Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: STATEMENT: CanREA congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada for their re-election  

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: STATEMENT: CanREA congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada for their re-election  

    CanREA eager to resume positive work with the federal government to advance wind energy, solar energy and energy storage initiatives nationwide. 

    Ottawa, Ontario, April 29, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada for their election today, forming a minority government. At press time, votes were still being counted with many ridings too close to call. 

    “CanREA looks forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Canadian government to advance clean-energy initiatives nationwide. Expanding investments in wind, solar, and energy storage technologies is essential for safeguarding Canada’s economic sovereignty while delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy solutions. The urgency to act has never been greater,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. 

    During the campaign, Mr. Carney and the Liberal Party committed to a suite of proposals that support the rapid deployment of clean energy. These include: 

    Finalizing the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs), policies that have already galvanized private sector investment in Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage industry. Getting the remaining ITCs passed into law, particularly the Clean Electricity ITC, will secure Canada’s position as a competitive and safe place for the private sector to invest. These will also help lower the cost of electricity to Canadian ratepayers. 
    Reducing the barriers that Indigenous companies and communities face when it comes to accessing capital, by expanding the kinds of projects the Canada Infrastructure Bank can support to be more in line with First Nation, Inuit and Métis priorities. The Liberals also committed to exploring options for an Indigenous Infrastructure Bank to further address this gap. 
    Offering support for Canadians entering the trades, while also helping to reduce barriers that these skilled workers face when working in another province. 
    Creating a new First and Last Mile Fund that will move more electricity and goods from where they are produced to where they are needed, creating a more integrated and accessible Canadian economy. 
    Signing new Cooperation and Substitution Agreements with all willing provinces, territories, and Indigenous Governing Bodies within six months, ensuring that projects go through only one review that upholds environmental standards and Indigenous consultation. 
    Cementing the signal for electrification by maintaining the industrial carbon price. During his leadership campaign, Mr. Carney even promised to set a pricing schedule out to 2035—this would be a strong signal upon which Canada’s renewable energy and energy storage industry could rely. 
    “We are ready to work with all 343 MPs to deliver on legislation that will accelerate the development of the new renewable energy and energy storage projects Canada needs to meet its economic and environmental goals,” said Fernando Melo, CanREA’s Federal Director.  

    “CanREA will continue to champion the speedy introduction of legislation that will enable the Clean Electricity ITC and other tools to improve Indigenous communities’ and companies’ access to capital. We are also committed to working with the new Liberal government to secure Canada’s clean-energy supply chains during this period of uncertainty,” said Melo.  

    Quotes  

    “CanREA looks forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Canadian government to advance clean-energy initiatives nationwide. Expanding investments in wind, solar, and energy storage technologies is essential for safeguarding Canada’s economic sovereignty while delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy solutions. The urgency to act has never been greater.”   

    —Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

    “We are ready to work with all 343 MPs to deliver on legislation that will accelerate the development of the new renewable energy and energy storage projects Canada needs to meet its economic and environmental goals. CanREA will continue to champion the speedy introduction of legislation that will enable the Clean Electricity ITC and other tools to improve Indigenous communities’ and companies’ access to capital. We are also committed to working with the new Liberal government to secure Canada’s clean-energy supply chains during this period of uncertainty.” 

    —Fernando Melo, Federal Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

    For media interview opportunities, please contact:

    Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of CommunicationsCanadian Renewable Energy Associationcommunications@renewablesassociation.ca

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
    The post STATEMENT: CanREA congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada for their re-election   appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor speech at Global Innovate Summit 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Chancellor speech at Global Innovate Summit 2025

    The Chancellor delivered the keynote speech at the Global Innovate Summit 2025 on 29 April.

    Thank you Janine, and good afternoon everyone.

    It’s a pleasure to be here today to mark the 11th year of UK FinTech Week …

    … brought together once again by Innovate Finance…

    …who continue to champion tirelessly our FinTech sector.

    As Chancellor, I’ve always said it’s my job to back the builders…

    … back the wealth creators…

    …and the job creators.

    So my job is to back all of you in this room.

    After all, it’s thanks to your work that the UK is a world leader in FinTech.

    When I was working at the Bank of England 20 years ago…

    …FinTech was in its infancy…

    …an offshoot of financial services…

    …and there was certainly no such thing as FinTech week.

    But times have changed, the industry has changed.

    Last year, the UK’s FinTech sector attracted $3.6 billion of investment – more than any other country bar the US.

    Almost half of Europe’s FinTech unicorns are based here in Britain…

    …and roughly a third of all UK unicorns are FinTechs – a higher share than anywhere else.

    Companies like Allica Bank and Zilch, who were both recently named among the fastest growing companies in Europe by the Financial Times …

    …Or Zopa, for whom 2024 marked another year of extraordinary economic growth.

    Last week when I was in Washington for the IMF Spring Meetings…

    … I spoke to industry, legislators, and policymakers…

    …as well as US firms already operating here in the UK.

    I set out our strengths as an open trading nation with trade links around the world…

    …and as a nation that can provide political and financial stability and certainty to businesses…

    …in an uncertain world.

    The UK has a long history of breaking new ground in Financial Services.

    We were the first country to develop uniform Open Banking standards…

    …and we were one of the first countries to establish a system for near-instant digital payments with the Faster payments system in 2008.

    In my Mansion House speech last year, I published the National Payments Vision…

    … setting out the government’s ambition for seamless account-to-account payments…

    …and demonstrating our commitment to a regulatory environment that cares about managing the burden we put on businesses.

    Something that we will build in with the consolidation of the Payment Systems Regulator into the FCA.

    The UK is Europe’s leading hub for investment…

    …raising more equity capital than the next three European exchanges combined last year.

    I am committed to building on these strong foundations…

    …with an ambitious programme of reforms.

    Last September I chose to extend the UK’s generous venture capital schemes…

    … the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Venture Capital Trust scheme…

    …which – alongside the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme – offer generous tax reliefs…

    …in return for investing in British business.

    And we will soon publish the final Pension Investment Review, ahead of the introduction of the Pension Schemes Bill…

    …where we will legislate to unlock up to £80 billion of investment into companies like yours…

    start-up, scale-up, and fast growing businesses.

    …delivering a major consolidation of the Defined Contribution market and the Local Government Pension Scheme…

    …so that pension funds have sufficient scale to invest in growing industries like FinTech.

    I am determined to make sure that the UK remains one of the best places in the world for FinTechs to start-up, scale-up and to list…

    …benefitting from our stable and liquid markets.

    Last July, the FCA implemented a fundamental rewrite of the UK’s Listing Rules, the biggest reforms in a generation.

    These new rules now put the UK in line – or in many cases ahead – of other global markets in giving companies the flexibility to pursue their growth ambitions…

    …backing their aspiration…

    …and allowing them to raise large amounts of capital more easily.

    And for those companies who want to remain private for longer, we are developing the new Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System – or PISCES…

    …which we will legislate for next month.

    This is a brand new type of stock exchange for trading private company shares…

    …supporting private companies to scale and grow…

    …and providing a steppingstone to IPO.

    Finally, we’ve reformed the rules to allow greater investment research to be produced on UK listed companies…

    …and reducing the burdens imposed on public companies through the UK’s Corporate Governance Code.

    I want the UK to be a place where you can take risks…

    …innovate and experiment…

    …and find new ways to deliver for your customers.

    When I met with senior leaders from across the FinTech sector last month…

    …you told me about the importance of getting the balance of regulation right…

    …especially on digital assets.

    I agree.

    While the UK will always be committed to high international standards…

    …I am determined that our regulatory framework supports economic growth.

    That’s why I’m delighted that we are today publishing draft legislation for the UK’s comprehensive regulatory regime for cryptoassets…

    …engaging with all of you to ensure that the final legislation – planned for later this year – delivers for government and most importantly for the industry…

    …and makes the UK a great place for digital asset companies to invest and innovate.

    For the UK to be a world-leader in digital assets…

    …international cooperation is vital.

    Which is why I discussed continued U.S. and UK engagement with Secretary Bessent last week…

    …including further dialogue at the upcoming UK-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group in June…

    …to support the use and responsible growth of digital assets…

    …maintaining the deep historic relationship between the world’s two largest financial centres through this period of significant technological change.

    Regulation must support business, not hold it back.

    Our regulators were among the first to embrace and develop sandboxes…

    …including the Digital Securities Sandbox, where I’m delighted that we already have a broad range of firms all looking at different proposals for tokenising our financial markets.

    Last November, I announced that this government will issue a Digital Gilt Instrument…

    …an entirely new debt instrument…

    …using distributed ledger technology…

    this will enable us to experience first-hand the benefits of digital technologies in debt issuance.

    And I know that there is appetite to go further.

    Last week, Secretary Bessent and I also discussed how our officials could explore opportunities to support industry to innovate cross-border…

    …in line with proposals put forward by US Securities and Exchange Commissioner Hester Peirce about a transatlantic sandbox for digital securities…

    …potentially allowing greater digital collaboration between capital markets in New York and London.

    I’ve talked about what we’ve already done, and some ideas for the future.

    Financial services is one of the key growth-driving sectors in the UK’s modern industrial strategy…

    ….with FinTech as a priority growth opportunity…

    …and I look forward to publishing the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy at my upcoming Mansion House address…

    …which I can today confirm will take place on the 15th July.

    At Mansion House last year I set out my vision on economic growth…

    …and the new approach required to build sustainable growth…

    …on a platform of stability.

    At Mansion House this year I’ll talk about how we can go further and faster in realising that growth.

    By publishing the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy…

    …I will set out our strategy for the rest of this parliament and beyond…

    …building on our strengths in areas including capital markets, insurance and asset management…

    … supporting firms to innovate by ensuring they can access and develop the talent they need…

     …and promoting the UK as a great place to do business globally.

    Backing the builders in FinTech means improving outcomes for businesses and consumers…

    …revolutionising how we invest and trade…

    And driving growth and prosperity, here in the UK.

    It’s incredible how far Fintech has come in the past decade…

    And I’m enormously optimistic about the future.

    From the huge growth of the sector that has already taken place…

    …to the passion, drive and commitment I see from all of you to make FinTech a huge UK success story…

    …it is clear that our job in government is to back you, back the builders, back the change makers all the way.

    And I am ready to do just that.

    Thank you very much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives re-open to public

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Local history enthusiasts are being encouraged to book a visit to ‘Explore Your Archive’ as Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives re-opens today (29 April) for in-person research visits at the Town House on Broad Street.
     
    The Archives have been closed to the public for almost a year to allow the team to carry out a major collection move from Old Aberdeen House to the Town House. Preparations began in November 2023 with a huge stocktake of the collection, when staff and a group of 20 volunteers recorded details of every item in every storeroom. One of the most formidable tasks was labelling over 7,000 individual boxes. The preparations also included checking that delicate items would be suitable for transportation, and wrapping and protecting a wide variety of materials, including glass slides from Second World War Red Cross hospitals, maps, oversized volumes and ledgers, and thousands of architectural plans.

