanding balance.
    (2) Balances are as of January 8, 2025.
    (3) These home equity lines of credit are secured by residential real estate and are accessed by using a credit card, but are classified as 1-4 family residential properties per regulatory guidelines.

    APPENDIX B –
    As of December 31, 2024

    CCBX – BaaS Reporting Information

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, $62.1 million was recorded in BaaS credit enhancements related to the provision for credit losses – loans and reserve for unfunded commitments for CCBX partner loans and negative deposit accounts. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement provided by the partner which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses. In accordance with accounting guidance, we estimate and record a provision for expected losses for these CCBX loans, unfunded commitments and negative deposit accounts. When the provision for credit losses – loans and provision for unfunded commitments is recorded, a credit enhancement asset is also recorded on the balance sheet through noninterest income (BaaS credit enhancements) in recognition of the CCBX partner legal commitment to indemnify or reimburse losses. The credit enhancement asset is relieved as credit enhancement payments and recoveries are received from the CCBX partner or taken from the partner’s cash reserve account. Agreements with our CCBX partners also provide protection to the Bank from fraud by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred fraud losses. BaaS fraud includes noncredit fraud losses on loans and deposits originated through partners. Fraud losses are recorded when incurred as losses in noninterest expense, and the enhancement received from the CCBX partner is recorded in noninterest income, resulting in a net impact of zero to the income statement. Many CCBX partners also pledge a cash reserve account at the Bank which the Bank can collect from when losses occur that is then replenished by the partner on a regular interval. Although agreements with our CCBX partners provide for credit enhancements that provide protection to the Bank from credit and fraud losses by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred credit and fraud losses, if our partner is unable to fulfill their contracted obligation then the bank would be exposed to additional loan and deposit losses if the cash flows on the loans were not sufficient to fund the reimbursement of loan losses, as a result of this counterparty risk. If a CCBX partner does not replenish their cash reserve account the Bank may consider an alternative plan for funding the cash reserve. This may involve the possibility of adjusting the funding amounts or timelines to better align with the partner’s specific situation. If a mutually agreeable funding plan is not agreed to, the Bank could declare the agreement in default, take over servicing and cease paying the partner for servicing the loan and providing credit enhancements. The Bank would evaluate any remaining credit enhancement asset from the CCBX partner in the event the partner failed to determine if a write-off is appropriate. If a write-off occurs, the Bank would retain the full yield and any fee income on the loan portfolio going forward, and our BaaS loan expense would decrease once default occurred and payments to the CCBX partner were stopped.

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

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

    Loan income and related loan expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Yield on loans (1)     15.28 %     17.35 %     17.36 %
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 58,671     $ 67,692     $ 52,327  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     24,859       32,612       24,310  
    Net BaaS loan income (2)   $ 33,812     $ 35,080     $ 28,017  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average BaaS loans (1)(2)     8.81 %     8.99 %     9.30 %

    (1) Annualized calculation for quarterly periods shown.
    (2) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the preceding section of this earnings release.

    A decrease in average CCBX loans receivable resulted in decreased interest income on CCBX loans during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in average CCBX loans receivable was primarily due to loan sales in the CCBX loan portfolio as part of our strategy to optimize the CCBX loan portfolio and strengthen our balance sheet through originating higher quality new loans and enhanced credit standards. These higher quality loans also have lower stated rates and expected losses. As a result, our yield on loans and our BaaS loan expense decrease by similar amounts. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio and generate off balance sheet fee income. Growth in CCBX loans and deposits has resulted in increases in interest income and expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

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

    Interest income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Loan interest income   $ 58,671   $ 67,692   $ 52,327
    Total BaaS interest income   $ 58,671   $ 67,692   $ 52,327
    Interest expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    BaaS interest expense   $ 22,243   $ 24,819   $ 21,826
    Total BaaS interest expense   $ 22,243   $ 24,819   $ 21,826
    BaaS income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    BaaS program income:            
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   $ 1,043   $ 1,044   $ 1,015
    Transaction fees     1,783     1,696     1,006
    Interchange fees     1,916     1,853     1,272
    Reimbursement of expenses     3,468     1,843     1,076
    BaaS program income     8,210     6,436     4,369
    BaaS indemnification income:            
    BaaS credit enhancements     62,097     70,108     58,449
    BaaS fraud enhancements     5,043     2,084     779
    BaaS indemnification income     67,140     72,192     59,228
    Total noninterest BaaS income   $ 75,350   $ 78,628   $ 63,597

    Servicing and other BaaS fees decreased $1,000 in the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 while transaction fees and interchange fees increased $87,000 and $63,000, respectively. We expect servicing and other BaaS fees to decrease and transaction and interchange fees to increase as partner activity grows and contracted minimum fees are replaced with recurring fees and then exceed those minimum fees. Increases in BaaS reimbursement of fees offsets increases in noninterest expense from BaaS expenses covered by CCBX partners.

