Category: Trade

MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation to OTCQX

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation (OTCQX: CMSG), a cryptocurrency mining company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market.

Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “CMSG.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

Trading on the OTCQX Market offers companies efficient, cost-effective access to the U.S. capital markets. Streamlined market requirements for OTCQX are designed to help companies lower the cost and complexity of being publicly traded, while providing transparent trading for their investors. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

“Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation is excited to partner with OTC Markets Group to begin trading on the OTCQX Market,” said President Alun Williams. “This is an important step forward in our differentiated strategy of growing a cryptocurrency mining company with a gradualist approach to capital deployment that can use positive cash flows to grow its bitcoin held on a per-share basis.”

About Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation
Consensus Mining & Seigniorage Corporation (“CMSG”) is a cryptocurrency mining company created with strategic partnerships in hosting, repair and management that enable it to operate with minimal overhead and enhanced profitability, and with a conservative capital structure that allows for flexible and patient capital allocation.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.
OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX^® Best Market, OTCQB^® Venture Market and Pink^® Open Market.

Our OTC Link^® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS^TM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

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Media Contact:
OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Last Month in the Field – April 2025
Source: Frontex

In April 2025, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, demonstrated its broad commitment to keeping Europe’s borders secure through a range of impactful operations and collaborations. From cracking down on smugglers in Eastern Europe to saving lives at sea in the Mediterranean, and from embracing new border technologies to strengthening partnerships across the continent, the month showcased Frontex’s dedication to a safer and more cooperative Europe. The following highlights recap how Frontex and national authorities worked hand-in-hand over the past month, underscoring a professional and proactive approach to European border management.

Bulgarian authorities and Frontex scored a victory against cross-border crime this month by stopping a haul of counterfeit goods at the Lesovo border crossing with Turkey. In a joint operation, the Bulgarian Border Police and Customs officers, supported by Frontex Standing Corps officers, intercepted two vehicles loaded with fake designer clothing and footwear. More than 1,400 garments and 900 pairs of shoes bearing logos of famous brands were seized – items that would have been worth an estimated €70,000 on the black market had they slipped through. Some illicit products even carried price tags up to €600 for a single T-shirt, a sign of how convincing the fakes appeared.

This success at the EU’s external border was a direct result of vigilant cooperation. As one Frontex officer put it, “It is not easy to tell a fake from an original when it comes to counterfeit goods. But working together with professionals every day, we have become a serious obstacle for smugglers.” The operation highlighted the excellent partnership between Frontex and the Bulgarian authorities in protecting EU consumers and legitimate businesses. The Frontex officer’s praise for his Bulgarian colleagues underscores the fruitful cooperation on the ground. The confiscated counterfeit items will now be used as evidence, preventing them from entering EU markets, while the perpetrators face legal consequences. This case sends a clear message: through close collaboration, border agencies are effectively shutting down smuggling routes for fake goods.

Another major enforcement success in April took place on the Romania–Ukraine border, where a joint team from the Romanian Border Police, Romanian Customs, and Frontex thwarted a large-scale cigarette smuggling attempt. In under an hour, officers apprehended two individuals attempting to illegally bring over 2.6 million cigarettes into the EU. The smugglers had gone to great lengths to hide their contraband, using some truly creative compartments to try to evade detection. The team’s discovery was all the more impressive given the inventive hiding places employed, including:

Thanks to the sharp eyes and expertise of the border guards, these concealments were uncovered before the illicit cargo could move further into Europe. The Frontex officer supporting the operation – known among colleagues as a veteran in fighting smuggling – played a key role in detecting the contraband. Romanian officials and Frontex supervisors alike praised the operation’s success. One colleague lauded the involved officer as “a true professional with a special and inexhaustible flair for detecting cross-border crime.” This compliment underscores the high level of skill present in such joint teams. The “hats off” accolades went to all Romanian and Frontex personnel involved, highlighting how teamwork and shared intelligence can foil even the most elaborate smuggling schemes. The seizure of 2.6 million cigarettes not only represents a financial blow to organised crime but also protects EU markets and taxpayers from the illegal tobacco trade. It stands as yet another example of effective Frontex support at EU borders, keeping illicit goods out of circulation.

As warmer spring weather set in, April saw a surge in irregular migration across the Central Mediterranean, testing the readiness and solidarity of EU border forces. Within just a few days, over 1,100 migrants had arrived on Italian shores, many taking to the sea in flimsy boats launched from North Africa. This sudden influx – more than one thousand people in a 72-hour span – put considerable strain on Italy’s reception facilities and underscored the ongoing challenges in this maritime corridor. In response, Frontex and several EU Member States mobilised swiftly to ensure lives were protected and borders monitored.

European solidarity was on full display during these rescues. Danish and Lithuanian patrol boats deployed under Frontex’s coordination helped the Italian authorities save nearly 400 people from five small, unseaworthy vessels in the central Mediterranean. Operating under Italy’s lead, the crews from Denmark and Lithuania worked tirelessly to transfer men, women, and children from overcrowded, unsafe boats to the relative safety of EU vessels. At the same time, Frontex aerial surveillance teams intensified patrol flights over the sea. Frontex aircraft spotted multiple migrant boats in distress from the air, relaying precise coordinates to rescue units. This early detection enabled timely life-saving interventions by the Italian Coast Guard and other assets, preventing potential tragedies at sea.

Over the course of three days, dozens of rescue operations were carried out by a combination of national and Frontex-deployed resources. Such joint efforts demonstrate the value of a truly integrated European approach: Member States lending support to one another via Frontex when migratory pressure spikes in a particular region. The Executive Director of Frontex noted that every person saved is a testament to the collective commitment of the EU to protect lives. While the Central Mediterranean route remains difficult and dangerous, April’s experience showed how coordinated action can meet these challenges. By pooling vessels, aircraft, and expertise from across Europe, Frontex and its partners helped ensure that a surge in crossings did not turn into a humanitarian disaster. The Agency continues to work closely with Italy and other front-line states, not only to manage irregular migration flows but also to go after the criminal networks exploiting vulnerable migrants. Saving lives at sea remains at the core of Frontex’s mission, alongside securing the EU’s external borders.
In April, Frontex achieved a significant milestone in enhancing border security technology and cooperation. Thanks to a new agreement with Cyprus, Frontex officers now have direct access to Cyprus’s national border database at crossing points. This development means that Frontex personnel deployed in support of Cypriot authorities can instantly check traveler information and other border data just as national officers do. The immediate benefits of this integration are clear, leading to:

Faster, more secure screening at airports and other entry points, reducing wait times for travelers while enhancing security through better information sharing.

By plugging into Cyprus’s databases, Frontex can help close information gaps and streamline operations on the ground. This is one of the first practical outcomes of a broader initiative to improve data-driven border management. Importantly, preparations are underway for the full rollout of Frontex’s access to the Schengen Information System (SIS) – Europe’s largest security database – which will take cooperation to the next level in the near future. Gaining SIS access will enable Frontex officers to spot persons or objects of interest (such as stolen documents or wanted individuals) across all of Europe’s borders in real time, greatly amplifying their effectiveness.

This deepening tech integration with Member States exemplifies Frontex’s push for “smart borders.” It shows how investing in modern IT solutions can make border control both faster and more secure, without compromising on thoroughness. Cypriot authorities have welcomed Frontex’s connectivity to their systems, noting that it serves as a force multiplier for national border guards. Together, Frontex and Cyprus are building a border management approach that is fast, fair, and future-ready – one that leverages the best of technology and teamwork to protect the EU’s external frontiers.
This month marked two years since the launch of the joint operation between Frontex and North Macedonia, a partnership that has significantly bolstered border security in the Western Balkans. In April 2023, North Macedonia became the first Western Balkan country to host Frontex border teams under a special status agreement, and two years on, the results of this cooperation are evident and worth celebrating. Frontex Standing Corps officers have been working side by side with North Macedonian Border Police along the country’s borders, sharing expertise and helping to manage migratory movements and security threats in the region. Together, over the past 24 months, they have achieved several important milestones in border management, including:

Joint patrols conducted along North Macedonia’s borders with neighbouring countries, enhancing surveillance and the ability to intercept irregular crossings or illicit activities. These mixed teams have increased the visibility and reach of border control, acting as a deterrent to smugglers and traffickers.

Delivery of modern equipment and technical assets to North Macedonia’s authorities. Frontex has provided patrol vehicles, document inspection devices, and other specialist tools to strengthen the country’s border infrastructure. This upgraded equipment means local border guards are better equipped to spot fake documents, hidden contraband, or unauthorised entries.

Stronger overall border protection for North Macedonia and Europe. By reinforcing a key section of the Balkan migration route, the cooperation has contributed to greater security for the entire EU external border. It has helped manage migration flows more effectively and cracked down on cross-border crime, from migrant smuggling to contraband trafficking, benefitting all Europeans.

Frontex and North Macedonia’s officials commemorated the two-year anniversary by reflecting on these successes and looking ahead to continued collaboration. The presence of European border guards in North Macedonia underscores the EU’s commitment to working with its neighbours to tackle shared challenges. It also provides invaluable experience to all the officers involved, creating a spirit of camaraderie and mutual understanding. According to Frontex’s leadership, this partnership is a model of EU–Western Balkans cooperation, showing how aligning procedures and sharing resources can lead to concrete improvements in security and border management. As the operation enters its third year, Frontex plans to maintain its support, including further training for North Macedonia’s officers and ongoing joint patrols, thereby maintaining the positive momentum. The past two years have laid a solid foundation for even closer ties and a more secure region in the future.
Frontex’s activities in April were not limited to field operations – they also extended to strategic dialogue at the highest levels. A noteworthy event took place at the Frontex Operational Headquarters in Piraeus, Greece, where Commander Georgios Pyliaros (the Frontex Field Commander in Greece) hosted a high-level meeting with Admiral José António Vizinha Mirones, the Commander of the Portuguese Maritime Police. Admiral Mirones visited the Piraeus headquarters as part of a Joint Coordination Board discussion, focusing on the current operational situation and challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding migration flows affecting Greece and Cyprus.

During this visit, both leaders exchanged insights on maritime border security and reinforced their commitment to close cooperation. Commander Pyliaros expressed, on behalf of Frontex’s chain of command, sincere appreciation for Portugal’s continued contribution to Frontex-led operations. He highlighted the professionalism and dedication displayed by the Portuguese crews operating coastal patrol vessels in Greek waters. These Portuguese Maritime Police teams, deployed under Frontex, have been instrumental in joint patrols and search-and-rescue missions in the Aegean Sea, and their exemplary performance and seamless integration with Frontex units have not gone unnoticed. Admiral Mirones, for his part, conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to visit and engage with Frontex’s Greece office. He commended the collective effort being made to safeguard Europe’s maritime borders and stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration. Both officials agreed that maintaining strong partnerships – such as the one between Frontex and Portugal – is crucial in addressing migration and security challenges at sea.

The meeting concluded on a highly positive note, symbolising the unity of purpose among European border and coast guard services. In a ceremonial gesture, commemorative coins were exchanged between Frontex and the Portuguese Maritime Police, underscoring mutual respect and teamwork. This high-level maritime dialogue not only strengthened bilateral ties but also provided strategic guidance for field operations. With Portugal’s vessels and crews continuing to serve in Frontex missions, such coordination ensures that everyone is rowing in the same direction. The result is a more effective response to irregular migration by sea and a safer maritime environment for all. These talks in April set the stage for even more synchronised efforts in the months to come, reaffirming that European partners stand stronger together in protecting the EU’s external borders.

Frontex also invested in long-term security capacity this month by focusing on the fight against illicit firearms. Firearms trafficking is a growing threat to EU internal security, especially in times of war and instability when weapons can more easily find their way onto the black market. In April, within the framework of the EU’s EMPACT initiative (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats), Frontex led a specialised training programme in Poland aimed at sharpening the skills of border guards in intercepting illegal arms. The training was hosted at the Polish Border Guard Academy in Kętrzyn – a centre known for advanced law enforcement training – and brought together officers from 10 EU Member States. These participants, all of them frontline border or customs officers, underwent intensive instruction on how to better detect and stop the smuggling of firearms at EU borders.

Over the course of the training, the multinational group of officers learned about concealment methods and detection techniques for firearms. Experts shared real-case examples of smugglers attempting to hide weapons and ammunition in vehicles, cargo, or personal luggage, highlighting red flags to watch for. The trainees practiced using x-ray scanners, metal detectors, and other tools to identify weapons hidden in creative ways. They also exchanged intelligence on smuggling routes and the latest trends in gun trafficking, recognising that traffickers are constantly adapting their methods. By simulating realistic scenarios, the course enabled officers to hone their decision-making under pressure – for instance, when discovering a hidden handgun during a routine vehicle inspection at a border crossing. The overarching goal was to equip frontline officers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to intercept firearms before those weapons can reach our streets and communities.

This EMPACT-supported training in Poland is part of a broader EU effort to cut off the supply of illegal firearms that can fuel organised crime or even terrorism. By investing in people and skills, Frontex and its partners are strengthening a critical line of defence against gun trafficking. The officers who completed the course in Kętrzyn will take their enhanced expertise back to their home countries – from Scandinavia to Southern Europe – multiplying the impact. They form a network of trained specialists who can also share best practices with colleagues, thus raising overall capacity across the EU. Frontex officials highlighted that such cooperative training not only improves technical know-how but also builds trust and communication channels among European border agencies. Ultimately, this means better coordinated operations and information-sharing when it comes to stopping dangerous weapons from crossing into the EU. The training concluded with participants and instructors affirming their commitment to stay one step ahead of firearms traffickers. As new security challenges emerge, continuous professional development like this ensures that Europe’s border guards remain vigilant and prepared.

April 2025 showcased the full spectrum of Frontex’s mission – from frontline enforcement and lifesaving rescues to technological advancement and international partnership. As Europe’s external border challenges continue to evolve with the changing seasons and geopolitical context, Frontex is moving ahead with resolve. The Agency is leveraging the momentum from April’s successes to further strengthen cooperation, whether by expanding joint operations in partner countries or by welcoming more contributions from Member States. It is accelerating the adoption of modern technology and information systems to give border guards an edge in both speed and accuracy. Equally, Frontex remains committed to investing in its people – through training, leadership development, and a culture of shared expertise – recognising that a well-prepared human element is key to any high-tech solution. In the coming months, Frontex will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with EU countries at their borders, upholding European values of security and solidarity. By building on the foundations laid in April, the European Border and Coast Guard will be even better equipped to tackle whatever challenges the future holds – protecting the EU’s borders and the people who depend on them, with professionalism, compassion, and unity.
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 13, 2025

MIL-OSI: High Arctic Announces 2025 First Quarter Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW

CALGARY, Alberta, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — High Arctic Energy Services Inc. (TSX: HWO) (the “Corporation” or “High Arctic”) released its first quarter 2025 financial and operating results. The unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements, and the management discussion & analysis (“MD&A”), for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on High Arctic’s website at www.haes.ca. All amounts are denominated in thousands of Canadian dollars (“CAD”), unless otherwise indicated.

Mike Maguire, Interim Chief Executive Officer commented:

“Our business has had a solid start to 2025, despite some pull back in well completion rates in Canada resulting from market uncertainty and customer consolidation events.

Our investment in and amalgamation of Delta Rental Services continues to deliver financial performance in line with our pre-transaction expectations and we anticipate consistent results through the coming months with significant upside potential as gas well completion rates increase in anticipation of first gas through the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

Decisive action by the management of Team Snubbing in Alaska has set a platform for improved value creation from our 42% holding of Team Snubbing.

High Arctic is well positioned to benefit from upstream energy service activity levels in the western Canadian oil and gas industry.”

In the following discussion, the three months ended March 31, 2025 may be referred to as the “quarter” or “Q1 2025” and the comparative three months ended March 31, 2024 may be referred to as “Q1 2024”. References to other quarters may be presented as “QX 20XX” with X/XX being the quarter/year to which the commentary relates.

2025 FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue from continuing operations of $2,335, a decrease of 22% compared to Q1 2024.
Achieved an increase in oilfield services operating margin percentage for Q1 2025 of 53.1% compared to 49.4% in Q1 2024.
Realized adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $504 in the quarter, 22% of revenue.
Maintained operational excellence and safety, as evidenced by the continuation of recordable incident-free work.
Achieved expected reductions in general and administrative expenses, a reduction of 59% compared to Q1 2024.
Equity investment in Team Snubbing is essentially unchanged at $7.4 million as at March 31, 2025. Unaudited Team Snubbing financial results delivered a modest positive net income inclusion for the quarter, with key highlights being a sequential improvement in Alaskan results, and reduced debt.
Exited Q1 with positive working capital of $3,199, including cash of $3,183.

2025 Strategic Objectives
With the corporate restructuring and spinoff of the PNG business complete, the Corporation’s 2025 strategic objectives include:

Relentless focus on safety excellence and quality service delivery;
Grow the core businesses through selective and opportunistic investments;
Actively manage direct operating costs and general and administrative costs;
Steward capital to preserve balance sheet strength and financial flexibility; and
Execute on accretive acquisitions in Canada to drive shareholder value and optimize available tax loss carry-forwards.

RESULTS OVERVIEW

The following is a summary of select financial information of the Corporation:

	Three months ended March 31,
(thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts)	2025		2024
Operating results from continuing operations:
Revenue – continuing operations	2,335		2,988
Net income (loss) – continuing operations	(120	)	182
Per share (basic & diluted) ⁽¹⁾	(0.01	)	0.01
Oilfield services operating margin – continuing operations ⁽²⁾	1,187		1,431
Oilfield services operating margin as a % of revenue ⁽²⁾	53.1	%	49.4	%
EBITDA – continuing operations ⁽²⁾	459		232
Per share (basic & diluted) ^{(1) (4)}	0.04		0.02
Adjusted EBITDA – continuing operations ⁽²⁾	504		92
Per share (basic & diluted) ^{(1) (4)}	0.04		0.01
Operating loss – continuing operations ⁽²⁾	(128	)	(1,070	)
Per share (basic & diluted) ^{(1) (4)}	(0.01	)	(0.09	)
Cash flow from continuing operations:
Cash flow from continuing operating activities	31		271
Per share (basic & diluted) ^{(1) (4)}	0.00		0.02
Funds flow from continuing operating activities ⁽²⁾	495		197
Per share (basic & diluted) ^{(1) (4)}	0.04		0.02
Capital expenditures – continuing operations	382		308
			As at
(thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts and common shares outstanding)	Mar 31, 2025		Dec 31, 2024
Financial position:
Working capital ⁽²⁾	3,199		2,692
Cash and cash equivalents	3,183		3,123
Total assets	29,989		30,867
Long-term debt (non-current)	3,134		3,178
Shareholders’ equity	21,315		21,105
Per share ⁽⁵⁾	1.68		1.70
Common shares outstanding ⁽³⁾	12,696,959		12,448,166

^{(1)  The weighted average number of common shares used in calculating both basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) per share, Adjusted EBITDA per share, operating income (loss) per share, cash flow from operating activities per share, funds flow from operating activities per share, and shareholders’ equity per share is detailed in Note 13 of the Financial Statements.}
^{(2)  Readers are cautioned that oilfield services operating margin, EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization), Adjusted EBITDA, operating income (loss), funds flow from operating activities and working capital do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for additional details on the calculations of these measures.}
^{(3)  Pursuant to the de facto four-to-one consolidation of the Corporation’s outstanding common shares effective August 12, 2024, the number of common shares outstanding and all per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to effect the stock consolidation.}
^{(4)  The number of weighted average common shares used in per share basic calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was 12,522,804 (13,023,166 diluted per share) and for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was 12,280,576 (12,624,412 diluted per share).}
^{(5)   Shareholders’ equity per share calculated based on common shares outstanding as at the relevant date.}

First Quarter 2025 Summary

Revenue from continuing operations for Q1 2025 was $2,335 compared to $2,988 in Q1 2024.
- Revenue was negatively impacted by softening demand driven primarily by deferral of some completions activity as customers have taken a cautious approach to the timing of the deployment of their 2025 capital budgets given the recent general economic uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical events.
Oilfield services operating margin from continuing operations was $1,187 in the current year quarter compared to $1,431 in the prior year quarter.
- Operating margin percentage improved to 53.1% for Q1 2025 compared to 49.4% for Q1 2024 benefiting from a reduction in lower margin third-party rentals in the current year quarter which offset in part, the reduction in revenue.
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $504 in the current year quarter compared to $92 in the prior year quarter. EBITDA from continuing operations benefitted from the improvement in gross margin percentage combined with a significant reduction in general and administrative expenses.
Operating loss from continuing operations of $128 for Q1 2025 compared to $1,070 in Q1 2024. The decrease in operating loss is attributable to significantly reduced general and administrative expense. Prior year quarter general and administrative expenses were impacted by elevated corporate and professional fees related to the Arrangement and integration costs related to the acquisition of Delta.
Net loss from continuing operations was $120 in Q1 2025 compared to net income from continuing operations of $182 in Q1 2024. Net loss from continuing operations was also impacted by the same items impacting operating loss, as above, combined with reduced interest income, net higher non-cash accretion expense and reduced income from equity accounted investments.