    Over 9,000 individual items, including archive boxes, bankers boxes, crates, wrapped volumes and plans, were moved over 20 days of heavy lifting, multiple trolley loads and several flights of stairs – all fuelled by 136 packs of biscuits! Volunteers logged 1,549 hours helping with the move.

    The largest tasks for volunteers was an appraisal of 120 files of Aberdeen School Board correspondence sent from teachers and Aberdeen residents in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Volunteers reviewed and listed the bundles of letters, reducing the collection from seven storage shelves to two, using professional criteria to weed out items of little historic value. Detailed information on the collection of letters has been recorded in the Archives catalogue and the material is available to researchers.

    A new storeroom at the Town House is now home to several core collections, such as the school admission registers and logbooks, building warrants, council minutes for Aberdeenshire and the Port of Aberdeen records (Aberdeen Harbour Board). A selection of photographic images from this collection showing the technological changes that have taken place on the quayside over the past 100 years will be going on display at the Art Gallery from Saturday 7 June.  

    Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council culture spokesman, said, “The Archives are a valuable resource for all kinds of research. It’s a tremendous source of pride for us in Aberdeen that we care for the oldest and most complete collection of burgh records in Scotland, dating back to 1398. They are recognised by UNESCO as being of outstanding historical importance to the United Kingdom. It’s very exciting that the Archives team has set up a new storeroom at the Town House where the public can access these remarkable collections, which really are a the gateway to the written history of the north-east of Scotland.”
      
    A new Access Guide to the Archives at the Town House is now available, along with a new Visual Guide containing details of what to expect on a visit to the Archives at the Town House. Both can be found on the Plan Your Visit pages of the Archives, Gallery & Museums website https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/town-house-archives 

    Phil Astley, Team Leader – Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives, will be giving a free lunchtime talk on the Port of Aberdeen archives – ‘A Haven for History’ on Wednesday 7 May at 12.30pm. 
    https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-art-galleries-and-museums/lunchtime-talk-haven-history-port-aberdeen-archives 

    From the Archive: Aberdeen Harbour opens at Aberdeen Art Gallery on 7 June. The exhibition continues until 11 January, open daily, admission free https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-art-galleries-and-museums/archive-aberdeen-harbour

    The collections of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives contain a wealth of documents and records dating from the 12th century to the present day, relating to the rich history and heritage of the City of Aberdeen and the three ancient counties of Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine. They include burgh records, burial records, church records, business records and school records. 
     
    Visits to the Archives should be booked in advance by emailing archives@aberdeencity.gov.uk. More information can be found at: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/aberdeen-city-and-aberdeenshire-archives/visitor-information  
      
    Read about the Archives move at https://aberdeenarchives.blogspot.com/

    Follow Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news about reopening. 

    Image: Phil Astley, Team Leader – Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives, and  Councillor Martin Greig, pictured in the Charter Room at the Town House
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prolific board game shoplifter sentenced following Met Police investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A prolific shoplifter who stole more than £3,000 worth of board games, books and toys from a shop in Haringey has been convicted following a Met Police investigation.

    Paul Mangal, 58 (30.03.67), of Hornsey Rise Gardens in Haringey, repeatedly targeted a Waterstones store on The Broadway in Crouch End between April 2023 and February this year.

    He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 29 April, where he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

    He was also issued with conditions not to enter Crouch End or Hornsey for two years, and is banned from being in possession of a suitcase in these areas.

    In September last year, officers from the local policing team in north London increased patrols in The Broadway, regularly visiting staff and security teams at large retailers and independent shops.

    It was through these relationships they were made aware of Mangal, with staff at Waterstones informing officers of the many thefts he was committing.

    Working with the store, officers carried out a month-long operation throughout January to gather CCTV footage and other evidence to identify Mangal.

    The officers were alerted by staff on Sunday, 23 February, when he’d again entered the store and made off with several items in a suitcase.

    He was arrested a short distance from his home in Hornsey and charged the following day.

    He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 February, where he pleaded guilty to a total of 23 charges of theft and was bailed.

    Sergeant James Elliott, of the local policing team in north London, who led the investigation, said:

    “We’ve recognised that shoplifting is something local people and businesses in Haringey are concerned about, and we are stepping up our efforts to tackle it.

    “Through building strong relationships with staff at this branch of Waterstones, we were able to identify Mangal by assessing his patterns of offending, which appeared to ramp up before, during and immediately after Christmas, then almost daily up until his arrest.

    “Sadly, we know some businesses on The Broadway are being targeted so often, many have stopped reporting thefts to police, so I hope the success of this case will encourage more to work closely with us so we can remove the most prolific shoplifters from our streets.”

    As well as relationship building and doubling the number of officers on the ward since February, Sergeant Elliott and his team are visiting retailers daily to offer reassurance and ensure they feel more confident when it comes to reporting incidents.

    Through these proactive measures, the number of thefts in the area has reduced by 35 per cent since December last year.

    There are now plans to introduce Live Facial Recognition (LFR) patrols to identify offenders, and during the summer months, officers will be out on bicycles so they’re able to react quicker to shoplifting incidents when they occur.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 232 Individuals for Immigration-Related Conduct this Week

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 19, 2025, through April 25, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 232 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 110 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 110 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 9 cases against 11 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. The United States also charged one individual with failing to register, as required by law. 

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

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Alex Esparaza Sanchez, et al: On April 22, 2025, Alex Esparza Sanchez, Nikolas Baldriche, Carlos Zuniga-Lizo, Sherman James-Guzman, and Benjamin Lopez-Barron were indicted for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Bringing in Illegal Aliens to the United States for Profit. According to the court documents, Esparza Sanchez, Baldriche and Zuniga-Lizo coordinated with James-Guzman and Lopez-Brown who picked up illegal aliens at the border in Yuma, Arizona. [Case Number: CR-25-00600-PHX-SMB]

    United States v. Hakeem Alberto Lucero-Parra: On April 22, 2025, Hakeem Alberto Lucero-Parra, an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged for illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed. According to the criminal complaint, after being arrested on local charges in Phoenix, Arizona, it was determined that Lucero-Parra had been previously deported after a conviction for Aggravated Assault and Attempt to Commit Kidnapping. [Case number: MJ-25-6149-PHX-ASB]

    United States v. Jacinto Medina-Palacios: On April 22, 2025, Jacinto Medina-Palacios, an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged for illegally reentering the United States after being previously removed. According to the criminal complaint, after being arrested on local charges in Phoenix, Arizona, it was determined that Medina-Palacios had been previously deported after a conviction for Carrying a Loaded Firearm while not the Registered Owner. [Case Number: MJ-25-6152-PHX-ASB]

    United States v. Teodoro Diaz-Ochoa: On April 23, 2025, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a 5-count indictment against Teodoro Diaz-Ochoa, 44, of Mexico, for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Alien in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, and Reentry of a Removed Alien. According to the charging documents in the case, Arizona Game and Fish Officers encountered Diaz-Ochoa in possession of a bolt action rifle while they were conducting a hunting without a license investigation. ATF agents also found a shotgun and ammunition at Diaz-Ochoa’s residence pursuant to a search warrant. Diaz-Ochoa was previously convicted of felony Attempted Sexual Assault and deported from the United States on April 22, 2016. [Case Number: CR-25-01989-TUC-JCH]

    Criminal complaints and indictments are simply methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).                                                                                 

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-063_April 25 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison on Child Exploitation Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – Jared James Dabbs, 41, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was sentenced last week to 40 years in federal prison on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of receipt of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    A federal grand jury indicted the defendant in December 2022. On August 19, 2024, he pled guilty to all counts in the indictment.

    On March 8, 2022, Dabbs pawned his laptop at Big Boss Pawn and Gun in Giles County, Tennessee. When the pawn shop owner inspected the laptop to confirm it was operable, he found child sexual abuse material on the laptop and contacted law enforcement. Dabbs was identified as the person who pawned the laptop. The next day, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on the defendant’s laptop and located images of child sexual abuse material including images the defendant produced of the minor victim. That same day, the Giles County Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and FBI executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, where they seized multiple electronic devices. Following his arrest, Dabbs was interviewed by law enforcement officers, and he admitted creating sexual abuse material of the minor victim, that he engaged in sexual contact with the minor victim on multiple occasions, and that he downloaded and viewed child sexual abuse material on multiple electronic devices.

    “The protection of children in our communities from sexual predators is among the highest priorities of the Department of Justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Thanks to the efforts of our prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, Jared Dabbs will never hurt another child again and justice has been done.”

    “This case underscores the critical role that everyday citizens can play in combating child sexual exploitation,” said a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. “Because of the vigilance of a sharp-eyed pawn shop employee, law enforcement was alerted, responded swiftly, and a child predator was removed from the streets.”

    “Children are among the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI is committed to finding and arresting those who prey on children, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure these predators are off the streets and held accountable for their heinous crimes.”

    Following his sentence of incarceration, Dabbs will be on supervised release for 10 years and he is required to register as a sex offender.  The Court also ordered Dabbs to pay $69,600 in restitution.

    Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Nashville Field Office, and the Giles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica R. Morrison and Robert E. McGuire prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: TAB Bank Kicks Off 2025 with $67 Million Loans for More Than 230 Companies in Q1

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OGDEN, Utah, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAB Bank kicked off 2025 building value for over 230 companies by closing more than $67 million in financing in Q1. Businesses in the transportation, beauty, specialty finance and real estate industries, along with 70 small businesses, chose TAB Bank to help fund their growth. Types of financing included factoring, asset-based and equipment loans, small business lines of credit and real estate loans.

    Highlights of the largest Q1 2025 deals include:

    • $13 million—Capital Foundry, a Pittsburgh-based specialty finance lender providing various debt and credit products to small and middle-market companies.
    • $12 million—Commercial real estate loan for a Kentucky-based behavioral health hospital.
    • $6.5 million— HydroEdge Solutions of Pennsylvania, a leading water transfer and fluid management services provider for the energy industry.
    • $5 million—An agriculture finance company in Nevada specializing in factoring financing for farmers, agricultural businesses and fresh produce exporters in Mexico.
    • $4 million—A California company involved in the formulation, product development and manufacturing of beauty products.

    In addition, TAB Bank provided 17 companies, primarily in the transportation industry, term loans and lines of credit ranging from $40,000 to $500,000. In 1998, TAB Bank started its business financing over-the-road truckers and the broader transportation industry to help create consistent operational cash flow.

    “Companies from various industries trust TAB Bank to build value for their business,” said Justin Hatch, Chief Lending Officer at TAB Bank. “From straightforward lending to unique financing structures, we learn about each individual business to ensure their experience with TAB Bank is excellent and helps them grow their business.”

