Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI: Best Payout Online Casinos UK: JACKBIT Voted #1 For Fast And Highest Payouts By UK Players!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDINBURGH, Scotland, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The best payout online casinos UK offer players high RTP games, fast withdrawal processes, and reliable payment methods. These casinos are typically evaluated based on their payout speed, transparency, and overall user experience.

    ✅ CLAIM YOUR 30% RAKEBACK AND 100 FREE SPINS WITH NO KYC!

    In 2025, several platforms have gained recognition for meeting these standards. Among them, JACKBIT has emerged as a notable option, offering a crypto-friendly interface and features like no-deposit bonuses. Its inclusion in various lists highlights how newer platforms are adapting to meet the demands of UK players seeking quick and secure access to their winnings.

    “We’re incredibly proud to be recognized as a leading best payout online casino UK for 2025. At JACKBIT, our mission is to provide swift, transparent withdrawals and promotions that truly reward our players. It’s about building trust and delivering an exciting experience,” a JACKBIT representative stated.

    In 2025, JACKBIT has elevated its offerings with tailored promotions for both newcomers and seasoned crypto users, cementing its status as the highest paying online casino UK players trust. With instant crypto rewards and access to a vast array of top-tier games, JACKBIT stands out as a premier destination for those seeking the best payout casino.

    Getting Started with JACKBIT

    Ready to join one of the best payout online casinos UK? Follow these steps:

    1. Visit JACKBIT’s official website and sign up- no KYC required.
    2. Claim the welcome bonus: 30% rakeback + 100 free spins on your first deposit.
    3. Explore 7,000+ games or bet on sports.
    4. Deposit using crypto or fiat for instant funds.
    5. Withdraw winnings quickly with JACKBIT’s fast payout system.

    Begin your adventure today:

    Lucrative Bonuses and Promotions

    JACKBIT’s promotions are a key reason it’s considered a top-paying online casino. The platform offers:

    • Welcome Bonus: 30% rakeback + 100 free spins on the first deposit, with no KYC required.
    • Weekly Giveaways: $10,000 in cash and 10,000 free spins.
    • VIP Rakeback System: Up to 30% cashback based on player activity.
    • Pragmatic Drops & Wins: €2,000,000 prize pool.
    • Social Media Rewards: Free bonuses for engaging with JACKBIT online.

    These low-wagering promotions make JACKBIT a standout among the best payout online casinos UK, offering players more chances to win without restrictive terms.

    Join now to unlock these rewards:

    ✅CLICK HERE TO CLAIM 30% RAKEBACK & 100 FREE SPINS — NO KYC!

    Why JACKBIT Leads as the Best Paying Online Casino UK

    JACKBIT Casino, accessible to UK players and renowned globally, was recently voted the best payout online casino UK in 2025 following an in-depth review by iGaming specialists. This accolade underscores JACKBIT’s dedication to delivering rapid withdrawals, high returns, and a seamless gaming experience tailored for UK casino fans.

    Boasting a library of over 7,000 games from 85 top-tier providers, JACKBIT caters to every gaming preference. From slots offering the highest slot payouts to immersive live dealer tables and a robust sportsbook, the platform ensures variety and quality. Licensed under the Curacao Gaming Authority, JACKBIT guarantees fairness and transparency, making it a top choice among the best payout online casinos UK.

    ✅CLICK HERE TO PLAY AT JACKBIT AND EXPERIENCE THE BEST PAYOUTS IN THE UK TODAY!

    In-Depth Review of JACKBIT’s Standout Features

    To understand why JACKBIT ranks among the best payout online casino UK, experts assessed critical factors that resonate with players. Here’s a detailed look at how JACKBIT excels:

    • Licensing and Fairness

    Operating under a Curacao Gaming License, JACKBIT adheres to strict regulatory standards, ensuring all games are fair and powered by certified random number generators. This commitment to integrity makes it a trusted option for UK players searching for the best payout gambling sites.

    • Extensive Game Selection

    JACKBIT’s game library, one of the largest among UK casino sites, features over 7,000 titles, including:

    • Slots: Thousands of options, from classic reels to progressive jackpots, known for delivering some of the highest payout online casino returns.
    • Table Games: Variants of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
    • Live Dealer Experiences: Real-time gaming with professional dealers.
    • Sportsbook: Over 140 sports, including 82,000+ live monthly events and 75,000+ pre-match betting opportunities.

    Powered by industry leaders like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Evolution, JACKBIT ensures UK players enjoy the best online casinos that payout consistently.

    • RTP (Return to Player) – Fairness You Can Trust

    One key factor that sets JACKBIT apart as one of the best payout casinos in the UK is its commitment to fairness, reflected in the Return to Player (RTP) rates of its games. JACKBIT offers a wide variety of games from top providers known for transparent and high RTP percentages, often ranging between 95% and 98%.

    This means that players can expect competitive odds and fair returns over time. By maintaining these solid RTP standards, JACKBIT ensures that every player has a genuine chance of winning, making it a trustworthy choice for UK players seeking reliable payouts.

    • Flexible Payment Options

    As a crypto-first platform, JACKBIT supports over 17 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), Solana (SOL), and Ripple (XRP). These transactions are fee-free and processed instantly, making JACKBIT a top pick for players seeking a fast payout online casino.

    For those preferring traditional methods, JACKBIT accepts fiat options like Visa, MasterCard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and bank transfers, ensuring accessibility for all UK players. This versatility positions JACKBIT among the best online casino for payouts.

    • Robust Security and Privacy

    Security is paramount at JACKBIT, one of the top online casinos in UK. The platform employs advanced encryption to safeguard data and transactions. Its no-KYC policy appeals to privacy-focused players, allowing anonymous gaming without compromising safety. This feature enhances JACKBIT’s appeal as the highest payout online casino, prioritizing user trust.

    • Seamless Mobile Experience

    JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized platform runs flawlessly on iOS and Android, providing full access to games, betting options, and account features. Whether spinning slots or placing sports bets, UK players enjoy a smooth experience on the go, making JACKBIT one of the best UK casinos for mobile gaming.

    • 24/7 Customer Support

    JACKBIT offers round-the-clock support via live chat in multiple languages, including English, French, and German. The responsive team ensures quick resolutions, enhancing the player experience at this best payout casino.

    ✅CLICK HERE TO START YOUR JACKBIT JOURNEY TODAY!

    JACKBIT’s Dedication to Responsible Gambling

    Responsible gambling is a core value at JACKBIT. The platform provides tools like deposit limits, spending caps, and self-exclusion options to help players stay in control. A dedicated team monitors for problematic gambling patterns, offering prompt support.

    For UK players, this focus on safety reinforces JACKBIT’s position as one of the best payout online casino UK, blending high returns with a secure environment. Resources are also available for players needing assistance, ensuring gambling remains a fun, responsible activity.

    Why JACKBIT Excels in Payout Performance

    JACKBIT’s lightning-fast payout system is a primary reason it’s hailed as the best payout online casino UK in 2025. Crypto withdrawals are processed instantly, while fiat transactions are completed within hours.

    High payout rates on slots and table games make it a favorite for players seeking online casinos with the highest slot payouts. The VIP rakeback system, offering up to 30% cashback, further boosts returns, solidifying JACKBIT’s status as a top-paying online casino.

    How JACKBIT Compares to Other UK Casino Sites

    In the competitive iGaming landscape, JACKBIT distinguishes itself among the best payout online casinos UK. Its blend of a vast game library, crypto-friendly payments, and no-KYC access caters to players valuing speed and privacy.

    While other UK casino sites may offer comparable bonuses, JACKBIT’s low wagering requirements and frequent giveaways deliver superior value. Its sportsbook, with over 140 sports and thousands of betting markets, sets it apart from casino-only platforms, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a fast payout online casino.

    Strategies to Maximize Payouts at JACKBIT

    To optimize your experience at one of the best payout online casino UK , consider these tips:

    1. Select High-RTP Games: Prioritize slots and table games with high return-to-player percentages for better long-term returns.
    2. Utilize Bonuses: Leverage the welcome bonus and weekly promotions to increase your bankroll.
    3. Join the VIP Program: Earn up to 30% rakeback through consistent play.
    4. Opt for Crypto Payments: Enjoy faster, fee-free withdrawals with cryptocurrencies.
    5. Set Budget Limits: Use JACKBIT’s responsible gambling tools to manage spending.

    These strategies help UK players maximize their winnings at the highest paying online casino UK.

    Exploring JACKBIT’s Sportsbook Offerings

    JACKBIT’s sportsbook is a major draw for UK players, offering over 140 sports, including football, basketball, tennis, and esports. With 82,000+ live monthly events and 75,000+ pre-match markets, it caters to both casual bettors and seasoned punters. Competitive odds and exclusive bonuses, like free bets and cashback, enhance the betting experience, making JACKBIT a top choice among the best payout gambling sites for sports enthusiasts.

    The Role of Cryptocurrencies in JACKBIT’s Success

    Cryptocurrencies are central to JACKBIT’s appeal as the highest payout online casino. By supporting coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, JACKBIT ensures instant, secure transactions without fees.

    This aligns with the growing demand for crypto gaming among UK players, offering anonymity and efficiency. The platform’s crypto mini-games also add a unique dimension, appealing to digital currency enthusiasts seeking the best paying online casino.

    JACKBIT’s Global Appeal for UK Players

    While JACKBIT operates globally, its accessibility makes it a favorite among UK players. The platform’s multi-language support (English, French, German, and more) ensures inclusivity. Its intuitive interface and no-KYC policy make it easy for UK players to navigate and enjoy gaming without privacy concerns, reinforcing its status as one of the top online casinos in the UK.

    The Future of JACKBIT in 2026 and Beyond

    JACKBIT’s leadership as a best payout casino in 2025 is clear, but the iGaming industry is dynamic, with new platforms emerging regularly. To maintain its position among the best payout online casino UK, JACKBIT plans to expand its game offerings, introduce new crypto payment methods, and enhance VIP rewards. “We’re committed to innovating and delivering the fastest withdrawals and most engaging experience for UK players,” the JACKBIT team affirmed.

    Will JACKBIT remain the best payout online casino UK in 2026? Its current trajectory suggests it’s well-positioned, but ongoing innovation will be key.

    Unique Features UK Players Love

    JACKBIT offers distinctive features that resonate with UK players:

    • Multi-Language Accessibility: Available in English, German, French, and more.
    • Crypto Mini-Games: Quick, fun games for digital currency fans.
    • User-Friendly Design: Intuitive navigation for seamless gaming.
    • Fee Transactions: No costs for crypto or fiat deposits/withdrawals.

    These elements make JACKBIT a top pick among the best payout casinos, delivering a comprehensive experience.

    JACKBIT’s Community Engagement

    JACKBIT fosters a vibrant community through social media, offering free bonuses for engagement. Weekly giveaways and tournaments, like the $10,000 cash and 1000 free spins events, keep players excited. This sense of community enhances JACKBIT’s appeal as a best payout online casino UK, creating a lively, rewarding environment.

    The Importance of Game Providers

    JACKBIT’s partnerships with 85 top providers, including NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution, ensure high-quality gaming. These providers deliver visually stunning slots, immersive live dealer games, and fair outcomes, contributing to JACKBIT’s reputation as the highest paying online casino UK. Regular updates and new releases keep the platform fresh and engaging.

    JACKBIT’s VIP Program in Detail

    The VIP rakeback system is a highlight, offering up to 30% cashback based on activity. Players earn points with every wager, unlocking higher tiers with better rewards. This program, combined with low wagering requirements, makes JACKBIT a top-paying online casino, ensuring UK players get maximum value.

    ✅READY TO EXPERIENCE JACKBIT’S REWARDS? SIGN UP NOW!

    Conclusion: JACKBIT’s Unrivaled Position in 2025

    JACKBIT’s blend of rapid withdrawals, high RTP games, and generous bonuses makes it the ultimate choice for UK players in 2025. Its crypto-friendly approach, no-KYC policy, and extensive game library distinguish it as the highest paying online casino UK. Whether you’re chasing big slot wins, enjoying table games, or betting on sports, JACKBIT offers an unmatched experience.

    With a strong focus on responsible gambling and player satisfaction, JACKBIT is more than a casino- it’s a trusted hub for real-money gaming. Don’t wait to discover why it’s the top payout casino for UK players.

    Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Payout Online Casinos UK

    1. Is JACKBIT considered one of the best payout online casinos in the UK?

    Yes, JACKBIT is frequently listed among the best payout online casinos UK thanks to its fast withdrawal processing, high RTP games, and support for both fiat and crypto transactions.

    2. How fast are withdrawals processed at JACKBIT in 2025?

    Withdrawals at JACKBIT are typically processed within minutes for crypto users and within 24 hours for most traditional payment methods, making it one of the fastest options available to UK players.

    3. Can I withdraw winnings at JACKBIT without long verification delays?

    JACKBIT offers streamlined KYC for most players and even supports faster crypto withdrawals with minimal verification, depending on the transaction amount and player history.

    4. What makes JACKBIT a standout choice for UK crypto casino players?

    Its support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other popular cryptocurrencies, combined with no-deposit promotions and instant withdrawals, makes JACKBIT highly attractive for UK players seeking modern, fast-payout casino options.

    5. Does JACKBIT offer ongoing promotions or rewards for loyal players?

    Yes, JACKBIT features an evolving reward system with weekly cashback, reload bonuses, and seasonal promotions tailored to both new and returning users.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, no warranties are made regarding completeness or timeliness. Readers should verify information independently. The publisher, affiliates, and contributors are not liable for errors, omissions, or losses arising from this content.

    This content may contain affiliate links, which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase or deposit. These links do not affect editorial integrity, and evaluations are based on independent research.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f25f3ca-913f-48f7-8506-6934629defa6
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc8efd12-f666-40c6-9776-9694321d7725
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3679be27-7813-4316-9e7b-f1e7b50e93a4

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Tribal Loans Direct Lender Guaranteed Approval: Easiest Tribal Loans to Get – No Credit Check, Bad Credit, Native American!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Tribal loans are gaining popularity among people with poor credit or restricted access to mainstream financial services. This article discusses the easiest tribal loans to get with no credit check, no teletrack, and guaranteed approval. If you have been rejected by another lender, you should read this guide because it sheds light on a suitable alternative—tribal lending.

    Low Credit Finance – Easiest Tribal Loans To Get | No Credit Check & Guaranteed Approval

    Do you need money fast but fear that your credit rating will get in the way? Tribal loans may be the financial answer you’re seeking if you have been rejected by traditional loan companies. The economic times we live in have seen numerous Americans faced with circumstances where they urgently require access to funds, despite their credit record.

    Low Credit Finance is among the easiest tribal loans to get online, particularly for bad credit borrowers. It provides guaranteed approval with no credit check through a streamlined, easy application. Being a direct lender website, Low Credit Finance brings borrowers in touch with a network of tribal lenders governed under tribal sovereignty, making it available for individuals with suboptimal credit. The service focuses on rapid funding, less-than-required conditions, and flexible repayment terms.

     <<<< Low Credit Finance – Fast Cash, Zero Credit Check! >>>>

    What Are Tribal Loans?

    Tribal loans are short-term loans made by lenders that are owned and managed by Native American tribes. Tribal lending organizations do business on the res and utilize tribal sovereignty, meaning they do business under tribal law, not state lending regulation. Their unique position allows the tribal lenders to offer financial products that may have different terms and qualifications than financial products offered by more traditional financial institutions. The main advantage to borrowers is the ease of access – tribal loans are usually extended to consumers who may not be eligible for conventional loans because of credit problems.

    These loans generally include:

    • Better approval chances for consumers with bad credit
    • Quicker processing speeds, usually with same-day disbursement
    • Easier application procedures
    • Less strict credit terms

    Though tribal loans for bad credit, may deliver valuable financial aid when emergencies strike, one must consider that these generally have a steeper interest charge than usual loans. That’s the cost for their ease of access and instant availability.

    Easiest Tribal Loans To Get Direct Lender – No Credit Check, No Teletrack and Flexible Terms- Low Credit Finance

    Getting a good tribal loan source may prove to be difficult, particularly when the need for money arises unexpectedly. Here we review the most convenient tribal loans for bad credit today.

     

    What is Low Credit Finance?

    Low Credit Finance is a tribal lending website that matches borrowers with tribal lenders who provide personal loans between $500 and $10,000. The firm has gained a reputation for being a reliable source of financial assistance for those with poor credit.

     <<<< Start Your Loan with Low Credit Finance – Bad Credit Welcome! >>>>

    Loans for a Range of Credit Profiles

    Low Credit Finance is unique in that it lends to borrowers on both sides of the credit scale. Traditional banks may reject applicants with a credit score lower than 650, but Low Credit Finance deals with lenders that will take on applicants with a score as low as 550, making it much more available.

    Multiple Loan Options

    Low Credit Finance has a variety of loan products tailored to different types of financial requirements:

    • Short-term emergency loans
    • Large installment loans with long repayment terms
    • Flexible-purpose personal loans

    How Does Low Credit Finance Personal Loan Work?

    It’s easy:

    • Fill out online application (about 5-10 minutes)
    • Get an instant decision
    • Approve and accept loan terms
    • Get funds as soon as the next business day

    Variety Of Uses And Long Repayment Terms

    Tribal loans offered by Low Credit Finance may be applied towards almost any legal purpose, including:

    • Medical emergency
    • Repair of car
    • Improvement to a home
    • Consolidation of debt
    • Surprise bill

    Repayment periods are usually between 6 and 36 months, giving borrowers the option to select a monthly payment that suits their budget.

    Who is a Low Credit Finance Loan Good For?

    Low Credit Finance is especially good for:

    • Individuals with credit issues who have been rejected by conventional lenders
    • Individuals who require funds urgently without a lot of paperwork
    • Individuals who want clear loan terms without extra charges
    • Borrowers who like online application and administration

     <<<< Need Funds Now? Low Credit Finance Gives Instant Approval! >>>>

    How To Apply With Low Credit Finance?

    Applying with Low Credit Finance requires minimal documentation:

    1. Valid government-issued ID
    2. Proof of regular income
    3. Active checking account
    4. Valid email address and phone number

    The entire application can be completed online, eliminating the need for in-person visits or extensive paperwork.

    Important Features to Look for in Tribal Loans

    Be cautious of the following important details when obtaining tribal loans:

    • Interest rates and APR: Tribal loans typically have higher interest than common loans. A tribal lender’s best rates are usually based on your credit rating.
    • Disclosure: Look for lenders who will disclose any and all fees, interest, and the terms of the loan before you agree to accept a loan.
    • Payment flexibility: Some lenders offer flexible payment terms like, changing payment due dates, and prepaying without fees.
    • Customer service: Good customer service is priceless, especially if you run into financial trouble while repaying your loan.
    • Credit bureau reporting: Some tribal lenders report payment history to credit bureaus, and improvement of your credit score when you pay on time.

    How Are Tribal Loans Different from Traditional Loans?

    It is important to know the differences between tribal and traditional loans before making a choice:

    Regulatory Framework:

    • Tribal loans are governed by tribal sovereignty, not state law
    • Traditional loans are subject to state and federal lending regulations

    Interest Rates:

    • Tribal loans have significantly higher interest rates (usually 200-700% APR)
    • Traditional loans have lower rates, typically below 36% APR

    Credit Requirements:

    • Tribal lenders are less stringent on credit scores, sometimes with no minimum
    • Traditional lenders are stricter, usually requiring 620+ credit scores

    Funding Speed:

    • Tribal loans tend to offer same-day or next-day funding
    • Traditional loans can take from several days to a week for approval and disbursement

    Loan Amounts:

    • Tribal loans tend to provide lower amounts ($500-$10,000)
    • Traditional loans can be as small as personal loans or as large as mortgages

    Documentation:

    • Tribal loans have less paperwork and verification
    • Traditional loans have elaborate documentation and verification processes

     <<<< Emergency Cash? Low Credit Finance Has You Covered – Apply Today! >>>>

    Types of Guaranteed Tribal Loans

    Tribal Payday Loans

    They are short-term loans with high interest levels to be repaid on the next payday. They are generally:

    • Range from $100 to $1,500
    • Have 2-4 week terms
    • Involve higher rates of interest
    • Require one upfront lump-sum repayment

    Tribal Installment Loans

    Payday loans don’t provide flexibility, unlike tribal installment loans, where you repay the loaned cash over a time period using recurring payments. They:

    • Range between $500 to $10,000
    • Come with 6-month to 3-year terms
    • Include set payment timetables
    • Incorporate monthly payments that can be managed effectively

    Personal Loans

    Tribal lenders present some lenders making personal loans involving more versatile conditions and intentions

    • Can be applied for many uses (debt consolidation, home renovation, etc.)
    • Can have slightly lower interest rates than payday or typical installment loans
    • Typically have longer terms to pay
    • Can have higher maximum loan amounts

    Tribal Loans for Bad Credit

    If you have bad credit, tribal loans may be one of the few possibilities available to you. Traditional lenders have minimum credit score requirements that might be difficult to meet, considering the financial challenges you may have encountered.

     <<<< Low Credit Finance – Your Quick Payday Solution in One Click! >>>>

    What is Bad Credit?

    Credit scores are usually between 300 and 850. Scores are usually classified as:

    • Excellent: 750+
    • Good: 700-749
    • Fair: 650-699
    • Poor: 600-649
    • Bad: Below 600

    Having poor credit does not always imply that you have been financially irresponsible. Poor credit can be caused by:

    • Medical crises
    • Loss of job
    • Divorce
    • Identity theft
    • Minor errors in money management

    How Does Bad Credit Impact Loan Approval?

    For traditional lenders, bad credit typically leads to:

    • Automatic denial
    • Increased interest rates
    • Lower loan amounts
    • Harsher repayment terms
    • Collateral or cosigner requirements

    Why Use Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Tribal loans have a number of benefits for individuals with credit issues:

    • Accessibility: The main advantage is the greater approval rate. While conventional lenders may outright reject applicants with scores under 620, most tribal lenders will accept applications from those with scores as low as 500.
    • Simplified requirements: Tribal lenders tend to pay less attention to your past credit errors and more attention to your current income and repayment ability.
    • Fast funding: When facing a financial emergency with bad credit, speed matters. Tribal loans often provide same-day or next-day funding.
    • Opportunity for credit improvement: Some tribal lenders report payment history to credit bureaus, potentially helping you rebuild your credit with consistent, on-time payments.

      <<<< Low Credit Finance – Fast Cash, Zero Credit Check! >>>>

    Tribal Loans No Credit Check

    One of the most attractive features of some tribal loans is the “no credit check” option. But let’s see what this really means.

    For the most part, “no credit check” tribal loans don’t include a hard credit check by large credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), which would be reflected on your credit report and possibly decrease your score. Instead, lenders might:

    • Conduct a soft credit check (which doesn’t impact your score)
    • Check alternate information, such as banking history or employment verification
    • Consider mainly your income and present financial condition

    What Are the Benefits of Direct Lender Tribal Loans with No Credit Check?

    • Maintenance of credit rating: Hard inquiries will reduce your credit rating by 5-10 points and stay on your report for two years. No-credit-check loans prevent this adverse effect.
    • Privacy: A few borrowers like not having several inquiries present on their reports.
    • Speed: Without the usual credit verification process, approval and funding become possible faster.
    • Focus on current instead of history: These loans assess your ability to repay in the present moment instead of historical financial errors.

    Tribal Loans With Guaranteed Approval

    While the term “guaranteed approval” is often used in marketing, it is important to understand that there are no real loans that have a 100% guarantee, however, some tribal loans come close. Some lenders report they approve over 90% of its applicants who meet minimum guidelines.

    These guaranteed approval tribal loans typically have:

    • Minimal eligibility requirements
    • High acceptance rates
    • Quick application processing
    • Focus on income verification rather than credit history

      <<<< Start Your Loan with Low Credit Finance – Bad Credit Welcome! >>>>

    How To Get A Guaranteed Tribal Loan

    To increase your chances of approval:

    • Make sure you are at least the minimum age (typically 18)
    • Offer proof of steady income (typically $1,000+ per month)
    • Have an open checking account
    • Include valid identification
    • Give correct contact information

    Tribal Loans With No Teletrack

    Teletrack is an industry-specific credit reporting system aimed at subprime borrowers, monitoring your history of payday loans, rent-to-own transactions, and other alternative financial services. A few tribal lenders promote “no Teletrack” loans, which is to say they do not inquire about this particular system.

    Key Features of No Teletrack Tribal Loans

    • Prior short-term loan history is not taken into account
    • Emphasis on current employment and earnings
    • More interest in covering higher risk
    • Often quicker approval procedures
    • Especially beneficial for those with poor history in the alternative financial sector

     <<<< Need Funds Now? Low Credit Finance Gives Instant Approval! >>>>

    What Are the Requirements To Get A Guaranteed Tribal Loan?

    Most tribal loans possess these fundamental eligibility requirements:

    • Age: 18 years or older (sometimes 21 in some jurisdictions)
    • Income: Stable source of income, usually $1,000+ per month
    • Banking: Active checking account for deposit and payment
    • Identification: Valid government-issued identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
    • Contact info: Working phone number and email
    • Residency: Residency within the U.S. (but not all states are serviced by every lender)

    You might have expected requirements such as:

    • Minimum credit score
    • Spotless banking record
    • Debt-to-income levels
    • Tenure of employment
    • Collateral

    How to Apply for Tribal Loans?

    It’s made relatively simple to apply for tribal loans:

    1. Select a lender: Investigate tribal lenders or use an aggregator like Low Credit Finance to put you in contact with multiple providers.
    2. Fill out the online application: Basic personal details, income figures, and banking details.
    3. Submit documents: Most lenders want digital copies of:
      • ID
      • Recent pay stubs or bank statements
      • Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
    4. Read and agree to terms: Read the loan agreement very carefully, paying particular attention to:
      • Interest rate and APR
      • Repayment schedule
      • Total cost of the loan
      • Any late payment or early repayment fees
    5. Get money: Once approved, money is usually transferred directly into your checking account within 1-2 business days, sometimes even on the same day.