Operating Results

Rental services segment

	Three months ended March 31,
(thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise noted)	2025		2024
Revenue	2,237		2,894
Expenses	(1,050	)	(1,463	)
Oilfield services operating margin ⁽¹⁾	1,187		1,431
Oilfield services operating margin (%) ⁽¹⁾	53.1	%	49.4	%

^{(1) See “Non-IFRS Measures”}

Liquidity and Capital Resources

	Three months ended Mar 31,
(thousands of Canadian Dollars)	2025		2024
Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations:
Operating activities	31		271
Investing activities	164		(308	)
Financing activities	(135	)	(131	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	–		665
Increase in cash from continuing operations	60		497

(thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise noted)	As at Mar 31, 2025	As at Dec 31, 2024
Current assets	6,717	7,221
Working capital ⁽¹⁾	3,199	2,692
Working capital ratio ⁽¹⁾	1.9:1	1.6:1
Cash and cash equivalents	3,183	3,123

^{(1) See “Non-IFRS Measures”}

Operating activities

In Q1 2025, cash from operating activities from continuing operations was $31 compared to $271 for Q1 2024. Funds flow from operating activities from continuing operations totaled $495 in the quarter compared to $197 in the prior year comparative quarter (see “Non-IFRS Measures”). In Q1 2025, changes in non-cash operating working capital from continuing operations totaled an outflow of $464 compared to an inflow of $74 in Q1 2024.

Changes in cash from operating activities from continuing operations and funds from operating activities from continuing operations for Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, were largely the result of reduced general and administrative expenses combined with the impact of changes in non-cash working capital (as noted above).

Investing activities

During the first quarter, the Corporation’s net cash from investing activities from continuing operations totaled $164 compared to a usage of $308 in the prior year comparative quarter. The change in cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations is due to payments received related to notes receivable and the settlement of a portion of the contingent consideration payable utilizing common shares of the Corporation, resulting in a positive non-cash working capital change, both of which more than offset Q1 2025 property and equipment expenditures of $382. Investing cash outflows of $308 in the prior year quarter consisted solely of the purchase of property and equipment.

Financing activities

During the first quarter, the Corporation’s net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations of $135 was comparable to $131 in the prior year comparative quarter. Financing related cash flows relate to the normal course payments on the Corporation’s lease liabilities and long-term debt.

Working capital

As at March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s working capital balance was $3,199 compared to $2,692 as at December 31, 2024. The increase in working capital is largely due to positive EBITDA generated during Q1 2025 combined with a portion of the year one contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Delta being settled in common shares during the first quarter.

Long-term debt

(thousands of Canadian Dollars)	As at Mar 31, 2025	As at Dec 31, 2024
Current	175	175
Non-current	3,134	3,178
Total	3,309	3,353

The Corporation has mortgage financing secured by lands and buildings owned by High Arctic located within Alberta, Canada. The mortgage has a remaining initial term of under two years with a fixed interest rate of 4.30%; payments occur monthly. The mortgage financing contains certain non-financial covenants requiring the lender’s consent, including changes to the underlying business. As at March 31, 2025, the Corporation was compliant with all covenants associated with the mortgage financing.

Outlook

The first quarter of 2025 has provided High Arctic with a solid start to the year. General and administrative expenses have taken a step change downward resulting in a reduced run rate. The significant and strategic importance of the equity investment in Team Snubbing has been reinforced through enhanced Board of Director and management oversight. The late 2023 acquisition of Delta Rental Services Ltd. (“Delta”) is fully integrated into High Arctic’s rental services business, positively contributing to improved profit margins. Rental services revenue, while at the lower end of expectations, led to capital preservation through modest growth in new equipment additions and insight as to the outlook for the remainder of 2025.

High Arctic’s business is driven by the underlying economics associated with its customers’ cash flows. These cash flows are driven by their oil and natural gas commodity price hedging and expectations. As customers embark on drilling new oil and natural gas wells, High Arctic’s business outlook is reliant on decisions on the subsequent activity to complete these wells for production. Therefore, High Arctic’s rental assets and investment in the snubbing industry are highly dependent on fundamentals associated with both drilling and hydraulic fracturing completion trends in the WCSB.

To this point, 2024/25 winter drilling rig activity in the WCSB has been resilient despite softening commodity price trends. As the industry enters the seasonal second quarter spring breakup period, activity remains comparable to 2024 levels. However, customer capital allocation decisions to complete wells are showing signs of deferral. Recent OPEC moves to increase oil supply, changes in global trade tariffs, and geopolitical risk have increased investment uncertainty.

This uncertainty is offset by positive developments specific to Canada. The completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline system expansion in 2024, and expectations for west coast LNG exports commencing in the second half of 2025, are positive infrastructure developments supporting improved long-term fundamentals for the upstream energy service business.

Based on these near-term headwinds and favourable long-term fundamentals, High Arctic will continue to prudently preserve capital while working with our customers to deliver service efficiency and productivity.

The outlook for 2025 is dependent on the financial performance of High Arctic’s investment in Team Snubbing. High Arctic is carrying total assets of $9.8 million related to its investment in Team Snubbing, comprised of a $7.4 million equity investment and a $2.4 million note receivable. Success will be defined by Team Snubbing’s ability to establish profitability in their international operations.

In summary, for 2025 the Corporation expects to continue to execute on the initial phases of its strategic objectives, with progress to date being evidenced by safety performance, balance sheet preservation, general and administrative expense reductions, selective capital expenditure investments, and oversight of equity investments.

Non-IFRS Measures
This Press Release contains references to certain financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to the same or similar measures used by other companies. High Arctic uses these financial measures to assess performance and believes these measures provide useful supplemental information to shareholders and investors. These financial measures are computed on a consistent basis for each reporting period and include EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization), Adjusted EBITDA, oilfield services operating margin, operating income (loss), Funds flow from operating activities and working capital. These do not have standardized meanings.

These financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss), cash from operating activities, current assets or current liabilities, cash and/or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with IFRS.

For additional information regarding non-IFRS measures, including their use to management and investors and reconciliations to measures recognized by IFRS, please refer to the Corporation’s MD&A, which is available online at www.sedar.com and through High Arctic’s website at www.haes.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements
This Press Release contains forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “seek”, “propose”, “estimate”, “expect”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Corporation’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Corporation’s actual results, performance, or achievements to vary from those described in this Press Release.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this Press Release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Specific forward-looking statements in this Press Release include, among others, statements pertaining to the following: general economic and business conditions, which will include, among other things, the outlook for the energy industry inclusive of commodity prices, producer activity levels (inclusive of drilling and completions activity) and general energy supply and demand fundamentals that may impact the energy industry as a whole and more specifically as it relates to the Corporation’s customers in western Canada and Alaska, United States; expectations related to current and future LNG export projects; the impact (if any) of geo-political events, changes in government, changes to tariffs or related trade policies and the potential impact on the Corporation’s ability to execute its 2025 strategic objectives; fluctuations in commodity prices; and the performance of the Corporation’s investment in Team Snubbing.

With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release, the Corporation has made assumptions regarding, among other things, its ability to: maintain its ongoing relationship with major customers; successfully market its services to current and new customers; devise methods for, and achieve its primary objectives; source and obtain equipment from suppliers; successfully manage, operate, and thrive in an environment which is facing uncertainty; remain competitive in all its operations; attract and retain skilled employees; obtain equity and debt financing on satisfactory terms and manage its liquidity risk; raise capital and manage its debt finance agreements; manage general and administrative costs; maintain a strong balance sheet and related financial flexibility; scale the Canadian business; and seek and execute accretive acquisitions in a timely manner and achieve operational and financial benefits therefrom.

Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: economic and financial conditions, including volatility in commodity prices; volatility in interest and exchange rates and capital markets; the level of demand and financial performance of the energy industry; changes in customer demand; and developments and changes in laws and regulations, including in the energy industry.

The Corporation’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth above and elsewhere in this Press Release, along with the risk factors set out in the most recent AIF filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are given only as of the date of this Press Release. The Corporation does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.

About High Arctic Energy Services
High Arctic is an energy services provider. High Arctic provides pressure control equipment and equipment supporting the high-pressure stimulation of oil and gas wells and other oilfield equipment ‎on a rental basis to exploration and production companies, from its bases in Whitecourt and Red Deer, Alberta‎.

For further information contact:

Lonn Bate
Chief Financial Officer
P: 587-318-2218
P: +1 (800) 688 7143

High Arctic Energy Services Inc.
Suite 2350, 330 – 5th Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L4
website: www.haes.ca
Email: info@haes.ca

The MIL Network –

May 13, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government Overseas Network to Sell Scotland Around the World
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

News story

UK Government Overseas Network to Sell Scotland Around the World

Scottish Secretary drives forward Brand Scotland with new campaign fund.
The UK Government’s drive to sell Brand Scotland around the world will get a boost with the launch of a new fund for overseas campaigns.

The Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, is offering the UK’s international network grants of up to £20,000 for innovative and creative activities to market Scotland overseas.

One of Ian Murray’s priorities at the Scotland Office is Brand Scotland – promoting Scottish goods and services overseas and encouraging inward investment in Scotland. This is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

The US and India free trade agreements signed last week show just how popular Scottish products are overseas. The India deal slashed tariffs for Scotch – great news for our whisky producers who want to expand their overseas markets.

This new fund will complement an extensive programme of overseas visits planned for Scotland Office ministers over the year, following on from Ian Murray’s recent successful trips to Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, Washington and New York.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

“Brand Scotland is a fantastic opportunity to promote all that is great about Scotland around the world, and show investors the opportunities of Scotland. Through the Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office, the UK has an extensive overseas network, which works day in day out to promote our country. This exciting new fund will boost the overseas network’s ability to promote Scotland and all it has to offer in many key markets. Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, to boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“The UK-India free trade deal slashing whisky export tariffs is a prime example of how the UK Government is unlocking growth opportunities to deliver for people in every corner of the country, as part of our Plan for Change.

“The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is looking forward to showcasing Brand Scotland around the world as part of our mission to turbo charge the economy and put more money back in people’s pockets.

“Kickstarting economic growth is in this government’s DNA so my diplomats will be working tirelessly to shout about everything Scotland has to offer, not least its world-beating food and drink.”

Brand Scotland leverages Scotland’s unique cultural assets and the UK’s soft power. The UK Government’s overseas network will have the opportunity to bid for funds. Projects will support Scotland-focused trade missions and trade events. We expect bids to be creative and go beyond ‘business as usual’.

Bids will be assessed on their ability to deliver measurable outcomes and foster long-term relationships with stakeholders in host countries. Bids will be reviewed by officials from the Scotland Office, FCDO, and the Department for Business and Trade – with the Scotland Office giving final sign-off.

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Published 13 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: APEC Backs Global Push for WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement Jeju, Republic of Korea | 13 May 2025 Issued by the Committee on Trade and Investment and the Investment Experts’ Group APEC member economies have expressed collective support for the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, calling for its integration into the World Trade Organization (WTO) legal framework.

Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

With cross-border investment facing growing barriers and uncertainty, APEC member economies have expressed collective support for the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, calling for its integration into the World Trade Organization (WTO) legal framework.

The agreement aims to improve transparency, streamline procedures and create a more predictable environment for investors, particularly in developing economies.

Meeting in Jeju during the Second APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings, the Committee on Trade and Investment and the Investment Experts’ Group issued a joint statement encouraging broader participation in the IFD Agreement and its incorporation into the WTO legal framework.

“The IFD Agreement has significant potential to improve the investment and business climate across the world, reducing the cost of investment and making it easier for investors in all sectors to operate, expand and contribute to economic growth,” said Christopher Tan, Chair of the APEC Committee on Trade and Investment.

Tan noted that the IFD Agreement will contribute to the Putrajaya Vision 2040’s goal of delivering a transparent and predictable trade and investment environment in the Asia Pacific Region, and further the region’s interest to attract and sustain investment.

“Incorporating the IFD Agreement into the WTO framework would be a major step forward for global trade and investment, and a win for the region,” he added.

The joint statement further reinforces the newly updated Investment Facilitation Action Plan (IFAP) 2025, underscoring APEC economies’ shared recognition of the IFD Agreement as a key driver in advancing the region’s investment goals.

“The effective implementation of the IFD Agreement has the potential to significantly boost investment flows, foster inclusive economic growth and narrow the development gap between economies,” said Faizal Mohd Yusof, Convenor of the APEC Investment Experts’ Group.

“It is essential that we sustain momentum toward integrating this Agreement into the WTO framework, ensuring that all economies, regardless of their level of development, can fully benefit,” he concluded.

Read the Statement of the APEC Committee on Trade and Investment, together with the APEC Investment Experts’ Group Supporting the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement here.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
[email protected]

MIL OSI Economics –

May 13, 2025
CAR-T cell therapy linked to mild ‘brain fog’, stanford study finds

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

While CAR-T cell therapy has shown promise in treating cancer, it may also lead to side effects such as “brain fog,” which includes forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, according to a new study.

CAR-T cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which a patient’s immune cells—T cells—are genetically engineered and infused back into the bloodstream to help recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

The study, led by a team from Stanford University and published in the journal Cell, revealed that CAR-T cell therapy can cause mild cognitive impairments, independent of other cancer treatments.

Notably, the underlying mechanism appears to be the same as that seen in cognitive impairments caused by chemotherapy and respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19.

“CAR-T cell therapy is enormously promising. We are seeing long-term survivors after CAR-T cell treatment for aggressive cancers—patients who would otherwise not have survived,” said Michelle Monje, Professor of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at Stanford Medicine.

“But we need to understand all its potential long-term effects, including this newly recognised syndrome of immunotherapy-related cognitive impairment, so we can develop treatments to address it,” Monje added.

In the study, researchers induced tumours in mice—in the brain, blood, skin, and bone—to examine how tumor location and the immune response triggered by CAR-T cells influenced cognition.

Standard cognitive tests, including object recognition and maze navigation, were used to evaluate the mice before and after treatment.

The findings showed that mild cognitive impairment occurred in mice with cancers located inside the brain, spreading to the brain, and even in those with tumors completely outside the brain. The only group that did not show cognitive issues were mice with bone cancer that caused minimal inflammation beyond the immune activity of the CAR-T cells.

The researchers identified the brain’s immune cells, called microglia, as central to this side effect.

Importantly, the study also proposed strategies to reverse these cognitive effects. The researchers said medications targeting brain fog could support better recovery for patients undergoing cancer immunotherapies.

—IANS

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Introducing Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on Verizon
Source: Verizon

Headline: Introducing Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on Verizon

[What’s new]

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: where unparalleled elegance meets uncompromising power. This groundbreaking device, available at Verizon, offers the advanced capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Ultra in an exceptionally thin and light smartphone.

Verizon preorders start May 13 in Titanium Silver, Icyblue and Jetblack, with 256GB or 512GB storage starting at $30.55/month for 36 months (0% APR; $1,099.99 retail). Galaxy S25 Edge will be widely available on May 30.

[Why Verizon is the best place to get a Galaxy S25 Edge]
- Galaxy S25 Edge, on us, with select trade-in and 3-year price lock: For a limited time, new and current Verizon customers on any myPlan can get a new Galaxy S25 Edge on us when they trade in any Apple, Google or Samsung smartphone, regardless of its condition. Verizon continues to provide value for its customers with an industry-leading guarantee — a 3-year price lock on all myPlan and myHome network plans and free satellite texting. Price guarantee applies to base monthly rate only.
- Perks built for you: myPlan and myHome customers can save over 40% on five of the most popular subscription services, Netflix & Max and Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. All 5 for just $20/mo. Choose what you want, when you want it.
[How to get your Galaxy S25 Edge]
- Visit verizon.com, the My Verizon app or a Verizon store to preorder your Galaxy S25 Edge starting May 13.
- Verizon Business customers can get up to $1,000 off the Galaxy S25 Edge at verizonbusiness.com.
- Visible customers can purchase the new Galaxy S25 Edge at visible.com starting May 30.
- Galaxy S25 Edge will be widely available on May 30.
Smartphone offer: $1,099.99 (256 GB only) purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $1,100 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Samsung, Apple or Google; trade-in terms apply.

3-yr price guarantee: myPlan: Applies to the then-current base monthly rate for your talk, text, and data. Excludes taxes, fees, surcharges, additional plan discounts or promotions, and third-party services. Void if any of the lines are canceled or moved to an ineligible plan. Plan perks, taxes, fees, and surcharges are subject to change. myHome: Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services.

Business offer: New line or device upgrade w/device payment agmt & My Biz Plan w/$20 monthly add-on spending or Business Unlimited Pro plan req’d. Up to $1,000 credit, varying by smartphone trade-in, applied to acct over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos, 0% APR); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Select biz customers w/6 or more mos of VZ service: credits begin in 1-2 bills. Other biz customers: credits begin 2-3 bills after trade-in is received by VZ. Smartphone trade-in must be received by VZ w/in 90 days & meet program requirements. Credit(s) will be charged back to acct if trade-in is not received within 90 days, differs from appraisal and/or does not meet program requirements. Most trade-in device conditions accepted; exclusions apply. 10-line trade-in limit per order. Cannot be combined with other device offers. Offer ends 6.30.2025.
MIL OSI Economics –
May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Meituan to launch Keeta in Brazil, pledges $1B investment

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Photo taken on Sept. 1, 2022 shows an unmanned delivery vehicle at the booth of Meituan at the 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese on-demand service leader Meituan said on Monday it will invest $1 billion in Brazil over the next five years and launch its food delivery brand Keeta there in the coming months, marking its latest push in going global.

Meituan’s announcement came during a China-Brazil business seminar held in Beijing on Sunday, co-hosted by ApexBrasil and several other trade authorities.

“Brazil is a huge market with great potential,” said Wang Xing, founder and CEO of Meituan. “Keeta aims to enhance the consumer experience, support the growth of local restaurants, and create more employment opportunities.”

According to the agreement, Keeta will build a nationwide on-demand delivery network in Brazil and provide local partners with a suite of digital and marketing tools to grow their businesses. The company said it intends to leverage its experience in digital services to strengthen Brazil’s service trade infrastructure.

“Going global is one of Meituan’s long-term strategies,” Wang said. “We are excited to bring our food delivery experience and advanced technology to new markets like Brazil, just as we’ve done in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. We look forward to offering more choices to Brazilian consumers and contributing to the country’s economic development.”

Keeta is currently operating in China’s Hong Kong, where it has helped partner restaurants double their sales since launching two years ago. The brand also debuted in Saudi Arabia in September 2024, where it now covers all major cities, with user numbers and order volumes rising steadily.

MIL OSI China News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese firms still look for US growth

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

A pedestrian crosses an intersection around the World Trade Center, New York City, the United States, on Jan 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese companies in the United States plan to expand business operations despite geopolitical and profitability challenges, according to a survey released by the China General Chamber of Commerce – USA on Monday.

The Annual Business Survey Report on Chinese Enterprises in the US tracks key performance trends and sentiment among Chinese companies with US operations, based on data collected from nearly 100 Chinese firms in March to early April.

While some firms grow in size and revenue (37 percent now generate more than $100 million annually, up by 2 percentage points from 2023), the data reveals that profitability lags.

In general, the survey shows a slight margin recovery in 2024, with 43 percent of respondents reported earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margins between 0 and 15 percent — up from 38 percent the previous year.

The share of companies experiencing severe declines also dropped sharply, with only 10 percent seeing margins fall by more than five points, compared with 27 percent in 2023.

“The reduction in severe declines reflects better cost/revenue management,” noted the report.

Still, while extreme losses have declined, most enterprises are operating with thin margins and limited capacity for reinvestment.

While 23 percent of firms reported operating margin improvements between 0 and 5 percentage points, up from 15 percent in 2023, only 7 percent achieved high margins of 15 percent or more, a significant drop from 11 percent in 2023.

Meanwhile, nearly 1 in 4 companies reported losses, with 17 percent reporting losses up to 15 percent.

A further 17 percent of companies reported breaking even, while 10 percent did not disclose or were unsure about their margins.

“High-margin performers became scarcer, while loss-makers persisted,” the report said, underscoring the pressure on business fundamentals.

The survey found that 60 percent of respondents plan to maintain their current level of investment in the US through 2025, suggesting a preference for stability in light of ongoing economic and policy uncertainties.

While 1 in 5 companies plan to increase investment, the same number plan reductions, indicating a split in business confidence.

Concerns about a deteriorating geopolitical environment reinforce a cautious outlook. A striking 90 percent of companies identified US-China political and cultural tensions as the most pressing challenge for operations in 2025 and 2026.

“Inflation and the unstable US economy,” and “frictions in US-China economic and trade relations” were cited by 80 percent and 73 percent of companies, respectively.

Additionally, 60 percent flagged “uncertainty in US foreign investment policies” and “unstable US policies toward foreign investments” as top challenges, reflecting increased difficulty and risk in investment decisions.

Asked about their key business objectives for US investment in 2025 and 2026, 83 percent of companies surveyed said they aimed to improve profitability, and 70 percent reported that they planned to recover and grow their existing business, showing a strong intention to strengthen and expand current operations.

As of July 2024, CGCC’s Chinese member companies have invested at least $140 billion, employed more than 230,000 people, and indirectly supported over a million jobs in the US, the CGCC reported.

The CGCC warned that recent tariff changes, which occurred after the survey concluded, may have deepened business pessimism even further. On Monday, China and the US announced a series of tariff reductions to de-escalate trade tensions.

The US agreed to remove 91 percentage points in the additional tariffs it had imposed on China, while China reciprocated by removing 91 percentage points in its additional tariffs on the US.

The US will pause 24 percentage points of additional ad valorem duties — tariffs levied in proportion to the value of goods — on Chinese imports for 90 days, and China will do the same for 24 percentage points of its modified additional ad valorem rates of duty for imports from the US.

Still, a 90-day suspension, while welcome, creates significant uncertainty for both Chinese and US companies’ business planning and costs, analysts said.