    The bank’s services include working capital, equipment financing, term loans, lines of credit and commercial real estate loans. TAB Bank’s specialists ensure each client is matched with the right financial product for their industry and growth stage. The bank supports businesses with stellar credit and those without, requiring alternative assessments. To determine creditworthiness, the bank considers various factors, such as income and operational history.

    For more information on TAB Bank’s capital financing and credit solutions, visit TABBank.com.

    About TAB Bank
    At TAB Bank, our mission is to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to making financial success accessible to everyone through our innovative banking products. Our dedication drives us to continuously improve, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence and agility. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in offering tailored, technology-enabled solutions designed to simplify and enhance the banking experience.

    For more information about how we can help you achieve your financial dreams, visit www.TABBank.com.

    Contact Information:
    Trevor Morris
    Director of Marketing
    801-710-6318
    trevor.morris@tabbank.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New taskforce to investigate the hiring of youngsters to commit violence for a fee

    Source: European Union 2

    Europol has launched a taskforce to tackle the rising trend of organised crime networks hiring youngsters to carry out threats, assaults, or killings for a fee. The taskforce brings together police from 8 European countries with Europol providing operational support and coordination.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Lao People’s Democratic Republic

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Lao People’s Democratic Republic

    Statement by the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders, at Lao PDR’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you Mr Vice President.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the Lao PDR’s engagement with UN human rights mechanisms and its efforts to address human rights challenges. We are pleased with the inclusion of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in Laos’ action plans.

    However, the UK remains concerned over restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and religion. We are also concerned by limited land rights for vulnerable communities and the worsening issue of human trafficking linked to serious organised crime.

    We urge the Government to act on these issues and uphold its international obligations. In particular, we recommend that Laos;

    1. Takes immediate steps to protect and promote civic space, ensuring that all individuals can freely exercise their rights without fear of reprisal.

    2. Ensures that development projects respect the rights of affected communities, including noting the principle of free, prior and informed consent.

    3. Implements its international obligations under the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children and to collaborate with regional and international partners to address this issue.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Opportunities for everyone: GUU took part in the discussion on the development of inclusive higher education

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Representatives of the RUC of the State University of Management took part in the V All-Russian Forum of Inclusive Higher Education with International Participation “Formation of the Space of Inclusive Education: Requirements of the Time, Achievements, Growth Areas”

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Olga Petrova addressed the Forum participants with a welcoming speech, noting the importance of developing inclusive higher education.

    The State University of Management was represented at the Forum by the Director of the RUMTS Elena Mitrofanova, the project managers of the RUMTS Tatyana Beregovskaya and Associate Professor Svetlana Grishaeva.

    Forum participants discussed six key problem areas:

    Theoretical and methodological aspects of the formation of the inclusive education space. Priorities of scientific research in the field of inclusive higher education. Issues of comprehensive support for students with disabilities in the social, educational and labor spheres. Practices of career guidance, education and employment of persons with disabilities. Social and educational inclusion, personal and professional development in the context of inclusion. Interdepartmental, interlevel and network interaction in education.

    The event featured a professional discussion of current issues in a wide range of continuous and successive, seamless inclusive education, social, educational and labor inclusion.

    Let us recall that a resource educational and methodological center for training disabled people and people with disabilities has been created and has been successfully operating since 2017 on the basis of the State University of Management. It is the curator of partner universities in 4 regions: Moscow, Moscow Region, Oryol Region and Smolensk Region.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/29/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 13, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that it will host a conference call on May 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT) to report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    To participate in the live call, please register through the following event weblink: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI14d4db26011d45b9871ce05b8b3c5a63  

    After registering, participants will be provided with a dial-in number and pin.

    To listen to the conference call (audio only), please register through the following event weblink: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xd9v2i3x  

    A webcast replay will be available two hours after the conference call ends on May 13, 2025. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Gevo’s website at www.gevo.com.

    About Gevo
    Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including SAF, motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT
    Heather Manuel
    VP of Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    INVESTOR CONTACT
    Eric Frey, PhD
    VP of Corporate Development
    IR@gevo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Moody’s left LHV Group’s ratings unchanged

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The rating agency Moody’s Investors Service affirmed AS LHV Pank’s and AS LHV Group’s raitings, leaving LHV Pank’s long-term deposit rating to A3 level (with positive outlook) and LHV Group’s long-term issuer rating to Baa3 (with a positiive outlook). These ratings indicate LHV’s strong financial position and capitalization as well as express the expectation of further strengthening of solidity.

    Moody’s has assigned AS LHV Group long-term issuer ratings:

    • Long-term issuer rating Baa3
    • Senior unsecured rating Baa3
    • Outlook of the ratings is positive

    Moody’s affirmed the raitings assigned to AS LHV Pank:

    • Long- and short-term counterparty risk assessment of A3(cr)/Prime-2(cr)
    • Long- and short-term counterparty risk rating of A3/Prime-2
    • Long-term bank deposit rating A3
    • Short-term bank deposit rating Prime-2
    • The long-term deposit rating carries a positive outlook

    Additional information: www.moodys.com

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,160 people. As at the end of March, LHV’s banking services are being used by 465,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 113,000 active customers, and LHV Kindlustus is protecting a total of 174,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Priit Rum
    Communications Manager
    Phone: +372 502 0786
    Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SugarDaddy.com Reviews [2025] Best Sugar Daddy Website Or A Scam?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Las Vegas, Nevada, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    SugarDaddy.com has been at the forefront of sugar daddy dating for more than ten years, bringing sugar daddies and babies together. The 2025 review gives customers a clear picture of what makes this sugar daddy website unique by highlighting the platform’s continued dedication to openness and security and providing a first-rate matchmaking experience.

    Why Wait? Join SugarDaddy.com for Free – Find Your Perfect Match!

    What Is SugarDaddy.com?

    SugarDaddy.com is a premier online platform designed to connect affluent, successful individuals — known as sugar daddies — with attractive and ambitious partners, often called sugar babies. Launched to create mutually beneficial relationships, the site has become one of the most recognized and trusted names in the sugar dating world.

    Founded over a decade ago, SugarDaddy.com was built on the principle that honesty and transparency are key in sugar daddy relationships. It provides a secure and curated environment where users can express their expectations upfront, allowing for clear communication and well-defined arrangements. With an ever-expanding global community, the site caters to professionals, entrepreneurs, models, students, and others looking to connect with like-minded individuals in a respectful, luxury-driven setting.

    Safe, Secure, and Verified – Join SugarDaddy.com Today!

    What sets sugardaddy.com apart from many other sugar daddy websites is its streamlined design, responsive customer support, and dedication to user verification. The platform emphasizes safety and discretion — essential elements for anyone exploring this unique dating style.

    With easy navigation, a robust matching algorithm, and tools designed to enhance compatibility, sugardaddy.com is more than just a dating site — it’s a lifestyle hub for those seeking high-value connections. Whether you’re exploring sugar daddy dating for the first time or are a returning member, the platform continues to lead the industry in innovation and reliability.

    Users can also easily access their accounts through the sugardaddy.com login portal, making account management and communication quick and seamless.

    Find Meaningful Sugar Relationships on SugarDaddy.com

    SugarDaddy.com Reviews: What Are Users Saying?

    Regarding sugardaddy.com reviews, one thing is clear — the platform has made a positive impression on many users. From experienced sugar daddies to newcomers in the sugar dating scene, the feedback paints a compelling picture of trust, efficiency, and success.

    Real User Testimonials

    “I was initially skeptical, but SugarDaddy.com completely changed how I view online dating. I met someone genuine within two weeks!” — Melissa, 27, Miami

    “I’ve been on several sugar daddy websites, and none have matched the class and quality of sugardaddy.com. It’s the real deal.” — David, 49, Los Angeles

    “I appreciate the verification process and how easy it is to filter who I want to meet. I feel safe and in control.” — Tyra, 22, Atlanta

    These reviews are not uncommon. 88% of users polled in SugarDaddy.com’s 2025 internal satisfaction survey stated that they found the site “easy to use and trustworthy.”

    Join SugarDaddy.com – The Best Sugar Daddy Website!

    What Users Love

    • High-quality matches – The platform doesn’t just boast numbers. It ensures that its user base is genuine and well-curated.
    • Discretion & Safety – Privacy settings and a strong moderation team make users feel protected.
    • Efficiency – Many users report finding compatible matches in less than a month.

    Balanced Perspectives

    Not all feedback is perfect — and that’s a good thing. Some users mention that while the sugardaddy.com free version is functional, unlocking the whole experience often requires upgrading. Others wish for more regional filters or additional profile customization tools. Still, the overall satisfaction remains high, especially when compared to anonymous or unmoderated platforms.

    The wide range of sugardaddy.com reviews also speaks to the diversity of experiences. Some seek mentorship and career advice, while others focus on romance, travel, or long-term arrangements. The platform caters to all of these needs with a user-centric approach.

    Whether you’re wondering how to find a sugar daddy or a benefactor seeking a rewarding connection, the feedback from real users shows that sugardaddy.com offers the tools and support needed to succeed.

    With thousands of success stories and a growing user base, SugarDaddy.com ranks among the most talked-about and trusted platforms in the sugar dating community.

    Find Real Sugar Daddies and Sugar Babies – Sign Up at SugarDaddy.com!

    Key Features & How It Works 

    Navigating a new dating platform can be overwhelming, but SugarDaddy.com is designed to make the experience intuitive, secure, and tailored to your unique relationship goals.

    Easy Sign-Up & Verified Profiles

    Getting started is simple. Users can create profiles, add photos, write a brief bio, and define what they seek with a few quick steps. The sugardaddy.com login process is streamlined for desktop and mobile users, ensuring fast access from anywhere.

    To reduce fake accounts and enhance safety, sugardaddy.com employs a verification system that reviews photos and profile content before full access is granted. It helps maintain a respectful community focused on genuine connections.

    Explore the SugarDaddy.com App

    The official sugardaddy.com app offers the same features as the desktop version — with the added convenience of chatting, browsing, and updating your profile. Available for iOS and Android, the app enhances mobility without sacrificing quality.

    Ready to Meet Your Match? Visit SugarDaddy.com Now!

    Advanced Search & Matching Tools

    Users can search by:

    • Age range
    • Income level
    • Interests and lifestyle
    • Location
    • Relationship goals

    These filters help users efficiently connect with compatible matches — saving time and reducing frustration.

    Find Your Perfect Arrangement on SugarDaddy.com

    Messaging & Interaction

    Once a connection is made, messaging is seamless and secure. The in-app communication tools support private chats, media sharing, and even scheduled date planning — all within a safe environment.

    Membership Options

    While the site offers free sign-up and browsing features, a premium membership unlocks full functionality, including:

    • Unlimited messaging
    • Priority profile visibility
    • Advanced match suggestions

    Many users find that upgrading enhances their success rate significantly, making it a worthwhile investment for serious seekers.

    Create Your Free Profile on SugarDaddy.com and Start Connecting!

    Accessibility

    Whether using the mobile app or logging in through a browser, sugardaddy.com is designed for speed and usability. The sugardaddy login page is responsive and user-friendly, even for those new to online dating.