    BaaS loan and fraud expense:   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    BaaS loan expense   $ 24,859   $ 32,612   $ 24,310
    BaaS fraud expense     5,043     2,084     779
    Total BaaS loan and fraud expense   $ 29,902   $ 34,696   $ 25,089

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20c5a089-a44b-483e-acb5-fccbbe07fc10

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Golar LNG Limited – Q4 2024 results presentation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Golar LNG’s 4th Quarter 2024 results will be released before the NASDAQ opens on Thursday, February 27, 2025. In connection with this a webcast presentation will be held at 1:00 P.M (London Time) on Thursday February 27, 2025. The presentation will be available to download from the Investor Relations section at www.golarlng.com

    We recommend that participants join the conference call via the listen-only live webcast link provided. Sell-side analysts interested in raising a question during the Q&A session that will immediately follow the presentation should access the event via the conference call by clicking on this link. We recommend connecting 10 minutes prior to the call start. Information on how to ask questions will be given at the beginning of the Q&A session. There will be a limit of two questions per participant.

    a. Listen-only live webcast link
    Go to the Investors, Results Centre section at www.golarlng.com and click on the link to “Webcast”. To listen to the conference call from the web, you need to have a sound card on your computer, but no special plug ins are required to access the webcast.  There is a “Help” link available on the webcast pages for anyone who may have issues accessing.

    b. Teleconference

    Conference call participants should register to obtain their dial in and passcode details. This process eliminates wait times when joining the call.

    When you log in, you can either dial in using the provided numbers and your unique PIN, or select the “Call me” option and type in your phone number to be instantly connected to the call. Use the following link to register.

    Please download the presentation material from www.golarlng.com (Investors, Results Centre) to view it while listening to the conference.

    If you are not able to listen at the time of the call, you can assess a replay of the event audio for a limited time on www.golarlng.com (Investors, Results Centre).

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY (a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland) WISDOMTREE NASDAQ 100® 3X DAILY SHORT SECURITIES ISIN: IE00BLRPRJ20

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    28 January 2025

    LSE Code: QQQS

    WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    (a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland)
    WISDOMTREE NASDAQ 100® 3X DAILY SHORT SECURITIES
    ISIN: IE00BLRPRJ20

    RESULTS OF MEETING OF THE ETP SECURITYHOLDERS

    WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer Public Limited Company (the “Issuer”) wishes to announce that the Extraordinary Resolution regarding the reduction in the principal amount of the WisdomTree NASDAQ 100® 3x Daily Short Securities (the “Affected Securities”) from USD 1.218 to USD 0.1218, as set out in a notice to holders of the Affected Securities dated 11 December 2024, was passed at an adjourned meeting of the holders of the Affected Securities held at 11am on 28 January 2025.

    As a result, the Deed of Amendment has been duly executed by the Issuer, the Manager and the Trustee to put the proposed amendments to the Trust Deed into effect from 28 January 2025.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: “Risks in Focus 2025” – Climate change, geopolitics and a weak economy could put pressure on Germany’s financial system

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    In 2025, companies in the German financial sector should ensure that their risk management incorporates more comprehensive Information on the consequences of climate change. According to BaFin, physical risks such as extreme weather or natural disasters in the form of major fires, droughts or floods could have a much greater impact on banks’ loan portfolios and insurers’ loss amounts in future.
    In this year’s “Risks in Focus”, BaFin describes these increasing physical risks as a relevant trend for the financial sector. At a press conference to mark the publication, BaFin President Mark Branson explained: “The environment in which companies in the financial sector have to operate is highly challenging because, for many risk drivers – such as climate change, geopolitical upheavals and quantum leaps in technological progress – we lack relevant historical experience. This makes it all the more important for companies in the financial sector to think in terms of scenarios, manage risks wisely and prepare themselves for potential shocks with well-stocked capital and liquidity buffers.”