The USCBC’s 2024 Member Survey, released in September, noted that US companies’ financial performance in China remained healthy in 2023, with 80 percent being profitable, and a larger share (42 percent) of companies seeing revenues grow by 20 percent or less compared with the 2023 survey results (28 percent).

Looking ahead, 72 percent of respondents expected that the profit margins of their China operations will be equal to or greater than their global average in 2024, matching companies’ expections in 2023, according to the USCBC survey.

At an embassy event last week, China’s top envoy in the US Xie Feng said that in 2022 alone, the revenue of the US-owned enterprises in China significantly exceeded those of Chinese-owned enterprises in the US by more than $400 billion.

MIL OSI China News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: GFO-X Launches Regulated Digital Asset Derivatives Trading Venue
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

First Institutional Trade Successfully Executed

The New UK Trading Venue Brings Institutional-Grade Market Infrastructure, Central Clearing, and Deep Liquidity to Digital Asset Derivatives

LONDON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GFO-X today announced the successful launch of its UK FCA regulated trading venue for centrally cleared digital asset derivatives. The venue is designed to meet the increasing institutional demand for secure, transparent, and compliant digital asset futures and options. GFO-X brings together best-in-class market infrastructure, deep liquidity, and central clearing to solve for credit and significantly reduce counterparty risk.

As part of its successful debut, the first institutional trade between two leading financial institutions, Virtu Financial and IMC, was executed on GFO-X and centrally cleared through LCH DigitalAssetClear, marking a milestone in the evolution of institutional-grade digital asset markets. The new venue brings additional depth, breadth, and diversification to the limited choices in centrally cleared digital asset index derivatives.

GFO-X CEO, Arnab Sen, said, “The launch of GFO-X is a further foundational step toward increased institutional digital asset derivatives trading, providing the infrastructure, central clearing, robust risk mitigation, and liquidity. With our first trade executed between two leading financial institutions providing deep liquidity, we are expanding the market for centrally cleared digital asset derivatives.”

Addressing the Institutional Surge in Digital Asset Derivatives Demand

The global market for digital asset derivatives has seen explosive growth, with options and futures trading volumes growing exponentially. Institutional investors, including hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and asset managers, increasingly turn to structured products underpinned by derivatives to hedge risk, enhance yield strategies, and gain exposure to crypto markets with greater regulatory clarity.

GFO-X has been purpose-built to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets by offering:
- Regulated Trading & Transparency – Operating under UK FCA authorisation, ensuring compliance with global financial standards.
- Institutional-Grade Liquidity – Deep order books supported by industry leading market makers and participants, including IMC, Laser Digital and Virtu Financial.
- Leading Clearing Bank integrations at launch – including ABN AMRO Clearing, Nomura and Standard Chartered.
- Central Clearing for Counterparty Risk Mitigation by LCH DigitalAssetClear ensures secure margining, collateral management, and default protections.
- Advanced Market Infrastructure – A high-speed matching engine designed for low-latency execution and high-frequency trading.
With institutional adoption accelerating, GFO-X will continue expanding its product suite, initially offering Bitcoin index futures and options.

Market participants can now onboard and begin trading, with several additional leading financial institutions already lined up for integration. As institutions increasingly seek regulated, scalable solutions for digital asset derivatives trading, GFO-X is positioned to become a premier venue in the evolving landscape of institutional crypto derivative markets.

For more information about GFO-X and its upcoming developments, please visit www.gfo-x.com or contact sales@gfo-x.com. For press enquiries, contact Serra Balls, Eterna Partners gfo-x@eternapartners.com.

Marcus Robinson, Head of DigitalAssetClear and CDSClear, LCH, said, “We are delighted to partner with GFO-X to launch this highly anticipated service from LCH SA. The regulated clearing infrastructure within LSEG’s post trade ecosystem has allowed us to build something meaningful for our participants and address the availability of options for a rapidly growing asset class. It is essential that we find ways to offer regulated, segregated and trusted routes to provide customers with a diverse breadth of services and we are excited to continue working with GFO-X to offer a regulated marketplace for this asset class.”

Barry Polak, Lead Product Commerce, ABN AMRO Clearing, said, “We are excited to partner with GFO-X, the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. This strategic collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing the institutional digital asset futures and options market. By leveraging LCH DigitalAssetClear’s clearing services, we enhance transaction security and minimise counterparty risk, offering our clients unparalleled confidence in trading Bitcoin futures and options. A logical step to continue to lead the way to safe and transparent markets.”

Osi Lilian, IMC Strategic Investments Co-Lead, said, “IMC was proud to be one of the earliest investors in GFO-X in 2021. We aligned with their vision of establishing the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue for digital asset derivatives, built on secure, high-performance technology and robust risk management. As a market maker, our strategic connection with GFO-X underscores our commitment to the institutional digital asset futures and options market – a rapidly evolving space we believe holds significant potential for continued growth and opportunity.”

Olivier Dang, Head of Ventures at Laser Digital, said, “We are thrilled to partner with GFO-X as they launch the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision to drive innovation and growth in the digital asset market.”

Andy Ross, Global Head, Prime & Financing, Financing & Securities Service, Standard Chartered, said, “We’re delighted to support the launch of GFO-X derivatives and to join LCH SA as a general clearing member to enable our clients to trade and clear. We continue to invest in servicing our clients broadly across the crypto space in coin, token and derivative form.

“Virtu makes markets globally and is excited to support new and innovative platforms for digital assets in this role. We see broadening adoption and increasing demand as the crypto markets continue to mature and embrace the risk management benefits and capital efficiencies of centralised clearing.”

About GFO-X
GFO-X is the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives.

GFO-X provides comprehensive risk management with clearing provided by the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) LCH SA DigitalAssetClear.

Combining proprietary high-performance technology with industry-leading partnerships and infrastructure, GFO-X delivers the requirements necessary to grow the institutional digital asset derivatives market.

Backed by M&G Investments and authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2022, GFO-X’s regulation-first approach has enabled it to partner with some of the largest financial institutions in the world.

GFO-X believes the digital asset futures and options markets will grow exponentially over the coming years as the asset class matures and more sophisticated investors begin to participate in greater size. By solving market constraints such as counterparty risks and technology challenges, GFO-X has been established to deliver a robust market structure and innovative products to propel the next leg of growth of the digital asset ecosystem.

Contact:

GFO-X@eternapartners.com
+44 7762943498

The MIL Network –
May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The first student career forum was held at IPMET

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

The student body of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU held a large-scale career event — the forum “IPMEiT Career: Step into the Future”. As part of a single career day, participants had the opportunity to attend lectures on professional development issues, as well as take part in interactive sessions aimed at developing and improving career skills. More than 200 students took part in the event.

The program of the event was designed in such a way that students not only gained new knowledge, but also really got closer to their career dreams – be it their first internship or a conscious choice of a professional path.

The forum began with a welcoming speech by the Director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin: Today’s forum is not only a platform for interaction between employers and students, but also an important step towards the professional development of future IPMEiT graduates. Our students are active, enthusiastic, and serious about choosing their future profession. They are ready for new challenges and opportunities. I wish everyone productive work, useful contacts, and inspiration for new achievements! Employers should find the best of the best, and participants should do everything to ensure that this day remains in their memory forever!

Immediately after the opening, a job fair began, in which 20 partner companies took part. Among them: VTB Bank, Kept, P

During the lecture by Changellenge, students learned about the key aspects of effective resume writing, learned about employers’ requirements for young professionals, and also analyzed the most common questions asked during interviews. The career block of the forum also included a case game in the format of “Case Thursday”, organized by the student association “Case Club SPbPU” together with Nikoliers. Participants were asked to solve a practical problem related to the analysis of the real estate market. Working in teams, they presented their solutions and received professional feedback from experts.

In the educational block of the forum, students listened to a lecture on financial topics from the company “Trust Technologies”, learned about key professions in the field of finance and received practical recommendations on starting a career in this area. And at the master class of the company ESI Logistics

“IPMET hosts quite a large number of thematic career events every year, but there has never been a global event that would unite the entire institute around career opportunities,” said Anastasia Nikitina, Chair of PROF.IPMET and the main organizer of the forum. “We tried to make the event based on the requests and wishes of students. At first, the idea seemed difficult to implement, but thanks to cooperation with the institute’s management and higher schools, after a month of active preparation, my team and I were able to help IPMET students take a small but very important step towards their careers and future.”

The IPMET Career: Step into the Future forum has become a great start for the institute’s new tradition. The organizers are already full of inspiration for the next season and invite everyone to take another confident step towards new horizons!

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai interviewed by Japan’s Nikkei

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In a recent interview with Japan’s Nikkei, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions regarding Taiwan-Japan and Taiwan-United States relations, cross-strait relations, the semiconductor industry, and the international economic and trade landscape. The interview was published by Nikkei on May 13.
President Lai indicated that Nikkei, Inc. is a global news organization that has received significant recognition both domestically and internationally, and that he is deeply honored to be interviewed by Nikkei and grateful for their invitation. The president said that he would like to take this rare opportunity to thank Japan’s government, National Diet, society, and public for their longstanding support for Taiwan. Noting that current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio have all strongly supported Taiwan, he said that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan also have a deep mutual affection, and that through the interview, he hopes to enhance the bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan, deepen the affection between our peoples, and foster more future cooperation to promote prosperity and development in both countries.
Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses:
Nikkei: What is your personal view regarding the free trade system and the recent tariff war?
President Lai: Over the past few decades, the free economy headed by the Western world and led by the US has brought economic prosperity and political stability to Taiwan and Japan. At the same time, we have also learned or followed many Western values.
I believe that Taiwan and Japan are exemplary students, but some countries are not. Therefore, the biggest crisis right now is China, which exploits the free trade system to engage in plagiarism and counterfeiting, infringe on intellectual property rights, and even provide massive government subsidies that facilitate the dumping of low-priced goods worldwide, which has a major impact on many countries including Japan and Taiwan. If this kind of unfair trade is not resolved, the stable societies and economic prosperity we have painstakingly built over decades, as well as some of the values we pursue, could be destroyed. I therefore think it is worthwhile for us to observe the recent willingness of the US to address unfair trade, and if necessary, offer assistance.
Our national strategic plan for Taiwanese industries is for them to be rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. Therefore, while the 32 percent tariff increase imposed by the US on Taiwan is indeed a major challenge, we are willing to address it seriously and find opportunities within that challenge, making Taiwan’s strategic plan for industry even more comprehensive.
Nikkei: What is your view on Taiwan’s trade arrangements?
President Lai: In 2010 China accounted for 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment, but last year it accounted for only 7.5 percent. In 2020, 43.9 percent of Taiwan’s exports went to China, but that figure dropped to 31.7 percent in 2024. We have systematically transferred investments from Taiwanese enterprises to Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US. Therefore, last year Taiwan’s largest outbound investment was in the US, accounting for roughly 40 percent of the total. Nevertheless, only 23.4 percent of Taiwanese products were sold to the US, with 76.6 percent sold to places other than the US.
In other words, we don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket, and hope to establish a global presence. Under these circumstances, Taiwan is very eager to cooperate with Japan. At this moment, the Indo-Pacific and international community really need Japan’s leadership, especially to make the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) excel in its functions. We also ask Japan to support Taiwan’s CPTPP accession.
Taiwan hopes to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, to build closer ties in economic trade and promote further investment. We also hope to strengthen relations with the European Union, and even other regions. Currently, we are proposing an initiative on global semiconductor supply chain partnerships for democracies, because the semiconductor industry is an ecosystem. For example, Japan has materials, equipment, and technology; the US has IC design and marketing; Taiwan has production and manufacturing; and the Netherlands excels in equipment. We therefore hope to leverage Taiwan’s advantages in production and manufacturing to connect the democratic community and establish a global non-red supply chain for semiconductors, ensuring further world prosperity and development in the future, and ensuring that free trade can continue to function without being affected by dumping, which would undermine future prosperity and development.
We want industries to expand their global presence and market internationally while staying rooted here in Taiwan. Having industries rooted in Taiwan involves promoting pay raises for employees, tax cuts, and deregulation, as well as promoting enterprise investment tax credits. We have also proposed Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan for Taiwanese enterprises. We are actively resolving issues regarding access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent so that the business community can return to Taiwan to invest, or enterprises in Taiwan can increase their investments. We are also actively signing bilateral investment agreements with friends and allies so that when our companies invest and expand their presence abroad, their rights and interests as investors are ensured.
Additionally, as I just mentioned, we hope to sign an EPA with Japan, similar to the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, or the Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement with the United Kingdom, or similar agreements or memorandums of understanding with Canada and Australia that allow Taiwanese products to be marketed worldwide. Those are our overall arrangements.
Looking at the history of Taiwan’s industrial development, of course it began in Taiwan, and then moved west to China and south to Southeast Asia. We hope to take this opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Japan to the north, across the Pacific Ocean to the east, and develop the North American market, making Taiwan’s industries even stronger. In other words, while we see the current reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US as a kind of challenge, we also view these changes positively.
Nikkei: Due to pressure from China, it is difficult for Taiwan to participate in international frameworks such as the CPTPP or sign an EPA with Japan. What is your view on this situation?
President Lai: The key point is what kind of attitude we should adopt in viewing China’s acts of oppression. If we act based on our belief in free trade, or on the universal values we pursue – democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights – and also on the understanding that a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and Japan would contribute to the economic prosperity and development of both countries, or that Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP would benefit progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, then I personally hope that our friends and allies will strongly support us.
Nikkei: Regarding the Trump administration’s “reciprocal tariff” policy and the possibility of taxing semiconductors, how do you interpret their intentions? How does Taiwan plan to respond?
President Lai: Since President Trump took office, I have paid close attention to interviews with both him and his staff. Several of his main intentions are: First, he wants to address the US fiscal situation. For example, while the US GDP is about US$29 trillion annually, its national debt stands at US$36 trillion, which is roughly 124 percent of GDP. Second, annual government spending exceeds US$6.5 trillion, but revenues are only around US$4.5 trillion, resulting in a nearly US$2 trillion deficit each year, about 7 percent of GDP. Third, the US pays nearly US$1.2 trillion in interest annually, which exceeds the US$1 trillion defense budget and accounts for more than 3 percent of GDP. Fourth, he still wants to implement tax cuts, aiming to reduce taxes for 85 percent of Americans. This would cost between US$500 billion and US$1 trillion. These points illustrate his first goal: solving the fiscal problem.
Second, the US feels the threat of China and believes that reindustrialization is essential. Without reindustrialization, the US risks a growing gap in industrial capacity compared to China. Third, in this era of global smart technology, President Trump wants to lead the nation to become a world center of AI. Fourth, he aims to ensure world peace and prevent future wars. So, if you ask me what the US seeks to achieve, I would say these four areas form the core of its intentions. That is why President Trump has raised tariffs, demanded that trading partners purchase more American goods, and encouraged friendly and allied nations to invest in the US, all in order to achieve these goals.
The 32 percent reciprocal tariff poses a critical challenge for Taiwan, and we must treat it seriously. Our approach is not confrontation, but negotiation to reduce tariffs. We have also agreed to measures such as procurement, investment, resolving non-tariff trade barriers, and addressing origin washing in order to effectively reduce the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US. Of course, through this negotiation process, we also hope to turn challenges into opportunities. First, we aim to start negotiations from the proposal of zero tariffs and seek to establish a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Second, we hope to support US reindustrialization and its aim to become a world AI hub through investment, while simultaneously upgrading and transforming Taiwan’s industries. This would help further integrate Taiwan’s industries into the US economic structure, ensuring Taiwan’s long-term development.
As I have repeatedly emphasized, Taiwan’s national industrial strategy is for industries to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. We have gone from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer northward with Japan, and now the time is ripe for us to expand eastward by investing in North America. In other words, while we take this challenge seriously to protect national interests and ensure that no industry is sacrificed, we also hope these negotiations will lead to deeper Taiwan-US trade relations through Taiwanese investment in the US. These are our expectations.
Naturally, the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US will have an impact on Taiwanese industries. In response, the Taiwanese government has already proposed support measures for affected industries totaling NT$93 billion. In addition, we have outlined broader needs for Taiwan’s long-term development, which will be covered by a special budget proposal of NT$410 billion. This has already been approved by the Executive Yuan and will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review. This special budget proposal addresses four main areas: supporting industries, stabilizing employment, protecting people’s livelihoods, and enhancing resilience.
As for tariffs on semiconductors, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has committed to investing in the US at the request of its customers. I believe TSMC’s industry chain will follow suit. These are concrete actions that are unrelated to tariffs. However, if the US were to invoke Section 232 and impose tariffs on semiconductors or related industries, it would discourage Taiwanese semiconductor and ICT investments in the US. We will make this position clear to the US going forward.
Among Taiwan’s exports to the US, there are two main categories: ICT products and electronic components, which together account for 65.4 percent. These are essential to the US, unlike final goods such as cups, tables, or mattresses. What Taiwan sells to the US are the technological products required by AI designers like NVIDIA, AMD, Amazon, Google, and Apple. Therefore, we will make sure the US understands clearly that we are not exporting end products, but the high-tech components necessary for the US to reindustrialize and become a global AI center. Furthermore, Taiwan is also willing to increase its defense budget and military procurement. We are committed to defending ourselves and are strongly willing to cooperate with friends and allies to ensure regional peace and stability. This is also something President Trump hopes to see.
Nikkei: Could TSMC’s fabs overseas weaken Taiwan’s strategic position as a key hub for semiconductor manufacturing? And could that then give other countries fewer incentives to protect Taiwan?
President Lai: Political leaders around the world including Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba and former Prime Ministers Abe, Suga, and Kishida have emphasized, at the G7 and other major international fora, that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential for global security and prosperity. In other words, the international community cares about Taiwan and supports peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait because Taiwan is located in the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, directly facing China. If Taiwan is not protected, China’s expansionist ambitions will certainly grow, which would impact the current rules-based international order. Thus, the international community willingly cares about Taiwan and supports stability in the Taiwan Strait. That is the reason, and it has no direct connection with TSMC. After all, TSMC has not made investments in that many countries. That point, I think, is clear.
TSMC’s investments in Japan, Europe, and the US are all natural, normal economic and investment activities. Taiwan is a democratic country whose society is based on the rule of law, so when Taiwanese companies need to invest around the world for business needs, the government will support those investments in principle so long as they do not harm national interests.
After TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) held a press conference with President Trump to announce the investment in the US, he returned to Taiwan to hold a press conference with me here at the Presidential Office, where he explained to the Taiwanese public that TSMC’s R&D center will remain in Taiwan and that the facilities it has already committed to investing in here will not change and will not be affected. So, to put it another way, TSMC will not be weakened by its investment in the US. I want to emphasize this once more: Taiwan has strengths in semiconductor manufacturing, and Taiwan is very willing to work alongside other democratic countries to promote the next stage of global prosperity and development.
Nikkei: It feels as though we are returning to what was previously called the Cold War, with two opposing blocs – East and West – facing off again. Between the US and China, which side should we choose?
President Lai: Some experts and scholars describe the current situation as entering a new Cold War era between democratic and authoritarian camps. Others assert that the war has already begun, including information warfare, economic and trade wars, and the ongoing wars in Europe – the Russo-Ukrainian War – and the Middle East, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. These are all matters experts have cautioned about. I am not a historian, so I will not attempt to define today’s political situation from an academic standpoint. However, I believe that every country has a choice. That is to say, Taiwan, Japan, or any other nation does not necessarily have to choose between the US and China. What we are deciding is whether our country will maintain a democratic constitutional system or regress into an authoritarian regime. This is essentially a choice of values – not merely a choice between two major powers.
Taiwan’s situation is different from other countries because we face a direct threat from China. We have experienced military conflicts such as the August 23 Artillery Battle and the Battle of Guningtou – actual wars between the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China. China’s ambition to annex Taiwan has never wavered. Today, China’s political and military intimidation, as well as internal united front infiltration, are growing increasingly intense. Therefore, to defend democracy and sovereignty, protect our free and democratic system, and ensure the safety of our people’s lives and property, Taiwan’s choice is clear.
China’s military exercises are not limited to the Taiwan Strait, and include the East China Sea, South China Sea, and even the Sea of Japan, as well as areas around Korea and Australia. Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are all democratic nations. Taiwan’s choice is clear, and I believe Japan also has no other choice. We are all democratic countries whose people have long pursued the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. That is what is most important.
Nikkei: As tensions between the US and China intensify, what roles can Taiwan and Japan play?
President Lai: In my view, Japan is a powerful nation. I sincerely hope that Japan can take a leading role amid these changes in the international landscape. I believe that countries in the Indo-Pacific region are also willing to respond. I think there are several areas where we can work together: first, democracy and peace; second, innovation and prosperity; and third, justice and sustainability.
In the face of authoritarian threats, we should let peace be our beacon and democracy our compass as we respond to the challenges posed by authoritarian states. Second, as the world enters an era characterized by the comprehensive adoption of smart technologies, Japan and Taiwan should collaborate in the field of innovation to further drive regional prosperity and development. Third is justice and sustainability. Because international society still has many issues that need to be resolved, Taiwan and Japan can cooperate for the public good, helping countries in need around the world, and cooperating to address climate change and achieve net-zero transition by 2050.
Nikkei: Do you hope that the US will continue to be a leader in the liberal democratic system?
President Lai: Although the US severed diplomatic ties with the Republic of China, for the past few decades it has assisted Taiwan in various areas such as national defense, security, and countering threats from China, based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Taiwan has also benefited, directly and indirectly, in terms of politics, democracy, and economic prosperity thanks to the US. Therefore, Taiwan naturally hopes that the US remains strong and continues to lead the world.
When the US encounters difficulties, whether financial difficulties, reindustrialization issues, or becoming a global center for AI, and hopes to receive support from its friends and allies to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Taiwan is willing to stand together for a common cause. If the US remains strong, that helps Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world as a whole.
The vital role of the US on the global stage has not changed. However, after decades of shouldering global responsibilities, it has encountered some issues. Now, it has to make adjustments, and I firmly believe it will do so swiftly, and quickly resume its leadership role in the world.
Nikkei: I remember you said during your election campaign that you would like to invite China’s President Xi Jinping for bubble tea. Have you changed your mind?
President Lai: Taiwan is a peace-loving country, and Taiwanese society is inherently kind. Therefore, we hope to get along peacefully with China, living in peace and mutual prosperity. So, during my term as vice president, I was expressing the goodwill of Taiwanese society. Of course, I understand that China’s President Xi would have certain difficulties in accepting this. However, I must emphasize that the goodwill of Taiwanese society has always existed. If China reflects on the past two or three decades, it will see that its economy was able to develop with Taiwan as its largest foreign investor. Every year, 1 to 2 million Taiwanese were starting businesses or investing in China, creating numerous job opportunities and stabilizing Chinese society. While many Taiwanese businesses have profited, Chinese society has benefited even more. In addition, every time a natural disaster occurs, if China is in need, Taiwanese always offer donations. Therefore, I hope that China can face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence, and understand that the people of Taiwan hope to continue living free and democratic lives with respect for human rights. I also hope China can pay attention to the goodwill of Taiwanese society. We have not abandoned the notion that as long as there is parity, dignity, exchange, and cooperation, the goodwill of choosing dialogue over confrontation and exchange over containment will always exist.
Nikkei: What is your view on the national security reforms in response to China’s espionage activities and infiltration attempts?
President Lai: China’s united front infiltration activities in Taiwan are indeed very serious. China’s ambitions to annex Taiwan rely not only on the use of political and military intimidation, but also on its long-term united front and infiltration activities in Taiwanese society. Recently, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office of the Ministry of Justice prosecuted 64 spies, which is three times the number in 2021. In addition to active-duty military personnel, many retired military personnel were also indicted. Moreover, Taiwan also has the Chinese Unification Promotion Party, which has a background in organized crime, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, which was established by retired military personnel, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government, which is also composed of retired generals. These are all China’s front organizations, and they plan one day to engage in collaboration within Taiwan. This shows the seriousness of China’s infiltration in Taiwan. Therefore, in the recent past I convened a high-level national security meeting and proposed 17 response strategies across five areas. The five areas include the following: first, to address China’s threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty; second, to respond to the threat of China’s obscuring the Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity; third, to respond to the threat of China’s infiltrating and recruiting members of the ROC Armed Forces as spies; fourth, to respond to the threat of China’s infiltration of Taiwanese society through societal exchanges and united front work; and fifth, to respond to the threat of China using “integration plans” to draw Taiwan’s young people and Taiwanese businesses into its united front activities. In response to these five major threats, I have proposed 17 response strategies. One of which is to restore the military trial system. If active-duty military personnel commit military crimes, they must be subject to military trials. This expresses the Taiwanese government’s determination to respond to China’s united front infiltration and the subversion of Taiwan.
Nikkei: What actions can Taiwan take to guard against China’s threats to regional security?
President Lai: Many people are worried that the increasingly tense situation may lead to accidental conflict and the outbreak of war. My view is that Taiwan is committed to facing China’s various threats with caution. Taiwan is never the source of these problems. If there is an accidental conflict and it turns into a full-scale war, it will certainly be a deliberate act by China by using an accidental conflict as a pretext. When China expanded its military presence in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the international community did not stop it; when China conducted exercises in the Taiwan Strait, the international community did not take strong measures to prevent this from happening. Now, China is conducting gray-zone exercises, which are aggressions against not only the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, but also extending to the Sea of Japan and waters near South Korea. At this moment, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and even the US should face these developments candidly and seriously. We must exhibit unity and cooperation to prevent China’s gray-zone aggression from continuing to expand and prevent China from shifting from a military exercise to combat. If no action is taken now, the situation may become increasingly serious.
Nikkei: Some US analysts point out that China will have the ability to invade Taiwan around 2027. How do you assess the risk of a Chinese invasion at this stage?
President Lai: As the country on the receiving end of threats and aggression, Taiwan must plan for the worst and make the best preparations. Our armed forces have a famous saying: “Do not count on the enemy not showing up; count on being ready should it strike.” This is why I proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we must strengthen our national defense. Second, we must strengthen economic resilience. Not only must our economy remain strong, but it must also be resilient. We cannot put all our eggs in the same basket, in China, as we have done in the past. Third, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with friends and allies such as Japan and the US, as well as the democratic community, and we must demonstrate the strength of deterrence to prevent China from making the wrong judgment. Fourth, I would like to emphasize again that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China and seek cross-strait peace and mutual prosperity through exchanges and cooperation.
Nikkei: Amid intensifying US-China confrontation, in which areas do you think Taiwan and Japan should strengthen cooperation? In addition, Japan’s Ishiba administration is also a minority government. What are your expectations for the Ishiba administration?
President Lai: In the face of rapid and tremendous changes in the political situation, every government faces considerable challenges, especially for minority governments. But the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Ishiba has quite adequately responded with various strategies. Furthermore, Japan is different from Taiwan. Although Japan’s ruling party lacks a majority, political parties in Japan engage in competition domestically while exhibiting unity externally. Taiwan’s situation is more challenging, because the ruling and opposition parties hold different views on the direction of the country, due to differences in national identity.
In the future, I hope that Taiwan and Japan will enjoy even more comprehensive cooperation. I have always believed that deep historical bonds connect Taiwan and Japan. Over the past several decades, when encountering natural disasters and tragedies, our two nations have assisted each other with mutual care and support. The affection between the people of Taiwan and Japan is like that of a family. In addition, both countries face the threat of authoritarianism. We share a mission to safeguard universal values such as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. Our two countries should be more open to cooperation in various areas to maintain regional peace and stability as well as to strengthen cooperation in economic and industrial development, such as for semiconductor industry chains and everyday applications of AI, including robots and drones. We can also cooperate on climate change response, such as in hydrogen energy and other strategies. Our two countries should also continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges. I would like to take this opportunity to once again invite our good friends from Japan to visit Taiwan for tourism and learn more about Taiwan. The Taiwanese people wholeheartedly welcome our Japanese friends.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week (AMW) to Highlight Mineral Traceability as a Catalyst for Investment, Supply Chain Reform