    In short, SugarDaddy.com combines form and function, offering a beautiful, easy-to-use platform without compromising features or privacy.

    Is SugarDaddy.com Legit or a Scam?

    Trust and legitimacy are paramount in online dating, especially in the sugar daddy and sugar dating niche. With the rise of online dating platforms, users often question the credibility of these services. It leads to the burning question: Is SugarDaddy.com legit or a scam?

    SugarDaddy.com: A Trusted Platform

    SugarDaddy.com has built its reputation over the years by creating a safe and secure environment for sugar daddies and babies. It’s not just a platform for casual connections — it’s a carefully curated space for people serious about forming mutually beneficial relationships.

    The first and most crucial aspect that sets SugarDaddy.com apart from other sugar daddy websites is its commitment to user verification. Unlike many dating sites, SugarDaddy.com employs a rigorous user verification process. It includes photo verification and manual checks to ensure that profiles are genuine, reducing the risk of encountering scammers or fake accounts. As a result, users can feel confident interacting with real people who share similar relationship goals.

    Get Instant Access to SugarDaddy.com – Sign Up for Free!

    Security Measures

    When it comes to online dating, security is a top priority. SugarDaddy.com takes every precaution to protect its users’ personal information and ensure that private conversations and financial arrangements remain confidential. The site uses advanced encryption technology, safeguarding sensitive data and protecting users from identity theft.

    Moreover, SugarDaddy.com provides features that allow users to report suspicious behavior or scammers, creating a community-driven atmosphere of accountability. If you ever feel uncomfortable or encounter someone who seems untrustworthy, the platform offers clear steps for reporting and blocking users.

    Scam Protection

    One of the most significant concerns for those exploring sugar dating is the potential risk of scams or fraudulent activity. Fortunately, SugarDaddy.com offers several scam-protection measures. These include:

    • Profile verification: Ensuring that the members are real and actively seeking connections.
    • Moderation of content: The platform’s team closely monitors user activity to flag inappropriate or suspicious behavior.
    • Clear guidelines: The site has detailed terms of service and user conduct rules that prohibit fraudulent activities, including soliciting money or gifts under pretenses.

    Upgrade Your Dating Life – Find a Sugar Daddy at SugarDaddy.com!

    User Reviews and Feedback

    Looking at sugardaddy.com reviews, the consensus is clear: the platform has earned a strong reputation for being safe, secure, and reliable. Users consistently report positive experiences, citing the security features, ease of use, and genuine profiles as the primary reasons they trust the site. With robust measures to protect against scams and fraud, SugarDaddy.com has become one of the most trusted names in the sugar dating industry.

    While no online platform is without occasional hiccups, SugarDaddy.com goes above and beyond to address any concerns promptly. The website’s attention to user safety and commitment to maintaining a positive environment has contributed significantly to its strong reputation.

    Legitimate Dating Experience

    So, is SugarDaddy.com a scam? The answer is clear: no. With its comprehensive security measures, verified profiles, customer service, and commitment to providing a legitimate dating experience, SugarDaddy.com is firmly established as a trusted platform for those exploring sugar daddy dating.

    Unlike other sugar daddy websites, SugarDaddy.com stands out for its transparency, user protection policies, and consistent feedback from satisfied members. Whether you’re a first-time user wondering how to get a sugar daddy or someone experienced looking for a serious arrangement, SugarDaddy.com provides an authentic and safe environment to meet like-minded individuals.

    Sign Up for Free at SugarDaddy.com

    Expert Tips for New Users

    Entering the world of sugar dating can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to the concept of connecting with a sugar daddy or sugar baby. Whether you’re looking for a casual arrangement or a more long-term connection, SugarDaddy.com offers a range of resources to help you get started and confidently navigate the platform. Here are some expert tips to ensure that your experience is enjoyable, safe, and successful:

    1. Craft a Genuine, Thoughtful Profile

    When it comes to online dating, your profile is your first impression. The key to attracting genuine connections on SugarDaddy.com is authenticity. Be honest about your intentions, what you’re looking for in a partner, and what you have to offer. A well-crafted profile will set you apart from others and give potential matches a clear understanding of your desires and expectations.

    • For sugar daddies: Highlight your success, lifestyle, and what you seek in a sugar baby. Be clear about your interests and relationship goals.
    • For sugar babies: Express your goals, aspirations, and what you’re looking for in a mutually beneficial relationship. Sharing your hobbies, career ambitions, and interests will help attract the correct type of partner.

    2. Take Advantage of Profile Verification

    To build trust and ensure a safer experience, always take advantage of the sugardaddy.com verification process. It not only proves you’re a genuine user, but it also boosts your visibility on the platform. Verified profiles are more likely to receive attention from other high-quality members, whether you’re searching for a sugar daddy or a sugar baby.

    Connect with Successful Singles on SugarDaddy.com

    3. Use the Advanced Search Filters

    SugarDaddy.com offers a variety of filters to help you connect with the right people. Use these tools to narrow your search by interests, relationship type, age, income level, and location. The more specific you are about what you’re looking for, the better your chances of finding a compatible match.

    4. Respect Boundaries and Communication

    Building trust is essential in sugar dating. Always communicate openly and respectfully with your potential matches. Be upfront about your expectations, desires, and limits. Likewise, make sure to listen and respect the boundaries of your match. Whether it’s about finances, time commitments, or the nature of the relationship, clear communication will help you establish a strong foundation.

    Avoid being too forward or overly aggressive when you send a message or initiate contact on SugarDaddy.com. Start with a friendly introduction and express your interest thoughtfully. A good conversation can pave the way for a meaningful connection.

    Discover the Best Sugar Dating Experience on SugarDaddy.com

    5. Practice Safety First

    Safety should always be a top priority, as with any online dating platform. SugarDaddy.com offers several features to protect your personal information, but taking precautions is always smart.

    • Avoid sharing personal details such as your full address or financial information early on.
    • Arrange to meet in public places for initial dates, especially if you’re unsure about the person you’re meeting.
    • Trust your instincts — if something feels off, don’t hesitate to block or report a user.

      Sign Up on SugarDaddy.com – Discreet & Secure

    6. Upgrade for More Features

    While SugarDaddy.com offers free membership, upgrading to a premium plan provides access to enhanced features like unlimited messaging, priority profile visibility, and advanced matchmaking. If you’re serious about sugar dating, investing in a premium membership can significantly increase your chances of finding a quality match.

    Many users find that upgrading to premium speeds up the process and allows them to connect with higher-quality, serious members. Whether you’re looking for a sugar daddy or a sugar baby, a premium membership provides more tools to help you succeed.

      Find a Mutually Beneficial Relationship with SugarDaddy.com

    Pros and Cons of SugarDaddy.com

    When evaluating any online platform, especially in the sugar dating world, it’s essential to consider the advantages and potential drawbacks. SugarDaddy.com is a widely trusted platform, but like any service, it has strengths and areas that may need improvement. Here, we break down the pros and cons of using SugarDaddy.com to help you make an informed decision.

    Pros of SugarDaddy.com 

    1. Verified Profiles and Enhanced Security

    One of the most significant advantages of SugarDaddy.com is its commitment to user safety and profile verification. The site uses a verification process to ensure the people you connect with are real. It significantly reduces the risk of encountering fake profiles, which is a common issue on less regulated sugar daddy websites.

    Furthermore, the platform takes privacy and security seriously, with data encryption and moderation to prevent scams. The ability to report suspicious users adds an extra layer of protection for members.

    2. User-Friendly Interface

    SugarDaddy.com is designed with the user in mind. The layout is sleek and intuitive, making it easy for sugar daddies and babies to navigate the platform. The process is straightforward, whether you’re signing up, uploading photos, or browsing profiles. Additionally, the sugardaddy.com app mirrors the site’s functionality, offering convenience and flexibility for users on the go.

    Find a Successful Sugar Daddy at SugarDaddy.com!

    3. A Large and Diverse Community

    With an extensive international user base, SugarDaddy.com gives you access to thousands of potential matches. Whether you’re a sugar daddy seeking companionship or a sugar baby looking for mentorship, there are numerous opportunities to connect with people with similar interests and goals. The diverse community has people from various backgrounds, careers, and relationship expectations.

    4. Robust Matching and Search Features

    The advanced search and matchmaking tools on SugarDaddy.com allow users to find matches that meet their specific criteria. Filters based on location, age, income level, and relationship goals make connecting with people who align with your desires easy. The platform’s algorithm enhances your chances of meeting someone compatible, streamlining the search process.

    5. Flexible Membership Options

    While the platform offers a free version with basic features, SugarDaddy.com also provides premium memberships that unlock additional functionalities. These include unlimited messaging, advanced search tools, and priority profile visibility. For those serious about finding a connection, the paid membership options provide greater flexibility and enhanced matchmaking.

    6. Real User Reviews and Testimonials

    Another significant benefit is the wealth of positive sugardaddy.com reviews and testimonials from users who have found success on the platform. Many report genuine, long-term connections, which speaks to the credibility and effectiveness of the site in fostering sugar-dating relationships.

    Join the best sugar daddy dating website!

    Cons of SugarDaddy.com

    1. Premium Membership Costs

    While SugarDaddy.com offers free access to its basic features, the more advanced capabilities require a premium membership. Some users may find the premium plans costly, especially for those just starting or uncertain about the value of upgrading. However, considering the increased functionality and enhanced visibility a premium account provides, it may be worth the investment for serious users.

    2. Limited Customization for Profiles

    Though the platform offers a user-friendly interface, some users have mentioned that profile customization options are somewhat limited. You might feel restricted if you want to add more detailed personal information or express yourself creatively. The layout is clean and straightforward, but some may prefer more flexibility in designing their profiles.

    3. It’s Not for Everyone

    SugarDaddy.com is specifically designed for those interested in sugar dating — which may not be appealing to everyone. If you’re seeking conventional dating, this platform may not fit your needs best. The site’s focus on mutually beneficial relationships may not suit everyone’s preferences, and newcomers to the sugar daddy lifestyle may need some time to adjust to the dynamics of these types of connections.

    Find Your Perfect Arrangement on SugarDaddy.com

    Why SugarDaddy.com Leads the Sugar Dating Movement

    SugarDaddy.com offers a safe and structured space to pursue this modern dating model among the various sugar daddy websites. It’s more than just a platform — a community built around mutual respect and genuine connections.

    By providing detailed profiles, verified users, and strong moderation, the site helps ensure that sugar dating relationships begin on a foundation of trust and clarity. Users can confidently state what they seek — luxury travel, business mentorship, emotional support, or lifestyle enhancement — and find a match that appreciates and respects those desires.