    In 2025, BaFin will focus particularly on six risks

    In its outlook on risks, BaFin explains at the beginning of each year where the financial system in Germany is particularly vulnerable and which risks are most capable of jeopardising financial stability or the integrity of German financial markets. BaFin also highlights what it considers to be relevant trends that companies in the financial sector should be paying attention to. For financial institutions, the outlook provides a useful guideline for their own risk management. It also gives an overview of BaFin’s supervisory priorities for the current year.

    In total, BaFin is focusing on six risks and three trends for the German financial sector:

    Opportunities and risks from three trends

    Alongside these risks, BaFin has identified three trends that offer opportunities for the economy and the financial sector, but that also harbour considerable risks: sustainability issues, digitalisation and geopolitical upheavals. In addition to the physical risks of advancing climate change, BaFin also sees risks in the uncertainties and costs associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy (transition risks). In BaFin’s view, “greenwashing”, i.e. attempts to sell products based on unfounded claims that they are particularly environmentally friendly or responsible, also still poses risks.

    Digitalisation and geopolitics

    When it comes to digitalisation, BaFin is concerned with increasing cyber risks, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, volatility in the market valuation of cryptoassets and, most recently, the future use of quantum computers. Although high-performance quantum computers have yet to be used on a mass scale, in the interests of IT security, financial companies should already be preparing for their potential application. In the future, quantum computers will be able to crack data encryption methods that are currently considered secure. Criminals could therefore steal data now to decrypt later with the aid of quantum computing. The development of protection plans is therefore crucial.

    According to Branson, “Many companies are aware of all these risks and have invested in their IT security. It is important to us that companies continuously monitor current developments and threats. They must also prepare for crisis situations and adapt their security measures. This is what we expect of them. It is also what their customers expect of them.”

    In terms of geopolitics, clear trends towards market fragmentation and increasing tensions between countries were observed in 2024. This could continue, with repercussions for the entire financial system. Although they are not an independent risk type, geopolitical crises can influence and exacerbate other relevant risks. The German financial system is particularly susceptible because of Germany’s close international trade links and the high export dependency of its economy.

    Contact:Jacque­line Juk­nat

    Head of Communications
    Phone: +49 (0) 228 / 4108 – 4629

    Contact:Christoph Blu­men­thal

    Head of Press Relations and Social Media
    Phone: +49 (0) 228 4108-7094

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: Wintrust Financial Corporation Completes Integration with LPL Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC, a subsidiary of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA), today announced that Wintrust Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: WTFC) has transitioned support of the wealth management business of Wintrust Investments and certain private client business at Great Lakes Advisors (collectively “Wintrust”) to LPL Financial and its Institution Services platform.     

    “This strategic relationship with LPL Financial is a significant step forward for Wintrust and our mission to provide exceptional wealth management advice and superior service to our clients across the country,” said Tom Zidar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Wintrust Wealth Management. “By leveraging LPL’s enhanced platform, we will deliver a more streamlined and personalized experience to our clients and a more intuitive, integrated experience for our advisors.”   

    “Wintrust’s advisors now have the capabilities, technology and centralized support to differentiate their service offering and grow their practices,” said Christopher Cassidy, Senior Vice President, Head of Institution Business Development at LPL. “This strategic relationship reflects the value LPL brings to help financial institutions scale their wealth management businesses and deliver personalized experiences for their clients.”    

    LPL and Wintrust Financial Corporation signed an agreement in February 2024. On January 25, about $15 billion of brokerage and advisory assets were onboarded to LPL. The remaining $1 billion of assets are expected to onboard over the next several months.   

    About Wintrust    

    Wintrust is a financial holding company with approximately $64.9 billion in assets whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results®” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges.  

    About LPL Financial   

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 28,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.  

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

    LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. LPL Financial and Wintrust are not affiliated.  