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

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 13, 2025/APO Group/ —

The upcoming African Mining Week – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1 – 3, 2025, in Cape Town – will feature a high-level panel focused on mineral traceability and supply chain optimization.

Titled Mineral Traceability: Reshaping Global Supply Chains and Geopolitical Influence, the session will bring together key players from public and private sectors, including mineral traders and certification bodies. The discussion will explore how traceability frameworks are driving investment, improving transparency and creating real economic impact in Africa’s mineral-rich economies.

African countries, in partnership with global partners, are implementing innovative traceability mechanisms to strengthen governance and ensure local beneficiation across the mining value chain. In Ghana, the government established the Ghana Gold Board in early 2025 to centralize the purchase and trade of domestically produced gold. Now the exclusive buyer, trader and exporter of the resource, the agency is designed to combat illegal gold trade, enhance transparency and ensure the gold sector contributes directly to GDP growth.

In Botswana, a new partnership with the G7 Diamond Technical Team, announced in November 2024, aims to develop an export certification system for rough diamonds. The system, which will be operational by 2025, will ensure diamonds are traceable across the supply chain. Namibia and Angola have revealed plans to adopt similar platforms in 2025.

Rwanda launched the Inkomane Trading System in October 2024 to enhance transparency across the mining lifecycle. The platform enables stakeholders to manage operations, payroll and mineral trades while complying with new laws around exploration, production and monetization. In February 2025, UK-based company Aterian resumed operations in Rwanda after aligning with the system’s requirements.

In October 2024, the Copper Mark, the International Council on Mining and Metals, the Mining Association of Canada and the World Gold Council launched the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative. The initiative aims to harmonize existing mining standards under one consolidated framework, promoting responsible sourcing and ensuring comprehensive traceability. Once finalized, the standard is expected to be adopted by nearly 100 companies operating across 600 sites in around 60 countries, including many in Africa.

Further strengthening transparency in mineral reporting, the African Union’s African Minerals Development Centre introduced the Pan-African Resource Reporting Code in April 2024. The framework aims to ensure public reporting aligns with Africa’s development agenda, specifically the Africa Mining Vision and Agenda 2063, emphasizing sustainability, equity, and economic transformation.

Private mining firms are also leveraging technology to support traceability. De Beers registers Botswana’s diamond output using Tracr, a blockchain-enabled platform. Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, companies like Cobalt Blockchain, Glencore and Eurasian Resources Group have piloted blockchain solutions to trace cobalt from source to market.

As mineral traceability becomes increasingly crucial to securing sustainable investment and ensuring accountability in resource use, African Mining Week 2025 will spotlight the continent’s leading practices and ongoing efforts in building robust, transparent mineral value chains.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Interaction between Polytechnic University and Russian-Armenian University: Digest of Events

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU and the Institute of Economics and Business of the Russian-Armenian University (RAU) have joined forces to conduct annual International Student Scientific Conference. This event, continuing the tradition cooperation, has become an important platform for discussing current scientific research by young people and strengthening academic ties between universities.

On the first day of the conference, participants of the Higher School of Industrial Management (HSIM) of IPMEiT, together with the Department of Management and Business of the Russian Agrarian University, discussed interdisciplinary research issues covering such areas as management in conditions of uncertainty, sustainable urban development, digital marketing and logistics in business, and problems of decarbonization in industry.

The participants were addressed with welcoming speeches by the Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management Olga Kalinina, the Head of the Department of Management and Business of the Russian Agrarian University Arzik Suvaryan and the Deputy Director for Research Work of Students of the Institute of Industrial Management and Technology Svetlana Shirokova.

Arzik Suvaryan expressed confidence in the need to strengthen cooperation: We see how these events inspire students and teachers to new scientific achievements. I am sure that next year we will again surprise the participants with new achievements.

The conference became a real platform for generating ideas. We were able not only to present our research, but also to receive valuable recommendations from colleagues. The discussion on the application of qualimetric models in risk management of real estate construction in the mountainous areas of the Republic of Armenia was especially useful, – shared his impressions 4th-year student of the HSE “Construction Management” program Artem Androsov.

The Higher School of Public Administration (HSPA) of IPMEiT held a section on “Public Administration and Economic Security” jointly with the Department of Economics and Finance of the Russian-Armenian University. Participants discussed topics such as improving public administration in the field of environmental education, the impact of economic crime on regional security, as well as the balance of socio-economic development of regions and issues of IT audit and digital currencies.

The speakers presented the results of their research, and we were able to discuss current topics in the field of public administration and economic security. The discussion on the influence of the shadow economy and environmental education was especially interesting, commented HSSU postgraduate student Natalia Kulkaeva.

The section “Sustainable Development of Socioeconomic Systems in the Context of Digitalization”, organized by the Higher School of Engineering and Economics (HSE), featured more than fifteen scientific reports on the digitalization of the economy, innovative development of regions, greening of industry, as well as the introduction of digital solutions in logistics, trade and small business. Particular attention was drawn to the presentations of students, which examined the prospects for international trade, the internationalization of the yuan, cooperation between Russia and China, as well as the strategy for sustainable development of Egypt until 2030.

The conference gave me inspiration and new ideas. It was very interesting to hear the presentations of colleagues and discuss current topics in economics. I recommend it to everyone! – noted VIES student Dong Yiqun, studying in the program “World Economy and International Economic Relations”.

As part of the international annual student scientific conference of the Russian-Armenian University, Associate Professor of the Higher Engineering Physics School of SPbPU Maxim Vinnichenko gave a plenary report to postgraduate students, students and, importantly, schoolchildren of the RAU.

In his report, he emphasized: By measuring the intensity of light passing through a sample, we can obtain important information about its optical properties. In this way, we can diagnose a wide variety of materials – both solids and liquids, including biological media such as blood or saliva. For example, studies have been conducted to determine the presence of COVID-19 by spectral characteristics. This is a clear example of the connection between science and medicine.

The associate professor also noted that laser radiation can be used, for example, to assess blood flow velocity.

In some areas of the body where there are no bones and the skin is thin enough – for example, on the wrist or palm – you can illuminate it with a powerful green or red laser and visually observe how much light passes through the tissue. This data allows you to roughly estimate the speed of blood flow in the veins, – said Vynnychenko.

Also, at the site of the Armenian University, Maxim Vinnichenko held open lectures on the course “Optical properties of semiconductors and nanostructures”, which were listened to with great interest by senior and postgraduate students of the RAU in the field of “Electronics and Nanoelectronics”.

Colleagues from RAU highly appreciated the quality of the students’ reports and came up with an initiative to develop cooperation aimed at popularizing science among students, publishing articles and holding joint youth events and conferences on a regular basis.

The best reports were awarded with certificates of participation, and all submitted articles will be published in the conference collection. The joint conference of SPbPU and RAU continues to prove that science is not only research, but also a dialogue that unites minds and cultures for the sake of the future.

Polytechnics also took part in the International scientific and practical conference “Current issues of personality psychology: identity and adaptation”. SPbPU was represented by the director of the Higher School of Social Sciences Anastasia Lisenkova, associate professor of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy Lyudmila Luchsheva, head of the educational and project art laboratory “ArtPolyLab” of the State Institute of Geography Maria Kukushkina.

Anastasia Lisenkova presented a report entitled “Liquid Privacy: Forced Publicity of Digital Identity”, where she revealed the features of the digital era and their impact on self-identification. Lyudmila Luchsheva presented a report entitled “Dynamics of Attitudes and Motivation of Teachers’ Professional Activity”. Maria Kukushkina presented a study entitled “The Structure of Social Representations of Kindergarten Directors on the Psychological Safety of the Educational Environment”, emphasizing the role of management decisions in creating a comfortable environment for children, and held a master class entitled “My Professional Path” dedicated to career trajectories in psychology and pedagogy.

Participation in the conference allowed us to exchange experiences in conducting current research and to outline new areas of cooperation in the fields of psychology, sociology and other humanities.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: History of WTO’s Schedules of Concessions

Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

Discover the story behind 26,000 pages of trade commitments that have helped define the global trading system 30 years ago. From the historic Marrakesh signing to the depths of the WTO archives, learn about the evolution of WTO member schedules, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Committee on Market Access.
Explore the WTO Goods Schedule e-Library: https://goods-schedules.wto.org/

Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X-t1xaKez0

MIL OSI Video –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: IPC Partners with Open Lake Technology to transform communications compliance assurance in financial markets
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, London, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IPC, a leading global provider of secure, compliant communications and multi-cloud connectivity solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Open Lake Technology (OLT), a specialist technology provider in compliance automation and telephony performance management. This collaboration addresses the increasingly complex challenges faced by financial organizations – and other industry verticals – ensuring regulatory compliance across complex communications infrastructures.

The partnership integrates OLT’s digital technologies for centralizing, streamlining and automating compliance processes within IPC’s Unigy platform, accessible alongside – and interoperable with – other IPC and partner technology solutions.

By integrating OLT solutions within IPC’s Unigy voice communications ecosystem, customers benefit from a centralized platform that assures communications compliance, drives cost efficiencies, enhances system performance and streamlines operational workflows.

OLT’s Compliance Automation Process (CAP) automates regulatory verification processes in near real-time, identifying and helping to resolve gaps in call recording, ensuring quality, accuracy, and completeness of voice recordings, meta data, data retention and compliant reporting, and improving audit readiness.

OLT’s Trade Floor Systems Check (TFSC) offers a real-time, automated solution that ensures all critical systems including trading terminals, soft clients, voice recording systems, network connectivity, and external connectivity are fully operational and performing to internal technical standards.

The collaboration between IPC and OLT underscores the value of digital transformation in compliance workflows. Real-time monitoring, detailed reporting, and customizable dashboards empower businesses with data-driven insights to address technical incidents swiftly, optimize telephony usage, and maintain compliance across all communication systems.

“Financial institutions are under immense pressure to meet regulatory demands while optimizing operational efficiency. This partnership exemplifies the shared commitment of IPC and OLT to support businesses in building resilient, future-ready infrastructures that integrate compliance with overall performance management. Bringing OLT’s state-of-the-art automation and monitoring capabilities within our global communications technology environment enables our customers to more easily streamline communications compliance activities and meet regulatory reporting obligations with confidence,” said Colin Allison, Compliance Product Manager at IPC.

“Open Lake Technology is pleased to collaborate with IPC, a global leader in communications technology innovation, to provide financial market participants with the tools needed to navigate today’s complex regulatory compliance landscape. Our solutions assure compliance and also drive greater operational performance, complementing IPC’s extensive communications technology solutions and services,” said Antony Derbes, CEO at Open Lake Technology.

About IPC
A specialist technology and service leader powering global financial markets for over 50 years, IPC Systems is at the forefront of innovation in trading and market data connectivity and communications technologies, setting the standard for exceptional service, innovation, and expertise.

IPC’s customer-first approach is bolstered by an extensive and diverse financial ecosystem that spans all asset classes and connects market participants anywhere in the world for enhanced communication, collaboration, and compliance.

Global services include trading communications, electronic trading, data and analytics and infrastructure-as-a-service solutions. IPC is ideally positioned to anticipate change and remain aligned with rapidly transforming markets, and to empower customers to adapt to change, now and in the future.

To learn more, visit www.ipc.com, explore our Insights page and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Open Lake Technology
Open Lake Technology is a leading provider of intelligent automation solutions tailored for trading and financial services firms worldwide. We specialize in driving digital transformation through advanced software and systems integration – empowering our clients to streamline operations, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve data-driven decision-making.

With deep expertise in compliance technology, communications infrastructure, cloud computing, and analytics, Open Lake Technology delivers innovative, scalable solutions that help financial institutions optimize performance and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

To learn more, visit www.open-lake.com

Media Contact
Vanessa Green
Wigwam PR
Tel: +44 (0)771 333 2303 / vanessa@wigwampr.com

Attachment
- Antony Derbes
The MIL Network –
May 13, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The US and China have reached a temporary truce in the trade wars, but more turbulence lies ahead

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Jean Monnet Chair of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide

Defying expectations, the United States and China have announced an important agreement to de-escalate bilateral trade tensions after talks in Geneva, Switzerland.

The good, the bad and the ugly

The good news is their recent tariff increases will be slashed. The US has cut tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China has reduced levies on US imports from 125% to 10%. This greatly eases major bilateral trade tensions, and explains why financial markets rallied.

The bad news is twofold. First, the remaining tariffs are still high by modern standards. The US average trade-weighted tariff rate was 2.2% on January 1 2025, while it is now estimated to be up to 17.8%. This makes it the highest tariff wall since the 1930s.

Overall, it is very likely a new baseline has been set. Bilateral tariff-free trade belongs to a bygone era.

Second, these tariff reductions will be in place for 90 days, while negotiations continue. Talks will likely include a long list of difficult-to-resolve issues. China’s currency management policy and industrial subsidies system dominated by state-owned enterprises will be on the table. So will the many non-tariff barriers Beijing can turn on and off like a tap.

China is offering to purchase unspecified quantities of US goods – in a repeat of a US-China “Phase 1 deal” from Trump’s first presidency that was not implemented. On his first day in office in January, amid a blizzard of executive orders, Trump ordered a review of that deal’s implementation. The review found China didn’t follow through on the agriculture, finance and intellectual property protection commitments it had made.

Unless the US has now decided to capitulate to Beijing’s retaliatory actions, it is difficult to see the US being duped again.

Failure to agree on these points would reveal the ugly truth that both countries continue to impose bilateral export controls on goods deemed sensitive, such as semiconductors (from the US to China) and processed critical minerals (from China to the US).

Moreover, in its so-called “reciprocal” negotiations with other countries, the US is pressing trading partners to cut certain sensitive China-sourced goods from their exports destined for US markets. China is deeply unhappy about these US demands and has threatened to retaliate against trading partners that adopt them.

A temporary truce

Overall, the announcement is best viewed as a truce that does not shift the underlying structural reality that the US and China are locked into a long-term cycle of escalating strategic competition.

Read more:
Why Trump fails to understand China’s trade war tactics, and what his negotiators should be reading

That cycle will have its ups (the latest announcement) and downs (the tariff wars that preceded it). For now, both sides have agreed to announce victory and focus on other matters.

For the US, this means ensuring there will be consumer goods on the shelves in time for Halloween and Christmas, albeit at inflated prices. For China, it means restoring some export market access to take pressure off its increasingly ailing economy.

As neither side can vanquish the other, the likely long-term result is a frozen conflict. This will be punctuated by attempts to achieve “escalation dominance”, as that will determine who emerges with better terms. Observers’ opinions on where the balance currently lies are divided.

Along the way, and to use a quote widely attributed to Winston Churchill, to “jaw-jaw is better than to war-war”. Fasten your seat belts, there is more turbulence to come.

Where does this leave the rest of us?

Significantly, the US has not (so far) changed its basic goals for all its bilateral trade deals.

Its overarching aim is to cut the goods trade deficit by reducing goods imports and eliminating non-tariff barriers it says are “unfairly” prohibiting US exports. The US also wants to remove barriers to digital trade and investments by tech giants and “derisk” certain imports that it deems sensitive for national security reasons.