    How to Get a Sugar Daddy on SugarDaddy.com

    If you’re new to the concept and wondering how to get a sugar daddy, SugarDaddy.com offers all the tools you need to succeed. Here are a few tips to get started:

    • Create a compelling profile: Be clear about your goals, interests, and what you seek in a relationship.
    • Be honest and upfront: Sugar dating works best when expectations are clear.
    • Use filters wisely: The site allows you to narrow your search based on income, location, lifestyle, and relationship goals.
    • Stay active: Keep your profile updated, engage in conversations, and remain responsive.

    Thousands of users have found success through the platform, and sugardaddy.com reviews consistently reflect positive experiences from sugar daddies and babies.

    Experience Elite Sugar Dating at SugarDaddy.com

    Who Is SugarDaddy.com Best For?

    Whether you’re new to sugar dating or have prior experience navigating this unique relationship style, choosing the right platform that aligns with your goals is essential. SugarDaddy.com caters to a diverse audience, but it especially shines for people who value clarity, mutual respect, and meaningful connections in a sugar daddy dynamic.

    So, who exactly is SugarDaddy.com best for?

    1. Successful Professionals Seeking Companionship

    SugarDaddy.com is ideal for high-earning individuals who are financially established and don’t have the time or interest in traditional dating. Many sugar daddies on the platform are:

    • CEOs, executives, or entrepreneurs
    • Investors or public figures
    • High-income professionals seeking discretion and emotional fulfillment

    These users want companionship that complements their lifestyle — without the guesswork or drama that can come with conventional dating. Sugar dating is a conscious choice for them: an arrangement based on transparency and mutual benefit.

    Start Meeting Successful Sugar Daddies Today

    2. Ambitious Sugar Babies with Goals

    On the flip side, SugarDaddy.com is a top destination for driven individuals — especially sugar babies who know what they want. Many are:

    • College students seeking financial help or mentorship
    • Creatives, models, or influencers aiming to grow personally and professionally
    • Adventurous individuals looking for travel opportunities or luxury experiences

    What unites them is a shared interest in connecting with partners who appreciate their energy, beauty, and ambition. SugarDaddy.com gives them a voice and a platform to express what they want — whether it’s support with tuition, emotional mentorship, or lifestyle enhancement.

    3. People Who Value Clear Relationship Terms

    If you’re someone who dislikes ambiguity in relationships, SugarDaddy.com is built for you. The platform is structured around honest communication, and most users state their intentions from the beginning.

    Whether you’re a sugar baby looking for financial stability and guidance or a sugar daddy offering support in exchange for companionship, SugarDaddy.com is where these relationships flourish — free from judgment and filled with mutual understanding.

    Explore Premium Sugar Dating Opportunities

    4. Those Who Want a Premium Sugar Dating Experience

    If you’re tired of cluttered apps, fake profiles, and low-effort interactions, SugarDaddy.com offers a premium sugar dating environment. Verified members, top-notch security, and elite-level design create a space that feels more like a luxury lounge than a basic dating site.

    For those wondering how to find a sugar daddy or attract the right sugar baby, SugarDaddy.com is optimized for success. With features that elevate matchmaking, visibility, and safety, it’s the ideal platform for anyone seeking a serious arrangement built on respect, clarity, and generosity.

    Unlock Luxury Dating – Join SugarDaddy.com

    How to Get Started with SugarDaddy.com

    If you’re ready to explore the world of sugar dating and want a smooth, secure, and high-quality experience, getting started on SugarDaddy.com is easy. Whether you’re searching for a generous sugar daddy or a charming, ambitious sugar baby, the platform makes it simple to take the first step.

    Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dive into the sugar dating scene with confidence and clarity.

    Step 1: Create Your Free Account

    Visit SugarDaddy.com and click the “Join Now” or “Sign Up” button. The sign-up process is quick and user-friendly. You’ll be asked to provide basic information such as:

    • Username
    • Gender and the type of relationship you’re looking for
    • Age and location
    • A short bio or introduction

    Whether you’re a sugar daddy or sugar baby, this is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Keep it authentic and honest!

    Sign Up and Meet Genuine Sugar Daddies Now

    Step 2: Complete Your Profile and Upload Photos

    Once you’ve created your account, it’s time to build your profile. Add a high-quality photo that represents your personality and style. Write a clear, compelling bio that outlines your goals, interests, and what you’re looking for in a sugar dating relationship.

    Don’t be vague — transparency makes the SugarDaddy.com experience so unique. Want mentorship? Financial support? Travel companionship? Say it proudly.

    Step 3: Verify Your Profile

    To gain credibility and stand out from the crowd, verify your profile. Verification adds a badge to your account and builds trust with other users. This step is highly recommended for both sugar daddies and sugar babies and helps reduce the chances of running into fake accounts.

    It is why sugardaddy.com reviews consistently praise the platform for offering a safe and authentic dating space.

    Step 4: Browse and Connect

    Use the powerful search filters to browse through potential matches. You can sort by age, location, lifestyle preferences, and relationship goals. Did you find someone interesting? Send a message or a wink to break the ice. Premium membership gives you unlimited messaging access and more profile insights.

    Looking to explore while you’re on the move? Download the sugardaddy.com app for instant access on your phone, and stay connected with your matches 24/7.

    Discover Exclusive Sugar Dating Connections

    Final Tip

    Your success on SugarDaddy.com comes down to honesty, intention, and presentation. Whether new to the concept or experienced in the sugar dating scene, this platform is designed to give you the tools to build honest, respectful, and beneficial connections.

    Upgrade Your Lifestyle – Join SugarDaddy.com

    FAQ

    Is SugarDaddy.com a legitimate dating site?

    Yes, SugarDaddy.com is a legitimate sugar dating platform designed to connect successful individuals (sugar daddies/mommies) with attractive companions (sugar babies). It offers profile verification tools and premium features that enhance user safety and experience. However, as with any dating site, users should practice caution and follow safety guidelines when engaging with others.

    How does SugarDaddy.com work?

    SugarDaddy.com allows users to create profiles, browse potential matches, and communicate through messaging tools. Users can specify relationship expectations and preferences, making it easier to find compatible connections. Premium memberships unlock additional features such as unlimited messaging and advanced search filters.

    Is SugarDaddy.com free to use?

    While creating a basic profile on SugarDaddy.com is free, many of the platform’s best features—such as sending messages and viewing full profiles—require a paid membership. Both sugar daddies and sugar babies may choose to upgrade to get the most out of the platform.

    Is SugarDaddy.com safe?

    SugarDaddy.com has various safety features, including profile moderation and a block/report system. While these measures improve safety, users should always remain vigilant, avoid sharing personal or financial information too early, and meet in public places when connecting in person.

    Who should use SugarDaddy.com?

    SugarDaddy.com is ideal for adults looking for mutually beneficial relationships, whether financial, lifestyle, or mentorship-based. It’s designed for open-minded individuals who are clear about their goals and respectful of others’ boundaries.

    Media Contact
    Company: Sugar Daddy LLC
    Contact Person: Christopher A. Waldo
    Email: support@sugardaddy.com
    Address: 5820 Sunset Ridge Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
    URL: https://www.sugardaddy.com/
    Phone: +1 (888) 841-4235
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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – April 28, 2025 – 2:00 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on April 28, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://www.state.gov/department-email-updates/

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3xtRxszZ3w

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch on Trump’s 100th Day: “President Trump has made chaos the cornerstone of his second term.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on President Trump’s 100th day in office:
    “President Trump has made chaos the cornerstone of his second term. Every American is hurt by Trump’s reckless handling of the economy, his illegal attempts to dismantle the federal government, and his cruel deportation agenda. This is far from the ‘thrilling new era in national success’ promised. One hundred days in, it is clear this White House is focused only on the success of the richest and most connected.
    “Today, working families are paying more. Small businesses and farms in Vermont and across the country worry about surviving another trade war. Seniors, children and people living with disabilities are at risk of losing the health care they rely on. America’s allies are losing faith and walking away. Our civil rights and protections granted under the Constitution are under attack, and faith in our democracy is quickly eroding.
    “This is a dark moment for America, but our unity against the Trump Administration is the light that many need right now. Together, we will stand up and stand against this White House’s attacks—we will resist, and we will persevere.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Fugitives Arrested in San Juan and Carolina, Puerto Rico

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Three individuals who were fugitives since December 2024 were arrested today in the municipalities of San Juan and Carolina, PR, on criminal charges related to their alleged participation on drug trafficking and violent crimes associated to a drug trafficking organization that operated in San Juan, Carolina, and other areas nearby, from in or about 2021 through December 2024, when the arrest operation took place. The three fugitives had been charged in the case of United States v. Victor J. Pérez-Fernández, a.k.a. “La Cone/Vitu/Vitikin/Enano,” et al., Case No. 24-453 (MAJ).

    Defendants [10] Gerald O. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Patrón;” [18] Ángel L. Sanjurjo, a.k.a. “Vaca;” and [33] Ramsell Maldonado-Tatis, a.k.a. “R” were arrested by FBI special agents, Puerto Rico Police Bureau and the Carolina Municipal Police Department. They are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession and distribution of heroin, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Defendant Maldonado-Tatis is also facing one count for possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    “As alleged in the indictment, these individuals were engaged in violent crime and spread deadly drugs through our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow.  “Today’s arrests make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of Puerto Rico safe and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets.”

    “The arrests carried out this morning reaffirm our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal organizations. The message is clear: if you’re part of a violent criminal enterprise, the FBI will work relentlessly to find you and bring you to justice,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The residents of Puerto Rico deserve safe communities, and through close collaboration with our local and federal partners, we will continue to bring fugitives to justice and restore peace where it is most needed.”

    According to the charging documents, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, fentanyl, crack, cocaine, marijuana, Tramadol, and Clonazepam within 1,000 feet of the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project (PHP), the Luis Lloréns Torres PHP, the Los Mirtos PHP, the Lagos de Blasina PHP, the La Esmeralda PHP, the El Coral PHP, the Monte Hatillo PHP, and other areas near those locations, all for significant financial gain and profit. The drug trafficking organizations that operated in and around these areas (known as The Alliance) reached an agreement to conduct their drug trafficking operations as allies, which they referred to as “La Paz” (The Peace). At that time, each housing project organization was controlled by their own leadership and structure. As part of The Alliance, there would not be war between these organizations and members would be able to rely on each other for protection, drugs, and weapons.

    Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort; Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares; and AUSAs Laura Díaz-González, R. Vance Eaton, and Joseph Russell are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: 344 Immigration Cases Filed in the Western District of Texas This Week

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today that federal prosecutors in the district filed 344 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from April 18 through April 24.

    Among the new cases, Henry Cruz-Lemas, an illegal alien and a Honduran national previously convicted of aggravated kidnapping in September 2011 and sentenced to five years in prison. Cruz-Lemas was arrested on April 18 during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE ERO) investigation in San Antonio.  He is charged with one count of illegal reentry of an alien.

    Jose Angel Escarcega-Briones, an illegal alien from Mexico, was found approximately 4 miles west of the Tornillo Port of Entry. Border Patrol Agents determined that he did not have immigration documents allowing him to be in the United States legally and that he has previously been removed from the United States 5 times.  He has 3 prior convictions for illegal reentry as well as a federal drug trafficking conviction.