      <<<< Emergency Cash? Low Credit Finance Has You Covered – Apply Today! >>>>

    How to Increase Chances of Approval for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Despite the easier availability of tribal loans, there are things you can do to enhance your chances of approval:

    • Check your information: Double-check all application information for accuracy, as mistakes can result in automatic rejection.
    • Apply for a suitable amount: Ask for only what you require and can actually pay back from your income.
    • Offer complete documentation: Provide all documents asked for in time a readable, legible form.
    • Get a cosigner if possible: A few tribal lenders permit cosigners, which can really improve chances of approval.
    • Apply in business hours: For lenders that have manual verification processes, applying in business hours may lead to quicker processing.

    What Are the Risks of Tribal Loans?

    Although tribal loans can offer much-needed financial help, they also involve important considerations:

    • Expensive: Rates of interest and fees on tribal loans may be greatly higher than with conventional loans, at times to APRs in the several hundreds of percent.
    • Regulatory variations: Since tribal lenders are under tribal jurisdiction, they can be exempt from state-regulated interest rate ceilings or consumer protection lending laws.
    • Automatic withdrawals: Automatic bank drafts are typical of most tribal loans, which may result in overdraft charges if there are insufficient funds.
    • Debt cycles: The high fees and easy availability can sometimes create debt cycles for borrowers if not properly controlled.
    • Limited legal recourse: Disputes with tribal lenders may have to be settled in tribal courts instead of state courts, possibly making consumer protections more difficult.

    Pros and Cons of Tribal Loans

    Pros:

    • Available to people with bad credit
    • Fast application and funding
    • Low documentation requirements
    • Available online 24/7
    • Can assist in real emergencies
    • Some are reported to credit bureaus, assisting in rebuilding credit

    Cons:

    • Much higher interest rates
    • Risk of debt cycles
    • May not be regulated by state consumer protection laws
    • Automatic withdrawals can lead to overdrafts
    • Big overall repayment figures owing to high rates
    • Certain predatory activities in the sector

      <<<< Low Credit Finance – Your Quick Payday Solution in One Click! >>>>

    Why Tribal Loans Are a Go-To for Bad Credit Borrowers

    Tribal loans are well-liked among credit-challenged borrowers for a number of reasons, despite being more expensive:

    • Accessibility when others say no: For many people, tribal loans are the sole option available when conventional doors shut.
    • Speed in emergencies: Medical emergencies, car repairs, and other urgent needs don’t wait for credit improvement.
    • Privacy concerns: Some borrowers like the minimal credit checking of tribal loans.
    • Simplicity and convenience: The easy online process is attractive to those who want minimal hassle.

    Choosing the Best Tribal Loans for Bad Credit Direct Lender

    When choosing a tribal lender, pay attention to the following:

    • Tribal membership and licensing: Legitimate lenders will identify themselves clearly by their tribal membership and licensure.
    • Transparency: Be sure lenders have transparent disclosure of rates, charges, and conditions before applying.
    • Reviews and reputation: Review online feedback and complaints through the Better Business Bureau.
    • Loan conditions: Compare rates, repayment terms, and largest amount offered from lender to lender.
    • Customer service: Try their customer service by sending them questions beforehand to test responsiveness and helpfulness.
    • Reporting practices: When credit building is crucial for you, select lenders that report to the big three credit bureaus.

    Where to Get The Best Tribal Loan From Direct Lenders Only With No Credit Check & Guaranteed Approval?

    Although Low Credit Finance provides great service with high approval rates, it is also a notable site that matches borrowers with tribal lenders with competitive terms.

    Low Credit Finance includes:

    • Loan amounts between $100 and $15,000
    • Tribal and non-tribal lender network
    • Easy 5-minute application
    • Acceptance of all types of credit
    • Same-day funding opportunities
    • Encrypted, secure application process

    Their streamlined platform makes it convenient to compare multiple lender offers, boosting your odds of securing good terms despite credit issues.

      <<<< Need Funds Now? Low Credit Finance Gives Instant Approval! >>>>

    Final Thoughts on Tribal Loans

    Tribal loans offer a useful cash lifeline in situations where regular options are out of reach, especially for those with poor credit or immediate necessities. Yet, they must be entered into with an eye toward their expenses and reserved for use mainly for legitimate emergencies, not for general budgeting.

    If you determine a tribal loan is the best fit for your case, legitimate sites such as Low Credit Finance can introduce you to genuine tribal lenders, providing a safer option than carelessly scouring the web.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the easiest tribal loan to get?

    Low Credit Finance is the easiest tribal loan to get as they have high approval rates and fewer requirements.

    Can I get a loan without a credit check?

    Yes, some tribal lenders do offer loans with “no hard credit check,” where they base their decision more on your income rather than your credit report history.

    Can I get a loan with a 450 credit score in USA?

    Yes, some tribal lenders will lend on bad credit or very low credit score applications, with tribal lenders and some specialized bad credit lenders approving applications with as low as a 450 credit score, but with a higher markup.

    Can you get a loan without having your credit pulled?

    Yes, certain tribal lenders and payday loan companies like Low Credit Finance offer loans without hard credit pulls, instead verifying your income and banking information.

    How to get a loan with no bad credit?

    To get a loan if you have bad credit, focus on lenders who will look at more than your credit score, like tribal lenders, or by improving your loan application or loan by offering collateral, documentation that you have a job that consistently makes you money, or find a cosigner who is creditworthy.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: GBA promoted in Hungary

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Commissioner for Development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Maisie Chan visited Hungary to promote development opportunities of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
     
    After arriving in Budapest yesterday, Mr Tsang called on Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao.
     
    Today, he met State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Boglárka Illés, and Hungarian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lajos Oláh to share views on issues relating to the promotion of exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and Hungary.
     
    Mr Tsang also attended the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Europe (Hungary) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference” jointly organised by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government to promote business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the European business community, and Hong Kong’s position as a GBA international entry point and roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
     
    Speaking at the conference, he encouraged enterprises and talent to capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages of having the staunch support of China and being closely connected to the world by establishing a foothold in the city and tapping into the huge market of the GBA, and to turn challenges into opportunities under the current international situation.
     
    Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong would maintain its status as a free port, implement a free trade policy, maintain the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, and firmly support a rules-based multilateral trading system, he emphasised.
     
    Mr Tsang will depart for Cairo, Egypt, tomorrow to attend the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Africa (Egypt) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference”.
     
    He will return to Hong Kong on May 19.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: WiFi Profits Under Review: How to Get Dumb Money with Wireless

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boise, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In This Article, You’ll Discover:

    • Why so many beginners struggle to earn money online and how most affiliate systems fail to address these pain points
    • What makes WiFi Profits AI different from other online income platforms claiming to generate passive income
    • How this all-in-one system uses AI automation, viral video tools, and plug-and-play funnels to help users earn dumb money with ease
    • How the platform simplifies complex tasks like content creation, funnel building, and traffic generation using wireless tools
    • A detailed breakdown of pricing, bonuses, guarantees, and customer support policies
    • Proven strategies for maximizing results, even if working only 1 hour a day from a mobile device
    • The exact types of affiliate products and niches supported by WiFi Profits AI
    • A comprehensive set of frequently asked questions answering what it is, who it’s for, and how it works
    • Key disclaimers to manage expectations and ensure accurate, transparent representation of the system
    • Where to access the official website and activate lifetime access with a risk-free guarantee

    TL;DR Summary

    WiFi Profits Under Review: How to Get Dumb Money with Wireless offers an in-depth look at a beginner-focused affiliate marketing system designed to help users generate passive income using nothing more than a WiFi connection. Unlike traditional online business models that require coding, copywriting, or expensive ads, WiFi Profits AI provides automated tools, viral video creation features, and plug-and-play affiliate funnels to simplify the process.

    The article explores how the system helps eliminate common barriers to success, such as technical complexity, lack of content, and the need for prior marketing experience. Readers will also find detailed coverage of pricing, refund guarantees, traffic strategies, and expected results — all written with transparency and practical insight.

    With built-in AI tools, mobile-friendly dashboards, and a focus on earning dumb money online, this platform stands out as a viable option for anyone seeking to build a wireless income stream. A full FAQ and set of airtight disclaimers are included to support informed decision-making, while guiding readers toward activating access on the official website.

    Introduction

    Earning passive income online has evolved from a niche dream to a mainstream goal for millions. In a digital age where people crave flexibility, autonomy, and financial freedom, the search for smart ways to generate “dumb money”—income that keeps flowing even when you’re offline—has reached a fever pitch. But with countless scams and half-baked solutions flooding the market, finding a legitimate system that delivers real results without needing technical skills or startup capital can feel overwhelming.

    That’s where WiFi Profits AI steps in. Built for those who are tired of trading time for money, this all-in-one wireless business system claims to offer a plug-and-play model that simplifies online earning through affiliate marketing and automation. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a busy professional, or a college student looking for extra income, this platform promotes itself as the ideal hands-free income method for the digital nomad era.

    Powered by AI and optimized for simplicity, WiFi Profits AI promises to help users tap into what many are calling a viral income wave — one fueled by mobile devices, cloud automation, and high-converting done-for-you systems. But does it really work as advertised? Is it just another overhyped shortcut or a true plug-and-play gateway to the “wireless wealth formula”?

    In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the exact pain points facing most aspiring online earners, explain how WiFi Profits AI works to solve those issues, and explore everything from key features and pricing to user experience and refund policies. We’ll also look at the buzz around dumb money online strategies and the growing trend of earning income without needing a boss, a product, or even prior skills.

    By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear picture of whether WiFi Profits AI is worth your time and money — or just another shiny object in the world of internet side hustles.

    Understanding the Pain Points

    Why Most People Struggle to Make Money Online

    Making money online sounds easy in theory — turn on your laptop, set up a site, and watch the cash roll in. But in practice, it’s anything but simple. For many beginners, the digital world feels like a maze of jargon, platforms, tools, and paid ads. There’s no roadmap, and each click leads to more confusion. The dream of WiFi-powered passive income turns into a frustrating dead end.

    Most people face a few common pain points:

    • They don’t know where to start
    • They don’t have technical skills or marketing experience
    • They don’t want to spend thousands on courses or software
    • They don’t have time to build something from scratch

    Even those who take action often burn out quickly when results don’t come fast enough. It’s not because they’re lazy — it’s because they’re working hard on the wrong strategies, or with tools that simply don’t deliver.

    Time vs. Money: The Universal Online Income Tradeoff

    The “dumb money” model flips the traditional tradeoff on its head. Instead of working harder and longer to get paid more, it focuses on building income streams that work for you — even when you’re sleeping, traveling, or spending time with family. But without the right system, that dream remains just that: a dream.

    Many people spend weeks building websites, only to find out they’ve picked the wrong niche. Others pour money into Facebook ads and SEO without a clear strategy, wasting hundreds (sometimes thousands) on clicks that never convert. Worse, some get caught in a cycle of shiny objects — always chasing the next “1-click profit” promise.

    That’s why a system like WiFi Profits AI is so attractive. It acknowledges those pain points and offers a simplified, AI-enhanced way to jump over the learning curve.

    The Problem with Most Online Income Solutions

    A flood of “guru” systems have promised the world but delivered disappointment. Many platforms are:

    • Overly complicated
    • Outdated or not mobile-friendly
    • Designed for users with years of experience
    • Lacking real customer support
    • Hidden behind upsells and confusing funnels

    Newbies, especially those without prior marketing experience, quickly feel overwhelmed and outmatched. What they really need is a plug-and-play solution — one that automates the hard parts like writing content, building landing pages, and even sourcing viral traffic.

    That’s what sets WiFi Profits AI apart from most generic “online business in a box” products. It’s designed with the beginner in mind, combining AI tools, video creation, and ready-made templates in a single wireless-friendly dashboard.

    The Real Desire Behind Dumb Money: Freedom and Flexibility

    At its core, the desire for “dumb money” isn’t about greed. It’s about freedom — to work less, live more, and earn on your own terms. People are no longer satisfied with being overworked and underpaid. They want:

    • The ability to work from anywhere
    • To stop trading hours for dollars
    • A system that works quietly in the background
    • An exit from the 9-to-5 treadmill

    And they want all this without needing to become a tech expert or spend years learning funnels and email automation.

    This is exactly where WiFi Profits AI enters the scene — with a promise to help users tap into wireless wealth using proven affiliate models, traffic tools, and beginner-focused automations.

    Ready to turn your WiFi into a passive income machine? Claim your access to WiFi Profits AI and plug into done-for-you affiliate campaigns that are optimized to convert.

    Introducing WiFi Profits AI

    What is WiFi Profits AI?

    WiFi Profits AI is an all-in-one affiliate marketing system designed to help everyday people earn online income using nothing more than a WiFi connection. This software-driven platform combines artificial intelligence, content automation, and ready-to-use templates to simplify the process of setting up and profiting from affiliate offers — even for users with zero prior experience.

    Unlike many other “make money online” programs that overwhelm users with technical setups, WiFi Profits AI offers a beginner-friendly dashboard where everything from content creation to traffic generation is handled automatically. The system’s foundation lies in converting high-converting offers using traffic from viral videos, pre-made templates, and AI-generated landing pages.

    The goal? To enable users to generate “dumb money” online — steady affiliate commissions that don’t require hours of daily work or advanced skills.

    Who is WiFi Profits AI For?

    This platform is designed for anyone who wants to earn from home without the complexities of building a business from scratch. Ideal for:

    • Stay-at-home parents looking for a side hustle
    • Freelancers wanting an additional income stream
    • College students needing flexible online income
    • 9-to-5 employees looking to exit the rat race
    • Retirees interested in making passive income
    • Aspiring digital nomads seeking location independence

    It’s also a great fit for those who are new to affiliate marketing and need a done-for-you solution that bypasses the steep learning curve of coding, website building, or expensive ad buying.

    Key Features That Power the WiFi Profits AI System

    AI-Powered Content Generator

    The built-in AI tool writes promotional content, headlines, and call-to-actions that are optimized for conversions. This eliminates writer’s block and ensures users always have fresh, compelling copy for their offers.

    Personal AI Assistant

    Users are supported by a built-in AI assistant that helps manage and automate repetitive business tasks — everything from setting up campaigns to optimizing performance. This enables a “set it and forget it” style of working, aligned with the passive income lifestyle.

    Viral Video Creation Tool

    One of the standout features is a simple video builder that allows users to generate short, high-converting video content — the kind that performs well on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. No editing skills are needed.

    Plug-and-Play Affiliate Funnels

    The system comes with dozens of pre-built, mobile-optimized funnels. These can be deployed in minutes to promote trending affiliate products across niches like health, finance, and online education.

    Automated Traffic Tools

    WiFi Profits AI also integrates tools to generate traffic, either organically through content or using simple sharing strategies. While it doesn’t promise instant riches, it focuses on evergreen money hacks that bring consistent leads without expensive ad spend.

    Device-Agnostic Operation

    Whether you’re on a phone, tablet, or laptop, the system is fully cloud-based and accessible from any WiFi-connected device. This aligns with the growing trend of mobile-first affiliate marketing and work-from-anywhere platforms.

    What Makes WiFi Profits AI Different?

    The crowded online income space is full of outdated systems, sketchy upsells, and vague strategies. Here’s how WiFi Profits AI stands out:

    • Zero Experience Needed: Even first-time users can deploy their first campaign in under an hour
    • No Product Creation Required: Users simply plug into proven affiliate offers
    • AI-Powered Simplicity: Removes the guesswork from writing, designing, and scaling
    • Flexible Use Case: Works for any niche — health, wealth, relationships, tech, etc.
    • Time-Saving Interface: All tools are housed under one roof, reducing friction and confusion
    • Low Startup Cost: No hidden costs, expensive hosting, or ongoing fees (more on that in the pricing section)

    Disclaimer: WiFi Profits AI is a marketing tool that offers systems to increase earning potential. Results vary depending on individual effort, market conditions, and how actively the tools are used.

    Buzz Around the System: Why It’s Gaining Momentum

    A number of trending terms are being used in association with WiFi Profits AI — like lazy income model, viral income system, and zero-skill wireless business. This reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior where the demand is not just for passive income, but for hands-free, fast-to-launch, AI-enhanced side hustles.

    The system taps directly into that mindset, offering solutions aligned with:

    • The creator economy boom
    • Recession-proof side hustle trends
    • High-ticket affiliate marketing demand
    • AI automation in solopreneur businesses
    • Plug-n-play cashflow methods

    With these strategic features and positioning, WiFi Profits AI positions itself not only as a tool, but a movement — one that enables people to monetize from anywhere, at any time, with minimal setup and maximum scalability.

    Whether you’re at home, on the go, or working full time, WiFi Profits AI makes it simple to earn online. Start building your wireless business today with zero tech skills required.

    How WiFi Profits AI Solves Common Challenges

    Eliminating the Learning Curve

    For most people new to making money online, the biggest hurdle isn’t a lack of ambition — it’s complexity. Traditional affiliate marketing platforms often require knowledge in website building, email marketing, SEO, copywriting, and sales funnel mechanics. The learning curve can be steep, slow, and discouraging.

    WiFi Profits AI eliminates this issue by offering a fully automated, AI-enhanced ecosystem where users don’t need to know how to code, write persuasive sales copy, or build websites from scratch. Every aspect of the system is simplified — from launch to scale — so that even complete beginners can start promoting offers without getting lost in the technical weeds.

    The platform’s plug-and-play architecture means no need for domain setup, hosting configuration, or complex integrations. Users get to focus on results, not roadblocks.

    Streamlining Content Creation

    Creating content that converts is one of the most time-consuming and intimidating parts of any digital business. Blog posts, landing pages, email sequences, video scripts — most systems either require users to write these themselves or outsource at high costs.

    WiFi Profits AI comes with an AI Content Generator that does the heavy lifting. It writes sales-focused copy, attention-grabbing headlines, email swipes, and even video captions — all optimized for affiliate conversions. This removes the most common bottleneck: writing.

    The included Viral Video Maker helps users churn out short-form videos, the kind of content that dominates TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. These videos are designed for high engagement, maximizing visibility and reach without requiring design skills or editing experience.

    This type of content-to-cash automation supports a truly dumb money model — where the content works in the background, driving traffic, clicks, and commissions around the clock.

    Automating Daily Tasks

    Many people give up on online business because of the constant manual upkeep: responding to leads, checking analytics, tweaking campaigns, researching content ideas. Over time, these small tasks add up and create friction — especially for part-time hustlers or those with full-time jobs.

    WiFi Profits AI includes a Personal AI Assistant that manages much of this backend workload. It helps organize campaign tasks, schedule posts, and guide next steps. This lets users spend more time scaling and less time clicking buttons.

    In combination with the system’s built-in affiliate funnel templates and automated traffic options, this allows users to launch campaigns fast and maintain them with minimal interaction — a cornerstone for those aiming to generate wireless wealth with limited time availability.

    Lowering the Barrier to Entry

    Traditional online businesses often require multiple tools: a landing page builder, email autoresponder, video editing suite, and analytics dashboard. These can cost hundreds of dollars per month and require stitching together software that doesn’t always play well together.

    WiFi Profits AI provides everything in a single dashboard. No third-party software is needed. That’s a big win for users who:

    • Want a budget-friendly business setup
    • Are overwhelmed by complicated platforms
    • Have limited time to troubleshoot integrations
    • Prefer minimalism over bloated tech stacks

    With everything centralized and mobile-friendly, users can launch and manage their online campaigns from any device with a WiFi connection — making it a real contender for those looking to tap into the laptop lifestyle movement.

    Addressing the Fear of Failure

    Many would-be entrepreneurs hesitate to start anything online because they’re afraid of failure. They worry they’ll waste money, get scammed, or end up stuck with tools they don’t know how to use. WiFi Profits AI addresses this by offering:

    • Step-by-step onboarding and training modules
    • A low upfront cost with no hidden monthly subscriptions
    • A 180-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind

    This risk-mitigation structure helps users feel safer as they learn the ropes. And by giving them instant access to a fully functioning system, it reduces the frustration and fear that stop most people before they even start.

    Disclaimer: While WiFi Profits AI offers tools to streamline affiliate marketing, success depends on consistent effort and how actively the tools are used. Earnings are not guaranteed.

    Creating Momentum for Beginners

    What many people need is a small win — something that shows making money online is possible. WiFi Profits AI is structured to help users get those early results by:

    • Providing pre-built funnels in profitable niches
    • Automating traffic sources to jumpstart exposure
    • Giving access to done-for-you promotional materials
    • Removing creative, technical, and operational barriers

    Once those early wins come in — whether it’s a few clicks, leads, or small commissions — it creates momentum and confidence. This is often the difference between quitting and scaling. And that’s the psychological shift WiFi Profits AI aims to deliver: from “Can I do this?” to “This actually works.”

    Still searching for the right side hustle? This is it. WiFi Profits AI gives you an entire affiliate business in a box — set it up once and let the system run for you.

    Business and Purchasing Details

    Transparent Pricing Overview

    One of the most attractive features of WiFi Profits AI is its low entry barrier. Unlike traditional business models that demand recurring software fees, freelance budgets, or ad spend commitments, this platform offers a one-time payment model that’s beginner-friendly.

    As of the time of this review, access to WiFi Profits AI is available for a flat rate of $67. This grants lifetime access to all features, including:

    • The AI content generation suite
    • The personal AI business assistant
    • Viral video maker tool
    • Plug-and-play affiliate funnels
    • Instant access to traffic generation tools
    • Step-by-step training resources

    There are no mandatory upsells or hidden fees required to use the core system. For those who want additional upgrades like advanced traffic strategies or premium support, optional add-ons may be available after the initial checkout process.

    Disclaimer: Always check the official website for current pricing details. Prices, offers, and bonuses are subject to change at any time without notice.

    Bonuses That Add Value

    To enhance its perceived value, WiFi Profits AI often includes bonus tools and resources as part of promotional campaigns. These may vary, but typical extras include:

    • High-converting email swipes for faster follow-up and nurturing
    • Extra landing page templates for niche diversification
    • Done-for-you affiliate product vaults with pre-approved offers
    • Social media marketing blueprints for TikTok and Reels traffic
    • One-click import funnels for viral campaigns

    These bonuses are tailored to help users hit the ground running, especially those who may not have an existing audience or previous affiliate marketing experience.

    Refund Policy and Guarantee

    Risk is a huge concern for online buyers, especially those burned by shady systems in the past. To address this, WiFi Profits AI comes with a 180-day money-back guarantee — offering users a generous six-month period to test the platform and request a full refund if unsatisfied.

    The return process is straightforward:

    1. Access your purchase receipt from the email provided at checkout
    2. Follow the support link to submit a refund request
    3. Wait for confirmation (usually within 48–72 hours)

    This risk-reversal guarantee shows confidence from the creators and provides peace of mind for cautious buyers — a smart move in an industry where trust is often lacking.

    Disclaimer: Refunds are honored only if requested within the stated period and according to the terms posted on the official site.

    Contact and Customer Support Details

    WiFi Profits AI provides users with access to a dedicated support team to handle billing inquiries, technical issues, and product-related questions. Support is accessible through:

    • Email: support@profitwithwifi.com
    • Helpdesk portal: available via the official website
    • Live support hours: Typically standard business hours (may vary based on volume)

    Response times are generally within 1–2 business days. The platform also includes training videos and a built-in knowledge base that addresses common questions.

    Ownership and Brand Transparency

    WiFi Profits AI is developed and offered by trusted internet marketers with a history in the affiliate automation space. While individual team details are not always disclosed in the front-end sales page, the transparency around refund policies, pricing, and onboarding tools suggests a credible foundation compared to fly-by-night offers in the same space.

    The brand positions itself as an entry-level wireless business model — combining AI, video, and templates into a tool that’s accessible and scalable. That’s an appealing blend for those who want a no-fuss route to dumb money-style earnings without the ongoing grind of content creation, paid ads, or product launches.

    Summary of What You Get

    With one purchase, you receive access to:

    • All-in-one dashboard
    • AI tools for content and task automation
    • Viral video builder
    • Niche-ready affiliate funnels
    • Real-time traffic strategies
    • Bonus resources and swipe files
    • Email and helpdesk support
    • 180-day refund window

    For those looking to plug directly into a done-for-you online business that works from any WiFi-connected device, this package is designed to deliver high perceived value with low upfront risk.

    Your next paycheck could come from WiFi. Get started with WiFi Profits AI and build a smart, scalable income stream from the comfort of your couch or your phone.

    Maximizing Success with WiFi Profits AI

    Start Smart: Follow the Training Before You Tweak

    One of the biggest mistakes beginners make when joining affiliate systems is jumping in too fast without understanding how the platform actually works. WiFi Profits AI includes step-by-step training modules that are essential to go through before launching your first campaign.

    These guides walk users through:

    • Setting up their affiliate dashboard
    • Connecting pre-built funnels
    • Generating AI content for promotions
    • Creating viral videos using the built-in tool
    • Activating the personal AI assistant for scheduling and automation

    By following these foundational steps, users give themselves the best shot at getting early wins — the kind of momentum that builds motivation and consistent effort.

    Even though the system is geared toward hands-free wireless income, there is still some initial setup and engagement required. Users who treat it like a business rather than a quick scheme are more likely to see lasting results.

    Build Momentum with the “1-Hour a Day” Method

    For those with busy lives — parents, students, full-time workers — the system can be run using a one-hour-a-day model. That hour can be broken down as:

    • 20 minutes creating and scheduling viral video content
    • 20 minutes optimizing affiliate funnels or testing copy
    • 20 minutes reviewing AI-generated reports and making small tweaks

    This approach aligns with the “dumb money” model by front-loading automation and letting your content do the work after it’s deployed. Consistency, not perfection, is the key — especially when you’re working with tools designed to minimize manual effort.