The agreement between the US and UK last week clearly reflects these goals in operation. While the UK received some concessions, the remaining tariffs are higher, at 10% overall, than on April 2 and subject to US-imposed import quotas. Furthermore, the UK must open its market for certain goods while removing China-originating content from steel and pharmaceutical products destined for the US.

For Washington’s Pacific defence treaty allies, including Australia, nothing has changed. Potentially difficult negotiations with the Trump administration lie ahead, particularly if the US decides to use our security dependencies as leverage to wring concessions in trade. Japan has already disavowed linking security and trade, and their progress should be closely watched.

The US has previously paused high tariffs on manufacturing nations in South-East Asia, particularly those used by other nations as export platforms to avoid China tariffs. Vietnam, Cambodia and others will face sustained uncertainty and increasingly difficult balancing acts. The economic stakes are higher for them.

They, like the Japanese, are long-practised in the subtle arts of balancing the two giants. Still, juggling ties with both Washington and Beijing will become the act of an increasingly high-wire trapeze artist.

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

– ref. The US and China have reached a temporary truce in the trade wars, but more turbulence lies ahead – https://theconversation.com/the-us-and-china-have-reached-a-temporary-truce-in-the-trade-wars-but-more-turbulence-lies-ahead-256448

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Traditional Māori Welcome at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, was warmly received with a traditional Mihi Whakatau (welcome ceremony) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington, reflecting the hospitality of Aotearoa New Zealand and the strong appreciation for cultural traditions that underpin ASEAN-New Zealand relations.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Traditional Māori Welcome at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with New Zealand’s SOM Leader for ASEAN

Source: ASEAN

Today, in Wellington, New Zealand, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with Deputy Secretary, Americas and Asia Group and ASEAN SOM Leader of New Zealand, H.E. Grahame Morton, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand. Both sides discussed progress of ASEAN–New Zealand cooperation, noting the recent convening of the 32nd ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue and the ongoing preparations for the Commemorative Summit on the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations in October 2025, in Malaysia.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with New Zealand’s SOM Leader for ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unions barred from Budget 2025 lock-up

Source:

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has sent an open letter to the Government objecting to its decision to block the NZCTU and other unions from attending the Budget lock-up on 22 May.

“We object in the strongest possible terms to the Government’s decision to bar the NZCTU from the Budget 2025 lock-up. The NZCTU represents over 300,000 workers across the private and public sectors and is the largest democratic organisation in New Zealand,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“Workers will be significantly impacted by the decisions made by government at Budget 2025, and it is important that the NZCTU can accurately report on Budget decisions to ensure working people are properly briefed.

“This Government appears to believe the banks, international financial institutions, and consulting houses are more important than working people, and it seems that is why the representatives of working people have been denied access.

“Last week the Government made the highly controversial decision to unilaterally gut the pay equity claims process. It is therefore unsurprising that it doesn’t want working people to understand the rationale and impacts of its Budget decisions this year,” said Wagstaff.

Read the open letter below:

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Algernon Yau to attend APEC mtg

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart Qatar for Jeju in Korea today to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting.

With “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow” as its theme, those taking part in the APEC meeting, scheduled for May 15 and 16, will discuss topics under the three priorities of “Connect, Innovate, Prosper”.

Mr Yau will participate in thematic sessions and meet trade ministers of other member economies to exchange views on issues of mutual interest on the sidelines of the MRT Meeting.

He will return to Hong Kong on May 17. During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 13, 2025

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 13, 2025.

The dreaded beep test: outdated or still a valid assessment of your fitness?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Garrett, Lecturer in Exercise Science and Physiology, Griffith University For many, the beep test is seared into memory. And not just the test itself, but the wave of dread that came before hearing that first beep in school physical education (PE) classes. Also known as the

Liberals elect first woman leader, with Ley defeating Taylor 29-25
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The federal Liberal party has elected its first female leader, with Sussan Ley narrowly defeating Angus Taylor, 29-25. Ley, 63, who was deputy leader to Peter Dutton during the last term, had the support of the moderates in the party.

Don’t click without thinking – and 4 other ways to keep yourself safe from scams
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, CQUniversity Australia tete_escape/Shutterstock Think about how many things you have done online today. Paid a bill? Logged into your bank account? Used social media or spent time answering emails? Maybe you have used your phone to pay at a

Community-run food co-ops can reduce food insecurity and boost healthy diets, research shows
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Kent, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Wollongong alicja neumiler/Shutterstock As grocery prices continue to rise, many Australians are struggling to afford healthy food and are looking for alternatives to the big supermarket chains. The recent supermarkets inquiry, run by the Australian Competition and

Indigenous Kanaks support New Caledonia’s 50-year ban on seabed mining
By Andrew Mathieson New Caledonia has imposed a 50-year ban on deep-sea mining across its entire maritime zone in a rare and sweeping move that places the French Pacific territory among the most restricted exploration areas on the planet’s waters. The law blocks commercial exploration, prospecting and mining of mineral resources that sits within Kanaky

As insurance gets harder to buy, NZ has 3 choices for disaster recovery – and we keep choosing the worst one
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ilan Noy, Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington The number of climate change-related extreme weather events) is on the rise, making it harder for many people to buy affordable home insurance. The industry has already signalled

Pope Leo XIV expresses solidarity for ‘persecuted’ journalists seeking truth, calls for their freedom
By Devin Watkins of Vatican News Only four days have passed since his election to the papacy, and Pope Leo XIV has made it a point to hold an audience with the men and women who were in Rome to report on the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, and the first days of his

Free food and beer are common perks for hospitality workers – but are they masking unfairness?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olivier Oren, Associate lecturer, hospitality management, Griffith University G-Stock Studio/Shutterstock For cafe and restaurant workers, getting a free drink or meal at the end of a long shift might feel like a well-deserved reward. But could such perks – common across the industry – be masking deeper

A looming workforce crisis in NZ tourism and hospitality threatens industry growth plans
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Brien, Associate Professor, Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, Lincoln University, New Zealand Getty Images Last week’s big tourism conference in Rotorua saw plenty of optimism about the industry’s potential, but also warnings that airline capacity is hampering post-COVID growth. The focus on bringing more

From Zoo Quest to Ocean: The evolution of David Attenborough’s voice for the planet
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Neil J. Gostling, Associate Professor in Evolution and Palaeobiology, University of Southampton Over the course of seven decades, Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries have reshaped how we see the natural world, shifting from colonial-era collecting trips to urgent calls for environmental action. His storytelling has inspired generations, but

Trump heads to the Gulf aiming to bolster trade ties – but side talks on Tehran, Gaza could drive a wedge between US and Israel
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asher Kaufman, Professor of History and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman attend the G20 Summit in Japan in 2019. Eliot Blondet/AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump will sit down with the Saudi crown prince

What did the parties say on TikTok in the election, and how? Here’s the campaign broken down in 5 charts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Oates, PhD Candidate, School of Social Sciences, Monash University TikTok emerged as a key battleground in an election where young voters comprised a dominant share of the electorate. All the prominent political parties used the platform – especially after tactics by Labor contributed to its electoral

Dementia risk depends on more than lifestyle factors. Overstating this can cause stigma and blame
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joyce Siette, Associate Professor | Deputy Director, The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University Shvets Production/Pexels As public awareness of dementia grows, so too does the appetite for prevention. Global headlines tout the benefits of exercise, diet, brain training and social activity in reducing dementia risk. In recent

Range anxiety – or charger drama? Australians are buying hybrid cars because they don’t trust public chargers
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ganna Pogrebna, Executive Director, AI and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University VisualArtStudio/Shutterstock Range anxiety has long been seen as the main obstacle stopping drivers from going electric. But range isn’t the real issue. The average range of a new electric vehicle (EV) is more than 450

PSNA says broadcast ruling a warning to NZ news media to be wary of ‘Israeli propaganda’
Asia Pacific Report A decision by the Broadcasting Standards Authority to uphold a complaint against a 1News broadcast last November is a warning to news media, says the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. The authority ruled that a TVNZ news item on violence in Amsterdam in the Netherlands breached BSA rules. 1News described violence in the

If you really want to close the US trade deficit, try boosting innovation in rural manufacturing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Distinguished Professor, Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics, & Interim Head, Department of Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology President Donald Trump has long been preoccupied by the trade deficit — the gap between what the U.S. sells to the rest of the world and

Bindi Irwin was rushed to hospital for appendix surgery. But what is appendicitis?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Warwick Teague, Co-group Leader, Surgical Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute lev radin/Shutterstock Bindi Irwin has reportedly been rushed to hospital in the United States to undergo emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. According to brother Robert Irwin, “she’s going to be OK”, however the 26-year-old was forced

Otago academics plan declaration on Palestine to ‘face daily horrors’
Asia Pacific Report A group of New Zealand academics at Otago University have drawn up a “Declaration on Palestine” against genocide, apartheid and scholasticide of Palestinians by Israel that has illegally occupied their indigenous lands for more than seven decades. The document, which had already drawn more than 300 signatures from staff, students and alumni

View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The reshuffle announced by Anthony Albanese is a mix of continuity and change, with those in the government’s top rank staying in their previous ministries, as the prime minister had earlier flagged, but some big movements down the line. Tanya

Genes, environment or a special bond? Why some twins talk and think in unison
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey Craig, Professor in Medical Sciences, Deakin University An interview with Paula and Bridgette Powers – identical twins who witnessed their mother’s carjacking – recently went viral. The way they spoke and gestured in unison has captivated global audiences. Bridgette and Paula Powers have gained global attention

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Celebrates Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs at Small Business Administration’s Annual Awards

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
**Annual National Small Business Week awards recognize achievements and contributions of SBA-assisted individuals and businesses**
(Manchester, NH) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), along with U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), today celebrated Granite State small business owners and entrepreneurs at the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) annual National Small Business Week awards at the Manchester Historic Association’s Millyard Museum. The annual awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and businesses that have been supported by the SBA. Click here to view photos from the event.
“I was glad to attend today’s ceremony to celebrate the extraordinary Granite State small businesses being recognized. At the same time, I’m very concerned by the Trump administration’s proposed budget which would eliminate so many of the programs that support these businesses dealing with tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Senator Shaheen, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “We need to protect and fund SBA’s entrepreneurial development programs so that we can keep all of our small businesses robust in the state and ensure that we continue to grow and provide good jobs for the workers of New Hampshire.”
“I was grateful to join small business owners from across our state this morning to celebrate the incredible contribution that small businesses make to our communities,” said Senator Hassan. “As small businesses face rising costs and the chaos and uncertainty of ongoing tariffs, I will continue to work to support the SBA and its efforts to lower costs for New Hampshire small businesses. I applaud today’s award winners and am grateful for all of the small business owners who choose to work in New Hampshire and call our state home.”
“I want to share my heartfelt congratulations with this year’s award winners and honorees,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “Small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy, but they’re more than that. They make up the fabric of our state and the character of our communities. I know how challenging things can be, even in the best of times, and I will always do everything I can to support our small businesses and create an economic environment that will help our businesses grow and cut costs.”
“New Hampshire small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Congresswoman Goodlander, a member of the House Committee on Small Business. “This morning in Manchester, it was an honor to join the Small Business Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and innovation of incredible entrepreneurs across our state. I am proud to advocate for New Hampshire’s small businesses in Congress and to bring their voices to the Small Business Committee.”
The Granite State recipients of the 2025 Small Business Awards include:
New Hampshire Small Business Person of the Year: Dr. Tanya Lawson, Inbloom Health + Medispa, Londonderry
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Russ Collins, Home Innovations Corp., Derry
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Karen Jenovese, Swim NH LLC , Concord
Financial Services Champion of the Year for NH and NE: Rick Dassatti, SCORE Granite Region, Manchester
Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Josh Velasquez, Shire’s Naturals, Peterborough
Home-Based Business of the Year: Hailee Grisham Hampton, Hurry Slow Hat Co., Littleton
Young Entrepreneur: Sabrina MacDowell, Pampered Pup LLC, Candia
Micro-Enterprise: Bret Lincoln, Lincoln Fencing, Epping
Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s policies on small businesses and consumers. Just before President Trump took office, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for consumers and families. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc. and NH Ball Bearings to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration’s trade war.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Greater Bay Area Plus ASEAN: Hong Kong Explores New Development Space

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

“Hong Kong and ASEAN countries have strong economic and trade relations, and the Chinese community in Southeast Asia is closely connected with the Greater Bay Area.” Cai Guansheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong, described Hong Kong’s unique position as follows: “The left hand is the Greater Bay Area, the right hand is ASEAN.” He added: “Companies from other cities in the Greater Bay Area can team up with Hong Kong entrepreneurs and enter the global market together.”

Since early April, the US has been wielding its tariff baton without authorization, and Hong Kong, a free port, has been subjected to groundless attacks. In the past few years, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into China’s national development strategy by participating in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; on the other hand, it has been strengthening trade and economic ties with overseas markets, including ASEAN countries, using its unique advantages to overcome the crisis and explore new opportunities for growth.

Building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is Hong Kong’s Major Opportunity

Against the backdrop of the US tariff abuse, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Li Jiachao stressed that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has a population of about 87 million and a regional GDP of over 14 trillion yuan. “The state is the greatest opportunity and the greatest certainty for Hong Kong,” he said.

HKSAR Secretary-General Chen Guoji added that the Hong Kong government actively supports local companies and talents to tap into the boundless business opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, and encourages Guangdong enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s comprehensive advantages and professional services to accelerate their entry into the global market.

Expanding Trade Share with ASEAN: Finding New Partners and Markets

In addition to actively integrating into the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is actively exploring the ASEAN market, taking advantage of the “one country, two systems” system, free and open economy, and advantageous geographical location. All this allows it to play an important role in rebuilding global supply chains. Hong Kong and ASEAN countries have broad cooperation opportunities and common interests,” Li Jiachao said.

According to data released by the HKSAR government, ASEAN countries’ share of Hong Kong’s market has grown from 7.4% in 2018 to 8.7% in 2024, second only to China’s hinterland. Since 2019, ASEAN has overtaken the United States to become Hong Kong’s second-largest export market.

Accelerated adoption of various measures and expansion of development prospects

In addition to strengthening trade ties with China’s hinterland and ASEAN countries, Hong Kong has taken a range of measures, including firmly adhering to free trade policies, promoting industrial transformation and upgrading, actively pursuing scientific and technological innovation, and advancing international financial cooperation.

Hong Kong SAR Financial Secretary Chen Maobo recently said that many multinational enterprises are investing in Hong Kong, viewing it as a bridge between China’s hinterland and the world. Hong Kong has always adhered to the rule of law, an internationalized and friendly business environment, an inclusive culture, and provides access to the world’s most dynamic consumer and innovation market – China’s hinterland.

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Bad Credit Loan Providers with Guaranteed Approval & No Credit Check Required
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Charleston, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

In This Article, You’ll Discover:
- How to find the best bad credit loan providers with guaranteed approval and no credit check required in 2025
- Why MoneyMutual stands out as a leading online loan marketplace for emergency borrowing
- What specific features make a no credit check loan safe, fast, and accessible
- The exact steps to apply for a bad credit personal loan using MoneyMutual’s three-step system
- Real-world borrower scenarios that highlight how these loans solve urgent financial challenges
- A detailed comparison of MoneyMutual vs. other major providers in the bad credit loan space
- Legal risks, APR concerns, and repayment ethics every borrower should know
- Disclaimers, pricing caveats, and security policies to ensure readers make informed financial choices
TL;DR: Best Bad Credit Loan Providers with Guaranteed Approval & No Credit Check Required

For borrowers with poor or no credit history, accessing traditional financing can feel impossible. This article explores the top options for bad credit loans with guaranteed approval and no credit check required, focusing on MoneyMutual as a trusted and fast-access loan matching platform.

The content explains how MoneyMutual connects users with a broad network of third-party lenders offering emergency loans, short-term funding, and installment loans for bad credit, all through a simple, secure application. It also compares MoneyMutual with other major platforms, outlines borrower risks, and includes legal disclaimers to ensure ethical borrowing.

If you’re seeking fast, discreet, and flexible financing, especially when time and credit are working against you, this article breaks down everything you need to know.

Introduction

Why Getting a Loan with Bad Credit Feels Impossible

For millions of Americans, trying to get approved for a loan with bad credit feels like hitting a brick wall. Whether it’s due to unexpected medical bills, a layoff, or an emergency expense that spiraled into debt, many people are locked out of traditional financial options. Banks often demand high credit scores, extensive paperwork, and collateral—leaving those with less-than-perfect histories out in the cold.

That’s where specialized bad credit loan providers with guaranteed approval and no credit check required step in to meet real-world needs. These platforms have grown in popularity by offering flexible lending solutions, fast approvals, and fewer barriers to access.

The Rise of Fintech Loan Marketplaces

Modern digital platforms have revolutionized how consumers access credit. Platforms like MoneyMutual now make it possible for borrowers to connect with a wide network of short-term lenders in a matter of minutes—all without requiring a traditional credit score. With the rise of AI-powered lender matching, soft credit checks, and same-day funding, borrowers now have more control over how and when they get the money they need.

Unlike legacy banks, these platforms focus on what matters most: speed, privacy, and approval—even if your credit score is low or non-existent. This makes them a go-to solution for people looking for emergency loans, cash advances, and installment loans for bad credit.

Understanding the Real Pain Points of Borrowers

The Financial Fallout of Poor Credit

A bad credit score doesn’t just limit your borrowing power—it alters your entire financial trajectory. For many, it starts with a single unexpected event: a job loss, a medical emergency, or a missed credit card payment. Over time, these moments accumulate, pulling credit scores down and increasing the cost of living. With each drop in score, doors begin to close: housing becomes harder to secure, traditional bank loans become off-limits, and even getting a phone contract becomes a challenge.

Borrowers facing poor credit often report feeling ashamed, anxious, or judged by traditional institutions. The systems in place weren’t designed with flexibility in mind. Banks and credit unions rely on rigid FICO models and automated rejection tools that fail to account for personal stories or financial recovery efforts.

This leaves many with a dangerous lack of options when a financial emergency arises.

The Emotional Toll of Financial Exclusion

Financial hardship doesn’t just hurt your bank account—it impacts your mental health, relationships, and career. Studies have shown that those living paycheck to paycheck are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Being denied repeatedly—whether it’s for a loan, a car lease, or even a small overdraft—creates a cycle of despair that can feel impossible to escape.

Consumers often ask:
- “Where can I get a loan if no one checks my credit?”
- “Is there a fast way to get cash without being humiliated by my score?”
- “Are there emergency loans for bad credit that actually approve people like me?”
These are real questions from real people who need help—not judgment.

Hidden Fees and Predatory Alternatives

Unfortunately, those with bad credit are frequent targets of predatory lending schemes. Some payday loan storefronts and online scams promise instant cash but hide crippling interest rates in the fine print. Others demand upfront “processing fees” before vanishing entirely. This makes trust and transparency absolutely essential when searching for personal loans with no credit check or guaranteed approval loans.

Reputable lending platforms like MoneyMutual aim to address these dangers by offering a free-to-use portal that matches users with trusted lenders—without hidden fees or obligations.

Disclaimer: Loan approval is not guaranteed, and actual terms will vary by lender. Always read lender terms carefully before accepting a loan offer.

When Life Doesn’t Wait: Real-Life Loan Triggers

To better understand the needs of borrowers with bad credit, let’s explore some of the most common reasons people seek fast funding:
- Medical Emergencies: Uninsured ER visits, prescriptions, or urgent procedures
- Auto Repairs: Getting to work depends on fixing your vehicle
- Rent and Utilities: Avoiding eviction or late fees in a cash-flow crunch
- Family Crises: Funeral travel, helping relatives, or covering school costs
- Unexpected Layoffs: Income gaps that savings can’t cover
In these moments, people don’t have time for weeks of paperwork or judgment. They need quick loans for bad credit that offer same-day funding with minimal friction.

Why Borrowers Turn to No Credit Check Loans

Here’s why no credit check loans have become increasingly popular in 2025:
- Speed: Applications take minutes. Some lenders fund within 24 hours.
- Accessibility: Most require only basic information—no hard credit inquiry.
- Discretion: Online applications avoid the embarrassment of in-person denials.
- Control: Borrowers can choose from offers that fit their needs without obligation.
This approach aligns with the growing demand for digital lending networks that respect borrowers’ time, privacy, and dignity.

Bad credit? No problem. Apply now through MoneyMutual and get matched with lenders in minutes—no fees, no pressure, and no credit check required.

How MoneyMutual Solves These Problems

A Fast, Free, and Inclusive Loan Marketplace

MoneyMutual was built with one mission in mind: to help people access short-term financial support when traditional lending systems fail them. With over 2 million users served and a trusted reputation in the bad credit loan space, it’s become one of the most popular online loan marketplaces in the United States.

Unlike direct lenders that issue loans themselves, MoneyMutual acts as a secure digital bridge between borrowers and a network of vetted lenders. Their model is streamlined, transparent, and free to use.

There are no hidden fees for submitting your information, and you are under no obligation to accept any loan offer presented through the platform.

Disclaimer: MoneyMutual is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Loan approval and terms are determined by individual lenders based on their own policies.

Three Simple Steps to Getting Matched

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Submit Your Request

You fill out a short form that includes basic information such as your name, address, source of income, and desired loan amount. No hard credit check is performed at this stage, so your credit score is unaffected.