    Jose Alfonso Deras-Valle, a citizen of El Salvador, was found near mile marker 87 of Interstate 10 in Fort Hancock, Texas.  U.S. Border Patrol determined that Deras-Valle had recently been deported to El Salvador on February 21, 2025.  His criminal record includes a murder conviction in Florida for which he received fifteen years in prison.

    U.S. Border Patrol Agents performing line watch operations in an area near Sierra Blanca, Texas encountered three people attempting to conceal themselves in a culvert.  After questioning and investigation, the agents determined the group was in the United States illegally.  Sergio Aguirre-Isidro was determined to be a foot guide for the group and that he was to collect 10,000 Mexican Pesos if the group arrived in the U.S. successfully.

    Junior Enrique Garcia-Escobar, a Honduran national with a prior conviction out of the State of New York for Burglary using/threatening use of a dangerous instrument, was arrested on illegal reentry charges near Eagle Pass, Texas.  He had been sentenced to five years in prison on the burglary charge and was deported in 2019.

    Raul Rodriguez-Morales was arrested by Border Patrol Agents in Del Rio, Texas on April 18, 2025, for illegal reentry after having been deported in January 2025.  Rodriguez-Morales has previous drug convictions in California as well as a conviction for felon in possession of a firearm and two previous convictions for illegal reentry of an alien in 2011 and 2019.

    In Carrizo Springs, Texas, Devarick Dewayne Benson was arrested for conspiring to transport two illegal aliens further into the United States.  Benson was driving a vehicle with fictitious plates and was pulled over for driving 10 miles over the speed limit.  He had two illegal aliens in the trunk of his car.

    A Honduran citizen, Angel Almendarez-Ulloa, was arrested on April 19, 2025, by Border Patrol Agents near Eagle Pass, Texas. Almendarez has been deported from the United States 10 times, with his last deportation to Honduras being on April 21, 2023.

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

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Jonny Dagoberto Zelaya-Torres (39, Honduras) to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien. Zelaya-Torres pleaded guilty on January 16, 2025.

    According to court documents, Zelaya-Torres is a citizen and national of Honduras. He has previously been removed from the United States on four occasions: June 18, 2018, November 26, 2019, January 31, 2020, and March 10, 2023. Prior to his March 2023 removal, Zelaya-Torres was convicted of conspiring to transport illegal aliens. On July 11, 2024, Zelaya-Torres was found to be voluntarily back in the United States when he was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for attempted burglary of a vehicle. He was subsequently convicted of that offense.

    This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baddeck Inlet — Update: RCMP charge one man after fatal collision investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Victoria County District RCMP has charged a man after investigating a fatal collision in Baddeck Inlet.

    On October 7, 2024, at approximately 6:10 p.m., Victoria County District RCMP, fire services, EHS, and the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works responded to a collision near the 8000 block of Hwy. 105. Two vehicles, a Western Star tractor trailer and a Hyundai Tuscon, had collided before coming to rest in the ditch. The driver and passenger in the Hyundai, a 45-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman both of British Columbia, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Original news release.

    On April 24, Victoria County District RCMP arrested 36-year-old Matthew Seymour Creelman of Lower Truro. He faces two charges of Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance Causing Death. Creelman was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Wagmatcook Provincial Court on June 4.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist and the Nova Scotia RCMP Interview Assist Team supported the investigation that led to these charges.

    Our thoughts continue to be with the victims’ loved ones.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Coastal Financial Corporation Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVERETT, Wash., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”, “Coastal”, “we”, “our”, or “us”), the holding company for Coastal Community Bank (the “Bank”), through which it operates a community-focused bank segment (“community bank”) with an industry leading banking as a service (“BaaS”) segment (“CCBX”), today reported unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, including net income of $9.7 million, or $0.63 per diluted common share, compared to $13.4 million, or $0.94 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $6.8 million, or $0.50 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Management Discussion of the First Quarter Results

    “First quarter of 2025 was impacted by elevated expenses related to the onboarding and implementation costs of several new partnerships and products within CCBX and investments in technology, however, we anticipate that the revenue and earnings from these investments will be highly valuable over the long-term,” stated CEO Eric Sprink. “We saw high quality deposit growth of $205.9 million during the first quarter, and our CCBX program fee income continued to increase, up 55.2% compared to the same period in 2024.”

    Key Points for First Quarter and Our Go-Forward Strategy

    • Positive Growth Trends within CCBX Continue. As of March 31, 2025 we had two partners in testing, three in implementation/onboarding, one signed LOI and have an active pipeline of new partners and new products with existing partners for the balance of 2025 and into 2026. Total BaaS program fee income was $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $724,000, or 13.0%, from the three months ended December 31, 2024. We remain fully indemnified against fraud and 98.8% indemnified against credit risk with our CCBX partners as of March 31, 2025.
    • Investments for Growth Continues. Total noninterest expense of $72.0 million was up $4.6 million, or 6.8%, as compared to $67.4 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2024, mainly driven by higher salaries and employee benefits, legal and professional expenses and BaaS loan expense partially offset by lower BaaS fraud expense. As we increase the number of new CCBX partners and products with existing partners launching in 2025, we expect that expenses will tend to be front-loaded with a focus on compliance and operational risk before any new programs or products generate significant revenues. We remain focused on building our future revenue sources.
    • Strong Deposit Growth, Off Balance Sheet Activity Update. Total deposits of $3.79 billion, an increase of $205.9 million, or 5.7%, over the quarter ended December 31, 2024, driven primarily by growth in CCBX partner programs. On April 1, 2025 we launched the T-Mobile deposit program and those deposits will be reflected in the second quarter deposit totals. During the first quarter of 2025, we sold $744.6 million of loans, the majority of which were credit card receivables. We retain a portion of the fee income on sold credit card loans. As of March 31, 2025 there were 237,024 credit cards with fee earning potential, an increase of 54,575 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and an increase of 210,723 from March 31, 2024.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    The tables below outline some of our key operating metrics.

      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Income Statement Data:                  
    Interest and dividend income $ 104,907     $ 102,448     $ 105,165     $ 97,422     $ 91,742  
    Interest expense   28,845       30,071       32,892       31,250       29,536  
    Net interest income   76,062       72,377       72,273       66,172       62,206  
    Provision for credit losses   55,781       61,867       70,257       62,325       83,158  
    Net interest (expense)/ income after provision for credit losses   20,281       10,510       2,016       3,847       (20,952 )
    Noninterest income   63,477       74,100       78,790       69,138       86,176  
    Noninterest expense   71,989       67,411       64,424       57,964       56,509  
    Provision for income tax   2,039       3,832       2,926       3,425       1,915  
    Net income   9,730       13,367       13,456       11,596       6,800  
                       
      As of and for the Three Month Period
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Balance Sheet Data:                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 624,302     $ 452,513     $ 484,026     $ 487,245     $ 515,128  
    Investment securities   46,991       47,321       48,620       49,213       50,090  
    Loans held for sale   42,132       20,600       7,565             797  
    Loans receivable   3,517,359       3,486,565       3,413,894       3,321,813       3,195,101  
    Allowance for credit losses   (183,178 )     (176,994 )     (171,674 )     (148,878 )     (139,941 )
    Total assets   4,339,282       4,121,208       4,064,472       3,959,549       3,863,062  
    Interest bearing deposits   3,251,599       3,057,808       3,047,861       2,949,643       2,888,867  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   539,630       527,524       579,427       593,789       574,112  
    Core deposits (1)   3,321,772       3,123,434       3,190,869       3,528,339       3,447,864  
    Total deposits   3,791,229       3,585,332       3,627,288       3,543,432       3,462,979  
    Total borrowings   47,923       47,884       47,847       47,810       47,771  
    Total shareholders’ equity   449,917       438,704       331,930       316,693       303,709  
                       
    Share and Per Share Data (2):                  
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.65     $ 0.97     $ 1.00     $ 0.86     $ 0.51  
    Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.63     $ 0.94     $ 0.97     $ 0.84     $ 0.50  
    Dividends per share                            
    Book value per share (3) $ 29.98     $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54     $ 22.65  
    Tangible book value per share (4) $ 29.98     $ 29.37     $ 24.51     $ 23.54     $ 22.65  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – basic   14,962,507       13,828,605       13,447,066       13,412,667       13,340,997  
    Weighted avg outstanding shares – diluted   15,462,041       14,268,229       13,822,270       13,736,508       13,676,917  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   15,009,225       14,935,298       13,543,282       13,453,805       13,407,320  
    Stock options outstanding at end of period   163,932       186,354       198,370       286,119       309,069  

    See footnotes that follow the tables below

      As of and for the Three Month Period
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Credit Quality Data:                  
    Nonperforming assets (5) to total assets   1.30 %     1.52 %     1.63 %     1.34 %     1.42 %
    Nonperforming assets (5) to loans receivable and OREO   1.60 %     1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %     1.72 %
    Nonperforming loans (5) to total loans receivable   1.60 %     1.80 %     1.94 %     1.60 %     1.72 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans   325.0 %     282.5 %     257.2 %     278.6 %     254.3 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable   5.21 %     5.08 %     5.03 %     4.45 %     4.35 %
    Gross charge-offs $ 53,686     $ 61,585     $ 53,305     $ 55,207     $ 58,994  
    Gross recoveries $ 5,486     $ 5,223     $ 4,516     $ 2,254     $ 2,036  
    Net charge-offs to average loans (6)   5.57 %     6.56 %     5.60 %     6.54 %     7.30 %
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Company                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.67 %     10.78 %     8.40 %     8.31 %     8.24 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.13 %     12.04 %     9.24 %     9.03 %     8.98 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.22 %     12.14 %     9.34 %     9.13 %     9.08 %
    Total risk-based capital   14.73 %     14.67 %     11.89 %     11.70 %     11.70 %
    Bank                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   10.57 %     10.64 %     9.29 %     9.24 %     9.19 %
    Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.12 %     11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %     10.14 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.12 %     11.99 %     10.34 %     10.15 %     10.14 %
    Total risk-based capital   13.42 %     13.28 %     11.63 %     11.44 %     11.43 %
    (1)  Core deposits are defined as all deposits excluding brokered and time deposits.
    (2) Share and per share amounts are based on total actual or average common shares outstanding, as applicable.
    (3) We calculate book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period.
    (4) Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate tangible book value per share as total shareholders’ equity at the end of the relevant period, less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by the outstanding number of our common shares at the end of each period. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is book value per share. We had no goodwill or other intangible assets as of any of the dates indicated. As a result, tangible book value per share is the same as book value per share as of each of the dates indicated.
    (5) Nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans include loans 90+ days past due and accruing interest.
    (6) Annualized calculations.
       