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

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

    Forward-Looking Statements  

    Certain of the statements included in this release, such as those regarding the expected onboarding of assets associated with the strategic relationship and the benefits anticipated of the relationship, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “will,” “shall” or variations of such words are generally part of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon Wintrust, LPL or both. In particular, no assurance can be provided that the assets reported as serviced by financial advisors affiliated with Wintrust will translate into assets serviced by LPL or that the benefits that are expected to accrue to Wintrust, LPL and advisors as a result of the strategic relationship will materialize. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including economic, legislative, regulatory, competitive and other factors, and there are certain important factors that could cause actual results or the timing of events to differ, possibly materially, from expectations or estimates expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include: difficulties or delays of LPL in transitioning advisors affiliated with Wintrust, or in onboarding Wintrust’s clients and businesses or transitioning their assets from Wintrust’s current third-party custodian to LPL; the inability of LPL to sustain revenue and earnings growth or to fully realize revenue or expense synergies or the other expected benefits of the transaction, which depend in part on LPL’s success in onboarding assets currently served by Wintrust’s advisors; disruptions to Wintrust’s or LPL’s businesses due to transaction-related uncertainty or other factors making it more difficult to maintain relationships with financial advisors and clients, employees, other business partners or governmental entities; the inability of LPL or Wintrust to implement onboarding plans; the choice by clients of Wintrust-affiliated advisors not to open brokerage and/or advisory accounts at LPL; changes in general economic and financial market conditions, including retail investor sentiment; fluctuations in the value of assets under custody; and the effects of competition in the financial services industry, including competitors’ success in recruiting Wintrust-affiliated advisors. Certain additional important factors that could cause actual results or the timing of events to differ, possibly materially, from expectations or estimates expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” (in the case of Wintrust) or the “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” (in the case of LPL) sections included in each of Wintrust’s and LPL’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, Wintrust and LPL do not undertake to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this document as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.   

    Contacts  

    LPL Media Relations   
    media.relations@lplfinancial.com   
    (704) 996-1840

    LPL Investor Relations   
    investor.relations@lplfinancial.com   

    Wintrust  
    David A. Dykstra 
    Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer 
    (847) 939-9000 

    Tracking: 686437 

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  • MIL-OSI: Rightworks joins Wolters Kluwer’s CCH® Marketplace

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NASHUA, N.H., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rightworks, the only intelligent cloud services provider purpose-built for accounting firms and professionals, today announced it has joined Wolters Kluwer’s CCH® Marketplace. The collaboration empowers accounting firms using Wolters Kluwer solutions to give their employees secure, remote access to all their tax apps, including CCH Axcess™, thus enabling them to work from anywhere. Additionally, using Rightworks OneSpace, Wolters Kluwer’s users can simplify firm operations, secure their data, connect with clients and scale their practice—all in one place.

    “We are excited to welcome Rightworks into our CCH® Marketplace,” said Cathy Rowe, Senior Vice President and Segment Leader, US Professional Market, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting North America. “Accounting firms will be able to make the most of our suite of offerings from within Rightworks’ intelligent cloud, elevating the user experience and ultimately working with their clients securely and more collaboratively.”

    Rightworks OneSpace helps accounting firms resolve staffing, technology and security challenges while enabling them to leverage a simplified, fully managed cloud with quick access to every application. With this latest collaboration, accounting professionals have the flexibility to work remotely with secure web-based access to desktop and cloud apps within Wolters Kluwer’s CCH® ProSystem fx® and CCH Axcess™ Suite supporting modules that span audit, tax and firm management.

    “Part of creating a future-forward accounting practice is ensuring firms have access to the profession’s best tools that help them, in turn, offer the superior experiences that their clients increasingly expect,” said Piyum Samaraweera, Chief Product Officer at Rightworks. “Our relationship with Wolters Kluwer gives firms access to a cloud platform that is purpose-built for the accounting profession.”

    To learn more about Rightworks on CCH Marketplace, click here.

    Connect with Rightworks
    Visit our newsroom; read our blog; and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

    About Rightworks
    Rightworks enables accounting firms and businesses to significantly simplify operations and expand their value to clients via our award-winning intelligent cloud and learning resources. This is possible with Rightworks OneSpace, the only secure cloud environment purpose-built for the accounting and tax profession, and Rightworks Academy, the premier community for firm optimization, growth and professional development. The Academy offers access to thought leadership, events, peer communities and extensive learning resources. Founded in 2002, we’ve grown to serve over 10,000 accounting firms in the US—from single practitioners to Top 10 firms. For more information, please visit rightworks.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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  • MIL-OSI: Verity and Landus Announce Agreement to Track and Verify Sustainable Agriculture Attributes at Soybean Facility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verity Holdings, LLC (“Verity”), a subsidiary of Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), and Landus are pleased to announce a new agreement aimed at unlocking added value for farmers through sustainability premiums via export markets. This collaboration leverages Verity’s advanced platform to track and verify the attributes of agricultural products, enabling Landus to document and assign value metrics for soybeans processed at its soybean facility in Ralston, Iowa.