Step 2: Get Matched with Lenders

MoneyMutual’s AI-powered loan-matching system searches through its network of lenders to find those most likely to approve your request. This process happens in real time, saving hours—or even days—compared to manually applying to multiple lenders.

Step 3: Review and Accept an Offer

If you’re matched, you’ll be redirected to the lender’s website to review the terms. You can then choose whether to accept the loan offer. Funds may be available as soon as the next business day if approved.

This same-day funding capability is especially valuable for people facing urgent expenses like rent, medical bills, or car repairs.

What Sets MoneyMutual Apart?

Compared to other options in the bad credit loan marketplace, MoneyMutual excels in several critical areas:
- No Upfront Fees: There is no cost to use the platform to connect with lenders.
- Soft Credit Inquiries Only: The platform itself does not conduct a hard credit check.
- 24-Hour Turnaround: Many lenders offer next-day funding.
- Wide Network: Dozens of lenders available, increasing your chances of approval.
- User Privacy: All information submitted is encrypted and handled securely.
These strengths make it one of the best loan platforms for bad credit borrowers who need quick cash loans without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

Disclaimer: Loan amounts, interest rates, repayment schedules, and funding speeds may vary by lender. Always verify these details on the lender’s official website before proceeding.

Target Borrower Profile

MoneyMutual focuses on accessibility for a broad range of borrowers, including:
- Individuals with credit scores below 600
- People with no credit history at all
- Self-employed individuals or gig workers
- Borrowers who have been denied by banks or credit unions
- Anyone who earns at least $800/month in verifiable income and is 18 years or older
By catering to underserved demographics, MoneyMutual fills a critical gap in the lending space. Its process aligns with modern expectations for digital lending platforms—efficiency, transparency, and user control.

No Strings Attached

Just as important as what MoneyMutual offers is what it doesn’t. There’s no pressure to accept a loan if you’re not satisfied with the terms, and you’re free to walk away at any point. This is essential in a market where predatory lending is still common.

MoneyMutual’s business model depends on satisfied users and trusted partners, which encourages them to maintain high transparency and ethical standards.

Need cash fast but your credit score is low? Get started with MoneyMutual—free to use, no hard credit check, and funds may arrive in 24 hours!

Core Features That Make MoneyMutual a Standout Choice

Built for Speed, Security, and Simplicity

When comparing online loan services, not all platforms are created equal. Some overpromise and underdeliver, while others bury high fees in the fine print. MoneyMutual distinguishes itself by offering a fast, secure, and transparent way to access short-term loans—even for those with poor or limited credit histories.

Let’s break down the standout features that make MoneyMutual a preferred platform for millions of users seeking bad credit loans with guaranteed approval and no credit check required.

No Upfront Fees, Ever

One of the most reassuring aspects of MoneyMutual is that it’s completely free to use. You won’t be charged to fill out the form, get matched with lenders, or review loan offers. This eliminates the common red flag of “processing fees” or “application charges” that some predatory services use to exploit vulnerable borrowers.

Instead, MoneyMutual earns compensation from participating lenders after a successful match—never from the consumer.

Soft Credit Pulls Only

A hard credit inquiry can lower your credit score, especially if you’re already on shaky ground. MoneyMutual protects users by limiting itself to soft credit checks when determining lender matches. This means you can explore your options without damaging your score—a critical advantage for borrowers actively working to rebuild their financial standing.

Once you’re matched with a lender, that lender may conduct a hard pull before finalizing a loan. However, you’ll be notified of this step and can choose whether to proceed.

Disclaimer: While MoneyMutual does not perform hard credit checks, individual lenders may do so if you move forward with a loan offer.

Wide Network of Vetted Lenders

Rather than relying on a single lending institution, MoneyMutual connects you to a broad network of third-party lenders. This increases your chances of approval and lets you compare multiple offers, interest rates, and repayment plans—all in one place.

The platform is especially useful for those searching for:
- Installment loans for bad credit
- Emergency cash loans
- No credit check personal loans
- Short-term financial bridge funding
This variety empowers users to make informed decisions rather than settling for the first available offer.

Same-Day or Next-Day Funding Potential

In emergency situations, speed is everything. With many lenders in MoneyMutual’s network, funds can be deposited in as little as 24 hours following loan approval. For urgent needs like rent payments, medical bills, or auto repairs, this can make all the difference.

Just be aware that timing varies by lender, banking hours, and the time of day your application is processed.

Disclaimer on Funding Timeframes: Next-day funding is typical but not guaranteed. Funding schedules depend on individual lender policies and bank processing times.

High Standards for Privacy and Security

Data security is non-negotiable in the digital age, especially when sharing sensitive financial information. MoneyMutual uses 256-bit encryption and strict internal protocols to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized access.

Borrowers can feel confident that their information will not be misused or sold to unrelated third parties.

Easy-to-Meet Eligibility Requirements

You don’t need perfect credit, a high income, or collateral to qualify for matches. The basic requirements include:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide proof of $800/month income or more
- Have a checking account in your name
- Be a U.S. resident
These accessible standards make it easier for individuals who are self-employed, freelancers, or rebuilding their financial lives to get approved.

Don’t let bad credit hold you back. Use MoneyMutual to request up to $5,000 online—get matched with lenders who say YES without the hassle.

Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough

A Simple, Guided Process with No Confusing Paperwork

One of the most appealing aspects of using MoneyMutual is how quick and straightforward the application process is. Unlike traditional banks that require long forms, in-person visits, or excessive documentation, MoneyMutual streamlines the journey into three efficient steps designed to connect borrowers with lenders in minutes—not days.

Below is a full breakdown of what to expect when using the platform to apply for bad credit loans online with no credit check required.

Step 1: Submit Your Basic Information

Start by visiting the official MoneyMutual website and clicking on the “Get Started” button. You’ll be prompted to fill out a form requesting basic personal and financial details, including:
- Full legal name
- Email address and phone number
- Date of birth (must be at least 18)
- Estimated monthly income (minimum $800/month)
- Employment status
- Bank account information (to receive funds)
No documents need to be uploaded at this stage, and you won’t need to provide a credit score.

Important Note: MoneyMutual does not perform a hard credit check during this process. Submitting your information will not impact your credit score.

Step 2: Get Matched with Lenders

Once your form is submitted, MoneyMutual runs your details through its AI-powered matching algorithm to identify lenders that fit your profile. The matching system evaluates key factors such as income, employment status, and loan amount request to determine eligibility across the platform’s lender network.

Within moments, you may be redirected to one or more offers from third-party lenders. You’ll be able to review each offer in full detail—including repayment terms, loan amount, interest rates, and fees.

This stage is risk-free and comes with no obligation.

Disclaimer: Not all applicants will receive a loan offer. Availability depends on the accuracy of the information submitted and individual lender criteria.

Step 3: Choose an Offer and Finalize the Loan

If you see an offer you like, click to proceed to the lender’s official site. Here, you may be asked to verify a few additional details or consent to a soft or hard credit inquiry depending on the lender’s policy.

Once approved, you’ll receive a loan agreement that outlines all terms and repayment details. Be sure to review the following carefully:
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
- Loan term (in days, weeks, or months)
- Payment schedule and amounts
- Any applicable fees or penalties
If you accept, your funds may be deposited as soon as the next business day.

Disclaimer on Pricing and Terms: Always confirm the final loan offer on the official lender website, as rates, fees, and conditions vary. Pricing is subject to change at any time and may differ based on your location and lender’s terms.

Stuck with poor credit and urgent bills? Get your loan request in now through MoneyMutual—fast, secure, and no obligation to accept.

Comparing MoneyMutual to Other Top Providers

A Crowded Market — But One Clear Leader

With the growing demand for bad credit loans with guaranteed approval and no credit check required, a wide range of platforms have entered the market claiming to offer quick cash with minimal requirements. However, while the offers may sound similar, not all services deliver on their promises.

MoneyMutual has emerged as a standout option in this increasingly competitive space due to its consistent performance, user-friendly experience, and borrower-first model. To help you understand why it ranks so highly, let’s compare it to other leading platforms in the market: BadCreditLoans.com, CashUSA, and PersonalLoans.com.

How MoneyMutual Measures Up

Unlike other platforms, MoneyMutual does not perform a hard credit check during the matching process. That means borrowers can explore options with confidence, knowing their credit score won’t be negatively impacted. Competing platforms like BadCreditLoans.com and CashUSA often work with lenders that require at least a soft or even hard inquiry before extending an offer, which can be a deterrent for borrowers already dealing with poor credit.

When it comes to income requirements, MoneyMutual is more accessible. Users need only verify a monthly income of $800 to get started, while other platforms often require $1,000 or more in consistent income. This difference can make or break someone’s ability to qualify when dealing with gig work, part-time jobs, or fluctuating freelance income.

Speed of funding is another area where MoneyMutual excels. Borrowers frequently report receiving funds within 24 hours of accepting a loan offer. Competing services may require 1 to 3 business days to finalize the funding process, depending on lender policies and banking hours.

Loan amount ranges are competitive across all platforms. While some providers like PersonalLoans.com may offer higher caps—up to $35,000—they also cater more toward individuals with fair to good credit and require more extensive paperwork. In contrast, MoneyMutual focuses on short-term emergency loans ranging from $200 to $5,000+, often with fewer barriers to approval.

The overall application experience is smoother with MoneyMutual. It takes less than five minutes to fill out the form, while competitors often have longer applications that may require supporting documents or multiple stages of verification.

Why MoneyMutual Is Still the Top Choice

MoneyMutual leads the pack by offering:
- No application fees
- Soft credit pull only
- Fast approvals and funding—often within 24 hours
- Lower income threshold for eligibility
- A seamless, under-five-minute application
These features make it one of the best platforms for no credit check loans and emergency cash solutions in 2025.

Disclaimer: Approval criteria, loan terms, interest rates, and funding speeds vary by lender. Always verify loan details directly with the lender before accepting any offer.

Where Other Platforms Compete

It’s worth noting that platforms like PersonalLoans.com may be better suited for individuals seeking larger amounts or more structured installment loan options. CashUSA and BadCreditLoans.com also offer debt consolidation loans and longer-term repayment plans, which could be helpful for some borrowers with slightly better credit standing.

However, for fast, short-term relief with minimal requirements, MoneyMutual continues to be a top-ranked option, especially for borrowers who prioritize ease of use, speed, and accessibility over loan size or long-term structuring.

Get the cash you need—without the judgment. Apply with MoneyMutual in under 5 minutes and see your matched offers instantly!

Real-World Case Studies & Testimonials

Real Borrowers. Real Situations. Real Solutions.

Behind every loan application is a personal story. When facing financial hardship, what borrowers often need most—aside from funds—is a service they can trust. While MoneyMutual doesn’t publicly list individual reviews on its site, many borrowers have shared their experiences across third-party platforms and forums. These narratives help illustrate how no credit check loans with guaranteed approval can make a difference in real-life situations.

Here are three fictionalized, yet representative, borrower profiles that reflect the kind of users turning to MoneyMutual in times of need.

Case Study 1: Emergency Car Repair for a Delivery Driver

Name: Angela R.

Location: Columbus, OH

Situation: Angela works for multiple food delivery apps to support her household. When her car’s transmission failed unexpectedly, she faced several days of missed income. Traditional lenders declined her due to a credit score below 580.

Solution: Angela found MoneyMutual and submitted a request during her lunch break. She was matched with a lender offering a $1,100 short-term loan and approved without a hard credit inquiry. The funds were deposited the next day, allowing her to pay for the repair and return to work.

“I didn’t have time to wait around. I needed the money fast and didn’t want to explain my credit score to a bank. This platform came through.”

Case Study 2: Keeping the Lights On After a Layoff

Name: Marcus T.

Location: Fresno, CA

Situation: After being laid off unexpectedly, Marcus faced immediate pressure to cover rent and utility bills. He had no savings, and unemployment benefits hadn’t yet kicked in. With past medical debt lowering his credit, his bank declined his personal loan application.

Solution: Marcus used MoneyMutual to submit a quick loan request. Within 10 minutes, he received an offer from a lender who was willing to fund $950 with weekly installments. The money helped him avoid service disconnection and late rent fees.

“MoneyMutual gave me options when I felt like I had none. It didn’t fix everything—but it bought me time, and that meant everything.”

Case Study 3: Medical Bills Without Insurance

Name: Sierra H.

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Situation: Sierra had an emergency dental issue and no insurance coverage. The out-of-pocket cost for the procedure was over $800, and she needed to secure funds quickly to proceed with treatment.

Solution: Through MoneyMutual’s platform, she found a lender that offered a $1,000 loan with bi-weekly repayment terms. She accepted the offer and was able to pay for the procedure without delaying care.

Disclaimer: Loan terms, rates, and approval are determined by individual lenders. These case studies are illustrative examples based on common borrower use cases and do not guarantee outcomes.

Key Takeaways from Borrower Experiences

Across all three cases, borrowers turned to MoneyMutual because they:
- Needed fast funding without delays
- Had low credit scores or no credit history
- Wanted a discreet and simple online experience
- Valued the ability to review loan terms before committing
These experiences reflect the growing demand for emergency loans for bad credit, where speed, trust, and flexibility matter more than anything else.

Facing rent, repairs, or bills? Submit your free loan request with MoneyMutual today—no upfront fees, no hard credit pulls, just fast matches.

Business and Purchasing Details

MoneyMutual Is a Connector, Not a Lender

One of the most important things to understand when using MoneyMutual is that it is not a direct lender. Instead, it functions as a free-to-use loan matching service that connects borrowers with a network of third-party lenders. You won’t receive a loan directly from MoneyMutual, but the platform plays a key role in speeding up the process of finding legitimate offers from trusted providers.

This structure gives borrowers a wider range of choices while reducing the time and effort it would normally take to apply with multiple lenders individually.

Disclaimer: MoneyMutual does not guarantee loan approval, set interest rates, or manage repayment terms. All financial agreements are between the borrower and the third-party lender.

How MoneyMutual Makes Money

MoneyMutual does not charge consumers to submit loan requests or receive matches. Instead, it earns a referral fee from lenders in its network when a user accepts a loan offer. This business model allows the platform to remain 100% free for borrowers, with no hidden fees or obligations.

This also incentivizes MoneyMutual to maintain a trusted and reputable lender network—as both borrower satisfaction and lender success directly affect their platform’s performance.

Loan Offer Terms and Structure

After submitting your information, you may be matched with lenders offering:
- Loan amounts typically ranging from $200 to $5,000+
- Short-term repayment plans (sometimes from 2 weeks to a few months)
- Interest rates that vary significantly based on state regulations, lender criteria, and your financial profile
Because these are third-party offers, each loan will come with its own set of terms and conditions. Before accepting, be sure to read:
- APR and total cost of the loan
- Repayment schedule
- Fees, including late penalties or rollover charges
Disclaimer on Pricing: All interest rates and fees are determined by individual lenders. Pricing is subject to change at any time. Always check the lender’s official website for final terms before accepting an offer.

Return Policies, Cancellations, and Repayment

Since MoneyMutual is not the lender, it does not handle returns, cancellations, or payment disputes. Once you agree to a loan, you must coordinate directly with the lender regarding:
- Early payoff options
- Payment method changes
- Missed payment assistance
- Cancellation before funding (if allowed)
Lender-specific policies will be detailed in the loan agreement you receive before signing. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s a good idea to contact the lender directly using the contact details provided during the offer stage.

Customer Service and Contact Info

While MoneyMutual doesn’t offer loan-specific support, it does have customer service available for platform-related inquiries. You can reach them by visiting the official site and submitting a message through their contact form.

Always keep a copy of your loan agreement and correspondence with the lender in case you need support later on.

Your credit score doesn’t define your future. Apply now with MoneyMutual and access emergency loans from real lenders who listen.

Risk Factors, Legal Disclaimers, and Borrowing Ethics

Know the Risks Before You Borrow

While MoneyMutual makes it easier to access bad credit loans with no credit check and guaranteed approval, it’s essential for borrowers to understand the risks that come with these types of loans. Because they are often short-term and high-interest, they can become burdensome if used irresponsibly or without a clear repayment plan.

Loans arranged through MoneyMutual are most often intended to be emergency financial tools, not long-term financial solutions. Misusing them can lead to a cycle of debt, especially when high-interest rates are combined with frequent rollovers or renewals.

High APRs and Short Repayment Windows

One of the biggest concerns in the bad credit loan space is the potential for very high annual percentage rates (APRs). Lenders may charge significantly more than traditional banks because they are taking on what they perceive as higher risk.

APR ranges vary, but it is not uncommon to see rates above 100% for short-term loans. Repayment schedules are usually tight—sometimes as short as two weeks to one month—especially for payday-style offers.

Disclaimer: Loan APRs and repayment terms are set by individual lenders. Always review the full loan agreement before accepting. Pricing, fees, and conditions may change. Visit the lender’s official website for the most accurate and current information.

If you miss a payment or are late, lenders may assess additional fees or automatically renew the loan with added interest. This is why it’s crucial to understand all loan terms upfront and never accept a loan if you’re unsure you can meet the repayment schedule.

Legal Compliance and State Restrictions

It’s also important to know that not all lenders work in every U.S. state. For example, MoneyMutual explicitly notes that its services are not available to residents of New York and Connecticut due to local lending laws. Other restrictions may apply depending on your location, so it’s essential to read eligibility requirements carefully.

MoneyMutual itself complies with federal and state regulations by acting solely as a loan referral service, not a lender or broker. However, the third-party lenders you connect with are responsible for ensuring their loans meet legal standards.

Disclaimer: Lending laws vary by state. Borrowers should always ensure that any loan offer they receive complies with state and federal regulations. When in doubt, consult with a licensed financial advisor or legal professional.

Ethical Borrowing: Best Practices

To use platforms like MoneyMutual responsibly, borrowers should:
- Only borrow what they truly need
- Create a repayment plan before accepting any loan
- Avoid “stacking” multiple short-term loans from different lenders
- Use loan funds for essentials (housing, food, medical, transportation)
- Keep copies of all loan documents and communications
Borrowing ethically means not using short-term funding as a long-term crutch. When used wisely, these loans can serve as a bridge over temporary hardship—but they should never be viewed as income replacement.

If You Can’t Repay

If you’re struggling to repay your loan, contact the lender immediately. Many lenders offer hardship plans or restructuring options if you’re proactive. Ignoring your payments can lead to collections activity, credit score damage, and further financial stress.

MoneyMutual does not handle repayment disputes, but most lenders will include customer service contact details in the loan agreement. Utilize those resources as soon as issues arise.

Life happens. When it does, MoneyMutual helps you get up to $5,000 fast—even with bad credit. No cost to apply, no pressure to commit.

Conclusion: Why MoneyMutual Is the Top Choice for 2025

A Trusted Option in a Crowded Field

In a world where financial emergencies can strike without warning—and where traditional banks often shut the door on those with bad credit—MoneyMutual continues to prove why it’s one of the most trusted online loan marketplaces for Americans in need.

Whether you’re facing a sudden medical expense, trying to keep the lights on during a layoff, or simply need a short-term financial cushion, the ability to access no credit check loans with guaranteed approval in minutes—not days—is a powerful lifeline.

MoneyMutual is built for this exact purpose: to offer realistic, fast, and flexible lending access for borrowers who’ve been shut out by the traditional system.

Why Borrowers Keep Choosing MoneyMutual

Let’s recap what makes MoneyMutual a leading platform in 2025:
- No upfront costs to use the service
- Soft credit checks only—no impact on your credit score during the request stage
- Lightning-fast approvals, often with next-day funding
- Low income requirements, starting at just $800/month
- Secure, encrypted platform that protects your data
- A wide network of lenders, improving your chances of getting matched
These features make it not only accessible but also practical for those who need fast, discreet, and legitimate financial solutions.

Designed for Real People with Real Needs

Unlike lenders that make promises they can’t keep, MoneyMutual operates as a transparent, consumer-first platform. It doesn’t trap users in deceptive fee structures or aggressive repayment models. Instead, it provides borrowers with real choice and real control.

And with a clean, mobile-friendly interface and under-five-minute application process, it’s one of the easiest ways to explore emergency loans for bad credit—especially when you need to act fast.

Disclaimer on Pricing: Loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment terms vary by lender. Always check the official lender site for final pricing details. Terms and conditions are subject to change at any time.

Final Word: Know Before You Borrow

While MoneyMutual offers unmatched ease and speed, it’s still important to review each loan offer carefully, ask questions if needed, and only borrow what you can afford to repay. Using short-term loans responsibly can help you regain control of your finances without falling deeper into debt.

If you’re ready to take control of your financial emergency and explore safe, reliable options for bad credit loans with no credit check, MoneyMutual is one of the best platforms available in 2025.

Visit the official site today to get started and explore your options in minutes.

Need a no credit check loan today? Start with MoneyMutual’s free, secure form and connect with lenders ready to fund you—fast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best loan providers for bad credit with guaranteed approval?

The best bad credit loan providers with guaranteed approval offer fast applications, soft credit checks, and access to a network of lenders. MoneyMutual is a top-rated platform because it connects borrowers to vetted lenders in minutes with no upfront fees and high match success rates—ideal for emergency loans with no credit check.

Note: While MoneyMutual facilitates fast matches, approval and funding depend on individual lender requirements.

Can I get a personal loan with no credit check at all?

Yes, some lenders in the MoneyMutual network offer personal loans with no credit check, meaning they base approval on income and employment instead of credit history. These loans are designed for borrowers with poor or no credit who need fast access to cash.

Disclaimer: While MoneyMutual does not conduct hard inquiries, some lenders may do a soft or hard pull before disbursing funds. Review terms carefully before accepting any offer.