    Focus on Traffic First — Everything Else Can Wait

    While WiFi Profits AI does a lot of the heavy lifting, one thing every user still needs is traffic — people visiting the funnel pages and clicking affiliate links. Thankfully, the system helps with this too.

    Some of the most effective ways to build traffic using WiFi Profits AI include:

    • Posting short-form video content daily on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels
    • Leveraging pre-written AI scripts to record simple face-free videos
    • Using the included training to share on forums, Reddit, and Facebook groups
    • Turning AI content into blog-style posts or email broadcasts

    The more eyeballs you bring to the offers, the better your chances of earning commissions. And because the tools make it easy to scale across multiple platforms quickly, you don’t need to rely on one single channel for growth.

    Test, Track, Tweak: Using the Data to Improve

    WiFi Profits AI comes with a built-in tracking dashboard that shows:

    • Click-through rates
    • Video engagement
    • Funnel conversions
    • Top-performing content

    These metrics can help you identify what’s working — and just as importantly, what’s not. For example:

    • If one funnel converts at 5% and another at 0.5%, shift your focus to the better performer
    • If one video format gets more reach, replicate its structure across niches
    • If one traffic source is delivering conversions, double down and systematize it

    This kind of data-backed scaling helps prevent burnout and guides you toward smarter, faster decisions — exactly what you want in a wireless business model.

    Avoiding the Common Pitfalls

    Even with powerful tools like WiFi Profits AI, success doesn’t come without some potential missteps. Here are a few things to avoid:

    • Trying to customize too early: Use what works before reinventing the wheel
    • Expecting instant results: Traffic and trust take time to build
    • Skipping content creation: Even simple AI-written content needs distribution to work
    • Neglecting follow-up: The included email tools can help turn curious leads into loyal buyers

    Treat this system like a smart, automated business assistant — not a magic button. Use it consistently, keep learning, and build layer by layer. Over time, the results will compound.

    Disclaimer: Like all business models, WiFi Profits AI does not guarantee financial results. Consistent use and active effort will influence success outcomes.

    The system is ready — all it needs is you. Unlock WiFi Profits AI and let AI automation generate content, leads, and affiliate commissions for your wireless income stream.

    Final Verdict on WiFi Profits AI

    The digital economy has opened up countless ways for everyday people to earn income online — but most paths are either overly complicated, expensive to start, or require months of learning curves before seeing results. WiFi Profits AI offers a refreshing alternative for those seeking a simplified, mobile-friendly, and AI-powered system to start generating income without becoming a tech expert.

    At its core, this platform is about helping users tap into dumb money: passive-style earnings driven by automation, viral content, and prebuilt affiliate funnels. With tools that write, film, design, and post for you — combined with easy onboarding, low startup costs, and support included — WiFi Profits AI provides a genuine shortcut to the kind of wireless wealth that many only dream about.

    It’s not a push-button miracle, and it won’t make you rich overnight. But for people who are tired of spending hours learning complicated platforms, or who’ve been burned by info-heavy programs that never translate to action — this platform offers a plug-and-play shortcut to real results.

    The inclusion of trending tech — like AI content generators and viral video builders — makes it current, relevant, and aligned with what works now. And the ability to operate entirely from a phone, tablet, or laptop means you’re not tied to a desk or forced into a rigid routine. It’s truly a “work-from-anywhere” method that doesn’t require you to build a brand, own a product, or show your face on camera.

    Backed by a 180-day money-back guarantee, a one-time flat fee, and designed specifically for beginners, WiFi Profits AI stands out in a crowded marketplace of affiliate systems as one of the few that truly lowers the barrier for entry — while maximizing the tools that make success possible.

    Disclaimer: Results vary. This is not a guaranteed income source. Your earnings will depend on effort, traffic, and consistent usage of the system. Always check the official website for pricing, as it is subject to change.

    If you’re ready to explore the wireless income model and finally start building a smarter, simpler side hustle — then WiFi Profits AI might just be your entry point into the creator economy’s most profitable loophole.

    Turn your scroll time into income time. With WiFi Profits AI, you can build a reliable side hustle from your phone and finally start seeing results that don’t require trading time for money.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What is WiFi Profits AI and how does it work?

    WiFi Profits AI is a beginner-friendly, AI-powered affiliate marketing system that helps users generate passive income with WiFi. It includes tools for creating viral content, setting up affiliate funnels, and driving traffic — all with minimal tech skills required. You plug into done-for-you templates, let the AI handle content, and start earning “dumb money” online by promoting affiliate offers.

    2. Do I need experience to start earning dumb money with WiFi Profits?

    No experience is required. WiFi Profits AI is designed specifically for beginners. The system provides step-by-step training, ready-made funnels, and automation tools that handle the hard parts of affiliate marketing — making it a simple wireless side hustle for anyone with a device and an internet connection.

    3. Can I really make passive income online using just WiFi?

    Yes, with the right system in place. WiFi Profits AI allows you to run a full online business from your laptop, tablet, or phone — meaning your business can run from anywhere with a WiFi connection. The platform helps automate the traffic, content, and promotion aspects, making it possible to earn while you sleep.

    4. How much does WiFi Profits AI cost?

    WiFi Profits AI is available for a one-time payment of $67. This includes full lifetime access to the core software, AI tools, and prebuilt funnels.
    Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most accurate and current pricing information.

    5. What kind of results can I expect with WiFi Profits AI?

    Results vary based on how consistently you use the system. Some users generate affiliate commissions within days, while others take longer depending on traffic strategies. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a realistic method for building a wireless income stream through effort, automation, and smart content creation.
    Disclaimer: No earnings are guaranteed. Success depends on your effort and market conditions.

    6. What makes WiFi Profits AI better than other online income programs?

    Unlike complicated courses or high-ticket coaching programs, WiFi Profits AI is a done-for-you system with built-in automation. It’s optimized for mobile use, features AI-generated content, and includes viral video creation — all in one dashboard. This all-in-one nature makes it ideal for anyone seeking dumb money online without having to master every piece of the puzzle.

    7. Can I use WiFi Profits AI on my phone?

    Yes, the entire platform is cloud-based and optimized for mobile. You can manage your campaigns, post videos, and generate content straight from your smartphone, making this one of the few WiFi money hacks you can truly operate on the go.

    8. What kind of affiliate products will I be promoting?

    WiFi Profits AI provides access to pre-vetted affiliate offers in high-converting niches such as health, wealth, and online education. These are designed for plug-and-play promotion, meaning you don’t have to create your own products or services. The system connects you with offers that are ready to convert through the included funnels.

    9. What happens if I don’t like the system?

    If you’re not satisfied, WiFi Profits AI offers a 180-day money-back guarantee. This gives you six full months to test the platform risk-free. If you don’t see the results you expected, you can request a full refund.
    Disclaimer: Refund terms must be followed as stated on the official website.

    10. Is WiFi Profits AI legit or a scam?

    WiFi Profits AI is a legitimate affiliate marketing automation system created by known marketers. It does not promise instant wealth, but rather gives users a real, structured method for building an online income stream. It’s ideal for those looking to break into affiliate marketing without wasting months on tech or training. Like any business tool, results come from how you use it — not just owning it.

    Start your journey to financial freedom by accessing the same AI-powered system used by top affiliates. Join WiFi Profits AI and build your dumb money business with confidence.

    • Company: WiFi Profits AI
    • Email: support@wifiprofits.zendesk.com

    Disclaimers and Disclosures

    Affiliate Disclosure:

    This article may contain affiliate links, which means the publisher may receive a commission if a purchase is made through these links, at no additional cost to the consumer. These commissions help support the maintenance and publishing of content. However, all reviews and opinions expressed are those of the individual writer and are not influenced by compensation. Any purchase made through an affiliate link is solely at the discretion of the consumer.

    General Disclaimer:

    The information presented in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the content at the time of publication, no guarantee is provided that the information is free from errors, outdated details, or typographical inaccuracies. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any financial, business, or purchasing decisions based on the information contained herein.

    Earnings Disclaimer:

    This article discusses strategies and tools that may assist individuals in building online income streams. However, there are no guarantees of earnings or success. Individual results will vary based on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to effort, skill level, market demand, and adherence to system guidelines. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This content does not represent a promise or guarantee of income.

    Medical Claims Disclaimer:

    In the event any health, wellness, or psychological claims are referenced or implied, it should be noted that no content in this article is intended to substitute professional medical, mental health, or financial advice. Readers should consult with appropriate licensed professionals before acting on any recommendations or suggestions made in this article.

    Pricing & Offer Disclaimer:

    All product pricing, promotional offers, bonus inclusions, or refund policies mentioned in this article are accurate to the best of the writer’s knowledge at the time of writing. However, these elements are subject to change without notice by the product vendor or manufacturer. Consumers should always refer to the official website for the most current and accurate information prior to making a purchase.

    Syndication and Republishing Notice:

    This article may be syndicated or republished by third-party media outlets, content networks, or partner websites for editorial or commercial purposes. The publisher, its writers, and syndication partners assume no responsibility for any changes made to the content during republishing, nor do they warrant that such platforms reflect the latest version of the article. All liability for decisions made based on republished content rests solely with the end reader.

    Limitation of Liability:

    Neither the publisher nor any third-party partners involved in the production, distribution, or promotion of this content shall be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of, misuse of, or reliance upon the information contained in this article.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Best Bad Credit Loans for Instant Payday Lending: Review the Top Choice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Columbia, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In This Article, You’ll Discover:

    • Why borrowers with poor credit often face limited or no access to traditional financial services
    • How the best bad credit loans help bridge urgent cash needs through instant payday lending
    • What makes MoneyMutual one of the most trusted online marketplaces for payday loans in 2025
    • Step-by-step guidance on how to apply for fast loans with no credit check required
    • Key eligibility requirements and who qualifies for instant loan approval
    • A full breakdown of loan process details, including safety protocols and funding speed
    • Transparent insights into potential APRs, fees, and repayment terms—plus crucial disclaimers
    • Direct comparisons between MoneyMutual and other leading payday loan platforms
    • Answers to frequently asked questions surrounding bad credit loan solutions
    • A clear, responsible discussion of risks and alternatives to payday lending

    TL;DR: Best Bad Credit Loans for Instant Payday Lending – Why MoneyMutual Is the Top Choice

    For millions of Americans with poor credit, urgent financial needs can’t wait. When banks decline applications and traditional lenders require high credit scores, many borrowers are left without a safety net. This article explores how instant payday loans and bad credit lending platforms offer a crucial solution—especially through the trusted marketplace provided by MoneyMutual.

    We examine the most common pain points of borrowers, including emergency expenses, rejection due to low FICO scores, and the stress of time-sensitive bills. You’ll discover how MoneyMutual connects users to lenders offering fast payday loans—some with same-day funding and no hard credit check required.

    Through transparent breakdowns of eligibility, pricing, loan processes, and user protections, this report equips readers with the information needed to make responsible, informed decisions. For those seeking the best bad credit loans online, MoneyMutual emerges as a leading choice based on accessibility, lender network size, and speed.

    Disclaimer: This content is informational only and does not replace professional financial advice. Interest rates, loan terms, and lender offers may change. Please refer to the official MoneyMutual website for the most accurate and current information before making any financial decisions.

    Best Bad Credit Loans for Instant Payday Lending: Review the Top Choice

    Why Instant Payday Loans Are Essential for Bad Credit Borrowers

    Understanding the Growing Need for Fast Payday Lending Solutions

    Access to emergency funds can be a lifesaver—especially for people living paycheck to paycheck. Whether it’s a surprise medical co-pay, a flat tire that derails your commute, or a utility bill that’s about to trigger a shut-off notice, not everyone has access to a traditional line of credit. For individuals with poor credit scores, those financial options become even more limited.

    That’s where instant payday loans for bad credit come into the picture. These fast, accessible lending services offer short-term cash advances to borrowers who may have been turned away by banks or credit unions. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of payday loans for people with low credit—and why MoneyMutual stands out as a top choice in 2025.

    What This Guide Will Cover

    In this article, we’ll walk through:

    • The emotional and financial pain points faced by people with poor credit
    • Why traditional lending often fails these individuals
    • What makes MoneyMutual an exceptional online platform for fast payday loans
    • A breakdown of the process, safety, repayment, and lender comparisons
    • Reviews, support, legal disclaimers, and buyer guidelines

    Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Loan products can come with high fees and should be evaluated carefully. For the latest rates, repayment schedules, and loan provider information, always refer to the official MoneyMutual website. Prices, availability, and terms are subject to change at any time.

    Understanding the Pain Points of Bad Credit Borrowers

    Why Millions Are Locked Out of Traditional Lending

    When facing an unexpected financial crisis—such as a broken-down vehicle, sudden medical bill, or overdue rent—most people turn to banks, credit cards, or personal lines of credit for help. But for individuals with a credit score under 600, those options often aren’t available. Denial is the norm, not the exception.

    Banks typically require a strong credit history, high income documentation, and sometimes collateral just to consider a loan. If you’ve experienced job loss, missed payments, or even identity theft that hurt your credit, your application is likely to be rejected before it’s even reviewed.

    This is the daily reality for millions of Americans living with bad credit. The lack of access to fast loan approval—especially when time is critical—only deepens the financial stress.

    The Emotional and Financial Toll of Bad Credit

    The pain goes beyond numbers. Being turned away repeatedly for credit is more than just frustrating—it can feel humiliating. It’s a cycle of embarrassment, anxiety, and helplessness.

    Common situations include:

    • Falling behind on rent or mortgage payments
    • Utility shut-off notices for electricity, gas, or water
    • Emergency car repairs needed to keep a job
    • Out-of-pocket medical costs not covered by insurance
    • Groceries and childcare becoming unaffordable due to gaps in income

    These aren’t luxury problems—they’re survival-level situations. The people in these scenarios aren’t irresponsible; they’re underserved.

    Why Traditional Lenders Say No

    Banks and large lenders rely heavily on FICO-based scoring systems. If your score is below 670, you’re considered “subprime.” Under 580? “Very poor.” These categories trigger automatic denials—even when a borrower can clearly demonstrate current income or a willingness to repay.

    The result: high rejection rates, long application timelines, and inaccessible credit. In response, the instant payday loans market has emerged as a fast, frictionless alternative.

    Disclaimer: Payday loans can carry high interest rates and should be viewed as short-term, emergency financial tools—not long-term solutions. Always review repayment terms in full before accepting any loan offer.

    Need fast cash with bad credit? Apply with MoneyMutual in minutes—no fees, no hard credit check. Get matched to lenders today and receive funds as soon as tomorrow!

    Why MoneyMutual Is the Standout Solution

    Introducing MoneyMutual as a Trusted Payday Loan Marketplace

    When it comes to bad credit payday loans, few platforms have earned as much trust and name recognition as MoneyMutual. Serving over 2 million users across the United States, MoneyMutual has built its reputation as one of the most reliable online loan marketplaces for people facing urgent financial situations—especially those who struggle to qualify through traditional lenders.

    What sets MoneyMutual apart is that it is not a direct lender. Instead, it acts as a secure connection platform between borrowers and a vast network of reputable lenders who specialize in instant payday loans, no credit check loans, and other forms of short-term lending.

    Key Features That Make MoneyMutual a Top Choice

    MoneyMutual stands out in the payday loan space for several important reasons:

    • Free to use: Borrowers never pay to use the platform. The service is completely free, and lenders pay to be included in the network.
    • Fast online form: The application takes less than five minutes to complete.
    • Large lender network: Access to multiple lenders increases the odds of loan approval—especially for people with poor credit.
    • Loan offers up to $5,000: Depending on income and lender criteria.
    • No obligation: Receiving offers does not require acceptance. Borrowers can compare terms freely.
    • Secure and private: Personal information is encrypted and never sold to third parties.
    • Same-day or next-day funding: Many lenders offer funds as early as the next business day after approval.

    For borrowers who need quick payday loan approval without hard credit checks, MoneyMutual provides a streamlined, accessible, and user-centered experience.

    Who Should Consider Using MoneyMutual?

    This platform is especially useful for:

    • Individuals with credit scores below 600
    • Borrowers needing cash advances to cover emergency expenses
    • People seeking no credit check loans
    • Individuals with no access to traditional credit options
    • Workers with regular income looking for a fast, no-hassle loan

    MoneyMutual’s platform is optimized for simplicity and speed, which is exactly what borrowers in a financial bind need.

    Disclaimer: Approval and loan terms vary by lender. Not all applicants will qualify for the maximum loan amount. MoneyMutual is not a direct lender and does not influence the final terms offered by lenders.

    Pricing Notice: Loan interest rates and fees vary by lender and borrower profile. For the most accurate and up-to-date loan terms, always visit the official MoneyMutual website. Prices and terms are subject to change at any time without notice.

    Struggling to get a loan with poor credit? Don’t wait—MoneyMutual connects you to lenders in minutes. Apply now and get the help you need, fast and hassle-free.

    How MoneyMutual Works – Step-by-Step

    A Simple Process from Start to Funds

    One of the biggest advantages of using MoneyMutual for instant payday loans is how straightforward the process is. Unlike traditional lenders that require stacks of paperwork, in-person meetings, and long waiting periods, MoneyMutual simplifies every stage of the borrowing experience.

    Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use the platform:

    Step 1: Fill Out the Short Online Form

    The process begins with a quick online application that asks for some basic information:

    • Your name and contact details
    • Employment status and monthly income
    • Bank account information (to facilitate direct deposit)

    The form typically takes less than 5 minutes to complete and is submitted securely through an encrypted server.

    Note: MoneyMutual uses this information only to match you with eligible lenders. Your credit score is not the sole determining factor.

    Step 2: Get Matched with Lenders

    After submitting your form, MoneyMutual sends your information to its network of participating lenders. These lenders review your details and decide whether to offer a loan based on your income and repayment ability—not your credit score.

    In many cases, you’ll receive multiple offers so you can compare:

    • Loan amounts
    • Repayment terms
    • Fees and APRs

    This creates a competitive lending environment, giving you the opportunity to choose what works best for your budget.

    Step 3: Review Offers and Accept Terms

    If you receive a loan offer that fits your needs, you can electronically sign the agreement right from your device. There’s no obligation to accept any offer, and you’re encouraged to read all terms carefully.

    This step includes:

    • Reviewing the total repayment amount
    • Understanding the payment due date
    • Identifying any fees or penalties for late repayment

    Disclaimer: Be sure to fully review the lender’s terms and conditions before signing. Terms vary significantly between lenders, and not all borrowers will qualify for the same rates or approval amounts.

    Step 4: Receive Funds — Often Within 24 Hours

    Once your agreement is signed, the lender will begin the funding process. Many users report receiving funds in their checking account by the next business day, and in some cases, the same day—depending on bank processing times and lender policies.

    This fast turnaround is a primary reason why MoneyMutual is a top choice for same-day payday loans and emergency financial relief.

    Streamlined Access with No Credit Check Hassles

    Because many lenders in the MoneyMutual network do not require a hard credit pull, the approval process is typically faster than traditional methods. This is especially useful for borrowers looking for:

    • no credit check payday loans
    • fast loan approval without score-based rejection
    • cash advances based on income, not credit history

    Disclaimer: While many lenders avoid hard inquiries, some may conduct soft checks or verify certain financial data. Always read each lender’s disclosure before accepting any offer.

    Emergency expense? Get up to $5,000 with no hard credit check. Apply with MoneyMutual today and see offers from lenders in under 5 minutes—it’s free and easy.

    Eligibility and Requirements for Bad Credit Payday Loans

    Who Qualifies to Use MoneyMutual?

    One of the reasons MoneyMutual is considered among the best bad credit loan platforms is its commitment to accessibility. The service is designed for individuals who may not meet the rigid criteria of traditional lenders but still have the means and intent to repay a short-term loan.

    To apply for a payday loan through MoneyMutual, applicants typically need to meet the following basic criteria:

    • Be at least 18 years of age or older
    • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    • Have a consistent source of income (employment, benefits, or other verifiable streams)
    • Possess an active checking account (used to deposit loan funds and schedule repayments)
    • Provide a valid email address and phone number for communication

    These requirements ensure that lenders have enough information to assess repayment capability—without relying on credit scores alone.

    No Credit Score? No Problem.

    Unlike traditional personal loans that almost always involve hard credit inquiries, lenders in the MoneyMutual network often focus on your current income and bank account activity. This is why the platform is a preferred option for borrowers seeking no credit check payday loans.

    If you have a low credit score or a “thin” credit file, you’re still likely to be considered, provided you meet income and identity criteria.

    Disclaimer: Meeting these requirements does not guarantee loan approval. Each lender has its own specific underwriting guidelines, and approval decisions are based on a combination of factors.

    Income Verification and Flexibility

    Most lenders on the platform accept various types of income, including:

    • Full-time or part-time employment
    • Freelance or self-employed income
    • Government benefits (e.g., Social Security or disability)
    • Unemployment payments (in some cases)

    Because the approval process is primarily focused on cash flow rather than creditworthiness, this makes MoneyMutual a flexible and inclusive choice for a wide range of applicants.

    Important Note: Some lenders may request recent pay stubs, direct deposit proof, or bank statements to verify income. These documents help ensure you’re matched to a loan offer you can realistically repay.

    Avoiding Common Disqualifiers

    While the requirements are relatively lenient, some factors may lead to disqualification, such as:

    • Not having a bank account in your name
    • Inconsistent or unverifiable income
    • Providing false or incomplete information on the application
    • Already having an outstanding unpaid payday loan

    Being upfront and accurate in your application increases your chances of being approved for instant payday loans with no credit check.

    Stop stressing over loan rejections. MoneyMutual helps bad credit borrowers get matched with trusted lenders fast. Apply now and get funds as soon as 24 hours!

    Exact Pricing, Interest, and Repayment Information

    Understanding the Real Cost of Payday Loans

    While MoneyMutual offers a free-to-use platform that connects borrowers with multiple lenders, it’s important to understand that each lender sets its own terms—including interest rates, fees, and repayment timelines.

    Payday loans, especially those for bad credit borrowers, often carry higher APRs compared to traditional personal loans. This is due to the increased risk lenders take on by offering fast loans with no credit check.

    Loan offers you receive through MoneyMutual may include:

    • Loan amounts between $100 and $5,000
    • APRs ranging from 200% to 600% or more, depending on the lender, loan size, and repayment duration
    • One-time fees or origination charges, added to the total repayment amount
    • Repayment periods typically between 14 and 30 days, though some lenders offer extensions or installment options

    Disclaimer: The above figures are estimates only. Actual loan terms, including APRs and repayment schedules, vary by lender and borrower profile. Always read your loan agreement carefully before proceeding.

    MoneyMutual’s Role in the Pricing Process

    MoneyMutual itself does not set or control loan terms. It acts as a marketplace, allowing you to compare offers. You will never pay a fee to MoneyMutual to submit a loan request or to view available offers.

    All fees, interest rates, and total repayment amounts are disclosed by the lender before you agree to anything. This ensures you can make an informed decision without any hidden charges.

    Repayment Expectations and Default Risks

    Once you accept a loan, repayment is typically due on your next payday. This repayment is usually automatically withdrawn from your bank account. If you’re unable to repay on time, you must contact your lender to arrange an extension—though this may come with additional fees or interest.

    Failing to repay a payday loan can result in:

    • Additional late fees or rollover penalties
    • Reports to collection agencies
    • Long-term damage to your credit profile
    • Potential legal action in extreme cases

    Disclaimer: Payday loans are short-term financial tools and should not be used as ongoing financial support. Borrowers are responsible for repaying loans in full on time. Always ensure you can meet your repayment obligations before accepting a loan offer.

    Pricing Transparency Disclaimer

    Loan pricing is entirely determined by third-party lenders in the MoneyMutual network. Rates, fees, and approval amounts may change frequently based on market conditions, risk evaluations, and borrower-specific factors.

    Pricing Notice: Please refer to the official MoneyMutual website for the most current loan ranges, APR disclosures, and fee structures. All pricing is subject to change at any time without notice. Final loan agreements will contain exact repayment terms and total loan cost breakdowns.

    No credit? No problem. Apply now with MoneyMutual and get connected to payday lenders offering fast, same-day loans—without the bank hassle.

    Safety, Data Privacy, and Legitimacy of MoneyMutual

    Why Trust Matters in Online Lending

    When you’re dealing with urgent financial stress, handing over personal and banking information to an online platform can feel risky. This is why trust, transparency, and digital security are absolutely essential when choosing where to apply for a loan—especially in the instant payday lending space.

    MoneyMutual has positioned itself as a secure and reputable loan connection platform used by millions of Americans. It doesn’t lend money itself, but it connects users to lenders who specialize in bad credit loans, many of which offer no credit check payday loan options.

    Data Protection: How Your Information Is Handled

    MoneyMutual uses 256-bit SSL encryption, the same level of security trusted by banks and major e-commerce platforms. This ensures that the personal details you submit—such as your Social Security number, employment status, and banking details—are transmitted securely and protected from interception or misuse.

    Additionally:

    • The platform does not sell your data to outside parties.
    • Lender partners must adhere to strict compliance and data-handling practices.
    • Users are only contacted by lenders when matched with a legitimate offer.

    These practices align with modern standards for consumer privacy and reflect MoneyMutual’s commitment to borrower safety.

    Recognized Reputation and User Satisfaction

    MoneyMutual has served over 2 million users and continues to earn high visibility in the online payday loans space. Its transparency around what it is—and what it is not—sets it apart from predatory lending services.

    Unlike deceptive websites that claim to offer guaranteed approval with hidden terms, MoneyMutual:

    • Discloses upfront that it is not a direct lender
    • Explains that loan terms vary by lender
    • Provides clear access to support and educational resources

    While individual loan experiences vary, the platform itself consistently receives strong feedback for ease of use, speed, and security.

    Disclaimer: Always use caution when sharing sensitive financial information online. While MoneyMutual uses secure systems, no online transaction is entirely risk-free. Borrowers should also independently research any lender offer they choose to accept.