    This farmer-centric agreement reinforces Verity and Landus’ commitment to expanding opportunities in international markets for sustainably certified products, such as those derived from regeneratively grown soybeans and corn. By streamlining the certification and data-verification process, the partnership aims to deliver measurable premiums to farmers meeting program requirements while incentivizing processors to adopt efficiency-enhancing systems that drive long-term sustainable outcomes.

    “Landus and Verity will work together to capture and verify key attribute data that drives value throughout the supply chain,” said Paul Bloom, Chief Business Officer for Gevo. “As a leader in the industry, Landus recognizes the importance of collecting trustworthy, verifiable data to document agriculture attributes and connect them to finished products through the supply chain. Farmers and customers are realizing the power of collaboration across the supply chain to drive meaningful and scalable impact.”

    As part of this partnership, Landus and Verity plan to expand data-verification efforts to additional Landus facilities and pilot innovative market solutions. By sharing regular progress updates, they remain committed to building trust and transparency with farmer-owners and stakeholders.

    “Our focus on quality, a unique soybean supply chain, and our commitment to creating value-added opportunities for farmer-owners have always set us apart,” said Craig Mouchka, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Sustainability at Landus. “Verity equips us with the tools to maximize sustainability premiums through export markets while fulfilling our promise to deliver innovative solutions and new opportunities for our farmer-owners.”

    Farmer-owners interested in participating in sustainability initiatives or learning more about market premiums can contact their local Landus representative.

    “We are partnering with organizations that prioritize scalable solutions and sustainable agriculture done right,” said Bloom. “Landus and Verity are demonstrating the value of collaboration from field to finished product, ensuring that sustainability premiums benefit farmers, processors, and their customers alike—particularly in the growing export markets for differentiated agricultural goods.”

    About Gevo
    Gevo’s mission is to convert renewable energy and biogenic carbon into sustainable fuels and chemicals with a net zero or better carbon footprint. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of products, including sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials. Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities for these renewable fuels and other products. It currently runs one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States. It also owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo emphasizes the importance of sustainability by tracking and verifying the carbon footprint of its business systems through its Verity subsidiary.
    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    About Verity
    Verity is at the forefront of creating the ability to track, verify, and empirically value carbon intensity across the full carbon lifecycle. Verity Holdings, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gevo, Inc. For more information, see www.veritytracking.com.

    About Landus
    Landus is a forward-thinking agriculture solutions company that keeps the farmer at the center of every decision it makes. The company connects thousands of farmer-owners with the world through grain, agronomy, and distribution, deploying traditional and nontraditional methods fueled by innovation and sustainability. Landus’ businesses touch 34 states and 16 countries. To learn more about Landus, and the company’s commitment to solving critical issues for the farmer of tomorrow, please visit landus.ag.

    Forward Looking Statement
    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, Verity’s technology and platform, the commercial benefits of using the Verity platform, and the attributes of Verity’s platform, the value of sustainability premiums and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

    Media Contact
    Heather Manuel
    VP, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    Kaylie Tighe
    Communications Manager
    Kaylie.tighe@trailrunnerint.com

    IR Contact
    Eric Frey
    VP, Finance & Strategy
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ushur Welcomes Deepak Vedarthan as SVP of Customer Success to Accelerate Growth in AI-Driven Solutions for Regulated Enterprises

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ushur, the leader in Customer Experience Automation for regulated industries, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Deepak Vedarthan as Senior Vice President of Customer Success. In his new role, Deepak will oversee all post-sales customer functions, including onboarding, implementation, professional and managed services, customer success management, customer operations and customer support.

    “Joining Ushur at this pivotal moment in its evolution is incredibly exciting,” said Deepak Vedarthan. “The company’s groundbreaking AI-first approach to experience automation is reshaping how enterprises engage with their customers. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, I am thrilled to collaborate with the talented Ushur team to build a world-class customer success organization that delivers exceptional outcomes, accelerates time to value and empowers customers to unlock new opportunities. Together, we’ll elevate customer experiences to new heights, ensuring organizations thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

    Deepak joins Ushur with over 22 years of experience driving digital transformation for global enterprises. His expertise spans intelligent automation, business process management and workflow optimization. Most recently, Deepak served as Global Vice President of Professional Services at GRM and VisualVault, where he led transformative initiatives that elevated operational excellence, expanded market presence and launched the company into new verticals. Prior to that, he spent 17 years at Pegasystems, leading high-performing, cross-functional teams in delivering groundbreaking solutions to some of the world’s most iconic brands.