How fast can I get a bad credit loan through MoneyMutual?

MoneyMutual’s loan request process takes just a few minutes, and many users receive funding from matched lenders within 24 hours. This makes it one of the fastest options for bad credit loans with guaranteed approval in 2025.

Reminder: Speed of funding depends on the lender, banking hours, and time of application. Same-day funding is not guaranteed.

Are these no credit check loans safe and legitimate?

Yes, when used through a reputable platform like MoneyMutual, these no credit check loans are legitimate. The platform works with trusted third-party lenders and uses bank-level encryption to protect user data. It does not charge consumers to use its services or collect upfront fees.

What’s the catch with guaranteed approval loans for bad credit?

There is no “catch” when using a credible platform, but it’s important to note that guaranteed approval typically refers to high match potential—not automatic loan funding. Lenders may still have specific requirements such as minimum income or verified employment. Interest rates may be higher due to the risk profile.

Important: Always read the full loan terms. Borrow only what you can afford to repay.

Can I use a loan from MoneyMutual to pay off other debt?

Yes. Many borrowers use installment loans for bad credit to consolidate other high-interest debts. If approved, you can apply your funds to credit card bills, overdue utilities, or payday loan balances—helping you regain financial control.

Is MoneyMutual really free?

Yes. MoneyMutual is 100% free to use. You won’t pay anything to submit a request or get matched with a lender. Any repayment obligation comes directly from the loan terms set by the lender—not the platform itself.

What if I can’t repay my loan on time?

If you’re concerned about repayment, contact the lender immediately. Many lenders offer hardship programs or flexible scheduling. Ignoring payments may result in late fees or collection efforts. Always read the loan agreement in full to understand your responsibilities before signing.

Denied by banks? You’re not out of options. Use MoneyMutual now to find real lenders who approve real people—no matter your credit score.
- Company: MoneyMutual
- Address: 2510 E. Sunset Rd. Ste 6, #85 Las Vegas NV, 89120
- Email: customerservice@moneymutual.com
- Phone Support: 844-276-2063
Legal Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. The information presented is based on publicly available data and third-party sources believed to be accurate at the time of publication; however, no guarantees are made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content.

Loan products, interest rates, terms, and availability are determined by third-party lenders and are subject to change without notice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a licensed financial advisor or legal professional before making any financial decisions.

The platform referenced in this article, MoneyMutual, is not a direct lender and does not issue loans or make credit decisions. Instead, it serves as a loan connection service, matching users with independent lenders. The acceptance of a loan offer, the terms of repayment, and any resulting financial agreements are exclusively between the borrower and the lender.

This content may include references or links to affiliate programs. If a reader clicks a link and subsequently takes an action—such as completing a loan inquiry or accepting a financial offer—the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader. This compensation has no influence on the content’s objectivity, and all opinions presented are strictly editorial.

By reading this article, users acknowledge that:
- They are responsible for independently verifying all loan details before accepting any offer.
- The article is not offering personalized financial guidance.
- The publisher, contributors, and syndication partners are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided, nor for any loss or damages—financial or otherwise—that may result.
All trademarks, logos, and brand names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. References to third-party products or services are for identification purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.

Always refer to the official website of the loan provider for the most accurate and up-to-date product terms, pricing, and eligibility requirements.

The MIL Network –
May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Baldwin, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Safeguard Transit Operations Against Chinese Influence

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Gary Peters (D-MI) today introduced the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, which would protect domestic transit operations and supply chains from malign Chinese influence by preventing any appropriated funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars:
“It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems, and we cannot let them succeed,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By preventing American tax dollars from being used to purchase Chinese government transit buses or rail cars, our legislation would help protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from the CCP.”
“When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers, not opening our checkbook to adversaries like China,” said Sen. Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our workers and companies, keep the United States safe, and close a loophole that Chinese companies are exploiting to win government contracts and undercut American workers.”
“At every opportunity, the Chinese Communist Party works to exploit America and put our nation’s critical infrastructure at risk,” said Sen. Scott. “We cannot allow an adversarial regime access to supply chains and transit that we rely on every day, and we definitely cannot allow U.S. tax dollars to fund any projects that allows such access. We must prioritize Americans’ safety, American jobs, and American manufacturing, and put an end to our dangerous dependence on a regime that openly seeks our downfall.”
“Domestic transit vehicle manufacturers shouldn’t be victim to Chinese companies exploiting loopholes and engaging in unfair trade practices that harm business and pose significant national security concerns,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad to support the STOP China Act to close the loopholes and help Minnesota’s strong transit manufacturing industry continue to succeed.”
“Companies in Communist China circumvent U.S. laws so that they can continue to receive taxpayer-funded contracts from American public agencies,” said Sen. Ricketts. “This bill will close that loophole. It will help protect domestic supply chains and American manufacturers. We must ensure taxpayer dollars never fund America’s adversaries.”
“China’s attempts to exploit critical American infrastructure with taxpayer funds will not be tolerated,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The STOP China Act would prevent hard-earned American dollars from purchasing Chinese-made vehicles in our transit infrastructure, protecting our national security and supporting American manufacturing.
“China is actively working to undermine American workers and our economic success, particularly in the transportation industry, by flooding global markets with artificially cheap vehicles, from electric vehicles to buses,” said Sen. Peters. “This bipartisan bill would help level the playing field for Michigan manufacturers, suppliers, and workers as we continue to lead the world in mobility innovation by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support companies owned and operated by the Chinese Community Party.”
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) cosponsored the legislation. Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-01) and John Garamendi (CA-08) are leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Background:
Congress passed the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act, which prohibits companies with ties to China’s government from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to build U.S. rail cars and buses, as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. However, China has taken advantage of other government funds in the law to continue competing for transit business in the U.S. The Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act would prevent any appropriated funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses. It would also require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China.
The legislation is endorsed by Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “China is the best era for entrepreneurship for me” – Russian entrepreneur

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

TIANJIN, May 13 (Xinhua) — Sipping coffee in her office in the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), 36-year-old Russian Svetlana Olkhovikova is intently checking information on orders from partners in Russia, Uzbekistan and other countries.

With her excellent command of Chinese and experience in foreign trade, she established and registered two foreign trade companies in Tianjin, a port city in northern China.

Tianjin Ruidehe Machinery Trading Company, founded in September 2023, is engaged in the export of agricultural machinery, and Hesu Biopharmaceutical Company, established in March 2024, is engaged in cross-border trade in medical equipment and components.

“Both companies have already established cooperation with enterprises in more than 20 countries and regions around the world, including Russia, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea,” Svetlana said fluently in Chinese.

“China has been the best era for entrepreneurship for me,” she added. From choosing an office location to registering companies, from extending a work visa to home service when opening a bank account, she was always amazed by the efficiency of the local government and its humane approach to entrepreneurs.

As a foreign entrepreneur, she had to learn Chinese laws and the tax system, which was not easy, but the government’s service provision gave her confidence and peace of mind.

“My grandfather used to say that the hospitality of the Chinese is like a flame that never goes out. By creating my business in Tianjin, I finally realized that this is not an exaggeration, but a reality,” the businesswoman shared.

In choosing China for business, she valued not only the favorable business environment, but also the country’s mega-market, sophisticated production and supply chain system, and ever-improving conditions for innovation.

“The Chinese market is huge, many quality products are becoming increasingly popular abroad. People from all over the world can find many development opportunities here,” said S. Olkhovikova. During her entrepreneurial activities, she deepened her understanding of China’s economic development and strengthened her confidence in the “Made in China” brand.

“Our cooperation with Chinese companies is going very smoothly. Chinese partners are pragmatic and efficient, produce inexpensive and high-quality goods, and offer customized solutions – all thanks to China’s powerful production capabilities and high level of professionalism,” the entrepreneur stated with confidence.

Svetlana’s family, believing that China has enormous development potential, fully supports her business ventures. “My uncle runs an agricultural processing company in Russia, and my company in China can supply him with high-quality equipment, especially powerful tractors,” she continued.

Svetlana spent her childhood in a village a few hundred kilometers from Moscow. Her father was a farmer, her mother taught at school, and Svetlana, who was raised by her grandmother, often heard stories about China. “My grandmother said that the Chinese are kind, my grandfather told me about the Confucian principle of ‘the joy of meeting a friend who has come from afar’, and my uncle advised: ‘Only by acquiring more knowledge can we expand our horizons’,” she said.

In 2005, S. Olkhovikova entered Voronezh State University /VSU/ to major in International Relations. Learning about China from books and lectures, she became interested in this country.

In 2008, she first came to China on a six-month Chinese language program organized by Qingdao University and VSU. Later, while working for a Russian trading company, she became even more fascinated with China thanks to active business contacts with Chinese partners.

Years later, after careful consideration, Svetlana decided to pursue an MBA at Tianjin University. She was attracted by the university’s rich history and recognized the practical value of its curriculum for researching China’s economic development. She visited agricultural machinery manufacturing plants in Tianjin to explore the potential for Sino-Russian cooperation in the agricultural sector through the “customization of production plus localization of services” format.

Now that she has established her business in China, she continues to implement this idea. Despite being very busy, Svetlana continues to persistently study Chinese and get to know the country better.

“There are many opportunities in China. The openness and inclusiveness here provide fertile ground for enterprising people from all over the world. The Chinese say that if the circumstances are right, expressed in the right time, the right place and the support of the people, people around you will lend a helping hand if you boldly seize the opportunities of the times,” she added.

“I believe that a wonderful future awaits me. And I am ready to contribute to the promotion of cooperation between Russia and China,” Svetlana said. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China remains among top investors in Germany last year: official report

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

China continued to be one of the leading sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Germany last year, according to a report released on Monday by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the federal agency responsible for promoting foreign investment.

Chinese companies initiated 199 FDI projects in Germany last year, nearly matching the 200 projects recorded in 2023. The 2023 figure marked a 42-percent year-on-year increase and the highest level since 2017. Among all source countries, China ranked third, following the United States and Switzerland.

The report noted that Germany attracted a total of 1,724 FDI projects in 2024, excluding mergers and acquisitions. This represents a slight decline from 1,759 projects in 2023 and 1,783 in 2022, highlighting the growing share of Chinese participation in Germany’s FDI landscape in recent years.

In 2024, seven projects involved investment volumes exceeding 500 million euros (555 million U.S. dollars), including some backed by Chinese investors.

Thomas Bozoyan, the report’s author and a GTAI expert, noted that China continues to play a pivotal role in Germany’s foreign investment profile. He emphasized that Germany has emerged as a key beneficiary of China’s expanding commercial footprint across Europe.

Bozoyan pointed out that Chinese investment is increasingly focused on high-tech industrial sectors such as renewable energy, battery supply chains, automotive, medical technology, and robotics, with a particular emphasis on software-driven solutions within these fields.

According to the report, Chinese companies launched 31 projects in the renewable energy sector in 2024. Roughly one-quarter of all Chinese FDI projects in Germany involved either production facilities or research and development operations.

Bozoyan also noted that beyond Germany, China’s outbound investment has shown strong global growth, particularly accelerating after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollar)

MIL OSI China News –

May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Payday Cash Advance Loans Online – Nearest Direct Lenders Only
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Baton Rouge, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

In This Article, You’ll Discover:
- How do payday cash advance loans online work, including eligibility, application steps, and repayment structure
- The growing demand for nearest direct lenders only, and why online platforms outperform traditional lenders in speed and accessibility
- How MoneyMutual connects users with trusted payday lenders online without upfront fees or obligations
- What pain points do payday loans solve, such as emergency bills, rent gaps, or urgent repairs
- A breakdown of loan amounts, terms, interest rates, and standard disclaimers every borrower should review
- Security protocols that ensure your information is protected throughout the online payday loan process
- Alternatives to payday loans and responsible borrowing tips to avoid long-term debt traps
- Key steps to identify and avoid payday loan scams in the digital lending space
- Comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions about online payday loans for bad credit, no-credit options, and more.
- All legal disclaimers and affiliate disclosures to help readers make informed, secure, and risk-aware lending decisions
TL;DR Summary

This article provides an in-depth guide to securing the best payday cash advance loans online through a trusted, secure platform that matches users with the nearest direct lenders only. It explains how short-term payday loans work, who they are for, and the key steps involved — from application to funding.

With a special spotlight on MoneyMutual, readers will learn how to safely access fast cash loans online, even with poor credit. The article covers loan amounts, eligibility criteria, repayment terms, interest considerations, scam prevention tips, and responsible borrowing alternatives. A detailed FAQ section supports readers with direct answers to common questions, while built-in legal disclaimers and affiliate disclosures protect all parties involved in the content syndication process.

This resource is intended to help borrowers make informed, compliant financial decisions when exploring emergency funding options online through reputable direct payday lenders.

Introduction: Navigating Financial Emergencies in the Digital Age

The Rise of Financial Stress in Today’s Economy

In today’s unpredictable financial climate, many Americans are facing sudden hardships they didn’t see coming. Whether it’s an unplanned car repair, a medical bill, or a rent increase, more people than ever are struggling to bridge the gap between paychecks. Traditional banking solutions — like personal loans from credit unions or big banks — are often inaccessible to those with less-than-perfect credit scores. And when time is of the essence, waiting days for a decision simply isn’t practical.

This has created a surge in demand for quick, accessible financial relief, which is where online payday cash advance loans come into play.

What Are Payday Cash Advance Loans?

Payday cash advance loans are short-term lending options designed to offer fast financial assistance to individuals dealing with urgent expenses. Typically repaid by the borrower’s next paycheck, these loans are meant to cover temporary financial shortfalls without the need for traditional credit checks or long approval windows.

Because of the immediate nature of the solution, online payday loans from direct lenders have become increasingly popular. These lenders offer a streamlined application process and quick decision-making, providing borrowers with the funds they need, often within a single business day.

Why Online Is the Future — And the Present

Online lending platforms now dominate the payday loan space. The convenience of applying for a loan from the comfort of home, without needing to fax documents or physically visit a store, has fundamentally changed how people access emergency funding.

Introducing MoneyMutual as a Trusted Resource

MoneyMutual is not a direct lender — instead, it’s a highly reputable platform that connects borrowers with a network of verified direct lenders. With over 2 million customers served and a longstanding online presence, it helps streamline the borrowing process by matching users with lenders who are more likely to approve their applications based on income and basic eligibility.

You’re not committing to a loan by using the site — you’re exploring your options securely, quickly, and at no cost to you. Whether you’re facing a financial emergency or trying to avoid late payment fees on an essential bill, MoneyMutual offers a fast, simple way to connect with legitimate lenders online.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Borrowers should fully understand the terms of any payday loan agreement before signing. Always compare multiple offers, and remember that payday loans come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment windows than traditional loans.

Understanding the Financial Pain Points That Drive Payday Loan Demand

Living Paycheck to Paycheck: A Common Reality

Millions of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. For many, even a minor disruption — like a missed day of work or an unexpected utility bill — can spiral into a financial crisis. Traditional budgeting doesn’t leave much room for emergencies, and savings accounts are often nonexistent.

When there’s no financial cushion, short-term cash flow problems become long-term stressors, forcing individuals to make tough decisions: skip rent, delay a car repair, or miss a utility payment. This is where payday loans serve a purpose — not because they’re ideal, but because the need for immediate funds is real and pressing.

Credit Score Barriers and Bank Loan Rejection

Mainstream lenders like banks and credit unions often reject applicants with poor or limited credit histories. Even borrowers with stable incomes can be turned away simply because of a credit score below 600.

With online payday loans for bad credit, lenders focus less on FICO scores and more on your ability to repay the loan through a consistent income stream. This is one of the core benefits of platforms like MoneyMutual, which connects users to the nearest direct lenders only — lenders who are willing to work with nontraditional profiles.

Emergencies Don’t Wait — And Neither Should Solutions

From emergency medical visits to car trouble or child-related costs, financial emergencies demand immediate attention. Unfortunately, these expenses often arise at the worst possible time — right before payday, or when other bills are stacking up.

When traditional options are too slow or unavailable, cash advance loans online become one of the few accessible tools available to manage the situation.

Disclaimer: Payday loans are not a long-term financial solution. They are designed to provide emergency funding and should not be used for regular or recurring expenses.

The Emotional Toll of Financial Instability

Financial stress isn’t just about money — it deeply affects emotional well-being. Anxiety, sleeplessness, and strained relationships are just a few of the symptoms borrowers report when caught in ongoing money troubles.

Having a fast, private, and secure option like MoneyMutual can offer relief, not just financially, but emotionally, by helping users take action and regain a sense of control over their situation.

Need fast cash for bills or car repairs? Apply with MoneyMutual now and get matched to trusted lenders in minutes—no credit check required!

The Solution: Online Payday Cash Advance Loans Explained

What Is a Payday Cash Advance Loan?

A payday cash advance loan is a short-term financial solution that allows borrowers to access quick funds, typically ranging from $100 to $5,000 — with the understanding that repayment will occur on their next payday. These loans are often used to cover urgent, unexpected expenses such as rent, medical bills, utility shutoff notices, or car repairs.

Unlike traditional personal loans, payday loans are generally easier to qualify for and are processed much faster, often within hours or the same day. The most significant feature? You don’t need perfect credit to qualify.

How Online Payday Loans Work

Online payday loans have transformed the lending landscape. With a simple internet connection and a few minutes of your time, you can fill out a single form that gets distributed to a network of direct lenders, skipping the tedious paperwork and in-person meetings required by traditional lenders.

Here’s a typical breakdown of the online payday loan process:
1. Submit Your Application: You provide basic personal, financial, and employment information. No hard credit check is typically required at this stage.
2. Get Matched Instantly: If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements (such as age, income, and banking status), your request is routed to potential lenders in real time.
3. Review Your Loan Offer: Once matched, you can review the loan amount, interest rate, repayment date, and any applicable fees.
4. Receive Your Funds: Upon acceptance, funds are usually deposited into your bank account within 24 hours, often sooner.
Disclaimer: Each lender’s approval criteria and funding timeline may vary. Always read the terms carefully before accepting any loan agreement.

Why Online Payday Loans Stand Out as a Quick-Fix Financial Tool

When time is of the essence, online payday loans shine. They’re tailored for speed, accessibility, and convenience:
- Speed: Most applications take under 5 minutes to complete, and decisions are nearly instant.
- Accessibility: Borrowers with bad credit, limited credit history, or prior denials may still qualify.
- Convenience: The entire process can be completed without leaving your home.
That’s why MoneyMutual has become a trusted choice for those seeking the best payday cash advance loans online — it simplifies the process by bringing together borrowers and vetted lenders in a single, secure platform.

Direct Lenders vs. Loan Aggregators

It’s important to understand the distinction between direct lenders and loan brokers (aggregators). Direct lenders provide the funds themselves and communicate directly with the borrower about terms, repayment, and service.

Platforms like MoneyMutual connect borrowers only with direct lenders, ensuring a streamlined, transparent experience with no unnecessary middlemen.

Facing a financial emergency? Get up to $5,000 fast with MoneyMutual—no fees, no obligation. Apply today and access funds as soon as tomorrow!

Spotlight on MoneyMutual: How It Works & Why It’s Trusted

What Is MoneyMutual?

MoneyMutual is an online lending marketplace — not a direct lender — that connects borrowers to a network of trusted, licensed lenders who specialize in short-term cash advance loans. Since its inception, it has served over 2 million customers, building a strong reputation for fast, accessible financial matchmaking for those facing urgent monetary needs.

Its platform is designed to help users find the nearest direct lenders online without going through tedious research or risky third-party referral sites.

Key Benefits of Using MoneyMutual
- Free to Use: There are no fees tosubmit your loan request through MoneyMutual. The service is 100% free for borrowers.
- Fast Matching: Within minutes of submitting your information, you could be matched with one or more qualified lenders.
- Secure Platform: MoneyMutual uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your sensitive personal and financial data.
- Wide Eligibility Range: The platform supports a diverse range of lenders willing to work with bad credit, no credit, or even recent financial setbacks.
- No Obligation: You are never required to accept a loan offer. You can simply walk away if the terms don’t suit your needs.
Disclaimer: While MoneyMutual does not make lending decisions, it enables users to explore multiple offers from licensed lenders. Borrowers should carefully review loan terms, interest rates, and repayment periods before accepting any offer.

Step-by-Step: How MoneyMutual Works

Submit a Secure Loan Request

You’ll start by filling out a short online form on the official MoneyMutual website. It takes less than five minutes and requires basic information like:
- Full name and contact info
- Monthly income (minimum $800/month required)
- Employment status
- Active checking account details
- Age and U.S. residency status
Get Matched With Lenders

Once your information is verified, MoneyMutual uses its algorithm to match you with direct lenders that fit your profile. This ensures you only receive loan offers you’re more likely to qualify for — saving time and stress.

Review and Accept Terms

You’ll be redirected to the lender’s website to view the complete loan offer, including:
- Loan amount (typically up to $5,000)
- Interest rate and fees
- Repayment schedule
- Late payment or rollover terms
If you like the terms, you can accept electronically and move forward with the disbursement.

Receive Funds

Once accepted, funds are often transferred to your checking account within 24 business hours, depending on the lender’s processing timelines.

Disclaimer: Funding times may vary. Not all users will qualify for same-day deposit. Always confirm details with your matched lender.

Why Users Trust MoneyMutual
- Featured in national media for its transparency and simplicity
- Over 2 million borrowers served since launch
- User reviews highlight its ease of use and effectiveness during emergencies
- Compliant with Online Lenders Alliance (OLA) best practices
MoneyMutual stands out by removing friction from the borrowing process — streamlining the way individuals in financial distress get connected to real solutions.