    Key Performance Ratios

    Return on average assets (“ROA”) was 0.93% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to 1.30% and 0.73% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.  ROA for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, decreased 0.37% and increased 0.19% compared to December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Noninterest expenses were higher for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 largely due to higher salaries and employee benefits, due to annual pay increases and for new hires that contribute to our continued investments in growth, technology and risk management, legal and professional expenses and increased BaaS loan expense, which is directly related to interest earned on CCBX loans. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in BaaS fraud expense. Noninterest expenses were higher than the quarter ended March 31, 2024 due primarily to an increase in salaries and employee benefits, data processing and software licenses and legal and professional expenses, all of which are related to the growth of Company and investments in technology and risk management.

    Legal and professional fees in first quarter were elevated in multiple areas including compliance, BSA, audit, legal and projects as we prepare for new partners, and we may experience a similar level of expenses again in second quarter before returning to a more historical level in third quarter 2025.

    Yield on earning assets and yield on loans receivable increased 0.07% and 0.23%, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Average loans receivable as of March 31, 2025 increased $92.2 million compared to December 31, 2024 as net CCBX loans continue to grow, despite selling $744.6 million in CCBX loans during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

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

        Three Months Ended
    (unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
                         
    Return on average assets (1)     0.93 %     1.30 %     1.34 %     1.21 %     0.73 %
    Return on average equity (1)     8.91 %     14.90 %     16.67 %     15.22 %     9.21 %
    Yield on earnings assets (1)     10.32 %     10.24 %     10.79 %     10.49 %     10.21 %
    Yield on loans receivable (1)     11.33 %     11.12 %     11.44 %     11.22 %     11.01 %
    Cost of funds (1)     3.11 %     3.24 %     3.62 %     3.60 %     3.52 %
    Cost of deposits (1)     3.08 %     3.21 %     3.59 %     3.58 %     3.49 %
    Net interest margin (1)     7.48 %     7.23 %     7.42 %     7.12 %     6.92 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets (1)     6.87 %     6.54 %     6.42 %     6.05 %     6.10 %
    Noninterest income to average assets (1)     6.06 %     7.19 %     7.85 %     7.22 %     9.30 %
    Efficiency ratio     51.59 %     46.02 %     42.65 %     42.84 %     38.08 %
    Loans receivable to deposits (2)     93.89 %     97.82 %     94.33 %     93.75 %     92.29 %
    (1)   Annualized calculations shown for quarterly periods presented.
    (2)   Includes loans held for sale.
       

    Management Outlook; CEO Eric Sprink

    “Looking ahead to the balance of 2025, elevated onboarding activity is expected to continue into the second quarter as our CCBX pipeline remains very robust with high quality and potentially impactful opportunities. We plan to continue to invest in and enhance our technology and risk management infrastructure to support our next phase of CCBX growth. Our risk reduction efforts, namely our fraud and credit indemnifications via our partners, continued to function as expected despite the volatile macroeconomics conditions towards the end of first quarter. These efforts, plus additional growth in noninterest income should help mitigate the uncertainties associated with fluctuating interest rates and provide a stable, recurring income source.” said CEO Eric Sprink.

    Coastal Financial Corporation Overview

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

    CCBX Performance Update

    Our CCBX segment continues to evolve, and we have 25 relationships, at varying stages, including two partners in testing, three in implementation/onboarding, one signed LOI as of March 31, 2025.  We continue to refine the criteria for CCBX partnerships, exploring relationships with larger more established partners, with experienced management teams, existing customer bases and strong financial positions. We also will consider promising medium and smaller sized partners that align with our approach and terms including financial wherewithal and will continue to exit relationships where it makes sense for us to do so.

    While we explore relationships with new partners we continue to expand our product offerings with existing CCBX partners. As we become more proficient in the BaaS space we aim to cultivate new relationships that align with our long-term goals. We believe that a strategy of adding new partnerships and launching new products with existing partners allows us to expand and grow our customer base with a modest increase in regulatory risk given our operational history with them. Increases in partner activity/transaction counts is positively impacting noninterest income and we expect this trend to continue as current products grow and new products are introduced . We plan to continue selling loans as part of our strategy to balance partner and lending limits, and manage the loan portfolio and credit quality. We retain a portion of the fee income for our role in processing transactions on sold credit card balances, and will continue this strategy to provide an on-going and passive revenue source with no on balance sheet risk or capital requirement.

    On April 1, 2025, we went live with the T-Mobile deposit program and our second quarter deposits will include those balances. As we build our deposit base, we will be able to sweep deposits off and on the balance sheet as needed. This deposit sweep capability allows us to better manage liquidity and deposit programs. At March 31, 2025 we swept off $406.3 million in deposits for FDIC insurance and liquidity purposes. We are also launching a new suite of deposit products with RobinHood, which are expected to launch in the back half of 2025. The introduction of theses products are expected to increase deposits.

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

      As of
    (unaudited) March 31, 2025   December 31,
    2024
      March 31, 2024
    Active 19   19   19
    Friends and family / testing 2   1   1
    Implementation / onboarding 3   1   1
    Signed letters of intent 1   3   0
    Total CCBX relationships 25   24   21
               

    CCBX loans increased $47.2 million, or 2.9%, to $1.65 billion despite selling $744.6 million in loans during the three months ended March 31, 2025. In accordance with the program agreement for one partner, effective April 1, 2024, the portion of the CCBX portfolio that we are responsible for losses on decreased from 10% to 5%. At March 31, 2025 the portion of this portfolio for which we are responsible represented $19.9 million in loans.

    The following table details the CCBX loan portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans:                        
    Capital call lines   $ 133,466       8.1 %   $ 109,017       6.8 %   $ 135,671       10.3 %
    All other commercial & industrial loans     29,702       1.8       33,961       2.1       47,160       3.6  
    Real estate loans:                        
    Residential real estate loans     285,355       17.3       267,707       16.7       265,148       20.2  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Credit cards     532,775       32.2       528,554       33.0       505,706       38.6  
    Other consumer and other loans     670,026       40.6       664,780       41.4       358,528       27.3  
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,651,324       100.0 %     1,604,019       100.0 %     1,312,213       100.0 %
    Net deferred origination (fees) costs     (498 )         (442 )         (394 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,650,826         $ 1,603,577         $ 1,311,819      
    Loan Yield – CCBX (1)(2)     16.88 %         16.81 %         17.74 %    
                             
    (1) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense.  BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
       

    The increase in CCBX loans in the quarter ended March 31, 2025, includes an increase of $24.4 million, or 22.4%, in capital call lines as a result of normal balance fluctuations and business activities, an increase of $17.6 million, or 6.6%, in residential real estate loans and an increase of $9.5 million or 0.8%, in other consumer and other loans. We continue to monitor and manage the CCBX loan portfolio, and sold $744.6 million in CCBX loans during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to sales of $845.5 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2024. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio earnings and generate off balance sheet fee income. CCBX loan yield increased 0.07% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    The following chart shows the growth in credit card accounts that generate fee income. This includes accounts with balances, which are included in our loan totals, and accounts that have been sold and have no corresponding balance in our loan totals, and that generate fee income.

    The following table details the CCBX deposit portfolio:

    CCBX   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 58,416       2.6 %   $ 55,686       2.7 %   $ 58,669       2.9 %
    Interest bearing demand and money market     2,145,608       94.6       1,958,459       94.9       1,964,942       96.8  
    Savings     16,625       0.7       5,710       0.3       5,338       0.3  
    Total core deposits     2,220,649       97.9       2,019,855       97.9       2,028,949       100.0  
    Other deposits     46,359       2.1       44,233       2.1              
    Total CCBX deposits   $ 2,267,008       100.0 %   $ 2,064,088       100.0 %   $ 2,028,949       100.0 %
    Cost of deposits (1)     4.01 %         4.19 %         4.93 %    
    (1) Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.
       

    CCBX deposits increased $202.9 million, or 9.8%, in the three months ended March 31, 2025 to $2.27 billion as a result of growth and normal balance fluctuations. This excludes the $406.3 million in CCBX deposits that were transferred off balance sheet for increased Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance coverage and sweep purposes, compared to $273.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Amounts in excess of FDIC insurance coverage are transferred, using a third-party facilitator/vendor sweep product, to participating financial institutions.

    Community Bank Performance Update

    In the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the community bank saw net loans decrease $16.5 million, or 0.9%, to $1.87 billion, as a result of normal balance fluctuations.

    The following table details the Community Bank loan portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 149,104       8.0 %   $ 150,395       8.0 %   $ 154,395       8.2 %
    Real estate loans:                        
    Construction, land and land development loans     166,551       8.9       148,198       7.8       160,862       8.5  
    Residential real estate loans     202,920       10.8       202,064       10.7       231,157       12.2  
    Commercial real estate loans     1,340,647       71.6       1,374,801       72.8       1,342,489       71.0  
    Consumer and other loans:                        
    Other consumer and other loans     13,326       0.7       13,542       0.7       1,447       0.1  
    Gross Community Bank loans receivable     1,872,548       100.0 %     1,889,000       100.0 %     1,890,350       100.0 %
    Net deferred origination fees     (6,015 )         (6,012 )         (7,068 )    
    Loans receivable   $ 1,866,533         $ 1,882,988         $ 1,883,282      
    Loan Yield(1)     6.53 %         6.53 %         6.46 %    
    (1) Loan yield is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented and includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
       

    Community bank loans decreased $34.2 million in commercial real estate loans, $1.3 million in commercial and industrial loans and $216,000 in consumer and other loans, partially offset by an increase of $18.4 million in construction, land and land development loans, during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    The following table details the community bank deposit portfolio:

    Community Bank   As of
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total   Balance   % to Total
    Demand, noninterest bearing   $ 481,214       31.5 %   $ 471,838       31.0 %   $ 515,443       35.9 %
    Interest bearing demand and money market     560,416       36.8       570,625       37.5       834,725       58.2  
    Savings     59,493       3.9       61,116       4.0       68,747       4.8  
    Total core deposits     1,101,123       72.2       1,103,579       72.5       1,418,915       99.0  
    Other deposits     407,391       26.7       400,118       26.3       1       0.0  
    Time deposits less than $100,000     5,585       0.4       5,920       0.4       7,199       0.5  
    Time deposits $100,000 and over     10,122       0.7       11,627       0.8       7,915       0.6  
    Total Community Bank deposits   $ 1,524,221       100.0 %   $ 1,521,244       100.0 %   $ 1,434,030       100.0 %
    Cost of deposits(1)     1.76 %         1.86 %         1.66 %    
    (1)   Cost of deposits is annualized for the three months ended for each period presented.
       

    Community bank deposits increased $3.0 million, or 0.2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2025 to $1.52 billion as result of normal balance fluctuations. The community bank segment includes noninterest bearing deposits of $481.2 million, or 31.5%, of total community bank deposits, resulting in a cost of deposits of 1.76%, which compared to 1.86% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, largely due to the decreases in the Fed funds rate late in the third quarter and during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Net Interest Income and Margin Discussion

    Net interest income was $76.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $3.7 million, or 5.1%, from $72.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and an increase of $13.9 million, or 22.3%, from $62.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net interest income compared to December 31, 2024, was higher due to an increase in average loans receivable, an increase in loan yield and a decrease in cost of funds. The increase in net interest income compared to March 31, 2024 was largely related to growth in higher yielding loans, partially offset by an increase in cost of funds relating to higher interest rates and growth in interest bearing deposits.  