    Deepak holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science, an MBA and executive certifications from Cornell, Harvard and Stanford, where he completed the prestigious Learn, Engage, Accelerate and Disrupt (LEAD) Executive Leadership Program as a distinguished scholar.

    With a proven track record as a trusted advisor and thought leader, Deepak brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Ushur. His extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in delivering impactful strategies and meaningful outcomes for Ushur’s customers.

    “Building a world-class post-sales customer success charter is an essential prerequisite for our growth journey,” said Simha Sadasiva, Co-Founder and CEO of Ushur. “We could not have found a better leader than Deepak to help chart this next phase of our business. His deep expertise, leadership acumen and customer-centric approach make him the ideal choice to lead our customer success organization. We’re excited to have Deepak join the Ushur team and strengthen our mission of delivering exceptional value to our customers.”

    About Ushur: Ushur delivers the world’s first Customer Experience Automation platform built specifically for regulated industries. Purpose-built for delivering ideal self-service, Ushur infuses intelligence into digital experiences for the most delightful and impactful customer engagements. Equipped with guardrails and compliance-ready infrastructure, Ushur powers vertical AI Agents for healthcare, financial services and insurance use cases. Designed for rapid code-less deployment with flexible, advanced capabilities for IT and business teams, enterprises can transform customer and employee journeys at scale in the fastest time to value.

    Media Contact
    Anthony Stipa
    anthony@scribewise.com
    (610) 420-1724

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/025f8557-4bcc-4cab-9e8c-ac6b5997d08e

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  • MIL-OSI: Broadcom Delivers Industry’s First Quantum Resistant Network Encryption, Enabling Real-time Ransomware Detection

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO) today announced an industry-first — the new, innovative Emulex Secure Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBA) — a cost-effective, easy-to-manage solution that encrypts all data as it moves between servers and storage.

    Encrypting mission-critical data is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have. The cost of ransomware attacks continues to rise with attacks in 2024 costing USD $5.37 million1 on average per attack. Upcoming generative AI and quantum computers magnify the risk if data is not encrypted at all points in the data center including the network.

    To address these cybersecurity issues, governments have responded with mandates, including the United States’ Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) 2.0, the European Union’s Network and Information Security (NIS) 2, Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and more that require enterprises to modernize their IT infrastructures with post-quantum cryptographic encryption algorithms and zero trust architecture.

    Today, data centers have the option of deploying application encryption or network encryption to protect their data. Network encryption offers several important advantages versus application-based encryption including preserving storage array services such as dedupe and compression, which is destroyed when using application-based encryption. Network encryption also enables real-time ransomware detection while application-based encryption hides ransomware attacks. Additional highlights of this solution include no encryption performance penalty and simple, session-based key management.

    “Customers are seeking ways to protect themselves against crippling and expensive ransomware attacks as well as complying with new government regulations mandating all data be encrypted,” said Jeff Hoogenboom, vice president and general manager, Emulex Connectivity Division, Broadcom. “The Emulex Secure Host Bus Adapter meets these needs by providing an elegantly simple solution that once installed, encrypts all data across all applications.”

    “As enterprises face an ever-growing wave of cybersecurity threats, the Emulex Secure HBA stands out as a simple drop-in solution that enhances SAN security without compromising performance,” said Brian Beeler, president, StorageReview.com. “In our testing, we found these HBAs excelled at securing in-flight SAN data encryption while seamlessly complementing existing security technologies. We’re excited to see these adapters become a standard layer of improved SAN security in 2025, providing enterprises with an essential tool to safeguard their critical data.”

    Emulex Secure HBAs Feature:

    • Security Built on Zero Trust, Post-Quantum Cryptography
      • Encryption algorithms support CNSA 2.0, DORA and NIS2 mandates.
      • Secures data in-flight between host servers and storage arrays.
      • Zero Trust platform with Security Protocol and Data Model (SPDM). cryptographic authentication of endpoints, and silicon root-of-trust authentication.
      • Compliance with the NIST 800-193 framework — secure boot, digitally signed drivers, T10-DIF, and more.
    • Cost effective encryption: Dedupe/compression storage services remain intact; protects all data across all applications versus application-specific solutions.
    • Runs on existing Fibre Channel infrastructure.
    • Maximum application performance: Cryptography offloaded to hardware, providing encryption with no performance impact.
    • Easy to manage and deploy: Simple session-based key management with on-demand key generation; transparent runs with existing operating systems, applications and SAN management tools.