Bad credit? No problem. See if you qualify for a payday loan in minutes with MoneyMutual. It’s free, secure, and takes less than 5 minutes to apply.

Eligibility and Application Process: What You Need to Qualify

Who Can Apply for a Payday Loan Through MoneyMutual?

One of the biggest advantages of using MoneyMutual is the minimal barrier to entry. You don’t need perfect credit or a lengthy financial profile. Instead, lenders prioritize your ability to repay the loan based on your current income and banking status.

Here are the basic eligibility requirements to get started:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Earn a verifiable income of at least $800/month
- Have an active checking account
- Be a U.S. resident
If you meet these four criteria, you are eligible to submit your request through MoneyMutual and be connected with direct payday lenders willing to review your application — even if your credit is less than perfect.

Disclaimer: Meeting basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee a loan offer. Each lender has their own underwriting criteria and may evaluate additional factors.

The Online Application Process: Step by Step

1. Visit the Official Website

Head to MoneyMutual.com to begin your loan request. Always confirm you’re on the official site to avoid phishing attempts.

2. Fill Out the Secure Form

Provide accurate information about your employment, income, banking details, and contact info. This step usually takes less than 5 minutes.

3. Submit Your Information

Once submitted, your request will be evaluated and passed through MoneyMutual’s lender network in real time.

4. Get Matched With Potential Lenders

If you’re a fit, one or more lenders may extend loan offers. You’ll be directed to their sites to review terms.

5. Accept the Loan Terms

You can read through the offer details — loan amount, APR, repayment date, fees — and accept if it suits your needs.

6. Receive Funds

Funds may be deposited into your bank account within 24 hours, depending on the lender and when you accept the offer.

Disclaimer: Application to funding timelines may vary. Submissions made outside business hours or on weekends may be delayed.

What Happens If You’re Not Approved?

Even if no lender offers you a loan initially, there’s no penalty. You can reapply when your income increases, your banking situation improves, or additional lenders join the network.

MoneyMutual is not a decision-maker — it’s a tool that opens the door to a broader pool of online payday loans from direct lenders who each have their own criteria.

Tips to Improve Your Approval Odds
- Use a checking account that’s been open for more than 90 days
- Make sure your income is verifiable (e.g., through pay stubs or direct deposit history)
- Avoid typos or errors in your application — incorrect banking info is a common delaycause
- Apply during weekday business hours for the fastest turnaround
Get emergency funds fast—apply now through MoneyMutual’s secure platform and connect with verified payday lenders today.

Loan Details and Considerations: Terms, Limits & Important Disclaimers

How Much Can You Borrow Through MoneyMutual’s Lender Network?

Borrowers using MoneyMutual may be eligible to receive loan offers ranging from $100 to $5,000, depending on the lender’s policies, your income level, and the state in which you reside. Many first-time borrowers may qualify for smaller amounts, with larger loans potentially available for returning or higher-income applicants.

Disclaimer: Loan amounts are determined by individual lenders based on your profile. Not all borrowers will qualify for the maximum amount.

Understanding Payday Loan Terms and Fees

Unlike traditional bank loans, payday loans are short-term financial instruments, usually due in full on your next payday. Repayment timelines typically range from 7 to 30 days, although some lenders may offer extended repayment options through installment structures.

Expectations around repayment may include:
- Full repayment by next payday
- Interest rates (APR) that vary by lender
- Flat service fees or rollover penalties (where allowed by law)
Disclaimer: Interest rates and fee structures vary based on the lender and your location. Always read your loan agreement in full before signing.

Interest Rates: What You Should Know

Payday loans often carry higher APRs than conventional loans due to their short duration and increased risk profile. While this is a standard feature of cash advance lending, it’s critical that borrowers understand how rates translate into actual repayment amounts.

For example, a $500 loan with a 15% fee due in two weeks would require a repayment of $575 — not including any late fees if payment is missed.

Disclaimer: Always verify the actual interest rate, total repayment amount, and any penalty fees before accepting a loan. Terms can vary by lender and are subject to change.

Flexible vs. Fixed Loan Structures

Some lenders in the MoneyMutual network may offer installment payday loans, which allow repayment over a longer period with fixed payments. This may be more manageable for borrowers who can’t repay the full amount on their next paycheck.

Other lenders may stick to the classic lump-sum payday loan, which requires repayment in full on your next pay date. Always consider your cash flow when choosing a loan structure.

Loan Renewal and Rollovers

Not all lenders allow renewals or rollovers (extending the loan for an additional fee). In states where it’s permitted, borrowers may have the option to defer payment — but this can significantly increase the overall cost of the loan.

Disclaimer: Rollover availability depends on local laws and the lender’s internal policies. Use with caution, as repeated rollovers can lead to a cycle of debt.

Pricing Disclaimer

Prices, interest rates, and repayment terms vary based on individual lender policies.

Bills piling up? Don’t wait. Submit your free payday loan request through MoneyMutual and get matched with real lenders fast—no upfront fees.

Advantages of Using MoneyMutual: Speed, Access, and Trust

Fast Access to Emergency Funds

One of the most compelling benefits of using MoneyMutual is how quickly borrowers can access funds. In emergencies where time is critical — like overdue rent, medical co-pays, or urgent car repairs — waiting days or weeks for a traditional loan simply isn’t an option.

With online payday loans from direct lenders, users may receive funds in as little as 24 hours, depending on when their loan is approved. For many, that speed makes the difference between stability and spiraling into further financial hardship.

Disclaimer: While many users report fast deposit times, funding is not guaranteed within 24 hours and varies by lender, business hours, and banking partners.

Available for Borrowers With Bad or No Credit

Unlike traditional banks that prioritize credit scores, MoneyMutual’s lender network evaluates applicants primarily based on income and checking account history. This creates an accessible path for people with:
- Low or poor credit scores
- No credit history
- Past financial difficulties
- Recent employment changes
By connecting users to direct payday lenders open to nontraditional credit profiles, MoneyMutual empowers more people to access emergency funding with fewer obstacles.

Secure and Confidential

Trust and security are central to MoneyMutual’s brand. The platform uses AES 256-bit encryption to ensure that all personal and financial information is protected during transmission. Plus, the site never stores your sensitive banking details after the match is complete.

Privacy is respected throughout the process. Only lenders who are actively considering your request gain access to your data — not random third parties.

No Hidden Fees or Application Charges

Submitting a loan request on MoneyMutual.com is 100% free. You are under no obligation to accept a loan if the terms don’t work for you. The platform earns compensation only from participating lenders, not from borrowers.
- No upfront fees
- No credit pull required to request a match
- No obligation to proceed if you don’t like your options
Strong Reputation and User Satisfaction

With over 2 million customers served and consistent online visibility, MoneyMutual has developed a reputation for reliability in the payday lending space. Borrowers often cite the following as reasons they return:
- Ease of use and intuitive interface
- Fast loan matching with real-time decisions
- A wide selection of reputable lenders
- Clear, upfront loan terms
Disclaimer: User experiences may vary. Reviews are individual and not a guarantee of future outcomes.

Need cash before payday? Apply today with MoneyMutual to access short-term loans up to $5,000 with no hidden fees or obligations.

Responsible Borrowing & Alternatives: What to Know Before You Commit

Using Payday Loans the Right Way

While payday cash advance loans can be a valuable tool during emergencies, they should always be used with care and only for short-term financial gaps. Payday loans are not designed to cover ongoing expenses or long-term financial issues, and borrowers should avoid rolling over or stacking multiple loans at once.

Here are situations when a payday loan may be appropriate:
- A one-time, unexpected bill before payday
- A temporary lapse in income
- A time-sensitive car or medical expense
- Avoiding costly overdraft or late fees
Disclaimer: Payday loans are not intended to be long-term financial solutions. Overuse can lead to debt cycles and additional financial stress.

Recognizing the Risks

Though convenient, payday loans carry higher interest rates and shorter repayment windows, which can be difficult for some borrowers to manage. If you’re unsure about your ability to repay on time, it’s crucial to explore alternatives or speak with a financial counselor.

Potential risks include:
- High APRs (annual percentage rates)
- Additional fees for late payments
- Limited ability to extend or restructure terms
- Risk of overdrawing your bank account if repayment is automated
Disclaimer: Always review the full loan agreement, including the APR, fee schedule, and payment terms before proceeding with any cash advance offer.

Alternatives to Payday Loans

Before deciding to borrow, consider exploring other options that may provide similar relief without the same level of financial risk. Here are a few alternatives:

Credit Union Personal Loans

Credit unions often provide small-dollar loans at more affordable interest rates — and may be more flexible about credit history.

Employer Pay Advance Programs

Some companies offer early access to earned wages through apps or in-house payroll programs — usually with no interest.

Community Assistance or Nonprofits

Local community organizations may help cover utility bills, rent, or medical expenses for those in need.

Borrowing From Family or Friends

Though not ideal for everyone, borrowing a small amount from someone you trust may help avoid fees and interest altogether.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

If you do move forward with a payday loan through MoneyMutual, protect your financial well-being by:
- Borrowing only what you need
- Ensuring you can repay on time
- Reading all loan disclosures
- Avoiding renewals or rollovers when possible
- Tracking your repayment date carefully
MoneyMutual encourages borrowers to understand their financial situation fully before agreeing to any short-term loan. While the platform is designed to provide rapid relief, financial education and planning remain essential to long-term stability.

Skip the stress. Apply with MoneyMutual and get matched with trusted direct lenders offering fast cash—even with poor credit.

Responsible Borrowing & Alternatives: What to Know Before You Commit

When a Payday Loan Makes Sense

Payday loans can be a useful tool in certain situations — especially when unexpected expenses arise and other financial options aren’t available. For instance, they may be appropriate when:
- You have a one-time emergency expense
- You’re confident you can repay the loan in full by your next payday
- You’ve exhausted alternatives like credit cards or savings
- You need a small loan fast to avoid late fees, overdrafts, or service interruptions
But payday loans should be viewed as temporary financial tools, not long-term solutions. Repeated use or reliance on short-term loans can lead to a cycle of debt that becomes harder to escape over time.

Disclaimer: Payday loans are not designed for long-term financial relief. Borrowers are encouraged to explore all available options before committing to any high-interest lending solution.

Red Flags and Risk Factors

Before accepting a payday loan, it’s important to understand the risks:
- High APRs: Short-term loans often carry annual percentage rates far higher than traditional bank loans
- Debt Trap Potential: If you can’t repay on time and rollover options aren’t available, your debt can grow quickly
- Limited Consumer Protections: Payday lending regulations vary by state; not all lenders offer the same safeguards
This is why MoneyMutual encourages users to review loan terms carefully and only proceed with offers they understand and can afford to repay.

Alternatives to Payday Loans

If a payday loan doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are other options that may be worth exploring:

Credit Union Personal Loans

Credit unions often offer smaller-dollar personal loans with lower interest rates than payday lenders, especially for members with modest credit scores.

Employer Cash Advance Programs

Some employers provide short-term paycheck advances with no interest. It’s worth checking if such a benefit exists in your workplace.

Nonprofit and Community Programs

Local nonprofit organizations or faith-based groups sometimes offer emergency financial assistance or zero-interest loans to qualifying families.

Family or Friends

Although not ideal for everyone, borrowing from someone you trust may avoid interest entirely. Be sure to put repayment terms in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

Financial Counseling Support

If you find yourself frequently using payday loans, it may be a signal to seek support from a certified financial counselor. Many nonprofit credit counseling agencies provide:
- Budgeting assistance
- Debt management plans
- Financial education resources
These services can help break the dependency on high-interest lending and put you on a path toward financial stability.

Disclaimer: Counseling services are not affiliated with MoneyMutual. Borrowers should research providers independently before engaging with any financial advisory service.

Time-sensitive bills? Get matched in minutes to licensed lenders who can deposit funds in 24 hours. Apply with MoneyMutual now!

Avoiding Scams and Ensuring Safety: Stay Protected When Borrowing Online

Why Scam Awareness Is Critical in the Online Lending Space

With the rise of online payday loan platforms comes an unfortunate increase in scam operations posing as legitimate lenders. These bad actors often exploit financial desperation by promising fast cash, then demanding upfront fees, harvesting personal information, or locking victims into predatory agreements.

Knowing the difference between a real offer and a fake one is essential — especially when you’re in a vulnerable financial position. Using a reputable connector platform like MoneyMutual helps eliminate much of this risk by only working with licensed, vetted direct lenders.

Common Signs of Payday Loan Scams

Here are key red flags that may indicate a payday loan scam:
- Upfront feesrequired before you receive the loan
- Requests for gift cards or crypto as a payment method
- Unsecured email addresses or suspicious-looking websites
- High-pressure tactics, like “offer expires in 30 minutes”
- Asking for sensitive information via text or unverified email
Legitimate lenders will never ask you to send money to receive money or pressure you into a contract without giving you time to review the terms.

Disclaimer: Always verify the legitimacy of a lender by checking reviews, licenses, and official contact channels. When in doubt, do not proceed.

How MoneyMutual Keeps Borrowers Safe

MoneyMutual prioritizes consumer protection with several key safety measures:
- Encrypted data transmission using AES 256-bit SSL encryption
- No upfront payment required to request a loan match
- No guarantee of approval, which protects users from false promises
- Only licensed lenders are part of its internal network
- No follow-up contact unless initiated by the lender directly
In fact, MoneyMutual explicitly states that it will never contact you to request repayment, collect money, or guarantee a loan. If someone does so while claiming to be from MoneyMutual, you’re likely dealing with a fraudster.

What to Do If You Encounter a Scam

If you believe you’ve been targeted or scammed, take action immediately:
- Do not send any money or provide further personal info
- Contact your bank to freeze or monitor your accounts
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Call the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA) Consumer Hotline
- Document the communication (screenshots, emails, texts) in case law enforcement follows up
MoneyMutual can connect you with trusted payday lenders online within minutes. It’s free to apply, takes less than 5 minutes, and could put up to $5,000 in your bank account by tomorrow. Don’t wait—secure your short-term cash loan now and breathe easier.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision About Emergency Lending

Recapping the Journey: From Financial Stress to Smart Solutions

Financial emergencies can feel overwhelming — especially when your savings are low, your credit score is struggling, and bills are stacking up fast. In those moments, having access to a reliable, fast, and secure lending network can make a significant difference.

That’s exactly where MoneyMutual excels: by offering a streamlined, no-cost way to connect users to trusted direct payday lenders online — all within minutes, and with no obligation to accept a loan unless the terms work for you.

Whether you’re facing a sudden medical bill (non-life-threatening), urgent car repairs, or unexpected child care costs, short-term cash advance loans offer temporary relief — provided they are used responsibly.

Final Thoughts: Responsible Borrowing and Smart Alternatives

As emphasized throughout this article, payday loans are not a long-term financial solution. They should be treated as a short-term resource when no other lower-cost options are available. Repeated reliance can lead to more financial strain if repayment is missed or deferred.

However, when used wisely and in moderation, these loans can provide a critical financial lifeline during difficult times.

Remember:
- Always review the full loan agreement before signing
- Never agree to terms you don’t fully understand
- Use payday loans to solve urgent problems, not to fund ongoing expenses
- Compare offers when possible and ask questions if anything seems unclear
And most importantly: if you feel unsure, seek guidance from a financial counselor or nonprofit advisory service to understand all your options before moving forward.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Individual circumstances may vary. Always consult a financial professional for personalized guidance.

Pricing and Offer Reminder

Disclaimer: Loan offers, interest rates, and terms are determined by the individual lender and may vary. Always verify final pricing, fees, and repayment conditions directly through the official MoneyMutual website, as terms are subject to change at any time.

Whether it’s overdue rent or a surprise medical bill, MoneyMutual is your trusted source for short-term payday loans online. Apply now to connect with lenders who are ready to fund your loan quickly and privately — even if you have bad credit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best payday cash advance loan online?

The best payday cash advance loan online is one that offers fast approval, direct deposit, and clear repayment terms, even if you have bad credit. MoneyMutual connects you with a network of trusted direct lendersofferingshort-term loans up to $5,000, with no upfront fees and fast processing — often within 24 hours.

Can I get a payday loan with bad credit?

Yes, many online payday lenders for bad credit prioritize your income over your credit score. Through platforms like MoneyMutual, borrowers with low or no credit history can still qualify for emergency cash loans by meeting simple criteria like regular income and an active bank account.

How fast can I get cash from a payday loan?

If approved, you could receive your cash advance in as little as 24 hours. Timing depends on the lender’s processing window, the day/time you apply, and your bank’s deposit policies. Many direct lenders offer same-day payday loans when applications are submitted during business hours.

Are online payday loans from direct lenders safe?

Yes — as long as you use verified platforms like MoneyMutual, which only connect borrowers to licensed direct payday lenders. MoneyMutual uses AES 256-bit encryption and complies with Online Lenders Alliance (OLA) best practices to ensure your data is protected and your lender is legitimate.

What are the eligibility requirements for an online payday loan?

To qualify for most online payday cash advance loans, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a steady income of at least $800/month
- Own an active checking account
- Be a U.S. resident
These basic criteria give you access to the nearest direct lenders online without traditional credit checks.

How much can I borrow with a payday cash advance?

Loan amounts typically range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the lender and your financial profile. Some borrowers may qualify for higher amounts on future loans if repayment history is strong and income supports larger requests.

Is there a fee toapply for a payday loan on MoneyMutual?

No, MoneyMutual is completely free for borrowers. You can fill out one secure application and get matched with lenders without paying anything upfront. There is no obligation to accept any loan offer presented to you.

Do payday loans affect my credit score?

Most online payday loans from direct lenders don’t involve hard credit checks and therefore won’t impact your credit score. However, missed payments or defaulting could be reported to collection agencies and may indirectly affect your credit over time.

Can I get a payday loan online without a credit check?

Yes, many lenders in the MoneyMutual network offer payday loans with no hard credit check. These loans are based on income and bank activity, making them accessible for those with poor credit or limited credit history.

What happens if I can’t repay a payday loan on time?

Failing to repay your payday loan on time can lead to late fees, increased interest, and potential collection activity. Some states allow rollovers, but this can increase your total debt.

Money short before payday? Get help now. Use MoneyMutual to request a loan today—quick, private, and free to use
- Company: MoneyMutual
- Email: customerservice@moneymutual.com
- Phone Support: 844-276-2063
Legal Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or professional advice. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the content, no guarantees are made with respect to its reliability or applicability to individual circumstances. The publisher and its syndication partners disclaim all liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content, including but not limited to typographical errors, inaccuracies, outdated information, or omissions.

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, recommend, or promote any lender or financial product. No fees are charged to consumers for the use of this website or the content herein.

This publication does not constitute an offer or solicitation to lend. Submitting personal information through this site is not a guarantee of loan approval. Any loan offer is solely between the user and the participating lender. Lending decisions, terms, amounts, interest rates, and repayment periods are determined exclusively by individual lenders based on their own underwriting criteria and applicable regulations.

Cash advance loans should only be used to meet short-term financial needs and are not intended as long-term financial solutions. Not all lenders can provide loans up to $5,000, and cash transfer times vary depending on the lender and financial institution. This lending service may not be available in all states and is not available in Connecticut, New York, or to New York borrowers due to applicable state laws. Users are advised to contact their lender directly for information related to their loan, terms, or specific questions.

Some participating lenders may perform credit checks or obtain consumer credit reports through traditional bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) or alternative sources to assess creditworthiness. Credit inquiries and the sharing of personal data are conducted in accordance with each lender’s privacy policy and applicable legal standards.

Neither the publisher, nor its content distribution partners, are responsible for lending practices, data use, approval rates, or any decisions made by participating lenders. Users are strongly encouraged to read all terms and conditions, review lender disclosures carefully, and consult with a financial advisor before accepting any short-term loan offer.

Affiliate Disclosure

This article may contain affiliate links. If a user clicks on one of these links and takes action — such as submitting a loan request or completing an application — the publisher may receive compensation from a third-party partner or advertiser. This compensation comes at no additional cost to the user and helps support the production of informative, accessible content.

The presence of affiliate links does not influence the objectivity or integrity of the content. All product mentions and service evaluations are based on publicly available information and editorial judgment. Users are under no obligation to engage with any offer or service mentioned, and are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decision.

The publisher and its syndication partners do not endorse any specific lender, financial institution, or lending product. Any loan arrangement or agreement is solely between the user and the lender. Always read all terms, conditions, and disclosures provided by the lender before proceeding.

The MIL Network –
May 13, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Politics and Unions – Unions barred from Budget 2025 lock-up – CTU

Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi (CTU)

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has sent an open letter to the Government objecting to its decision to block the NZCTU and other unions from attending the Budget lock-up on 22 May.

“We object in the strongest possible terms to the Government’s decision to bar the NZCTU from the Budget 2025 lock-up. The NZCTU represents over 300,000 workers across the private and public sectors and is the largest democratic organisation in New Zealand,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“Workers will be significantly impacted by the decisions made by government at Budget 2025, and it is important that the NZCTU can accurately report on Budget decisions to ensure working people are properly briefed.

“This Government appears to believe the banks, international financial institutions, and consulting houses are more important than working people, and it seems that is why the representatives of working people have been denied access.

“Last week the Government made the highly controversial decision to unilaterally gut the pay equity claims process. It is therefore unsurprising that it doesn’t want working people to understand the rationale and impacts of its Budget decisions this year,” said Wagstaff.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 13, 2025

Category: Trade

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