    Red Flags to Avoid in Other Lending Platforms

    MoneyMutual’s model is built on trust and user education. That’s why it’s important to avoid platforms that:

    • Request upfront payments or “processing fees”
    • Guarantee approval before reviewing your application
    • Withhold loan terms until after you commit
    • Lack customer support or contact transparency

    By contrast, MoneyMutual:

    • Does not charge borrowers
    • Does not guarantee approval
    • Provides access to real lenders with clear disclosures

    This transparency makes it a leader among platforms for bad credit payday loans.

    Bills piling up? Apply through MoneyMutual and get payday loan offers in minutes—even with bad credit. It’s safe, secure, and completely free to use!

    Customer Reviews and Real-World Experiences

    What Real Borrowers Say About MoneyMutual

    When you’re dealing with financial pressure, hearing from others who have been in your shoes can make a major difference. One of the reasons MoneyMutual stands out as a leading platform for instant payday loans is its strong track record of user satisfaction among people with bad credit.

    Across online forums, third-party review platforms, and social media, borrowers repeatedly highlight three key strengths:

    • Speed: Many report receiving funds within 24 hours
    • Ease of use: The application process is often described as simple and quick
    • Accessibility: Even those with credit scores below 600 have received offers

    These themes show up consistently, making it clear that the platform delivers where others fail.

    Common Themes in Feedback

    Here’s a breakdown of what users most often praise—and where they share words of caution:

    Positive Experiences:

    • “I was denied by two banks, but I had a loan offer from MoneyMutual’s partners within 15 minutes.”
    • “I needed $400 to cover rent. The process was simple and the funds were in my account the next morning.”
    • “I liked that I wasn’t locked into anything. I got three loan offers and picked the one with the lowest total cost.”

    Constructive Feedback:

    • Some users express frustration with high APRs, especially if they didn’t fully read the lender terms.
    • A few users misunderstood that MoneyMutual is not the lender, which caused confusion about who to contact for support.
    • Those who delayed repayment mentioned that fees increased quickly when communication with the lender broke down.

    These insights reinforce the need to:

    • Carefully review the repayment schedule
    • Compare offers before accepting
    • Contact the lender—not MoneyMutual—if issues arise

    Responsible Borrowing Insights from Real-World Use

    One of the most consistent takeaways from actual borrower stories is the importance of responsible use. Borrowers who used payday loans as short-term tools—rather than ongoing cash flow support—were more likely to have positive outcomes.

    This section of the user base includes:

    • People facing temporary gaps in income
    • Gig workers awaiting payments
    • Families covering urgent bills between paychecks

    By positioning MoneyMutual as a platform that empowers users to make informed choices, these reviews help underline its reputation in the online payday loan space.

    Disclaimer: Individual results and experiences vary. User reviews shared here are representative but not predictive. Borrowers should always read and understand loan terms before accepting an offer, and seek financial counseling if repayment may be a challenge.

    Comparison: MoneyMutual vs. Other Top Payday Loan Platforms

    How MoneyMutual Stacks Up Against Its Competitors

    While MoneyMutual is widely considered a top choice for bad credit payday loans, there are other platforms in the online lending space that offer similar services. These include CashUSA, BadCreditLoans, and Check Into Cash. Each has its own strengths and limitations depending on what a borrower needs.

    MoneyMutual operates as a loan marketplace rather than a direct lender. It connects users with a network of lenders offering payday loans, cash advances, and short-term loan products. It’s ideal for those with low credit scores, thanks to its no minimum credit score requirement and income-based qualification model. Loan requests take under five minutes to submit, and offers can arrive within minutes.

    In contrast, CashUSA tends to serve borrowers with slightly stronger credit profiles. It also allows for higher maximum loan amounts—up to $10,000—but its approval process may take longer and typically favors those with a credit score above 580.

    BadCreditLoans also offers a marketplace model and is friendly to low-credit applicants. Like MoneyMutual, it does not require a hard credit check and offers flexible personal loan and payday loan options. However, application times tend to be longer, and its lender pool may be smaller in certain states.

    Check Into Cash differs from the others in that it operates as a direct lender with physical store locations in many areas. While it provides payday loans and short-term cash advances, the process is often in-person and may involve more paperwork. It’s better suited for those who prefer face-to-face service or need a storefront for same-day cash pickup. However, this comes at the cost of convenience and digital accessibility.

    What Makes MoneyMutual a Leading Choice?

    • Fast digital application: Submit your request in less than five minutes.
    • No hard credit checks required: Great for people with limited or poor credit histories.
    • Free-to-use platform: No upfront or hidden application fees.
    • Lender competition: Multiple offers may be available, giving borrowers more control over their terms.
    • Fully online experience: From application to funding, everything is done digitally—no store visits or manual forms required.

    MoneyMutual is especially ideal for those who need instant payday loan approval, are dealing with bad credit, and prefer a no-obligation, comparison-based loan shopping experience.

    Disclaimer: Each lender in MoneyMutual’s network sets their own approval criteria, interest rates, and terms. Approval and funding speed may vary based on your financial profile and the lender’s policies. Always review full loan terms before signing.

    Get financial relief when it matters most. Apply with MoneyMutual and access quick loan offers with no upfront fees—perfect for urgent expenses.

    FAQs About Using MoneyMutual

    Is MoneyMutual a Direct Lender?

    No, MoneyMutual is not a direct lender. Instead, it is a secure online marketplace that connects borrowers with a wide network of short-term lenders. These lenders specialize in instant payday loans, cash advances, and bad credit loan products. MoneyMutual helps streamline the process by allowing you to submit one form and receive multiple loan offers based on your information.

    Will Applying Affect My Credit Score?

    Submitting a loan request through MoneyMutual will not trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report. In most cases, participating lenders conduct soft credit checks, which do not impact your score. However, if you choose to accept a loan offer, the lender may perform additional verification before final approval.

    This makes MoneyMutual especially useful for those searching for no credit check payday loans and borrowers looking to avoid damage to already low credit scores.

    Disclaimer: While most lenders avoid hard inquiries during the pre-qualification stage, final approval or funding may involve limited credit verification. Always confirm the credit check policy with your selected lender before accepting the loan.

    How Fast Can I Get My Money?

    Many borrowers receive their funds within 24 hours, often by the next business day. Some lenders may offer same-day cash deposit, depending on the time you apply and your bank’s processing policies. This rapid turnaround is one of the reasons MoneyMutual is ranked among the top platforms for fast payday loans online.

    Can I Use MoneyMutual If I’m Unemployed?

    Possibly. While full-time employment is the most commonly accepted form of income, some lenders on the MoneyMutual network may consider:

    • Part-time work
    • Self-employment
    • Disability or Social Security benefits
    • Unemployment income

    The key requirement is that you must have a consistent and verifiable income source and an active checking account. Lenders want to ensure you have the ability to repay the loan, even if your credit score is low or nonexistent.

    What Happens If I Miss a Payment?

    Missing a loan payment can lead to several consequences, including:

    • Additional late fees or penalties
    • Higher overall repayment costs
    • Potential reports to debt collectors
    • Difficulty qualifying for future loans

    If you’re concerned about repayment, contact your lender immediately to request an extension or alternate arrangement. Do not wait until the due date passes—open communication may help you avoid default.

    Disclaimer: Payday loans are short-term tools intended for emergency use only. If you’re unable to repay the full amount on time, borrowing more may worsen your financial situation. Always review your loan terms in full and understand the consequences of nonpayment before signing.

    Is There a Fee to Use MoneyMutual?

    No. MoneyMutual is completely free to use for borrowers. There are no application fees, subscription costs, or hidden charges associated with submitting your information or receiving loan offers.

    Lenders on the platform pay to be part of the network, so the platform remains accessible to users without financial barriers.

    How Do I Contact Support?

    MoneyMutual offers access to customer support through its website, where you can:

    • Submit a support request via online form
    • Browse frequently asked questions
    • Access additional borrower education tools

    Bad credit shouldn’t mean no options. With MoneyMutual, apply once and get matched to top payday lenders today. Fast, secure, and 100% online!

    • Company: MoneyMutual
    • Address: 2510 E. Sunset Rd. Ste 6, #85 Las Vegas NV, 89120
    • Email: customerservice@moneymutual.com
    • Phone Support: 844-276-2063

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    The content contained in this press release is provided strictly for informational and general educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional financial advice, legal counsel, or a solicitation to engage in any specific lending arrangement. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, no warranty or representation is made regarding its completeness, relevance, or applicability to any specific financial situation. In the event of errors, inaccuracies, or outdated information, neither the publisher, authors, contributors, nor any syndication partner shall bear any responsibility for decisions made or actions taken based on this content.

    All parties involved in the creation, publication, and distribution of this press release—including, but not limited to, web operators, editors, hosting platforms, distribution networks, and media syndicators—explicitly disclaim any and all liability related to consumer interpretation, product satisfaction, financial outcomes, or legal implications stemming from use of the referenced information or services.

    The operator of this website is not a lender, does not arrange, facilitate, or broker loans to lenders, and does not make short-term cash loans or credit decisions. It is not an agent, representative, arranger, facilitator, or broker of any lender and does not endorse any lender, nor does it charge users for access to any service or product mentioned herein. This website does not constitute an offer or solicitation to lend.

    Users may submit information via this website in order for a third-party lender to evaluate their eligibility for a short-term loan; however, submission of information does not guarantee that a lender will extend an offer, or that any loan request will be approved. Loan availability, approval, and funding amounts are subject to individual lender requirements and jurisdictional regulations.

    Cash advances and payday loans should be used responsibly and only for urgent, short-term needs. They are not intended to be a long-term financial solution. Not all lenders can provide loan amounts up to $5,000, and transfer times may vary depending on the lender’s procedures and the borrower’s financial institution. Lender services are not available in all states, and eligibility may vary. This service is not available in Connecticut or New York, and is not offered to residents of New York due to interest rate restrictions under applicable law.

    Some lenders may perform credit checks and may obtain consumer credit reports or alternative credit data from bureaus such as Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, or other third-party sources to assess eligibility.

    This content may include affiliate links, which means a commission may be earned if users click a link and proceed to make a purchase or submit a loan inquiry. Such compensation may influence the selection or placement of products or services referenced in the content, but it does not affect the integrity or independence of the information provided. All opinions expressed are those of the individual content creators and are not influenced by any form of sponsorship.

    By accessing or distributing this content, all readers and syndication outlets agree to the terms outlined herein and acknowledge that they do so voluntarily and at their own discretion. No liability shall be held by any party involved in the publication or redistribution of this press release for outcomes related to lending decisions, financial performance, or user experience with third-party services.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren, Salinas, Padilla, Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farmworkers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), the daughter of a former farmworker and a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), reintroduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. This legislation would provide compensation for farmworkers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control. The bill was first introduced in the 118th Congress.

    “When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across our country continue to feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters harm their communities and livelihood. For example, hundreds of farmworkers in my congressional district faced displacement and lost wages after severe flooding devastated the Pajaro community in early 2023. We owe them – and all farmworkers – more. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act ensures America’s indispensable farmworkers can receive disaster relief funding they need and have earned,” said Rep. Lofgren.

    “Extreme weather and natural disasters are only getting worse with climate change. Unfortunately, many of the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest our food do not receive direct financial support when they are forced to miss work and lose wages as a result of these disasters,” said Rep. Salinas. “My legislation would finally correct this injustice by providing federal disaster relief for farmworkers. This change is well-deserved and long-overdue, and I will continue to advocate for the brave men and women who help feed America.”

    “California’s farm workers often work under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Sen. Padilla. “But increasingly frequent natural disasters, including historic flooding in Pajaro, have devastated California’s agricultural communities. We must protect the heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.”

    “Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Sen. Bennet. “Our bill will help ensure the people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops get the assistance they need in the wake of emergencies like drought, wildfires, and other natural disasters.”

    Oregon is home to over 100,000 farmworkers, many of whom live and work in the Willamette Valley and power the state’s $42 billion agriculture economy. Yet despite their importance to our food systems, the average farmworker family in Oregon earns less than $25,000 per year. Ninety-six percent reported living in overcrowded housing and about thirty percent are living below the poverty line. When farmworkers cannot work due to extreme weather or other unexpected disasters, they can lose wages and even their jobs—pushing them deeper into housing and food insecurity.

    The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would address this problem by providing direct relief funding for farmworkers. Specifically, this bill would:

    • Make grants available to eligible farmworker organizations to provide emergency relief to farm workers affected by a disaster.
    • Ensure USDA develops and executes a promotional plan prior to and throughout the distribution of the relief grants to increase awareness of the assistance available.
    • Require USDA to work with eligible farmworker organizations.
    • Provide definitions for a covered disaster, eligible farmworker organization, and migrant or seasonal farmworker.
    • Amend Section 2281 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to allow for emergency assistance for farmworkers.

    In addition to Reps. Lofgren and Salinas, the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jim Costa (CA-21), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Juan Vargas (CA-52).

    The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations, in alphabetical order: A Better Balance, Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), Borderlands Resource Initiative, California Human Development, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, Care in Action, CASA of Oregon, Center for Employment Training, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Central Valley Opportunity Center, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM), Child Labor Coalition, CHILDREN AT RISK, CIERTO, Civic Empowerment Coalition, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Columbia Legal Services, CRLA Foundation, Davidson County Local Food Network, El Futuro es Nuestro, Farm Worker Ministry Northwest, Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC), Farmworker Justice, Food Empowerment Project, GALEO Impact Fund, Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, Hispanic Affairs Project, Hispanic Federation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Latino Outdoors, League of Conservation Voters, Make the Road CT, Make the Road NJ, Make the Road NV, Make the Road NY, Make the Road PA, Make the Road States, Michiganders for a Just Farming System, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers – Florida and Virgin Islands Chapter, National Consumers League, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, NC FIELD, Inc., NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Farmworker Advocacy Network, North Carolina Justice Center, Nourish Up, Opportunity Arizona, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc, PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Popular Democracy, Presente.org, Progress Michigan, Proteus Inc., Puente de la Costa Sur, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Slow Food USA, Student Action with Farmworkers, Sur Legal Collaborative, TODEC Legal Center, Toxic Free North Carolina, UFW Foundation, Unidos Yamhill County, United Farm Workers, Voces Unidas de las Montañas.

    “Farm workers are always on the front lines of fires, floods, and storms — yet are too often excluded from federal disaster relief programs,” said Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW). “If the federal government can provide emergency support to farm owners who lose crops in natural disaster, then the federal government can emergency provide support to farm workers who lose work in that same disaster. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act will ensure that farm workers who put food on all our tables can continue to put food on their family’s table when disaster strikes.”

    “Every year we see an alarming number of natural disasters that drastically and disproportionately impact the farm worker community. As climate change gets worse, these types of disasters will only worsen and farm workers are the ones who are affected the most by these calamities. Just last year, we saw heavy California rains flooding Ventura County farm areas and Hurricane Helen devastating Georgia’s farm worker communities, leading to organizations like ours stepping up to do what we can. But that is not enough. We must have a federal response to these kinds of disasters. From wildfires to tornadoes to hurricanes, farm workers have little to no safety net to help them recover from unexpected disasters,” said Erica Lomeli Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at UFW Foundation. “This is exactly why the UFW Foundation is supporting the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. It would provide resources and aid to those who truly need it and would ensure that those responsible for our nation’s food supplies are not overlooked, as they have been in the past. Farm workers have been largely ignored and neglected by the law, shut out from basic protections provided to all workers. It is time that Congress acts and ensures that our nation’s farm workers are given the support they need to overcome times of emergencies and to provide equity to all workers.” 

    “Farmworkers are frontline workers, which means they are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme weather conditions across the country. Many farmworkers feel that they are risking their health with extreme heat and colder days, but losing even one day of work is not an option for their families’ economic situation. Outdoor protections are important, yet there are days that are becoming too extreme to even be outside. Our vision is to be a resilient workforce for the agricultural industry. Disaster relief means we can start investing in addressing the issues that workers are facing today by building resilience for climate change in the future, without sacrificing the economic well-being of farmworkers,” said Reyna Lopez, Executive Director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noreste (PCUN).

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Espaillat and Díaz-Balart Reintroduce Bipartisan E-Waste Legislation for the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    The Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA) Strengthens National Security by Halting the Export of Electronic Waste to High-Risk Foreign Entities

    WASHINGTON, DC – The ongoing national security concerns related to the United States’ unchecked export of electronic waste (“e-waste”)—such as old cell phones, computers, servers, and other gadgets—have prompted Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) to reintroduce the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA). 

    The bill would curb the flow of U.S. e-waste to foreign nations, which is on track to reach over 80 million tons by 2030. Upon its arrival in foreign nations, U.S. e-waste is frequently discarded in ways that are environmentally destructive, unlawfully turned into counterfeit electronics, or insufficiently refurbished electronics products that are then resold as new. Concerningly, these counterfeit and unsafe electronics are often then resold to buyers in the United States, where the faulty materials can make their way into critical U.S. military equipment.

    “As technology evolves faster than ever, so does the volume of electronic waste generated in the U.S.—waste that, if not properly managed, can pose serious risks to our national security and the environment,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Today, unregulated actors around the world continue to exploit U.S. e-waste to manufacture counterfeit electronics, some of which re-enter the global supply chain and threaten consumer safety, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Proper e-waste recycling isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a national security imperative. SEERA addresses this urgent need by keeping sensitive materials out of the wrong hands, supporting climate goals, and creating thousands of American jobs through secure, domestic recycling infrastructure.” 

    “As we work to free America from unfair and hostile trade practices, the enactment of SEERA would be an important step in that direction–strengthening our national security against China and protecting our future. Proper handling of electronic waste ensures our critical data and infrastructure remain protected and that dangerous materials are handled responsibly. Importantly, it would set requirements for the recycling of these products to be done domestically while creating new jobs. Passing this legislation will fortify and reinforce our national security as well as our future,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.
     

    “The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) is most appreciative of the leadership of Rep. Espaillat and Rep. Diaz-Balart in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to limit untested, nonworking e-scrap exports,” said Bob Houghton, CEO of Sage Sustainable Electronics and CAER Executive Committee member. “Under SEERA, our industry will play an integral role to address National Security concerns, further develop a domestic source of rare earth and critical minerals, and create up to 42,000 good paying jobs here in the United States.”

    The Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act prohibits the export of specified e-waste and outlines the process for the registration and compliance of export declarations and for the disposal of electronic waste in the United States.

    Click here to read this SEERA legislation in its entirety.

      
     

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Hoyer Remarks at the FSGG Hearing on the Federal Trade Commission

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at the FSGG hearing on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:
     

    Click  here to watch a full video of his remarks.

    “I thank the chairman very much. Welcome, Chairman Ferguson, to the committee. I want to thank you for the work that you have done and you’re doing. You had a very extensive statement. Footnoted more than any other statement I think I’ve read for an opening statement. I thought I was reading a law brief, but having said that, it was very comprehensive.

    “But one of the things I noticed in it, and I say this at the outset, well, I’m going to ask questions later. I’m going to be going in and out. It has nothing to do with your testimony. It has to do with we have two hearings going on at the same time.

    “One of my top priorities, Mr. Chairman as you know, throughout my time in Congress has been making our workers, our businesses, and our entire economy more competitive.

    “That is why I, as Majority Leader, started the agenda that I call Make It In America. Which obviously is a double entendre. People came to America to make it, to succeed. But also, the way we’re going to succeed better, is to make it—whatever it may be—in America. We’re moving towards that effort. But as you point out in your statement, it can be a self-defeating effort. The larger one enterprise gets other enterprises are left by the wayside. Many of the historic bills we passed in the 117th Congress – including the Chips and Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act – were designed to promote competition and to grow manufacturing and our science research in America. That’s the objective we all ought to share.

    “If you support innovation, if you support growth, if you support development, then you have to support competition. I tell my Democrats, if you want to be pro-worker, you need to be pro-employer. Both need to be in equilibrium. Both have a role to play. And both need a referee. [turns to colleague on the dais] You talked about cop on the beat. Referee.

    “If you recognize the importance of the free market, as I do, then you have to recognize how crucial it is to keep it free and keep it a market. The FTC is essential to that mission to promote fair competition and protect American consumers. It breaks up monopolies that inflate the price of everything from groceries to gas to health care. It protects Americans from scam calls, fraud, and unfair business practices. It stands up for Americans’ privacy rights, going after businesses that misuse or fail to secure their personal data. One thing I may just [pulls out smart phone] it ticks me when I get advertisements that I don’t ask for on this device which I own. I don’t know whether there is a solution to that, because obviously they have to ‘pay for the product they give me.’ That is a particular concern that I have that you may pay attention to.  

    “The FTC needs to maintain public trust and credibility to do this vital, nonpartisan work. Now I mention nonpartisan work, but what I started to say, let me say, I noticed at least three times in the opening sort-of synopsis of your statement that you use the term ‘the Trump-Vance FTC.’ I was caught by that, because I don’t see that very often in statements that are made. Actually, it’s America’s FTC. Now, you’re appointed, you’re a Republican, I’m a Democrat, so we have different points of view. But we need to make sure the agenda of the administration really needs to be in this case from your perspective, the agenda of what the FTC is intended to do. Now we may have differences on that, but I would urge you to do it in as non-partisan a way, and, frankly, I urged your predecessor to do the same thing. There would be different views as to whether that was accomplished. The FTC needs to maintain public trust and credibility as I said, and that will help I think. That’s why the agency has always been independent.

    “I am deeply concerned by this administration’s efforts frankly to undermine—not only the independence that that naming it the Trump-Vance FTC would imply—but it also seems to be creeping into almost everything we do. Where so-called ‘non-loyalists’ are being fired. They need to be loyal to the country and the oath that we all take to the Constitution and the laws thereof. Not to any individual or group of individuals. In March, Donald Trump violated 90 years of supreme court precedent when he fired two Democratic FTC commissioners without any legal cause, which under the law is required.

    “Those two commissioners are challenging that action in court, I hope they win. And if it’s anything like the dozens of other cases we’ve seen in the past four months, I believe the courts will likely rule against the administration. [Turns to Rep. Joyce] One more minute? Nevertheless, Trump’s attempt to politicize the FTC ought to concern us all. So should the reports that Elon Musk and his DOGE agents may be able to access sensitive financial data the FTC compiles on American businesses, including Musk’s competitors. That is the opposite of the FTC’s purpose, and we must not let it happen. Democrats and Republicans need to come together to protect this vital institution and ensure it has the resources it needs to keep serving the American people. I thank FTC’s Chair Ferguson for joining us today, and I hope he can address some of these concerns and speak to the importance of this funding. The American people are counting on the FTC, and the FTC is counting on this committee. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Johnson Introduces Bipartisan Transformational Public Transit Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    On the final day of Infrastructure Week, Rep. Hank Johnson introduces legislation to invest $80B in public transit across large cities, small towns, and rural communities to better serve constituents and working families

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the final day of Infrastructure Week, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, re-introduced the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act, which would provide $20 billion annually for four years ($80 billion total) to transit systems for their operating budgets.

    The bill would provide targeted federal funding to help transit agencies increase bus and rail service, especially in places with existing poor service, disadvantaged communities, and areas of persistent poverty. The funding will be in addition to existing state, local and farebox revenue and will support additional services above and beyond what is currently being provided. Agencies could use funding under this bill to make “substantial improvements to transit service.”

    “Transit in our communities is as essential as food on our tables, clothes on our backs and a roof over our heads,” said Rep. Johnson. “This kind of funding is a game-changer for Atlanta and communities across the nation. Simply put, people could get to more places in less time using transit. Jobs, schools, and other daily destinations that previously took too long to reach would become more accessible. People would feel less strain on household budgets as their transportation costs shrink. They would have more time to spend with their families as time spent commuting falls.”

    The Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act builds on the momentum of Infrastructure Week by supporting efforts to create a more equitable, efficient, and connected transportation system for all Americans.

    The Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act would:

    •    Authorize $20 billion annually for FY2025-FY2028
    •    Create a new formula grant program to support the operating costs of public transportation and certain associated capital costs
    •    Require funds must be used for projects that make “substantial improvements to transit service” –  that directly boosts frequency of buses, trains and increases routes
    •    Clearly define funding for “areas of persistent poverty” and “underserved communities;”

    According to the Transit Center, a foundation that works to improve public transit in cities across the U.S., in Atlanta alone, $20 billion in annual transit funding could mean a 40 percent gain in service that could vastly improve access to transit that arrives at least every 15 minutes, all day, seven days a week.

    In some parts of the city, that would increase the number of jobs reachable within 30 minutes on transit by a factor of eight, it said.

    In cities and communities across the country, a federal program to support transit services could yield similar benefits by helping families lower transportation costs, drive economic opportunity and racial equity and reduce greenhouse gases.

    Cosponsors include: Reps. Cohen, McClellan, Tlaib,  Frost, Cleaver, Dean, Boyle, Doggett, Wilson (FL), Ramirez, Kennedy (NY), McIver, Norton, Smith (WA), Sykes, Gomez, Simon, D. Davis (IL), Schakowsky, Carbajal, Garcia (CA), Sanchez, Mullin, DelBene, McGarvey,  Raskin, R. Kelly, Garamendi, Veasey, Horsford, McBath, Meng, Ruiz, Carter (LA), Titus, Lynch, Fields, Morelle, Scanlon, Omar, Foushee, Tonko, Moore (WI), Adams, Magaziner, Pocan, Moulton, Evans (PA), Landsman, Thompson, Jayapal, Watson Coleman, DeGette, Mfume, Deluzio, Hayes, Thanedar, Barragán, Beatty, Brown, Fitzpatrick, Ocasio-Cortez, Garcia (IL), Lee (PA), Khanna, Neal, Pingree, Clarke (NY), Krishnamoorthi, Sherman, Budzinski, Ansari, Nadler, Cherfilus-McCormick, Ryan, Gottheimer, Casten, Jackson, Garcia (TX), Velazquez, Houlahan, Sorensen, Huffman, Foster, Chu, Ross, Vargas, Stansbury, Goldman, Amo, Moskowitz, Sewell, Dingell, Harder, Quigley, Salinas, Takano, Bishop, Ivey.