    Emulex 32G and 64G Secure HBAs are available in 1, 2, and 4 port configurations and are shipping now. For further information please visit Broadcom.com here, and StorageReview.com here.

    About Broadcom
    Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) is a global technology leader that designs, develops, and supplies a broad range of semiconductor, enterprise software and security solutions. Broadcom’s category-leading product portfolio serves critical markets including cloud, data center, networking, broadband, wireless, storage, industrial, and enterprise software. Our solutions include service provider and enterprise networking and storage, mobile device and broadband connectivity, mainframe, cybersecurity, and private and hybrid cloud infrastructure. Broadcom is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.

    Broadcom, the pulse logo, and Connecting everything are among the trademarks of Broadcom. The term “Broadcom” refers to Broadcom Inc., and/or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024, Ponemon Institute

    Press Contact:
    Jon Piazza
    Global Communications
    press.relations@broadcom.com
    Telephone: +1 310 498 5254

    Industry Quotes

    Mark Jones, President Emeritus, Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA)
    “A standards-based solution to network security ensures industry-wide interoperability and gives customers the assurance of a working ecosystem that has been the hallmark of the Fibre Channel industry for over 30 years. The Emulex Secure HBA is leveraging the new INCITS FC-SP-3 standard; this security protocol will ensure that Fibre Channel will continue to be the most secure choice of storage network transport far into the future.”

    Dave Pearson, Vice President, Infrastructure Research, IDC
    “Cybersecurity ‘defense-in-depth’ best practices for enterprises means going beyond just data-at-rest encryption, but the tradeoff has traditionally meant losing data compression and deduplication capabilities. Secure HBAs aim to solve this problem by enabling in-flight encryption with full data compression.”

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: The Apache Software Foundation Announces New Top-Level Projects

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Wilmington, DE, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Apache Software Foundation (ASF), the all-volunteer developers, stewards, and incubators of more than 320 active open source projects and initiatives, today announced that Apache Answer™ and Apache StreamPark™  have graduated from incubation and are now Top-Level Projects (TLP). 

    Apache Answer is a modern, open source Q&A platform designed to help organizations build their knowledge base and community. The software enables teams and communities to collaboratively create, share, and discover knowledge in a structured and efficient way. To learn more about Answer, visit https://answer.apache.org/

    “Apache Answer’s graduation as a Top-Level Project marks a significant milestone in our journey,” said Ning Qi, Vice President of Apache Answer. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our community and the maturity of our platform in providing a Q&A platform solution for knowledge management and community engagement.”

    Apache StreamPark is an easy-to-use streaming application development framework and operation platform. StreamPark supports Apache Flink® and Apache Spark™ providing full lifecycle support for stream processing applications. To learn more about StreamPark, visit https://streampark.apache.org/

    “Becoming an Apache Software Foundation Top-Level Project is a significant milestone and one that would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the StreamPark community,” said Huajie Wang, Vice President of Apache StreamPark. “We look forward to continued technical and community growth under the ASF’s stewardship.” 

    Open source projects need healthy communities to thrive. The ASF provides projects with services and mentorship for building resilient and durable communities throughout their lifecycle. The Apache Incubator provides services to incoming projects (called podlings) that want to enter the ASF and adopt the Apache Way. 

    About The Apache Software Foundation (ASF)
    Founded in 1999, the Apache Software Foundation exists to provide software for the public good with support from more than 75 sponsors. ASF’s open source software is used ubiquitously around the world with more than 8,400 committers contributing to 320+ active projects including Apache Superset, Apache Camel, Apache Flink, Apache HTTP Server, Apache Kafka, and Apache Airflow. The Foundation’s open source projects and community practices are considered industry standards, including the widely adopted Apache License 2.0, the podling incubation process, and a consensus-driven decision model that enables projects to build strong communities and thrive. https://apache.org

    ASF’s annual Community Over Code event is where open source technologists convene to share best practices and use cases, forge critical relationships, and learn about advancements in their field. https://communityovercode.org/ 

    © The Apache Software Foundation. “Apache” is a registered trademark or trademark of the Apache Software Foundation in the United States and/or other countries. All other brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact
    press@apache.org 

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