    The bill is supported by: Transport Workers Union of America, Amalgamated Transit Union, MARTA, T4America, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Campaign for Transit Justice, Sierra Club, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Union of Concerned Scientists

    What stakeholders are saying:

    “The federal government inexplicably funds transit capital investments without providing the operations funding to ensure that buses and trains can run safely, on time, and frequently enough to benefit working families,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “This bill would end a transit funding practice that doesn’t make sense and ensure that federal dollars can go toward transit operating expenses that improve service and ridership.”

    “Transportation labor has long supported strong federal action that facilitates sustainable and reliable public transit service,” Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO President Greg Regan said. “By providing $20 billion per year over the next four years, transit agencies would have the opportunity to increase service frequency, expand service areas, extend operating hours and overall improve the passenger experience. We applaud Rep. Johnson for understanding the importance of this public service and introducing this legislation.”

    To read the bill, click HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Subcommittee Ranking Member Johnson’s Opening Statement at Hearing on Fostering AI Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    WATCH

    Subcommittee Ranking Member Johnson’s opening statement.

    Ranking Member Hank Johnson

    Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet

    Hearing on “Protecting Our Edge: Trade Secrets and the Global AI Arms Race”
    May 7, 2025

    One hundred and seventeen days ago, Chinese company DeepSeek launched its flagship model, DeepSeek R-1. In the following days and weeks, American experts wrung their hands and shook their heads, many considering for the first time the possibility that we may be losing the so-called “AI Arms Race.” DeepSeek claims R-1 was developed faster and cheaper than comparable U.S. models. Others argue DeepSeek at a minimum violated Open AI’s terms of service to obtain proprietary training data. 

    Where everyone seems to agree is that AI startups should be innovating faster. I’ve heard colleagues suggest we should forget regulations, ignore IP laws, and just focus on clearing the way for AI companies. I agree everyone wins when we foster American AI startups. But I think it’s a false choice to say we can succeed, but only if we do so irresponsibly. 

    If you walk around Capitol Hill today, you can see plants sprouting out of the soil, beginning to grow. What you’ll notice if you look closely, is some of those shoots growing in the shade look like they’re growing faster than the others. As they race for just a little bit of sunlight, yes, they grow quickly, but ultimately, they grow less hardy, more brittle, and prone to disease.

    AI innovation works the same way. As we seek ways to promote American AI startups, we should also work to ensure that businesses meet minimum standards for system cybersecurity; we should ask what types of transparency are necessary to protect other IP rights and consider how to set standards while still protecting trade secrets. By encouraging companies to meet best practices and respect intellectual property rights, we will foster hardy competition that protects U.S. innovation from those who seek to undermine our success.

    The government of China has made no secret of its intent to steal American intellectual property. And there is bipartisan agreement that the United States should protect its innovations from those who seek to benefit from American ingenuity. 

    There is also a right way and a wrong way to compete with our adversaries. While we don’t always agree on this Committee, we have had meaningful discussions on the right way to protect American IP from the government of China, cybersecurity standards to keep our people and our institutions safe, and the threat landscape to AI innovation.  

    Donald Trump on the other hand, has acted in ways that hurt American businesses. His ideologically inconsistent and unpredictable tariffs have hurt American consumers, American businesses, and our allies. Innovation in America suffers when the path forward is uncertain.

    For generations, American companies have benefited from attracting the best and the brightest from other nations. Yet seemingly without reason, Trump again and again hurts American businesses by attempting to revoke already granted student visas and threating the H1-B visa program for highly skilled immigrants.

    The deleterious impact of these policies on AI innovation should not be ignored. According to a recent study, immigrants have founded or cofounded 28 of the top 43 AI companies in the United States, and 70 percent of full-time graduate students in fields related to artificial intelligence are international students.

    So instead of focusing on policies that stand to derail American innovation, we should focus on upholding our treaties and respecting our allies. We should encourage our research institutions to engage with universities around the world. The breakneck speed of innovation has made it easier than ever to reach out to people around the world. Now is not a time for isolationism because history has shown us that true innovation thrives on openness. Afterall, groundbreaking inventions rarely emerge when knowledge is walled off. 

    I thank the witnesses for being here today and I yield back. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sánchez offers amendment to help workers displaced by Trump’s chaotic trade policies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

    WASHINGTON – During the markup of the Republican tax bill, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) introduced an amendment to provide Trade Adjustment Assistance to workers and small businesses displaced by trade. The Republican-led committee blocked the amendment in a 19–24 party-line vote

    Video of her statement introducing the amendment is available HERE and the text follows:

    “This tax bill is a desperate attempt from Republicans to kowtow to corporations, while they turn their backs on millions of hardworking Americans.

    Prices on everyday goods are rising, retirees are watching their savings evaporate as markets swing wildly, farmers are losing access to key export markets, many small businesses are on the verge of closing their doors forever, and jobs are being lost.

    It’s time to put an end to the economic damage. A tax bill that creates massive deficits and gives handouts to billionaires will not do that. We must use this opportunity to restore stability in our trade and economic policy before the damage is too far to reverse.

    That’s why I am offering an amendment to renew Trade Adjustment Assistance and modernize the program, including by streamlining the eligibility criteria for farmers, workers, and businesses. This language comes from the COMPETES Act, which Congress passed on a bipartisan basis in 2022.

    Under my amendment, displaced workers would be eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance through 2031. My amendment would also ensure port workers and workers in the trucking industry will be eligible to apply for TAA if they unfairly lost their jobs due to tariffs imposed by President Trump since January 20th of this year.

    Since its inception, TAA has helped millions of trade-displaced workers attain the necessary skills, credentials, resources, and support they need in order to return to work. At least 192,000 workers have pending TAA petitions with the Department of Labor. That includes 17,240 new applicants since President Trump took office to March — a nearly 10 percent increase in less than two months.

    Despite the fact that this data was updated monthly, no new data has been available since March 3rd, just after the Trump administration began to wreak havoc on our economy with the Canada and Mexico tariffs and the April 2nd global tariffs.

    Wow. I wonder why? Could it be that the Trump administration is scared of Americans finding out the real cost of his chaotic trade policies?

    Not only are prices going up, but Americans working in trade-related industries literally have their jobs on the line, including the thousands of port workers from Los Angeles and Long Beach that live in my district.

    Every one container that arrives in the port supports four jobs in the Los Angeles economy. Yet, imports at the Port of Los Angeles are currently down by 35% from the same time last year. If this trend continues, empty shelves and layoffs will follow.

    We also cannot forget the truck drivers who help transport essential goods across the country. These truck drivers will lose from declining truck volumes and higher operational costs.

    We cannot abandon our workers. They need relief now.

    Over 8,000 workers with pending TAA applications are in my Republican Ways and Means colleagues’ districts:

    • Chairman Smith currently has 1,272 workers with pending TAA applications.
    • Representative Adrian Smith – 295 workers
    • Representative Mike Kelly – 60 workers
    • Representative Schweikert – 250 workers
    • Representative LaHood – 1,097 workers
    • Representative Estes – 528 workers
    • Representative Miller – 35 workers
    • Representative Murphy – 120 workers
    • Representative Van Duyne – 1,382 workers
    • Representative Feenstra – 197 workers
    • Representative Carey – 387 workers
    • Representative Miller – 125 workers
    • Representative Yakym – 2,442 workers

    All with pending trade adjustment claims. They cannot afford to be left in limbo any longer, waiting for Congress to renew Trade Adjustment Assistance.

    I call on my Republican colleagues to support my amendment to renew TAA and offer some relief to their constituents who have unfairly lost their jobs due to this administration’s stupid and irresponsible trade policies.”

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: SolarMax Technology Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RIVERSIDE, Calif., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SolarMax Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq SMXT) (“SolarMax” or the “Company”), an integrated solar energy company, today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue: $6.9 million, compared with $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Gross profit: $1.4 million, compared with ($0.5) million in the first quarter of 2024.   Cost of revenues in the first quarter of 2024 included a one-time, non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $1.3 million.
    • Total operating expense: $2.6 million, compared with $18.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. Operating expense in the first quarter of 2024 included a one-time, non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $15.9 million.
    • Net loss: $1.3 million, or $0.03 per share, compared with a net loss of $19.3 million, or $0.46 per share in the first quarter of 2024.

    David Hsu, CEO of SolarMax, stated, “We are encouraged by our progress this quarter, having achieved a 20% increase in revenue and improvement in gross margin despite ongoing inflationary and regulatory pressures. We believe this improvement demonstrates our team’s ability to navigate a dynamic market while enhancing operational efficiency and executing on cost containment initiatives.”

    “While California’s NEM 3.0 policy—which significantly reduced the compensation homeowners receive for excess solar power sent to the grid—continues to impact residential solar demand in the state, we’re seeing meaningful traction through our dealer network and our proposed commercial projects,” continued Hsu. “We are laying the groundwork for commercial and industrial solar and battery system projects that we believe represent a growth opportunity. Although we have no executed contracts, our development pipeline is active, and we are seeking to position SolarMax for longer-term diversification and growth.”

    About SolarMax Technology Inc.

    SolarMax, based in California and founded in 2008, is a leader within the solar and renewable energy sector focused on making sustainable energy both accessible and affordable. SolarMax has established a strong presence in southern California. SolarMax is looking to generate growth with strategic initiatives that aim to scale commercial solar development services and LED lighting solutions in the US while expanding its residential solar operations. For more information, visit www.solarmaxtech.com.

    Any information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website or any other website or any social media is not a part of this press release.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) as well as Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely” or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the Company’s strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, including but not limited to the Company’s ability to develop its commercial solar business and to be accepted as a provider of commercial solar systems in the United States, and its ability to recommence its operations in China where is has not generated any revenue since 2021, and to respond to any changes in governmental policies relating to renewable energy and those factors described in “Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements” “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025. SolarMax undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

    Contact:
    For more information, contact:
    Stephen Brown, CFO
    (951) 300-0711

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Promoting Alberta in Mexico

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 153 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 153 border-related cases this week, including charges of assault on a federal officer, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week:

    • On May 11, Mario Santiago-Velasquez, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in The United States. According to a complaint, Santiago-Velasquez was previously convicted of five immigration crimes and Malicious Destruction of Property.
    • On May 12, Juan Jose Perez-Garcia, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of five immigration-related offenses including felony reentry-after-deportation in 2023, was sentenced in federal court to seven months in custody for again entering the U.S. illegally.
    • On May 13, Juan Nazario Lizarraga Peralta, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Lizarraga was attempting to enter the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry when he was intercepted by Customs and Border Patrol agents with seven pounds of fentanyl and 11 pounds of cocaine strapped to his body.
    • On May 13, Oscar Echevarria-Luque, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with illegal importation of cocaine. According to a complaint, Luque applied for entry through the Calexico, California East Port of Entry in a Kenworth truck towing a car hauler. Upon inspection of the trailer, Customs and Border Protection officers found 92.18kg (203.22 pounds) of cocaine concealed in the frame of the trailer.
    • On May 14, Ernesto Alejandro Rodriguez Gallegos, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Rodriguez attempted to cross the border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry with 135 pounds of cocaine hidden in his vehicle.

    Also recently, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are a few of those cases:

    • On May 16, Serafin Abelino-Medel, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of felony inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, and threatening crime with intent to terrorize, was sentenced in federal court to 15 months in custody for again entering the United States illegally.
    • On May 16, Isaac Lopez-Rodriguez, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of Attempt to Commit Aggravated Assault in 2015, was sentenced in federal court to two years in custody for again entering the U.S illegally.

    Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

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

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa clarifies position on Tanzanian banana imports

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Agriculture has dismissed speculations regarding an alleged ban on the import of bananas from Tanzania into South Africa.

    This follows recent media reports suggesting that Tanzanian authorities are considering banning South African agricultural imports, based on speculations that South Africa does not permit banana imports from Tanzania.

    In a statement issued this week, the department stressed that there is a strong and cooperative relationship between the two countries regarding agricultural trade, and that South Africa has never imposed a ban on banana imports from Tanzania.

    The department explained that the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa (NPPOZA), operating under the department’s authority, hase previously been working closely with its Tanzanian counterpart to negotiate market access for various plant and plant product commodities between the two nations.

    “Tanzanian avocados have been exported to South Africa over the past four years and have a counter seasonal advantage to local produce, which closes the gap for local consumption. The two technical counterparts from both South Africa and Tanzania are currently in negotiations to facilitate market access to allow the safe trade of banana from Tanzania into South Africa,” the department said. 

    According to the department, in February 2025, the department received an official market access application from Tanzania to export bananas to South Africa. This triggered the scientific pest risk analysis (PRA) process by NPPOZA, which is a mandatory step in determining phytosanitary import requirements to prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases.

    “The processes will be conducted in accordance with relevant phytosanitary regulatory frameworks and relevant standards of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It is mutually beneficial for both nations to allow the PRA process to proceed, so that scientifically justified phytosanitary import conditions can be developed, conditions which aim to safeguard biosecurity,” the department explained. 

    The department highlighted the critical need to ensure biosecurity in agricultural trade, citing the example of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4), the most destructive banana disease recorded in history, which poses a serious threat to the banana industry globally.

    Once the envisaged PRA process has been concluded, the department said, a draft phytosanitary import requirements will be finalised and officially notify Tanzanian authorities. Only after both countries agree with the drafted phytosanitary import requirements, will the importation of bananas from Tanzania commence.

    “As a requirement and in accordance with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and IPPC’s international prescripts, when dealing with agricultural trade matters, parties officially notify each other in case there will be a ban or lifting of a ban of a particular imported produce, or product,” the department said. 

    The department reiterated that South Africa has never issued any ban on Tanzanian banana imports, as market access had never been formally granted or denied. South Africa has never received any official notification or intent from Tanzanian authorities indicating a ban on South African exports. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Rivalry Provides Update on Management Cease Trade Order

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rivalry Corp. (the “Company” or “Rivalry”) (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), is providing this bi-weekly update on the status of a management cease trade order granted on May 1, 2025 (the “MCTO”) by its principal regulator, the Ontario Securities Commission (the “OSC”), under National Policy 12-203 – Management Cease Trade Orders (“NP 12-203”). On May 2, 2025, the Company announced that there would be a delay in the filing of its annual financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the “Annual Filings”), as required under applicable Canadian securities laws (the “Default Announcement”). As stated in the Default Announcement, the Company expects to complete the Annual Filings by June 30, 2025.

    The Company advises that: (i) there have been no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement; (ii) it intends to continue to comply with the alternative information guidelines of NP 12-203; and (iii) except as previously disclosed, there are no subsequent specified defaults (actual or anticipated) within the meaning of NP 12-203.

    The MCTO will remain in effect until the Company is no longer in default with respect to its filing requirements and the OSC lifts the cease trade order.

    About Rivalry

    Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates Rivalry Limited, a leading sport betting and media company offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the digital generation. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team. Rivalry Limited has held an Isle of Man license since 2018, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions, as well as an internet gaming registration in Ontario, and is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. With world class creative execution and brand positioning in online culture, a native crypto token, and demonstrated market leadership among digital-first users Rivalry is shaping the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet.

    No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    Company Contact:
    Steven Salz, Co-founder & CEO
    ss@rivalry.com

    Investor Contact:
    investors@rivalry.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

    This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “project” and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expected filing date of the Annual Filings.

    Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations and the Company’s ability to operate as a going concern; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 under the heading “Risk Factors”, and other disclosure documents available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    Source: Rivalry Corp.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horses and Bourses: Remarks at the 12th Annual Conference on Financial Market Regulation

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Thank you for having me here today as part of the 12th Annual Conference on Financial Market Regulation. Before I begin, I must remind you that my views are my own as a Commissioner and not necessarily those of the SEC or my fellow Commissioners. I appreciate the collaboration of the SEC’s Division of Economic and Risk Analysis, Lehigh University’s Center for Financial Services, and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business in hosting this conference. The Commission benefits from economic research on financial regulation.

    Given that the SEC is a market regulator, I am disappointed when deprecation of economic fundamentals slips into the Commission’s work. An incident recounted by Ulysses S. Grant in his memoirs reminded me of a quibble I had with the justification for a recent Commission rulemaking. When Grant was about eight years-old, his father dispatched him to buy a horse: impressive, even if his negotiating skills proved not to be. Grant’s father thought the horse worth only twenty dollars, but told the young Grant—who desperately wanted the animal—that he should start by offering twenty dollars and could work his way up to twenty-five. The future Union general and U.S. president implemented his father’s instructions as follows: “Papa says I may offer you twenty dollars for the colt, but if you won’t take that, I am to offer twenty-two and a half, and if you won’t take that, to give you twenty-five.”[1] He paid twenty-five.

    The incident in which he informed his counterparty to his own detriment was long a source of embarrassment for Grant, but how much more embarrassing it is for a market regulator to suggest that fully informed traders are a prerequisite for fair markets. The Commission took that position in its recent rulemaking to shorten beneficial ownership reporting timelines; it justified faster mandatory reporting of position build-ups on the theory that buyers who voluntarily sell at a price that has not incorporated all available information suffer harm by not having information that other investors have.[2] As I said at the time, the SEC was “invent[ing] investor harm . . . We want to encourage investors to ferret out information and find undervalued companies. Indeed, information asymmetries in this sense—where investors have equal access to disclosure from the issuer and insiders, but come to different conclusions about the long term prospects of a company based on their respective due diligence—are a feature, not a bug, of our capital markets.”[3] The eight-year-old Grant’s horse trade was his tutor on market principles.[4] So too the ninety-year-old SEC needs tutorials—provided by economists like you—to refresh our acquaintance with market principles.

    Economists are essential partners in the difficult task of writing rules to protect investors and market integrity. You can help us analyze whether market behaviors are the natural outcome of supply and demand, innovation, and competition, or whether they are a consequence of the rules that govern that market. In the latter case, you can assist us in assessing whether regulation has changed the markets for better or worse. Economists understand that markets effectively solve problems that look intractable to many a regulatory lawyer, and that regulation often exacerbates problems or creates new ones. Economists, of course, are not perfect. They, right along with lawyers, can get entranced with the power and promise of regulatory lever-pulling. A commitment to basic economic principles, however, helps combat tendencies toward regulatory micromanagement. Accordingly, today, I want to enlist your help in thinking about exchanges.

    Market structure issues are notoriously complicated to diagnose and to resolve, but economic research can help us do both. We have spent a lot of time in recent years tinkering with equity market structure. I have supported some of those changes, including improvements to market data infrastructure, enhanced execution quality reporting requirements, and tick size changes. I have objected to others out of a concern that they would lead to inferior execution and decreased investor choice. As I considered each equity markets initiative, even those I supported, I could not help but wonder: What would the market landscape look like if the SEC were not micromanaging it? Would we have so many exchanges? Would they be more heterogeneous? Would a single exchange offer different trading models? Would they be self-regulating, or would they have outsourced that responsibility? How would they charge for market data? Would off-exchange trading platforms, like ATSs, have developed differently or not at all? Would the internalization of trades be as prevalent? And, most important, would the market be better or worse for issuers, investors, and traders without all the micromanagement?

    My starting point is that people do not need a government regulator to make markets. If one person has something that someone else wants, a market transaction can make both better off. Humans grasp this principle without external prodding; buyers and sellers organically find each other all the time and in all sorts of places. Third parties, from your local farmer’s market to a giant online marketplace, routinely step in to intermediate these sales. Again, their involvement occurs naturally: people, of their own volition, identify and fill a need to establish a market. Markets for bringing together suppliers and consumers of capital also emerge organically. Brokers to help people buy and sell and exchanges where such transactions could occur arose without government orchestration.[5] Innkeepers in Belgium and proprietors of coffee houses in London cultivated exchanges.[6] Eventually, some of these venues transformed into self-regulating exchanges.[7] The storied Buttonwood Agreement of 1792 established the first set of rules for commissions and how stocks could be traded on what would become the New York Stock Exchange, and rival exchanges grew and proliferated. Throughout the 1800s, exchanges—which their members owned—developed an increasingly sophisticated set of rules that governed trading, adjudicated disputes among members, and disciplined members for violations. More recently, we have seen the introduction of autonomous trading protocols to facilitate crypto transactions. Users of these protocols submit to regulation also, albeit by software code. The ability of markets to emerge, expand, and self-regulate without government involvement should keep us all humble.

    Because markets arise and thrive on their own, government should involve itself only where it can improve their functioning. When it first wrote the securities laws, established the SEC, and gave it authority over exchanges, Congress decided that securities markets would benefit from government intervention. Congress recognized, however, the role exchanges played in regulating the markets and feared that too much direct regulation of the securities industry would prove ineffective.[8] Therefore, while the Exchange Act required exchanges to register with the Commission, their self-regulatory nature was retained. Congress charged exchanges with enforcing Exchange Act provisions against their members and disciplining any member that acted “inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade.”[9] The Exchange Act preserved for them, however, what a later Congress described as “seemingly open-ended authority”[10]to promulgate rules so long as they were not inconsistent with the Exchange Act or state law.[11]

    Four decades later, in the Securities Acts Amendments of 1975, Congress amended the Exchange Act to tighten Commission oversight of exchanges. New section 19(b) of the Exchange Act bolstered requirements for self-regulatory organizations (“SROs”), including the exchanges, to file and seek Commission pre-approval for all rule changes.[12] The “open-ended authority” that previously applied to exchange rulemaking was gone—replaced by an amended section 6(b)(5), which required that any rule promulgated by the exchange be designed to achieve a set of specific purposes and standards and prohibited exchanges from regulating “matters not related to the purposes” of the Exchange Act.[13]

    The 1975 amendments also gave the Commission a new cross-exchange mandate to “facilitate the establishment of a national market system for securities.”[14] Given that a national market already existed, the Commission needed, in the words of the Commission’s then Chairman, to commit itself “to a search for, and the development of, the national market system that the Congress has ordered.”[15] Two years later, the SEC’s new Chairman lamented the “current rate of progress” and warned industry that if it did not take the lead in creating such a system that satisfied his vision for a national market system,[16] the SEC would.[17] The Commission took steps over the years to link markets in response to the 1975 directive,[18] but a fresh push came three decades later in Regulation NMS. Central to the 2005 effort was the controversial Order Protection Rule (“OPR”),[19] which was intended to ensure competition among orders across markets and reward market participants for publicly displaying quotes.[20]

    At first glance, the exchange landscape looks vibrant. Right now, there are 16 operating exchanges that trade equities, and more exchanges are waiting in the wings. In the past half-year, the Commission has approved three new equity exchanges that have yet to commence operations.[21] The Commission currently is considering applications for two new equity exchanges. If all these exchanges are approved and begin operating, the market will have 21 equity exchanges, compared to 11 in 2014 and 8 (plus Nasdaq, which was not yet an exchange) in 2005. If twenty-one seems high, consider that in 1934, when exchanges were first required to register with the newly formed Commission, 36 exchanges operated throughout the country.[22] At that time, regional exchanges had sprung up to raise capital for local industries shunned by New York money. For example, in my hometown of Cleveland an exchange founded in 1900 helped raise capital for local firms in the newly emerging rubber industry and the always-present brewery industry.[23] Since then, however, the number of exchanges had been declining steadily until recently. In the 72 years between 1934, when exchanges were first required to register, and 2006, when Nasdaq registered as an exchange, few new exchanges formed, and fewer survived.[24] My cherished Cleveland exchange lasted only until 1949, when it merged with stock exchanges in Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and St. Louis to become the Midwest Exchange.[25]

    While different types of exchange trading models exist and issuers have several listing options, the exchange landscape feels a bit like a modern subdivision with acres of undifferentiated houses. Some of these new exchanges have been innovative: they have offered new ways to trade, such as speed bumps and extended hours. But many exchanges offer few differences in terms of how stocks trade beyond their pricing and rebate models. Some entrants file applications that display no intent to innovate. Exchanges generally do not serve particular regions or industries as they once did.

    This largely homogenous, proliferating exchange landscape may be a product of government regulation. One cause may be the Order Protection Rule, which generally prohibits transactions on an exchange from executing at a price that is inferior to the best price on any other exchange. In practice, to comply with this rule and with best execution obligations, market participants connect to all exchanges, even those with limited liquidity, on the chance that the best price could be located there. Consequently, an exchange can earn significant revenue through connectivity and market data fees regardless of how much trading volume it attracts or how many issuers choose to list there. Among the sixteen exchanges, half of them capture less than 1% of total market volume each.[26] Many exchanges sit within families operated by a single exchange operator. Each additional exchange brings new connectivity fees, new market data fees, and additional clout on the committee that sets those fees.

    Even with all these exchanges, approximately half of volume takes place off-exchange. Here we see more variety. Alternative trading systems, or ATSs, have proliferated since the turn of this century and are trading venues with functionalities similar to those offered by exchanges. ATSs differ from exchanges largely as a result of regulatory policy, rather than market function.[27] Thirty-three ATSs currently trade equities, [28] and several of them have greater trading volume than some exchanges.[29] These ATSs offer different trading models to cater to different investors. In addition to off-exchange trading on ATSs, wholesalers, which internalize trades, execute a sizable proportion of total retail trades. ATSs and internalizers can do things, such as segmenting retail and institutional order flow, that exchanges cannot do. Statutory and regulatory prohibitions prevent exchanges from treating one set of market participants differently than another or inhibiting access to their quotations, while most ATSs are permitted to choose who can use their venue.[30] Moreover, ATSs and internalizers, which are not subject to Section 19(b) rule filing requirements, can be more flexible than exchanges so they can adopt new technologies more quickly.

    The primary regulatory difference between exchanges and ATSs is that the former are SROs and the latter are not. Exchanges enjoy certain benefits as SROs, chief among which is that they are entitled to absolute immunity with respect to the regulatory functions delegated to them under the Exchange Act. Moreover, exchanges are able to substantially cap their liabilities through rule-based liability limits contained in their rulebooks. But they also face constraints that ATSs and internalizers do not. They have to regulate and surveil their own markets, monitor and supervise the conduct of their members, and enforce their own rules. If an exchange fails to enforce its own rules, the Commission may bring an enforcement action against it.[31] An ATS, even one with a higher market share than an exchange, has fewer and lighter obligations, although an ATS laboring under the burden of Regulation SCI might not feel lightly regulated.

    Section 19(b) rule filing requirements can be particularly constraining on exchanges. Exchanges have to file with the SEC any new rule or amendment to an existing rule, which can lead to a lengthy public notice and comment process. This process makes initiating and changing operations, products and services, technologies, and fees cumbersome and slow, and can make it hard for an exchange to maintain an innovation as a trade secret.[32] Incidentally, this process also is burdensome for Commission staff. Moreover, after the exchange has gone through the costly and time-consuming process of seeking and gaining SEC approval for its innovation, other exchanges can copy it,[33] as has happened several times in the recent past. Exchange operators that have sought to supplement their exchange business with other profit-making activities also have run into the Commission’s broad reading of “facility” of an exchange.[34] If something is deemed to be a facility of the exchange, it is subject to the same regulation and rule filing requirement as the exchange itself, with all its added costs and burdens. Congress, in section 6(b)(5) of the Exchange Act, also prohibited exchanges from “regulat[ing] by virtue of any authority conferred by this chapter matters not related to the purposes of this chapter or the administration of the exchange.”[35] This prohibition is appropriate—allowing exchanges to capitalize on their authority as government-sanctioned SROs to force conduct unrelated to that authority can be very problematic.[36] But this statutory limitation does make it difficult for exchanges to differentiate themselves by catering to a specific segment of the market.

    What, if anything, should be done about this state of affairs? We could consider more targeted changes to the rules governing the equity markets to enhance true competition among trading and listing venues. We could eliminate the OPR, limit its application to exchanges that meet certain thresholds, or modify it in other ways. We could narrow our interpretation of facility or provide exemptions with commercially reasonable conditions. We could offer more flexibility for trading venues to concentrate liquidity for less liquid stocks or more choice by issuers around how their stocks trade. We could consider whether the current liability limitations in exchange rulebooks are appropriate. And we should not be afraid to allow exchanges to try targeted experimentation along the lines of our 2019 effort to facilitate innovative proposals for changes in equity market structure to improve trading in thinly traded securities.[37]

    We could also consider whether changes to exchange SRO status would be appropriate. Throwing out the exchange SRO model in its entirety would be premature, although questions about the model are not novel. The Commission has previously solicited comments about self-regulation.[38] And nearly thirteen years ago, my predecessor Commissioner Gallagher raised many questions about the SRO model, including whether exchanges should still be SROs.[39] Given the increased proliferation of exchanges and the further fragmentation of the equity markets since then, his questions remain worthy of consideration. Changes to the SRO status of exchanges would require Congressional action and demand careful thought and scrutiny before going forward. Exchanges without SRO status would likely no longer enjoy absolute immunity, but would also likely be freed, at least somewhat, of the burdens of the 19(b) rule filing process or the 6(b)(5) limitations on its rules being related to the purposes of the Exchange Act. Any such change would have to be undertaken with consideration of potential effects on market quality.

    Even though our markets are regulated more intensely and with greater complexity than I would prefer, they work remarkably well. Retail investors have easier and cheaper access to these markets than ever. In the face of recent high volumes and volatility, the markets have performed well. Investors and issuers from all over the world look to U.S. markets to invest, raise capital, and trade. Altering the regulatory framework could diminish the quality of our markets, so we must undertake any change with care, proper deliberation, and concern for unintended consequences.

    An audience of economists who appreciate opportunity costs recognizes that time spent on equity market structure is not available for other things. And many other issues clamor for the SEC’s attention. We ought, for example, to spend some time looking at the options markets, where the market and regulatory dynamics are considerably different than the equity markets. But here too we see exchange proliferation: Eighteen exchanges and counting trade options. The Commission has spent relatively little time on options issues, and I would like the agency to hold a roundtable to discuss, among other issues, the opaque and seemingly arbitrarily applied Options Regulatory Fee, strike proliferation, and new types of options. More economic research on these issues, and the options market in general, will help inform any future actions the Commission may take. Other issues that compete for Commission attention include small business capital formation, the decline in public listings, modernization of rules governing transfer agents, regrounding disclosure requirements in materiality, facilitating use of modern technology in communications with investors, increasing fixed income market transparency, and providing regulatory clarity for crypto assets, to name a few. Conferences like this one are so valuable precisely because your research can help us think about how best to spend our limited regulatory resources. Your work can identify problems to solve and weigh different solutions to those problems. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the conference.

    Section 19(b) rule filing requirements can be particularly constraining on exchanges. Exchanges have to file with the SEC any new rule or amendment to an existing rule, which can lead to a lengthy public notice and comment process. This process makes initiating and changing operations, products and services, technologies, and fees cumbersome and slow, and can make it hard for an exchange to maintain an innovation as a trade secret.[40] Incidentally, this process also is burdensome for Commission staff. Moreover, after the exchange has gone through the costly and time-consuming process of seeking and gaining SEC approval for its innovation, other exchanges can copy it,[41] as has happened several times in the recent past. Exchange operators that have sought to supplement their exchange business with other profit-making activities also have run into the Commission’s broad reading of “facility” of an exchange.[42] If something is deemed to be a facility of the exchange, it is subject to the same rule filing process as the exchange itself, with all its added costs and burdens. Congress, in section 6(b)(5) of the Exchange Act, also prohibited exchanges from “regulat[ing] by virtue of any authority conferred by this chapter matters not related to the purposes of this chapter or the administration of the exchange.”[43] This prohibition is appropriate—allowing exchanges to capitalize on their authority as government-sanctioned SROs to force conduct unrelated to that authority can be very problematic.[44] But this statutory limitation does make it difficult for exchanges to differentiate themselves by catering to a specific segment of the market.

    What, if anything, should be done about this state of affairs? We could consider more targeted changes to the rules governing the equity markets to enhance true competition among trading and listing venues. We could eliminate the OPR, limit its application to exchanges that meet certain thresholds, or modify it in other ways. We could narrow our interpretation of facility or provide exemptions with commercially reasonable conditions. We could offer more flexibility for trading venues to concentrate liquidity for less liquid stocks or more choice by issuers around how their stocks trade. We could consider whether the current liability limitations in exchange rulebooks are appropriate. And we should not be afraid to allow exchanges to try targeted experimentation along the lines of our 2019 effort to facilitate innovative proposals for changes in equity market structure to improve trading in thinly traded securities.[45]

    We also could consider whether changes to exchange SRO status would be appropriate. Throwing out the exchange SRO model in its entirety would be premature, although questions about the model are not novel. The Commission has previously solicited comments about self-regulation.[46] And nearly thirteen years ago, my predecessor Commissioner Gallagher raised many questions about the SRO model, including whether exchanges should still be SROs.[47] Given the increased proliferation of exchanges and the further fragmentation of the equity markets since then, his questions remain worthy of consideration. Changes to the SRO status of exchanges would require Congressional action and demand careful thought and scrutiny before going forward. Exchanges without SRO status would likely no longer enjoy absolute immunity, but would also likely be freed, at least somewhat, of the burdens of the 19(b) process rule filing or the 6(b)(5) limitations on its rules being related to the purposes of the Exchange Act. Any such change would have to be undertaken with consideration of potential effects on market quality.

    Even though our markets are regulated more intensely and with greater complexity than I would prefer, they work remarkably well. Retail investors have easier and cheaper access to these markets than ever. In the face of recent high volumes and volatility, the markets have performed well. Investors and issuers from all over the world look to U.S. markets to invest, raise capital, and trade. Altering the regulatory framework could diminish the quality of our markets, so we must undertake any change with care, proper deliberation, and concern for unintended consequences.

    An audience of economists who appreciate opportunity costs recognizes that time spent on equity market structure is not available for other things. And many other issues clamor for the SEC’s attention. We ought, for example, to spend some time looking at the options markets, where the market and regulatory dynamics are considerably different than the equity markets. But here too we see exchange proliferation: Eighteen exchanges and counting trade options. The Commission has spent relatively little time on options issues, and I would like the agency to hold a roundtable to discuss, among other issues, the opaque and seemingly arbitrarily applied Options Regulatory Fee, strike proliferation, and new types of options. More economic research on these issues, and the options market in general, will help inform any future actions the Commission may take. Other issues that compete for Commission attention include small business capital formation, the decline in public listings, modernization of rules governing transfer agents, regrounding disclosure requirements in materiality, facilitating use of modern technology in communications with investors, increasing fixed income market transparency, and providing regulatory clarity for crypto assets, to name a few. Conferences like this one are so valuable precisely because your research can help us think about how best to spend our limited regulatory resources. Your work can identify problems to solve and weigh different solutions to those problems. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the conference.


    [2] See Modernization of Beneficial Ownership Reporting, Release Nos. 33-11253; 34-98704 (Oct. 10, 2023), 88 FR 76896, 76910-11 (Nov. 7, 2023), available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-11-07/pdf/2023-22678.pdf (“The informational advantage those ‘informed bystanders’ have over the selling shareholders in these transactions and the associated wealth transfers may be perceived by some market participants to be unfair. Thus, to the extent that a shortened initial Schedule 13D filing deadline would reduce these wealth transfers, thereby addressing this perceived unfairness, this change could enhance trust in the securities markets and promote capital formation.”) (footnote omitted).

    [4] U.S. Grant learned another hard market lesson at the end of his life. One of his business partners turned out to be a Ponzi schemer, whose schemes impoverished Grant and dimmed his view of humanity. Grant spent his last years working to repay his creditors and rebuild his family’s fortunes. See The Failure of Grant & Ward: A Cautionary Tale, available at https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-failure-of-grant-ward-a-cautionary-tale.htm.

    [5] See, e.g., C.F. Smith, The Early History of the London Stock Exchange, The American Economic Review, Vol. 19, No. 2 (Jun., 1929), pp. 206-216, at 206, available at https://www.jstor.org/stable/1807309?seq=1 (“Though the Stock Exchange, as a definitely organized body, was not founded until 1773, it had been in existence in the sense of a continuous and organized market for dealing in securities for about a century before that date. Like so many British economic institutions it owed nothing to deliberate creative action by the government, but it developed autonomously to meet the needs which the progress of industry and finance were creating.”).

    [6] See, e.g., Marianna Hunt, How Belgium Created and Almost Lost the World’s First Stock Exchange, The Brussels Times Magazine (June 28, 2019), available at https://www.brusselstimes.com/59675/how-belgium-created-and-almost-lost-the-worlds-first-stock-exchange (describing the role of the Van der Beurse family, proprietors of the Ter Beurse Inn, in facilitating trades that ultimately led to the creation of an exchange); Edward Stringham, The Past and Future of Exchanges as Regulators, Chapter 9 in Reframing Financial Regulation: Enhancing Stability and Protecting Customers (Hester M. Peirce and Benjamin Klutsey ed. 2016), 232 (describing the role of Jonathan’s and Garraway’s Coffee Houses as places for stockbrokers to congregate). A contemporary play, set, in part, in Jonathan’s Coffee House, brings these informal markets to life: traders in stocks and bonds mingled and lured one another into trades with market-moving, breaking news of questionable veracity. See Susanna Centlivre, A Bold Strike for a Wife (1724), Act IV, Scene 1.

    [7] See, e.g., Stringham at 234 (“Stockbrokers initially relied on the discipline of repeat dealings and reputation mechanisms similar to brokers in Amsterdam. . . . Over time brokers began to create more formal private rules and regulations to deal with unintentional default or intentional fraud. To do this brokers decided to transform coffeehouses into private clubs.”).

    [8] Onnig H. Dombalagian, Demythologizing the Stock Exchange: Reconciling Self-Regulation and the National Market System, 39 U. Rich. L. Rev. 1069, 1074-75 (2005) (internal citations omitted).

    [9] 15 U.S.C. 78f(b) (1934).

    [10] Senate Report No. 94-75, S. Rep. 94-75 at 206 (1975) (describing Exchange Act section 6(c) as it was adopted in 1934).

    [11] 15 U.S.C. 78f(c) (1934) (“Nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent any exchange from adopting and enforcing any rule not inconsistent with this title and the rules and regulations thereunder and the applicable laws of the State in which it is located.”).

    [12] Senate Report No. 94-75, S. Rep. 94-75 at 207-08 (noting new requirements for public notice and comment and to provide justification for the rule change).

    [13] 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5) (“The rules of the exchange are designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest; and are not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers, or to regulate by virtue of any authority conferred by this chapter matters not related to the purposes of this chapter or the administration of theexchange.”).

    [14] 15 U.S.C 78k-1(a)(2).

    [16] See Harold M. Williams, The National Market System in Perspective (Dec. 1, 1977), at 30, available at https://www.sec.gov/news/speech/1977/120177williams.pdf (“systems which have been proposed as solutions to the problems of a national market system — if they are to survive as permanent elements of a mature system — must be tested for consistency or compatibility with the following criteria: Do they provide for interaction of all orders? Do they contemplate the linkage of all markets and market makers in the same security? And do they provide for and create, or tend to lead to the creation of, a truly national auction based on price and time priorities?”).

    [17] Id. at 22. See also id. at 23-24 (“let me assure you that this Commission will discharge vigorously its full responsibility and authority under the Exchange Act and provide the necessary leadership to assure to progress which is both real and prompt.”).

    [19] The two dissenting Commissioners at the time, one of whom was now Chairman Atkins, pointed out that “[i]n adopting the trade-through rule, the majority has opted for government-controlled competition over competitive market forces to determine the appropriate market structure.” Dissenting Statement of Commissioners Cynthia A. Glassman and Paul S. Atkins to Regulation NMS (June 9, 2005), available at https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/final/34-51808-dissent.pdf.

    [21] See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 102853 (Apr. 11, 2025), 90 FR 16207 (Apr. 17, 2025) (File No. 10-244) (order granting exchange registration of Green Impact Exchange, LLC); 102650 (Mar. 13, 2025), 90 FR 12590 (Mar. 18, 2025) (File No. 10-247) (order granting exchange registration of MX2 LLC); 101777 (Nov. 27, 2024), 89 FR 97092 (Dec. 6, 2024) (File No. 10-242) (order granting exchange registration of 24X National Exchange LLC).

    [22] Report of Special Study of Securities Markets of the Securities and Exchange Commission Part 2, H.R. Doc. No. 88-95, at 917 (1963) (explaining that 24 exchanges were registered, 12 were exempt).

    [24] National Stock Exchange (one of three exchanges with this name), which was affiliated with New York Mercantile Exchange, registered in 1960 and ceased operations in 1975. See S.E.C. Acts on Exchange, N.Y. Times, Oct. 18, 1975, available at https://www.nytimes.com/1975/10/18/archives/sec-acts-on-exchange.html; see also Robert Metb, Market Place – A Small Stock Exchange’s Plight, N.Y. Times, Dec. 10, 1974, available at https://www.nytimes.com/1974/12/10/archives/market-place-a-small-stock-exchanges-plight.html. Two options exchanges, Chicago Board Options Exchange in 1973 and International Securities Exchange in 2000, also registered during this time.

    [25] Tom Arnold, Philip Hersch, et al., Merging Markets, 54 J. of Fin 1083, 1090 (Jun. 1999). The Midwest Exchange would go on to merge with the New Orleans Exchange in 1959. It changed its name to the Chicago Exchange in 1993, was acquired by Intercontinental Exchange in 2018, and very recently continued its grand tour around the country when it moved to Texas and became NYSE Texas.

    [27] Gabriel V. Rauterberg, Alternative Trading Venues in the United States: Incentives for Innovation in the U.S. Stock Market, in Financial Market Infrastructures: Law and Regulation (Jens-Henrich Binder and Paolo Saguato, eds., 2021), at 200-01.

    [30] 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5) (requiring that the rules of a national securities exchange are “not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers”); see also 17 CFR 242.610(a) (prohibiting exchanges from “imposing unfairly discriminatory terms that prevent or inhibit any person from obtaining efficient access through a member of the national securities exchange . . . to the quotations in an NMS stock displayed through its SRO trading facility”) and 17 CFR 242.301(b) (requiring only ATSs that meet certain volume thresholds to “to not unreasonably prohibit or limit any person in respect to access to services offered by such [ATS]”).

    [31] 15 U.S.C. 78s(h).

    [32] Rauterberg at 198.

    [35] 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

    [36] An example of SRO status being leveraged inappropriately was the Nasdaq diversity rule, which sought to nudge issuers to recompose their boards of directors. All. for Fair Bd. Recruitment v. Sec. & Exch. Comm’n, 125 F.4th 159, 174-75 (5th Cir. 2024); see also Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, Statement on the Commission’s Order Approving Proposed Rule Changes, as Modified by Amendments No. 1, to Adopt Listing Rules Related to Board Diversity submitted by the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, available at https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/peirce-nasdaq-diversity-statement-080621.

    [40] Rauterberg at 198.

    [43] 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

    [44] An example of SRO status being leveraged inappropriately was the Nasdaq diversity rule, which sought to nudge issuers to recompose their boards of directors. All. for Fair Bd. Recruitment v. Sec. & Exch. Comm’n, 125 F.4th 159, 174-75 (5th Cir. 2024); see also Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, Statement on the Commission’s Order Approving Proposed Rule Changes, as Modified by Amendments No. 1, to Adopt Listing Rules Related to Board Diversity submitted by the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, available at https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/peirce-nasdaq-diversity-statement-080621.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Governor Newsom reassures international partners that Trump’s tariffs don’t represent California

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 16, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom kicked off #WorldTradeMonth with a round of key international interviews with journalists from major broadcast networks in Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. In the interviews, Governor Newsom addressed the Trump Slump’s impact on the state’s economy and assured international partners that the harmful tariff policies from Washington, DC, are not reflective of the views of California.

    United Kingdom

    Interview with BBC

    Speaking with  Paddy O’Connell for BBC Newsnight, Governor Newsom said,

    “The impacts of these tariffs – the recklessness of these tariffs – are disproportionately felt on the tentpole of the U.S. economy. We’re 14% of the U.S. economy, so the success of this country is, in many respects, determined by the success of this state.”

    Facts:

    • British-owned companies employ more than 130,600 jobs in California
    • California exported $5 billion in goods to the United Kingdom in 2024 – making it the state’s 12th largest export market
    • Tourism from the United Kingdom to California was down 22% in March 2025 from the same time last year

    Canada

    Interview with CTV

    Speaking with Vassy Kapelos, Governor Newsom said,

    “Forget Trump’s golden age of success. From our ports to our shopping carts to vacation hotspots, the Trump Slump has already begun. American families shouldn’t have to pay for this administration’s chaotic policies.”

    Facts:

    • Canada is California’s fourth largest source of foreign investment
    • California exported $18.4 billion and imported $16.3 billion in goods from Canada in 2024
    • Canadian tourism to California declined 16% in March 2025 compared to March 2024

    Japan

    Interview with Nikkei

    Speaking with TV Tokyo’s Yifan Yu, Governor Newsom said,

    “California is a stable trading partner. When it comes to trade, we come with an open hand, not a clenched fist.”

    Facts:

    • Japan is California’s second largest source of foreign investment
    • Japan is California’s sixth largest partner in the world for two-way trade
    • California imported $27.7 billion and exported $10.9 billion in goods to Japan in 2024

    Mexico

    Interview with TV Azteca

    In an interview with TV Azteca’s Lucy Bravo, Governor Newsom said,

    “California is now the fourth largest economy in the world. No state has been more affected by these tariffs than California. The effects are being felt in real time. We are seeing reductions in cargo at our entry ports.”

    Facts:

    • Mexico is California’s 13th-largest source of foreign investment.
    • Mexico is California’s top export market, with the state exporting $33.5 billion in 2024.
    • Mexico is California’s second largest import market, with the state importing $64.3 billion in goods in 2024.

    South Korea

    Interview with MBC News Desk

    Speaking with Yoonsoo Park of MBC News Desk, Governor Newsom said,

    “Partnerships, both personally and professionally, are critical to the world we want to build. Your success is our success. This is not a zero-sum game.”

    Facts: 

    • Korean-owned companies in California support nearly 19,000 jobs
    • South Korea is California’s fifth largest partner globally in two-way trade

    California exported $8.8 billion worth of goods to South Korea in 2024, making it the state’s sixth largest export market

    California’s action on tariffs

    Beyond assuring international partners of their value to California’s economy, Governor Newsom has announced first-in-the-nation actions to block President Trump’s chaotic tariff policies. 

    This week, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop President Trump’s unlawful tariffs. This follows the Governor’s lawsuit announced in April against President Trump’s tariffs, citing the president’s lack of authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act and noting their harmful effects on Americans and the economy. Following California’s lawsuit, 12 states have also announced similar legal action.

    Recent news

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025 as “Small Business Month.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia’s more than 4.2 million small businesses – the most of any…

    News Sacramento, California — Governor Gavin Newsom today condemned U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for calling on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a “complete review” of mifepristone — the safe, effective, and…

    News “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.” What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s proposed budget includes proposals to streamline permitting and accelerate development  —- clearing the path for more housing and economic opportunity.  SACRAMENTO –…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sustainability discussions focus on trade policy considerations and practices

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Sustainability discussions focus on trade policy considerations and practices

    Richard Tarasofsky of Canada, a co-convener of TESSD, together with Costa Rica, thanked the facilitators of the working groups for advancing the outcome documents.  “I encourage all of you to engage actively, (as) we are now less than one year away from MC14 ,” he said.
    The four TESSD working groups held technical discussions on their respective topics and exchanged views on the first drafts of possible outcome documents in line with guidance provided by the high-level plenary meeting on 4 December 2024.
    In the Working Group on Subsidies, members explored the role of trade policy and international cooperation in decarbonizing maritime transport. They focused in particular on subsidies and other policy incentives for sustainable marine fuels, port infrastructure and green corridors, as well as on the role of financing and technical assistance to support developing economies in this regard.
    Setting the scene, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced the new IMO Net-Zero Framework with mandatory emission limits. The European Union presented its policies and measures to support sustainable marine fuels, while DNV, a Norwegian private company, and the Global Maritime Forum (GMF), a not-for-profit organization, introduced their work in supporting the establishment of green shipping corridors. MSC Group presented the actions being taken to decarbonize their global fleet and the necessity for regulatory certainty and clarity for private sector investments related to decarbonization. Regarding a possible working group outcome, members considered key design elements in subsidies, including considerations for effective subsidy design and related practices among members.
    The Working Group on Circular Economy – Circularity heard about technical assistance projects offering insights into trade and circular economy, including from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Mauritius on trade policy and regional cooperation in recycling lithium-ion batteries of electronic vehicles. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) also shared perspectives on trade-related aspects of circular economy in developing economies, highlighting opportunities for technology transfer for water treatment and textile circularity. In terms of a possible working group outcome, members focused on trade-related practices in priority sectors, such as textiles, batteries, electronics and renewable energy.
    In the Working Group on Environmental Goods and Services (EGS), members shared experiences of identifying and facilitating trade in EGS. Jaime Coghi Arias from Costa Rica, Chair of the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, highlighted the link between good regulatory practices and environmental services. Switzerland introduced approaches used for identifying EGS under the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) undertaken by Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Switzerland. The United Kingdom shared insights into EGS for climate adaptation in the water sector, and Argentina outlined its work in relation to sustainable agriculture. Members also reviewed suggestions on the working group’s draft outcome document.
    In the Working Group on Trade-Related Climate Measures (TrCMs), members heard presentations on border carbon adjustments (BCAs), with a focus on carbon standards and measurement methodologies. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) introduced its work on interoperability in its “Global Stakeholder Dialogues”. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlighted the importance of cross-border data-sharing through digitalization and customs cooperation. With regard to the first draft for an outcome, members brainstormed on how to compile policies in relation to climate objectives.
    Concluding the two-day meetings, Ana Lizano of Costa Rica, co-convenor of TESSD, said: “It was very encouraging to see the participation of the private sector and the sharing of experiences by developing economies across all four groups, even from non-co-sponsors. Looking ahead, we have made significant progress on the outcome documents, reflecting members’ inputs. We look forward to your collective support in refining the documents to ensure they are fit for purpose.”
    Presentations and documents related to the working group meetings are available here.
    Guided by their 2021 Ministerial Statement, TESSD seeks to complement the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment and advance discussions at the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability towards identifying concrete actions that members could take individually or collectively. The initiative, which is open to all WTO members, is currently co-sponsored by 78 members representing all regions and all levels of development.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Committee on Market Access marks 30th anniversary amid trade tensions

    Source: World Trade Organization

    30 years of the CMA

    Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard spoke at an event prior to the start of the meeting to mark the 30th anniversary of the CMA. Her remarks were followed by a panel discussion that included remarks from former chairs of the CMA.

    “Market access is one of the cornerstones of the multilateral trading system, and it lies at the heart of what the WTO seeks to achieve: enabling trade to flow as smoothly, predictably and transparently as possible through agreed rules,” DDG Ellard said.

    “This is why the work of the Committee on Market Access is not merely technical; it is foundational to the integrity and effectiveness of the entire WTO framework,” she continued. “Even amid widespread uncertainty these days surrounding tariff levels, this Committee provides stability for governments and traders on a wide variety of nuts-and-bolts issues, such as tariff classification, trade restrictions, and information sharing through databases and other means by operationalizing a durable system of rules and a mechanism to address concerns.”

    Achievements of the CMA include enabling members to make their commitments more accessible and ensuring the legal clarity and comparability of concessions across time and among members through the transposition of commitments into updated versions of the Harmonized System used to classify traded goods. Other achievements include strengthening the transparency around applied tariffs and import data through initiatives such as the Integrated Database and, more recently, the new Tariff and Trade Data platform.

    Linked with this event, a special exhibition was set up at the WTO headquarters to mark the 30th anniversary.  The exhibition highlights key historical milestones of the Committee’s work. In particular, it looks at how technology has shaped the preparation of members’ goods schedules, the development of trade and tariff databases, and the broader work of the WTO Secretariat in making trade information accessible to WTO members and the public.

    Joint work on Harmonized System codes for vaccines

    The interim Chair of the CMA, Nicola Waterfield (Canada), welcomed the progress made in the joint effort by the World Customs Organization (WCO), World Health Organization (WHO) and the WTO to establish new tariff headings for vaccines under the Harmonized System (HS). 

    “The new HS codes, which will be adopted by the WCO Council in June for implementation on 1 January 2028, help better identify and classify goods vital for responding to health crises and support coherence between trade policies and public health objectives, including ensuring global equitable access to vaccines,” the Chair said.

    Gael Grooby, Acting Director of the Tariff and Trade Affairs Directorate of the WCO, said the aim of the exercise is to make the covered goods more visible within trade so that they can be tracked and appropriate measures put into place as needed. She emphasized that the work between the CMA and the WCO on this matter “has been unprecedented”.

    The Chair proposed that the CMA invite representatives from the three organizations to discuss the insights gained from this experience and to collectively reflect on the key elements that facilitated such a successful example of collaboration.

    Committee report on supply chain resilience

    The CMA adopted a report on supply chain resilience, the outcome of a series of thematic sessions on the topic held between 2023 and 2025. Specifically, the report defines supply chain resilience, identifies supply chain vulnerabilities, and describes how members measure and monitor global supply chains and what measures support supply chain resilience. The report also examines the role of international and regional cooperation, and the role of the CMA.  

    The Chair observed that the CMA has created a unique approach to thematic sessions, where members have a space to exchange information, learn from each other and produce concrete results that can be used for future reference.

    Trade fragmentation, EU deforestation regulation

    Canada, the European Union and Norway introduced an agenda item addressing fragmentation of global trade through tariffs and the associated global costs. They voiced concerns about the impact of recent tariff measures and the resulting uncertainty on global trade for businesses, consumers and workers. They also underlined the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system. Ten other members took the floor on this item, with most echoing these concerns. Several also underlined the importance of WTO reform and improvement of its functions so that it remains a central pillar of the global trading system.

    Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru introduced a joint communication regarding the European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains (EUDR). The four members contend the regulation is a quantitative restriction (QR) on imports and therefore should be notified to the CMA as such. They reiterated their belief that the regulation imposes cumbersome obligations and will virtually ban from the EU market the importation of beef, wood, palm oil, soya, coffee, cocoa and rubber that do not comply with the regulation’s requirements.  The EU said the EUDR is not a market access measure but rather an internal regulation measure designed in line with WTO rules.

    Trade concerns

    Members discussed 33 trade concerns, eight of which were raised for the first time. New concerns dealt with exports of coffee beans and macadamia nuts to China, proposed export restrictions on raw minerals by the Philippines and measures equivalent to quantitative restrictions on the import of wooden boards and viscose staple fibre in India.  Other new concerns covered market access issues for agricultural commodities and food products as well as market access issues faced by the pharmaceutical sector in Thailand, and import restrictions on pocket lighters in India.

    New concerns were also raised in relation to reciprocal tariffs and other tariff measures in the United States and the treatment of like products under the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) concluded by Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Switzerland.

    The list of specific trade concerns discussed during the meeting is available here.

    Notifications on quantitative restrictions

    The interim Chair drew members’ attention to a new WTO Secretariat report, “Notification Status of Regular/Period and One-Time Only Notifications in the Goods Area (1995-2024)” (G/C/W/859 ). While the document found that there has been an overall submission rate of 68.9% for regular or periodic notifications, compliance with quantitative restrictions notifications, pursuant to the 2012 Decision  on Notification Procedure for Quantitative Restrictions, was the lowest at just over 26%.

    The Chair said she was aware that various initiatives have been undertaken over time by members and the WTO Secretariat to improve the overall compliance record but members still struggle to comply with certain notification requirements. As a result, she invited members to consider what barriers impact compliance and what possible steps could be taken to improve the submission rate and the quality of such notifications. The Committee agreed to hold such discussions at its next informal meeting scheduled in June.

    Next meeting

    The next formal meeting of the Committee on Market Access will take place on 15-16 October.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Philip R. Lane: The communication of monetary policy decisions: incorporating risks and uncertainty

    Source: European Central Bank

    Remarks by Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Second Thomas Laubach Research Conference

    Washington, D.C., 16 May 2025

    In my remarks today I will focus on how the ECB communicates its monetary policy decisions, with a particular emphasis on the integration of risks and uncertainty into the monetary policy decision-making process.[1][2]

    Monetary policy meetings take place over two days. On Wednesday afternoon, there are presentations by ECB Executive Board members: Isabel Schnabel reports on the latest financial market developments and I review the global environment and the latest economic, monetary and financial developments in the euro area. This is followed by a general discussion of these topics by Governing Council members. On Thursday morning, I present a proposal for the monetary policy decision, which is then discussed by the Governing Council. After the monetary policy decision is made (typically by consensus), the monetary policy statement is finalised by the Governing Council, concluding the Thursday morning session.

    In the afternoon, a press release announcing the decision is published at 2:15 p.m. While this press release was quite succinct in the past, a summary explanation for the decision is now included, and — for the quarterly meetings — the main elements of the staff macroeconomic projections are reported.

    At the opening of the press conference at 2:45 p.m., President Lagarde reads out the monetary policy statement. The opening section matches the press release, while further sections go into more detail on economic activity, inflation, the risk assessment and monetary and financial developments. This is followed by a question-and-answer session. After the press conference, the quarterly forecast meetings also see the publication of a staff article that explains the new set of macroeconomic projections. About two weeks later, the Economic Bulletin is published, containing summaries of the preparatory analysis that was made available to the Governing Council prior to the meeting. An account of the meeting is published about a month after the meeting.

    The aim of the monetary policy statement is not only to explain the immediate decision but also to update the underlying narrative in terms of the overall orientation of the monetary stance, the main forces shaping the dynamics of the economy and the inflation process, the evolving risk assessment and monetary and financial developments. The discipline of limiting the length of the monetary policy statement (it was about 1,500 words in April) puts a premium on identifying the main issues that the Governing Council wishes to emphasise. At the same time, this length offers room for a sufficiently broad survey of these themes to underpin the monetary policy decision. Naturally, at the quarterly meetings, there is also considerable external interest in the details of the new staff macroeconomic projections: it makes sense to publish the staff article after the press conference. In that way, the initial focus in the monetary policy statement and the press conference is on the Governing Council’s overall assessment of the situation, whereas the technical details of the staff work follow thereafter.

    The publication of the meeting account summarises the presentations by Isabel and myself and the ensuing discussions among the members of the Governing Council. The account includes a section entitled “Monetary policy considerations and policy options” that provides the main features of the monetary policy proposal that I presented at the meeting. This typically includes considerations of how risk factors were taken into account in the proposal.[3] Especially since the Governing Council’s monetary policy decisions are typically consensual, the summary of the discussion provides valuable insights into the range of views expressed at the meeting.

    Taken together, the press release, the MPS, the press conference, the staff macroeconomic projections article, the Economic Bulletin and the meeting accounts provide a phased sequence of public information releases that helps external audiences to understand how we make our monetary policy decisions. In addition, in pursuing a multi-layered approach to public communication, a visual monetary policy statement is also released, which explains the monetary policy decision in short and easy-to-understand language, accompanied by a set of infographics to illustrate the main messages.[4]

    These decision materials are complemented by speeches and interviews by Executive Board and Governing Council members. The publication of an array of analytical contributions by staff (through the Economic Bulletin, the ECB Blog, working papers and occasional papers) also helps improve understanding of monetary policy formation, including in relation to the staff projections, which form a key analytical input into monetary policy meetings.

    In view of this rich information set, would it be a game changer if the Governing Council additionally published its conditional assessment of the most likely future rate path, as practised by some other central banks? Putting aside the logistical challenge of forming a consensus on the conditional future rate path among the twenty-six members of the Governing Council, it is my view that such an exercise would create unwarranted expectations about the future rate path. Moreover, it would distort the monetary policy decision-making process in view of the potential reputational costs associated with deviations of actual decisions from the previously-flagged path.[5] Procedurally, publishing a conditional rate path would also be awkward in the context of a staff-led projections exercise that is based on the market rate path.

    More fundamentally, publishing a conditional baseline for the future rate path would not well capture the sensitivity of future rate decisions to the evolving macroeconomic environment and shifts in the risk assessment. As part of the meeting preparations, the staff analyse a family of plausible future rate paths and it would convey excessive confidence if any one candidate rate path were to be singled out. In particular, staff simulation exercises show the sensitivity of rate paths to both the point-in-time macroeconomic projections and various underlying assumptions that underpin model-based optimal rate paths as well as “robust” rate paths that seek to minimise the risk of a policy error across a range of plausible scenarios. Importantly, all such rate path analyses are sensitive to the assumptions made about the preferences of policymakers.[6] Even if the rate path simulation exercises are highly valuable inputs into the internal development of the monetary policy proposal, it is preferable to take a meeting-by-meeting approach and focus the public communication on the immediate decision.[7]

    At the same time, to improve external understanding of how we make decisions, it is helpful set out the criteria guiding the reaction function to the main risk factors prevailing at any point in time.[8] This provides “reaction function” guidance in terms of the key inputs driving monetary policy decisions.[9] For instance, during the disinflation process over the last two years, the Governing Council has highlighted that measures of underlying inflation and the incoming evidence on the strength of monetary policy transmission were especially important in guiding decisions, in addition to the “standard” role of the inflation outlook (comprising both the baseline and the risks around it). The prominence of these specific risk proxies reflected the high uncertainty about the intrinsic persistence of the inflation surge (such that measures of underlying inflation provided important insights into the persistent component of inflation) and, similarly, the high uncertainty about the impact of the exceptionally fast pace of the cumulative rate hiking over 2022-2023 (such that monitoring the evidence on the strength of monetary transmission was crucial). Since both inflation persistence and the strength of monetary transmission are first order influences on the calibration of the rate path, the prominence given to these factors in our public communication have helped market participants to understand that the incoming information along these dimensions is central to our data-dependent monetary policy decisions. Looking to the future, the exact articulation of reaction function guidance should be periodically updated in line with the evolving risk environment: there is unlikely to be a fixed, timeless list of risk proxies.

    The risk assessment section of the monetary policy statement provides additional signals regarding the factors that might shape future rate decisions. The meeting-by-meeting list of upside and downside risks to growth and inflation help to shape market pricing of future rate decisions: as the evolution of these risks become more or less prominent between meetings, market participants can revise their views. Naturally, this risk assessment is informed by considerable staff analysis that identifies and calibrates material threats to the growth and inflation projections.

    Finally, alternative scenarios have been included in the staff macroeconomic projections exercise in the context of specific risk constellations. These include the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, the unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia in early 2022 and the elevation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East in autumn 2023. In the near term, the ongoing uncertainty about US tariff policies means that alternative scenarios will also be included in the June macroeconomic projections exercise. These staff exercises are valuable in conveying the scale of revisions to the projected inflation and output paths that would be triggered under the realisation of the alternative scenarios.[10]

    In providing the risk assessment in the monetary policy statement and by staff publishing alternative macroeconomic projection scenarios in the context of specific risk constellations, there is extensive communication on how different risk factors might shape future decisions. Some might wish that the Governing Council lays out specific policy responses to these various risk profiles in order to “fill out” the distribution of future rate paths. However, as outlined above, the rich information set that is attached to each monetary policy decision together with reaction function guidance provides a sufficient foundation for market participants to assess how the realisation of various risks could affect the future rate path.

    An additional potential application of scenario analysis is to construct a limited set of specific “curated” alternative scenarios by combining selected alternative calibrations of the primary economic and financial judgements underpinning the baseline projections. Publishing such alternative scenarios can be helpful in conveying the difficult choices embedded in making forecasts and in capturing possible differences in policy preferences across policymakers. From a communications perspective, this can be particularly helpful in systems where policymakers have a collective responsibility to endorse the published forecast but retain individual responsibility in casting votes.

    Since the ECB relies on a staff-led projections exercise and has a strong preference for consensual decisions, the set of considerations in publishing such curated scenario analyses is different. In making sure monetary policy decisions are robust to non-baseline realisations, it is also not clear whether such a curated approach would be superior to a “many scenario” internal staff analysis (possibly augmented by machine learning algorithms) that explores robustness across the many combinations of shocks and modelling choices that are considered at each meeting. In addition, if the aim is to capture the main risk concerns of policymakers, selecting a limited set of curated alternative scenarios (out of very many possible scenarios) for each meeting would be logistically taxing for a twenty-six member Governing Council. A basic concern is that the selected curated scenarios might turn out to have shined the spotlight on risk factors that proved to be immaterial and might give the impression that the risk analysis was too narrow in scope.

    In any event, the specific methods used to convey how risks and uncertainty are incorporated into the monetary policy decision-making process are less important than the underlying commitment to articulate that policy decisions not only take into account the baseline but also the surrounding risk environment. Moreover, there is an active research agenda in academia and policy organisations on how best to incorporate uncertainty into monetary policy decisions and monetary policy communications: as this research bears fruit over time, central banks should adapt their practices.[11]

    In these remarks, I have focused on how we currently communicate our monetary policy decisions and the associated decision-making framework. How best to integrate risk and uncertainty into our monetary policy decisions and our communication is a key topic for our ongoing assessment of our monetary policy strategy.[12] We will publish our updated strategy in the second half of the year.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alabama Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Connection with Securities and Exchange Commission X Hack that Spiked Bitcoin Prices

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    WASHINGTON – An Alabama man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in the unauthorized takeover of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Eric Council Jr., 26, of Huntsville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud in February. According to court documents, Council conspired with others to take control of the SEC’s X account and falsely announce that the SEC approved Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a decision highly anticipated by the market. Immediately following the false announcement, the price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 per BTC. Following the correction, the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000 per BTC.

    The conspirators gained control of the SEC’s X account through an unauthorized Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap carried out by Council. A SIM swap is a form of sophisticated fraud where a criminal actor fraudulently induces a cellular phone carrier to reassign a cellular phone number from a victim’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by the criminal actor, in order to access a victim’s social media or virtual currency accounts. As part of the scheme, Council used an identification card printer to create a fraudulent identification card with a victim’s personally identifiable information obtained from co-conspirators. Council used the identification card to impersonate the victim and gain access to the victim’s phone number for the purpose of accessing the SEC’s X account. Council’s co-conspirators then posted in the name of the SEC Chairman, falsely announcing the BTC ETF approval. Council received payment in BTC from co-conspirators for his role.

    “Council and his co-conspirators used sophisticated cyber means to compromise the SEC’s X account and posted a false announcement that distorted important financial markets,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Prosecuting those who seek to enrich themselves by threatening the integrity of digital assets through fraud is critical to protecting U.S. interests. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable individuals who commit cyber fraud and harm investors.”

    “Schemes of this nature threaten the health and integrity of our market system,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “SIM swap schemes threaten the financial security of average citizens, financial institutions, and government agencies. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can’t be caught. You will be caught, prosecuted, and will pay the price for the damage your actions create.”

    “The deliberate takeover of a federal agency’s official communications platform was a calculated criminal act meant to deceive the public and manipulate financial markets,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. “By spreading false information to influence the markets, Council attempted to erode public trust and exploit the financial system. Today’s sentencing makes clear that anyone who abuses public platforms for criminal gain will be held accountable.”

    “Today’s sentencing exemplifies SEC OIG’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable and maintaining the integrity of SEC programs and operations through thorough investigative oversight,” said Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Amanda James. “We are committed to working with the SEC and other law enforcement partners to help the SEC effectively and efficiently deliver on its critical mission.”

    The FBI Washington Field Office and SEC Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping and how to prevent it, visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Experienced new cabinet to deliver for Albertans

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Sentenced in Hack of SEC X Account that Spiked the Value of Bitcoin

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Eric Council Jr., 26 of Athens, Alabama, was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy that hacked into the X account of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and published fraudulent posts in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, all to manipulate the value of Bitcoin.

    The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, SEC Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

    According to court documents, from at least January 2024, Council conspired with others to carry out Subscriber Identity Model (SIM) attacks, commonly referred to as “SIM swaps,” in exchange for money.

    On or about Jan. 9, 2024, Council, and others, executed a SIM swap of the mobile phone account associated with the @SECgov X account, the official account of the SEC. The purpose was to gain unauthorized access to this government account in order to make fraudulent posts.

    Council used his portable ID card printer to create a physical ID which he used to impersonate the victim at an AT&T store in Huntsville, Alabama. Council provided false information to the AT&T store employee to explain why he needed a replacement SIM card. Council obtained the SIM card linked to the victim’s phone line and walked to a nearby Apple store where he purchased a new iPhone. He inserted the SIM card to activate the phone, received the @SECGov X password reset codes on this new phone linked to the victim’s SIM card and used his personal cell phone to take a photo of the @SECgov X account reset code to share with his co-conspirators. After passing along the password reset codes, Council returned the iPhone for cash.  

    A member of the conspiracy used the reset code to gain access to the @SECGov X account and issue a fraudulent post in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, falsely announcing SEC approval of Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 following the post. Shortly after, the SEC regained control over their X account and confirmed that the announcement was unauthorized and the result of a security breach, which caused the value of BTC to decrease by more than $2,000.

    “Schemes of this nature threaten the health and integrity of our market system,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “SIM swap schemes threaten the financial security of average citizens, financial institutions, and government agencies.  Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can’t be caught. You will be caught, prosecuted, and will pay the price for the damage your actions create.”

    “Council and his co-conspirators used sophisticated cyber means to compromise the SEC’s X account and posted a false announcement that distorted important financial markets,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Prosecuting those who seek to enrich themselves by threatening the integrity of digital assets through fraud is critical to protecting U.S. interests. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable individuals who commit cyber fraud and harm investors.”

    “The deliberate takeover of a federal agency’s official communications platform was a calculated criminal act meant to deceive the public and manipulate financial markets,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. “By spreading false information to influence the markets, Council attempted to erode public trust and exploit the financial system. Today’s sentencing makes clear that anyone who abuses public platforms for criminal gain will be held accountable.”

    “Today’s sentencing exemplifies SEC OIG’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable and maintaining the integrity of SEC programs and operations through thorough investigative oversight,” said SEC OIG Special Agent in Charge Amanda James. “We are committed to working with the SEC and other law enforcement partners to help the SEC effectively and efficiently deliver on its critical mission.”

    Council admitted to attempting to perform additional SIM swaps in June 2024 in Alabama. In June 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at an Athens, Alabama, apartment where he resided. Agents recovered a fake identification card and a portable ID card printer. They also recovered a laptop computer. 

    Pursuant to the search warrant, agents searched the laptop and discovered templates for additional fake IDs along with internet searches for “SECGOV hack,” “telegram sim swap,” “how can I know for sure if I am being investigated by the FBI,” “What are the signs that you are under investigation by law enforcement or the FBI even if you have not been contacted by them,” “what are some signs that the FBI is after you,” “Verizon store list,” “federal identity theft statute,” and “how long does it take to delete telegram account.”

    Council, aka “Ronin” and “Agiantschnauzer,” was arrested Oct. 17, 2024, and admitted to receiving about $50,000 to perform SIM swap. He pleaded guilty Feb. 10, 2025, in the District of Columbia to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered forfeiture of $50,000 and three years of supervised release with the condition that he not use computers to access the dark web or commit further identity fraud.

    A SIM card is a chip that stores information identifying and authenticating a cell phone subscriber and connects a physical cell phone to a mobile carrier’s cellular and data network. A SIM swap attack fraudulently induces a mobile carrier to reassign a mobile phone number from a victim’s SIM card to a SIM card and telephone controlled by a criminal actor attempting to access valuable information associated with the victim’s telephone. SIM swapping groups conduct SIM swaps for the purpose of defeating multifactor authentication and/or two-step verification security features for social media and virtual currency accounts.

    After convincing a mobile carrier to reassign a phone number to a new SIM card, members of the conspiracy generated password reset security authentication codes for online accounts and those codes were in turn sent to the telephone in the control of the criminal actor. Members of the SIM swap groups shared the security reset codes with one another to unlawfully access a victim’s internet connected accounts and complete the fraud.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, the SEC-Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Fraud Section’s Market Integrity and Major Frauds Unit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Significant assistance was provided by the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg, CCIPS Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello, and Fraud Section Trial Attorney Lauren Archer. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Hundscheid from the Northern District of Alabama. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping, go to: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411

    24cr457           

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Connection with Securities and Exchange Commission X Hack that Spiked Bitcoin Prices

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    WASHINGTON – An Alabama man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in the unauthorized takeover of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Eric Council Jr., 26, of Huntsville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud in February. According to court documents, Council conspired with others to take control of the SEC’s X account and falsely announce that the SEC approved Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a decision highly anticipated by the market. Immediately following the false announcement, the price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 per BTC. Following the correction, the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000 per BTC.

    The conspirators gained control of the SEC’s X account through an unauthorized Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap carried out by Council. A SIM swap is a form of sophisticated fraud where a criminal actor fraudulently induces a cellular phone carrier to reassign a cellular phone number from a victim’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by the criminal actor, in order to access a victim’s social media or virtual currency accounts. As part of the scheme, Council used an identification card printer to create a fraudulent identification card with a victim’s personally identifiable information obtained from co-conspirators. Council used the identification card to impersonate the victim and gain access to the victim’s phone number for the purpose of accessing the SEC’s X account. Council’s co-conspirators then posted in the name of the SEC Chairman, falsely announcing the BTC ETF approval. Council received payment in BTC from co-conspirators for his role.

    “Council and his co-conspirators used sophisticated cyber means to compromise the SEC’s X account and posted a false announcement that distorted important financial markets,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Prosecuting those who seek to enrich themselves by threatening the integrity of digital assets through fraud is critical to protecting U.S. interests. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable individuals who commit cyber fraud and harm investors.”

    “Schemes of this nature threaten the health and integrity of our market system,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “SIM swap schemes threaten the financial security of average citizens, financial institutions, and government agencies. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can’t be caught. You will be caught, prosecuted, and will pay the price for the damage your actions create.”

    “The deliberate takeover of a federal agency’s official communications platform was a calculated criminal act meant to deceive the public and manipulate financial markets,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. “By spreading false information to influence the markets, Council attempted to erode public trust and exploit the financial system. Today’s sentencing makes clear that anyone who abuses public platforms for criminal gain will be held accountable.”

    “Today’s sentencing exemplifies SEC OIG’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable and maintaining the integrity of SEC programs and operations through thorough investigative oversight,” said Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Amanda James. “We are committed to working with the SEC and other law enforcement partners to help the SEC effectively and efficiently deliver on its critical mission.”

    The FBI Washington Field Office and SEC Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping and how to prevent it, visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Takes Action to Increase Housing Supply, Break Down Barriers to More Housing Coloradans Can Afford

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Governor’s Executive Order provides clarity to state agencies and local governments around the enforcement of state strategic growth laws

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order to help increase Colorado’s housing supply, reduce housing costs, and increase energy efficiency, by giving further guidance to state agencies on how to best support local governments who are taking needed action to deliver more housing and help ensure statewide compliance with strategic growth laws passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Polis.

    “We need more housing now. Coloradans are demanding solutions to the high cost of housing. Thoughtful and strategic growth is about the supply and cost of housing, as well as the impact on the environment, and how people can move around our state quickly and easily. In partnership with the legislature and local governments, we are taking major steps to build more housing that people can afford near where they live and work. Costly government regulations should never be a barrier to reducing the cost of living or stand in the way of a person or family finding a home they can afford,” said Governor Polis.

    “Colorado is making important progress to increase housing supply and reduce costs for Coloradans in communities around the state, but the cost of housing still remains a major pain point for too many hardworking people. Housing is a multi-jurisdictional concern and today’s action prioritizes the building of new homes in communities that are working to successfully implement more housing now for all budgets,” he continued.

    Since taking office, Governor Polis has signed landmark laws to build more housing people can afford and near transit, break down barriers to housing, and cut through government red tape to allow for more housing. Major steps forward include new laws around transit-oriented communities and accessory dwelling units, and eliminating discriminatory occupancy limits and costly parking requirements.

    Governor Polis and the General Assembly built on that work again this year with new legislation to address construction defects to help build more condos, allow for more smart-stair buildings that create more homes Coloradans can afford, and break down barriers to modular housing.

    To date, the state has taken important actions to increase housing units across the state:

    • The Division of Housing has awarded over $768 million in housing development awards since the 2020-2021 state fiscal year that have resulted in the creation or preservation of almost 20,000 housing units.
    • The Division of Housing has provided Emergency Rental Assistance through three programs and supported almost 65,000 households, with a total investment of over $538 million.
    • The Division of Local Government (DLG) has achieved the following since January 2020:
      • Awarded almost $153 million for housing in Colorado, which includes more than $17 million for planning and over $135 million for infrastructure.
      • Supported the construction of almost 10,000 affordable housing units through implementation and infrastructure projects.
      • Assisted over 200 local governments working to implement affordable housing strategies using DLG planning grants.

    Today, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order giving the Department of Local Affairs, the Department of Transportation, the Colorado Energy Office, and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade guidance to compile a list of funding opportunities administered by these state agencies for the purpose of establishing priority for communities in compliance with state strategic growth laws.

    Specific laws include:

    • HB24-1007 – Prohibit Residential Occupancy Limits
    • HB24-1152 – Accessory Dwelling Units
    • HB24-1304 – Minimum Parking Requirements
    • HB24-1313 – Transit-Oriented Communities
    • SB24-174 – Sustainable Affordable Housing
    • HB25-1273 – Residential Building Stair Modernization
    • SB25-002 – Regional Building Codes for Factory-Built Structures

    DOLA is also directed to create and update quarterly a list of all Strategic Growth Compliant, Strategic Growth Compliance-in-Progress, and Strategic Growth Non-Compliant local governments by October 6, 2025. DOLA shall make the list available for relevant agencies to establish priority for applicable funding opportunities.

    Projects excluded from this consideration include:

    • Funding Opportunities that are funded solely based on formulas, statutory criteria or other criteria for which the Relevant Agency has no discretion;
    • Funding Opportunities that are federally funded for which the Relevant Agency has no discretion;
    • Funding Opportunities that were awarded prior to October 6, 2025 or for which the application process or grant cycle has started by October 6, 2025;
    • Funding Opportunities for individuals;
    • Funding Opportunities for supportive services or other tenant supports for housing; and
    • Funding Opportunities solely for economic development

    Once the group of potential funding opportunities is submitted, projects that are necessary for public health or safety and disaster relief programs will be excluded. The Executive Order will be updated to reflect the grants identified by state agencies that are subject to the declarations in the order.

    Read the Governor’s full Executive Order.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illuminated Landmarks to Recognize National Police Week

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced 15 State landmarks will be illuminated blue on the evening of May 16 in recognition of National Police Week, which runs from May 11, 2025 through May 17, 2025.

    “Our police officers are heroes, putting their lives on the line every day to keep New Yorkers safe from harm,” Governor Hochul said. “On National Police Week, we recognize their immense courage and their commitment to serving their communities — stepping up when disaster strikes, protecting our loved ones and walking bravely into the unknown in service of our safety. To all of our officers: Thank you.”

    Recognized every May, National Police Week honors the law enforcement community, with a special recognition of fallen officers and their surviving families from law enforcement agencies from across the nation.

    The following landmarks will be illuminated blue tonight:

    • 1 World Trade Center
    • Albany International Airport Gateway
    • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
    • Empire State Plaza
    • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
    • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
    • Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
    • Kosciuszko Bridge
    • Moynihan Train Hall
    • Niagara Falls
    • State Education Building
    • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
    • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
    • The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
    • Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “During National Police Week, we gather to honor the memory of our brothers and sisters who gave their lives to protect ours. These individuals had that extra something in their character that made them willingly put others before themselves and are the true definition of heroes. The lighting of landmarks pays homage to the courage, bravery, and selflessness that they displayed and what we honor this week.”

    New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “During National Police Week, we honor the bravery, service, and sacrifice of the law enforcement professionals who work tirelessly to protect our communities. We are grateful for their unwavering dedication and proud of the strong partnerships we’ve built to make New York safer for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Man sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for smuggling eggs of endangered parrot species (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Man sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for smuggling eggs of endangered parrot species  
    A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the 30-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong on March 1 last year from Thailand. He was intercepted for customs clearance upon arrival at the airport. A total of 188 eggs were found in his carry-on baggage. AFCD officers then arrived at the scene to inspect the eggs. Upon inspection, the eggs were suspected to belong to parrot species listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The eggs were subsequently seized for further investigation. 
     
    Subsequent to forensics testing, 187 of the eggs were confirmed to be from CITES-listed endangered parrot species, including seven eggs from CITES Appendix I species, namely the Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) and the African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), and 180 eggs from CITES Appendix II species, namely the yellow-crowned amazon (Amazona ochrocephala), the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), the red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus), the sulfur-breasted parakeet (Aratinga maculata), the sun parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis), the white cockatoo (Cacatua alba), the sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), the red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), the eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus), the yellow-bibbed lory (Lorius chlorocercus) and the red-bellied macaw (Orthopsittaca manilata). The value of the seizure was estimated at $1.4 million.
     
    The man was charged with illegal import of endangered species and was convicted today at the District Court. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison. 
     
    Parrot populations have been decimated by illegal trade, which incentivises poaching in the wild worldwide. With the exception of four species, all parrots have been listed on the CITES Appendices. In Hong Kong, their international trade and local possession are regulated under the Ordinance. Any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of HK$10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
     
    For information on the regulation of endangered species under the Ordinance, please visit www.cites.hkIssued at HKT 18:17

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus – A10-0087/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

    (COM(2025)0034 – C10‑0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2025)0034),

     having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 207(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10‑0006/2025),

     having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

     having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 26 March 2025 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

     having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development,

     having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0087/2025),

    1. Adopts its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal;

    2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

    3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    Since 2022 when Russia started its full-scale invasion and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions as well as increased trade tariffs to reduce trade with the aggressor. As a result, the imports into the EU from Russia have decreased by 85 % compared to pre-war levels.

     

    However, there are still Russian products that flow into the EU market, consequently fuelling the Russian war machine. This has to be stopped and brought to complete standstill.

     

    The EU imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia have significantly increased over the last years. The import levels were already worryingly high in 2023 (3.6 million tonnes, worth EUR 1.28 billion, representing more than 25 % of total EU imports), and have increased significantly in 2024 to 4.4 million tonnes, worth EUR 1.5 billion and with an import share of 30 %. Therefore, imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation currently reflect a situation of growing economic dependence on Russia.

     

    The European Parliament have already called for a ban on importing Russian grain, potash and fertilisers in Resolution on continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States.

     

    The aim of this Regulation is to eliminate dependencies on imports from Russia and to prevent circumvention through Belarus. Such imports, particularly of fertilisers, make the EU vulnerable to potential coercive actions by Russia and thus present a risk to EU food security. This Regulation proposes that the tariff increase on nitrogen-based fertilisers takes place gradually over a transition period of three years. Through increased import duties and prohibitive tariffs, the Russian share of fertiliser import into the EU will gradually be replaced by other sources. Some of the EU Member States have already decoupled from Russian nitrogen-based fertilisers, without seeing shortages of supply or market price increases.

     

    The tariffs will support the growth of the EU’s domestic production of fertiliser, which suffered during the energy crisis and due to the influx of fertilisers from Russia. EU production reached only 14 million tonnes in 2023, down from an average of 18 million tonnes in the previous 5 years. Despite the closure of some production facilities following the increase in energy prices, the European industry has around 20 % spare capacity (ca 3 million tonnes), on top of 9.5 million tonnes of nitrogen fertilisers exported in 2024. If used, it is expected that this spare capacity could almost completely compensate the shortfall of reducing Russian imports into the EU.

     

    The tariff measures will also allow for the further diversification of supply from third countries. There are many suppliers on the world market who can replace Russian exporters, including Egypt, Algeria, Norway, Morocco, Oman and the US. Indeed, there is room to strengthen the transatlantic cooperation. This will help ensure a steady fertiliser supply and foster market competitiveness.

     

    It is vital that we ensure that Russia’s war economy is weakened. At the same time, we must ensure sure that there is a steady stream of quality fertiliser supply for agriculture in the European Union, and, importantly, ensure that fertilisers remain available for EU farmers at an affordable price. Therefore, the proposal includes monitoring provisions and if needed mitigating measures, should a substantial increase in fertiliser prices occur. The gradual phasing-in of applicable tariff measures will allow European farmers to adapt to the new conditions.

     

    In order to prevent circumvention of these measures, the rapporteur welcomes the fact that the tariff measures will also apply to Belarus to prevent potential Russian imports to the EU being circumvented through Belarus. The rapporteur believes that potential increase of imports from other countries, which are not the traditional exporters have to be closely monitored to detect any possible circumvention. 

     

    Besides the import of fertilisers, the Regulation also targets the remaining 15 % of agricultural imports from Russia that had not yet been subject to increased tariffs. With this Regulation, all agricultural imports from Russia will be the subject of EU tariffs. The tariff level would be prohibitive, thus high enough to halt the importation of these goods. Continued imports of the agricultural products concerned could create an additional economic dependence on Russia, which could, if left unchecked, harm the EU’s food security.

     

    The rapporteur welcomes that these combined measures will prevent Russia from benefiting financially from exports to the EU to fund its war of aggression against Ukraine. It is also a matter of EU’s security and strategic autonomy.

    The regulation is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the EU.

     

    The rapporteur welcomes Article 207 TFEU as a legal basis as it is a trade policy measure requiring EP co-decision in line with OLP.

     

    The rapporteur hopes the Regulation will be adopted in its current form and in time for the entry into force by 1 July 2025, in order to ensure rapid implementation.

     

     

    .

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the draft report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

     

    Entity and/or person

    Yara, VP European Government Relations & External Communications, VP Corporate affairs and Industrial Relations

    Zemnieku Saeima (Association Farmers’ Council), Foreign policy specialist

    European Commission, DG Trade Unit E2, DG Trade Unit E3

    Fertilizers Europe, Director General, Trade & Economic Senior Manager

    Association of the Potash and Salt Industry / VKS – Verband der Kali- und Salzindustrie e.V, Managing Director, EU Office Brussels

    Latvijas Lauksaimniecības kooperatīvu asociācija (Latvian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives), Director-General

    Business & Science Poland, Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry, ANWIL

    Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the EU, Counsellor (SCA Spokesperson, Common Agricultural Policy)

    Council, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU, Chair of Trade Policy Committee-Deputies, Vice-Chair of Trade Policy Committee-Deputies

     

     

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

     

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

    OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (7.5.2025)

    for the Committee on International Trade

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

    (COM(2025)0034 – C10‑0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD))

    Rapporteur for opinion: Veronika Vrecionová

     

     

    AMENDMENTS

    The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development submits the following to the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible:

    Amendment  1

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (1) The Union’s imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from the Russian Federation were significant at 3.6 million tonnes in 2023 and increased considerably in 2024 by comparison with 2023. The level of the Union’s imports from the Russian Federation of the agricultural goods covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned agricultural goods’) is relatively low for most goods, but could increase significantly if the current trading conditions persist.

    (1) The Union’s imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from the Russian Federation doubled between 2020/2021 and 2022/2023, followed by further growth in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the Union’s imports of those fertilisers were significant at 3,6 million tonnes, and increased considerably in 2024 by comparison with 2023. The level of the Union’s imports from the Russian Federation of the agricultural goods covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned agricultural goods’) is relatively low for most goods, but could increase significantly if the current trading conditions persist.

    Amendment  2

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 2

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (2) The imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned fertilisers’) currently reflect a situation of economic dependency on the Russian Federation. Moreover, the imports of the concerned agricultural goods could create a similar and additional economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which should in the present circumstances be prevented and reduced in order to protect the Union’s markets and safeguard the Union’s food security.

    (2) The imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned fertilisers’) currently reflect a situation of economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which continues to hinder Union fertiliser production due to an unequal level playing field. The large volumes of fertilisers from the Russian Federation intended for export are gradually distorting supply diversification by eliminating both local and third-country suppliers. Moreover, the imports of the concerned agricultural goods could create a similar and additional economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which should in the present circumstances be prevented and reduced in order to protect the Union’s markets and safeguard the Union’s food security.

    Amendment  3

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 4 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (4a) Reduction of the Union’s dependence on fertilisers from  the Russian Federation, avoiding the creation of new dependencies, ensuring the steady supply of cost-competitive fertilisers at affordable price levels for Union farmers in the short, medium and long term and increasing the Union’s strategic autonomy require the development of a long-term Union fertiliser strategy that should primarily focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the Union’s fertilisers production sector in order to secure a steady supply of fertilisers at affordable price levels. That strategy should focus on supporting innovation, attracting investments and developing new business models to reduce or eliminate potentially harmful import dependencies, as well as a trade diversification strategy promoting stable trade relations and securing alternative supply chains. In parallel, measures should also improve access to organic fertilisers and nutrients from recycled waste streams and increase the circularity of farming practices. It is noteworthy that, although the European Parliament has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding fertilisers, particularly through its resolutions of 24 March  2022 on the need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine1a, and of 16 February 2023 on the Commission communication on ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers 1b, the Commission has not come forward with clear and sufficient measures to support domestic fertiliser production.

     

    _________________

     

    1a OJ C 361, 20.9.2022, p. 2.

     

    1b OJ C 283, 11.8.2023, p. 51.

    Amendment  4

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 5 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (5a) The production and cost of mineral fertilisers largely depend on the availability and affordability of natural gas.

    Amendment  5

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 5 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (5b) Changes are needed to truly address the Union industry and agriculture structural problems, such as access to energy and raw materials at high prices, the European Green Deal, and excessive regulation.

    Amendment  6

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 7

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (7) Imports of the concerned agricultural goods and fertilisers that originate in or are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus should therefore be subject to higher customs duties than imports from other third countries.

    (7) Imports of the concerned agricultural goods and fertilisers that originate in or are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus should therefore be subject to higher customs duties than imports from other third countries while securing the Union´s market stability, and food security and affordability.

    Amendment  7

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 8 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (8a) At the same time, it is important to consider the Union’s high dependence on fertiliser imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. Therefore, this Regulation should be accompanied by the development of a mechanism for balancing fertiliser prices and possible subsidies for farmers if the new tariffs results in an excessive increase in the price of fertilisers and thus in reduced profitability of agricultural production. Revenues generated from higher customs duties should be a part of that mechanism.

    Amendment  8

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 9

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (9) The envisaged increase in customs duties is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the Union and does not affect goods concerned Regulation if they are only transiting through the Union’s territory to third countries of final destination. To the contrary, the envisaged increase in Union import duties may increase the exportation of those goods to third countries and increase the availability of supplies there.

    (9) The envisaged increase in customs duties is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the Union and does not affect goods concerned Regulation if they are only transiting through the Union’s territory to third countries of final destination. However, monitoring transit will be critical to prevent any sort of intentional dumping by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. To the contrary, the envisaged increase in Union import duties may increase the exportation of those goods to third countries and increase the availability of supplies there.

    Amendment  9

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (10) At the same time, fertilisers play a significant role for the food security as well as for the financial stability of the farmers in the Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure predictable and sufficient access to fertilisers, at affordable price levels for Union farmers, which should in turn contribute to the stabilisation of agricultural markets. During a transitional period, the proposed measure would stimulate stepping up the Union production and allow for reinforcing alternative sources of supply from other international partners, minimising the risk that fertilisers prices for Union farmers increase substantially. To this end, the Commission should monitor closely the evolution of fertiliser prices on the Union market. Should fertiliser prices substantially increase, the Commission should assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such surge.

    (10) At the same time, fertilisers play an essential role for food security as well as for the financial stability of the farmers in the Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure predictable and sufficient access to fertilisers, at affordable price levels for Union farmers. During a transitional period, the proposed measure would stimulate stepping up the Union production and allow for reinforcing alternative sources of supply from other international partners, minimising the risk that fertilisers prices for Union farmers increase substantially. The Commission shall address the difficult situation of the fertiliser industry in the Union, which has been under strain over the last four years due to high-energy prices, production costs, and challenges posed by existing regulations. The Commission should therefore implement measures to alleviate the high costs burdening the Union industry, which directly impact the entire supply chain, particularly farmers. The Commission should also monitor closely the evolution of fertiliser prices at the Member State and Union levels. Should fertiliser prices substantially increase, the Commission should take all appropriate actions in a timely manner to remedy such a surge.

    Amendment  10

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (10a) Ensuring farmers’ access to affordable and sufficient quantities of fertilisers is essential for safeguarding food security across the Union. Therefore, the Commission should urgently explore and propose appropriate support mechanisms to guarantee the availability of fertilisers at competitive prices for farmers in the Union and introduce targeted measures to support the farmers impacted.

    Amendment  11

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (10b) The Commission must ensure that the introduction of additional tariffs on fertiliser imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus does not generate above-average purchase prices, thereby undermining farmers’ access to essential inputs. Given the significant volumes currently imported and the limited short-term flexibility to shift suppliers without incurring additional costs, such measures should not result in the reduction of fertilised agricultural areas and sub-optimal application rates. The Commission must ensure that those measures do not lead to lower yields, diminish profitability, and have potentially negative consequences for food security and farmers’ livelihoods. Therefore, a mandatory monthly monitoring, including at Member State level, of the prices of products listed in Annex II should be established to ensure timely responses and safeguard the viability of the Union farming sector. The price indicators should be published monthly in order to increase transparency. Furthermore, the role of the EU Fertilisers Market Observatory should be increased. Moreover, the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) should hold regular exchanges on the availability and price affordability of fertilisers, ensuring an active dialogue with the actors of the food supply chain, including farmers, and provide high-level advice to the Commission on this strategic matter.

    Amendment  12

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10 c (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (10c) To accelerate the reduction of imports of agricultural goods and fertilisers from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, the Commission should assess the possibility of developing alternative sources of supply from the Union and other international partners and to authorise alternative measures, such as the use of manure and processed animal manure, including RENURE and digestate, as a sustainable alternative which reduces CO2 emissions by decreasing the need for fertiliser imports, aligns with circular economy principles, and strengthens the Union’s agricultural resilience. The Commission should establish a legal and financial framework that makes manure and processed animal manure, including RENURE and digestate, a viable alternative. That framework should provide regulatory flexibility, beyond the limits currently established by the Council Directive 91/676/EEC1a, while upholding environmental protection and the principles of efficiency and safety, and include financial incentives to keep it affordable for the farmers in the Union.

     

    __________________

     

    1a Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1).

    Amendment  13

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 11

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (11) The envisaged increase in customs duties is consistent with the Union’s external action in other areas, as set out in Article 21(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The state of relations between the Union and the Russian Federation has greatly deteriorated in recent years and particularly since 2022. This is due to the Russian Federation’s blatant disregard for international law and, in particular, its unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since July 2014, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Russian Federation in response to the Russian Federation’s actions vis-à-vis Ukraine.

    (11) The envisaged increase in customs duties is consistent with the Union’s external action in other areas, as set out in Article 21(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The state of relations between the Union and the Russian Federation has greatly deteriorated in recent years and particularly since 2022. This is due to the Russian Federation’s blatant disregard for international law and, in particular, its unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since July 2014, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Russian Federation in response to the Russian Federation’s actions vis-à-vis Ukraine. If the Union fails to impose the envisaged tariffs, it would indirectly contribute to financing the war efforts of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and risk supporting other autocratic regimes, as sanctioned gas from the Russian Federation would be utilised for the production and export of cheap fertilisers to the Union.

    Amendment  14

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 14 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (14a) Given that fertilisers are widely traded commodities with a substantial risk of circumvention, Member States and their customs authorities should strictly verify and validate the true origin of fertilisers imported into the Union market. That verification process should include thorough scrutiny of shipment documentation and proactive monitoring to prevent any re-export schemes designed to circumvent the tariff-increases. Where circumvention of the measures in force takes place, the imposed tariffs could be extended to goods from other third countries concerned.

    Amendment  15

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (d) The Commission may adopt an implementing act laying down the arrangements for monitoring the import volumes referred to in paragraph 2. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure set out in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

    (d) The Commission shall adopt an implementing act laying down the arrangements for monitoring the import volumes referred to in paragraph 2. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure set out in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

    Amendment  16

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (da) The Commission shall, without undue delay, propose a legal and financial framework to scale up the use of manure and processed animal manure, including Renure, as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers.

    Amendment  17

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    1. The Commission shall monitor prices applicable in the Union of the goods listed in Annex II during four years from the application of this Regulation.

    1. From the date of application of this Regulation, the Commission shall, on a monthly basis, monitor prices applicable in the Member States and the Union of the goods listed in Annex II. The Commission shall publish in a transparent way the results of such monitoring.

    Amendment  18

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    1a. The Commission and national customs authorities shall closely monitor imports of the goods listed in Article 1.

    Amendment  19

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    2. Should the price levels of the goods listed in Annex II substantially exceed the levels of 2024 in the period referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such surge. This may include, if appropriate, proposing the temporary suspension of tariffs for concerned goods imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

    2. Should the price levels of the goods listed in Annex II substantially exceed the levels of 2024 in the period referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall take all appropriate actions within 14 days to remedy such surge. This may include, if appropriate, the following actions:

     

    (a) proposing the temporary suspension of tariffs for concerned goods imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus;

     

    (b) making financial support available to farmers if a substantial increase in fertiliser prices noticeably reduces the profitability of agricultural production.

    Amendment  20

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    2a.  If appropriate, the Commission shall propose the temporary suspension of tariffs for goods concerned listed in Annex II and imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

    Amendment  21

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    2b. If it is determined that circumvention practices of the import of products listed in Annexes I and II originating in the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus through a third country to the Union have occurred, the Commission shall initiate an anti-circumvention investigation. In order to prevent circumvention practices, the Commission shall examine the possibility of using a licensing system for imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

    Amendment  22

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2 c (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    2c. The Commission shall monitor and assess this Regulation every year in terms of food security and sovereignty and, if necessary, propose that it be repealed.

    Amendment  23

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex I – table – rows 59 a, 59 b and 59 c (new)

     

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – Of rape or colza seeds:

     

    2306 41 –Of low erucic acid rape or colza seeds

     

    2306 49 –Other

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
    FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for the opinion received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion:

     

    Entity and/or person

    COPA-COGECA,  Secretary General

    European Commission, DG AGRI Unit E.1

    European Commission, DG Trade Unit E2

    Fertilizers Europe, Director General,

    LAT Nitrogen, Head of Public Affairs Europe

    Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Fertilizantes (ANFFE) (Spanish National Association of Fertilizer Manufacturers)Secretary General

    Asociación Agraria – Jóvenes Agricultores ASAJA- (Association of young farmers). President, EU Office Brussels

    Cooperativas Agrolimentarias de España, (Sapnish Association of Agricultural Cooperatives) EU Office Brussels

    Unión de Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos (UPA) (Association of small farmers) EU Office Brussels

     

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion.

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for the opinion declares that she has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

    Title

    Modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

    References

    COM(2025)0034 – C10-0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD)

    Committee(s) responsible

    INTA

     

     

     

    Opinion by

     Date announced in plenary

    AGRI

    10.3.2025

    Rapporteur for the opinion

     Date appointed

    Mireia Borrás Pabón

    27.2.2025

    Discussed in committee

    19.3.2025

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    5.5.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    25

    5

    14

    Members present for the final vote

    Sergio Berlato, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Asger Christensen, Barry Cowen, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Ivan David, Valérie Deloge, Salvatore De Meo, Csaba Dömötör, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Herbert Dorfmann, Sebastian Everding, Carlo Fidanza, Maria Grapini, Cristina Guarda, Martin Häusling, Krzysztof Hetman, Céline Imart, Elsi Katainen, Stefan Köhler, Tomáš Kubín, Norbert Lins, Cristina Maestre, Maria Noichl, Gilles Pennelle, André Rodrigues, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Arash Saeidi, Eric Sargiacomo, Christine Singer, Pekka Toveri, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Veronika Vrecionová, Thomas Waitz, Maria Walsh

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Peter Agius, Wouter Beke, Benoit Cassart, David Cormand, Claire Fita, Esther Herranz García, Anna Zalewska

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Giuseppe Lupo, Jana Nagyová

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Clears First Blood Test Used in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 16, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared for marketing the first in vitro diagnostic device that tests blood to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is for the early detection of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients, aged 55 years and older, exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease.
    “Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.”
    Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder known to slowly destroy memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, is progressive, meaning that the disease gets worse over time. In most people with Alzheimer’s disease, clinical symptoms first appear later in life. Amyloid plaques in a patient’s brain are a hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s disease. While amyloid plaques can occur in other diseases, being able to detect the presence of plaque, along with other evaluations, helps the doctor determine the probable cause of the patient’s symptoms and findings. These plaques can be detected and visualized using amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans, often years before clinical symptom onset, to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. PET scans, however, are a costly and time-consuming option and expose patients to radiation.
    The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio measures two proteins, pTau217 and β-amyloid 1-42, found in human plasma, a component of blood, and calculates the numerical ratio of the levels of the two proteins. This ratio is correlated to the presence or absence of amyloid plaques in the patient’s brain, reducing the need for a PET scan. Similar FDA-authorized/cleared tests, one from the same company as this new test, are used with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, which are collected through an invasive lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap. This new Lumipulse test only requires a simple blood draw, making it less invasive and much easier for patients to access.  
    “Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million,” said Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D. “Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”
    During review of the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio, the FDA evaluated data from a multi-center clinical study of 499 individual plasma samples from adults who were cognitively impaired. The samples were tested by the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio and compared with amyloid PET scan or CSF test results.
    In this clinical study, 91.7% of individuals with Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio positive results had the presence of amyloid plaques by PET scan or CSF test result, and 97.3 % of individuals with negative results had a negative amyloid PET scan or CSF test result. Less than 20% of the 499 patients tested received an indeterminate Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio result.
    These findings indicate that the new blood test can reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease at the time of the test in patients who are cognitively impaired. The test is intended for patients presenting at a specialized care setting with signs and symptoms of cognitive decline. The results must be interpreted in conjunction with other patient clinical information.
    The risks associated with the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio are mainly the possibility of false positive and false negative test results.
    False positive results, in conjunction with other clinical information, could lead to an inappropriate diagnosis of, and unnecessary treatment for, Alzheimer’s disease. This could lead to psychological distress, delay in receiving a correct diagnosis as well as expense and the risk for side effects from unnecessary treatment.
    False negative results could result in additional unnecessary diagnostic tests and potential delay in effective treatment. Importantly, the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is not intended as a screening or stand-alone diagnostic test and other clinical evaluations or additional tests should be used for determining treatment options.
    The FDA reviewed the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio through the 510(k) premarket notification pathway. A 510(k) notification is a premarket submission made to the FDA to demonstrate that a new device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device. The FDA found that the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is substantially equivalent to the Lumipulse G β-amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40), which is the previously authorized test that uses CSF samples.
    The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio was granted Breakthrough Device designation, a process designed to expedite the development and review of devices that provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions.
    The FDA issued clearance of the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio to Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    MIL OSI USA News