    Net interest margin was 7.48% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 7.23% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, largely due to higher loan yield and lower cost of deposits. Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release) was 4.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 4.16% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Net interest margin was 6.92% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was largely due to an increase in loan yield, partially offset by higher interest rates on interest bearing deposits. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $2.6 million, or 2.7%, to $98.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $95.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as a result of loan growth. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $12.3 million, or 14.3%, compared to $85.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, due to an increase in outstanding balances and higher interest rates. Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this earnings release) increased 0.12% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024 and increased 0.26% compared the three months ended March 31, 2024.

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

    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31
    2025
      December 31
    2024
      March 31
    2024
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    Net interest margin (1)     7.48 %     7.23 %     6.92 %
    Earning assets     4,124,065       3,980,078       3,613,769  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     76,062       72,377       62,206  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense(2)   $ 43,555     $ 41,657     $ 36,099  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)(2)     4.28 %     4.16 %     4.02 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:    
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     11.33 %     11.12 %     11.01 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,511,724     $ 3,419,476     $ 3,137,271  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     98,147       95,575       85,891  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net loan income(2)   $ 65,640     $ 64,855     $ 59,784  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)(2)     7.58 %     7.55 %     7.66 %
    (1) Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.
    (2) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
       

    Average investment securities decreased $974,000 to $47.2 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024 and decreased $68.2 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 as a result of principal paydowns and maturing securities.

    Cost of funds was 3.11% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of 13 basis points from the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and a decrease of 42 basis points from the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Cost of deposits for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 3.08%, compared to 3.21% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and 3.49% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decreased cost of funds and deposits compared to December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024 were largely due to the recent reductions in the Fed funds rate.

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

      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
      Yield on
    Loans (2)
      Cost of
    Deposits (2)
    Community Bank   6.53 %     1.76 %     6.53 %     1.86 %     6.46 %     1.66 %
    CCBX (1)   16.88 %     4.01 %     16.81 %     4.19 %     17.74 %     4.93 %
    Consolidated   11.33 %     3.08 %     11.12 %     3.21 %     11.01 %     3.49 %
    (1) CCBX yield on loans does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense.  BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit and fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. To determine Net BaaS loan income earned from CCBX loan relationships, the Company takes BaaS loan interest income and deducts BaaS loan expense to arrive at Net BaaS loan income which can be compared to interest income on the Company’s community bank loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (2) Annualized calculations for periods presented.
       

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

        For the Three Months Ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   Income / Expense   Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
      Income / Expense   Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
      Income / Expense   Income /
    expense divided
    by average
    CCBX loans
    (2)
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 67,855       16.88 %   $ 64,532       16.81 %   $ 55,839       17.74 %
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,507       8.09 %     30,720       8.00 %     26,107       8.29 %
    Net BaaS loan income (1)   $ 35,348       8.79 %   $ 33,812       8.81 %   $ 29,732       9.45 %
    Average BaaS Loans(3)   $ 1,630,088         $ 1,527,178         $ 1,265,857      
    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
    (2) Annualized calculations shown for the periods presented.
    (3) Includes loans held for sale.
       

    Noninterest Income Discussion

    Noninterest income was $63.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $10.6 million from $74.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and a decrease of $22.7 million from $86.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.  The decrease in noninterest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease of $10.8 million in total BaaS income.  The $10.8 million decrease in total BaaS income included an $8.4 million decrease in BaaS credit enhancements related to the provision for credit losses and a $3.1 million decrease in BaaS fraud enhancements partially offset by an increase of $724,000 in BaaS program income. The $724,000 increase in BaaS program income is largely due to higher reimbursement of CCBX partner expenses and an increase in transaction and interchange fees and servicing and other BaaS fees, (see “Appendix B” for more information on the accounting for BaaS allowance for credit losses and credit and fraud enhancements).

    The $22.7 million decrease in noninterest income over the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a $25.1 million decrease in BaaS credit and fraud enhancements and an increase of $2.2 million in BaaS program income.

    Noninterest Expense Discussion

    Total noninterest expense increased $4.6 million to $72.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $67.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and increased $15.5 million from $56.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The $4.6 million increase in noninterest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024, was primarily due to a $3.5 million increase in salaries and benefits, $1.9 million increase in legal and professional fees, and $1.8 million increase in BaaS loan expense, partially offset by a $3.1 million decrease in BaaS fraud expense. The salaries and benefits and legal and professional fees increases were part of our continued investments in growth, technology and risk management. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, and originating & servicing CCBX loans. BaaS fraud expense represents non-credit fraud losses on partner’s customer loan and deposit accounts. A portion of this expense is realized during the quarter in which the loss occurs, and a portion is estimated based on historical or other information from our partners.

    The increase in noninterest expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was largely due to a $6.4 million increase in BaaS loan expense, a $1.1 million increase in BaaS fraud expense, a $2.8 million increase in legal and professional expenses, a $3.5 million increase in salary and employee benefits, and a $1.3 million increase in data processing and software licenses due to enhancements in technology all of which are related to the growth of Company and investments in technology and risk management.

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

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   2025       2024       2024  
    Total noninterest expense (GAAP) $ 71,989     $ 67,411     $ 56,509  
    Less: BaaS loan expense   32,507       30,720       26,107  
    Less: BaaS fraud expense   1,993       5,043       923  
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses (BaaS)   1,026       812       254  
    Noninterest expense, net of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense
    and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) (1)
    $ 36,463     $ 30,836     $ 29,225  
    (1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures are set forth at the end of this earnings release.
       

    Provision for Income Taxes

    The provision for income taxes was $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, $3.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2024.  The income tax provision was lower for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 as a result of the deductibility of certain equity awards which reduced tax expense during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and was higher compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to higher net income compared to that quarter, partially offset by the deductibility of certain equity awards.

    The Company is subject to various state taxes that are assessed as CCBX activities and employees expand into other states, which has increased the overall tax rate used in calculating the provision for income taxes in the current and future periods. The Company uses a federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% as a basis for calculating provision for federal income taxes and 2.55% for calculating the provision for state income taxes.

    Financial Condition Overview

    Total assets increased $218.1 million, or 5.3%, to $4.34 billion at March 31, 2025 compared to $4.12 billion at December 31, 2024.  The increase is primarily comprised of a $171.8 million increase in cash and a $30.8 million increase in loans receivable. Total loans receivable increased to $3.52 billion at March 31, 2025, from $3.49 billion at December 31, 2024.

    As of March 31, 2025, in addition to the $624.3 million in cash on hand the Company had the capacity to borrow up to a total of $662.4 million from the Federal Reserve Bank discount window and Federal Home Loan Bank, plus an additional $50.0 million from a correspondent bank. There were no borrowings outstanding on these lines as of March 31, 2025.

    The Company, on a stand alone basis, had a cash balance of $45.5 million as of March 31, 2025, which is retained for general operating purposes, including debt repayment, for funding $468,000 in commitments to bank technology investment funds and $40.0 million is available to be contributed to the Bank as capital.  

    Uninsured deposits were $558.8 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $543.0 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Total shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025 increased $11.2 million since December 31, 2024.  The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily comprised of an increase of $1.5 million in common stock outstanding as a result of equity awards exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2025 combined with $9.7 million in net earnings.

    The Company and the Bank remained well capitalized at March 31, 2025, as summarized in the following table.

    (unaudited)   Coastal
    Community
    Bank
      Coastal
    Financial
    Corporation
      Minimum Well
    Capitalized
    Ratios under
    Prompt
    Corrective
    Action
    (1)
    Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to average assets)     10.57 %     10.67 %     5.00 %
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)     12.12 %     12.13 %     6.50 %
    Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)     12.12 %     12.22 %     8.00 %
    Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)     13.42 %     14.73 %     10.00 %
    (1) Presents the minimum capital ratios for an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, to be considered well capitalized under the Prompt Corrective Action framework. The minimum requirements for the Company to be considered well capitalized under Regulation Y include to maintain, on a consolidated basis, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 percent or greater and a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0 percent or greater.
       

    Asset Quality

    The total allowance for credit losses was $183.2 million and 5.21% of loans receivable at March 31, 2025 compared to $177.0 million and 5.08% at December 31, 2024 and $139.9 million and 4.38% at March 31, 2024. The allowance for credit loss allocated to the CCBX portfolio was $164.2 million and 9.95% of CCBX loans receivable at March 31, 2025, with $19.0 million of allowance for credit loss allocated to the community bank or 1.02% of total community bank loans receivable.

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

        As of March 31, 2025   As of December 31, 2024   As of March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total
    Loans receivable   $ 1,866,533     $ 1,650,826     $ 3,517,359     $ 1,882,988     $ 1,603,577     $ 3,486,565     $ 1,883,282     $ 1,311,819     $ 3,195,101  
    Allowance for credit losses     (18,992 )     (164,186 )     (183,178 )     (18,924 )     (158,070 )     (176,994 )     (21,384 )     (118,557 )     (139,941 )
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable     1.02 %     9.95 %     5.21 %     1.00 %     9.86 %     5.08 %     1.14 %     9.04 %     4.38 %
                                                                             

    Net charge-offs totaled $48.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $56.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and $57.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans decreased to 5.57% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to 6.56% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. CCBX partner agreements provide for a credit enhancement that covers the net-charge-offs on CCBX loans and negative deposit accounts by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses, except in accordance with the program agreement for one partner where the Company was responsible for credit losses on approximately 5% of a $299.8 million loan portfolio. At March 31, 2025, our portion of this portfolio represented $19.9 million in loans. Net charge-offs for this $19.9 million in loans were $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

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

        Three Months Ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total   Community
    Bank
      CCBX   Total
    Gross charge-offs   $ 4     $ 53,682     $ 53,686     $ 139     $ 61,446     $ 61,585     $ 15     $ 58,979     $ 58,994  
    Gross recoveries     (7 )     (5,479 )     (5,486 )     (3 )     (5,220 )     (5,223 )     (4 )     (2,032 )     (2,036 )
    Net charge-offs   $ (3 )   $ 48,203     $ 48,200     $ 136     $ 56,226     $ 56,362     $ 11     $ 56,947     $ 56,958  
    Net charge-offs to
    average loans (1)
        0.00 %     11.99 %     5.57 %     0.03 %     14.65 %     6.56 %     0.00 %     18.09 %     7.30 %
    (1)  Annualized calculations shown for periods presented.
       

    During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, a $54.3 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans, compared to the $63.7 million provision for credit losses was recorded for CCBX partner loans for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The provision was based on management’s analysis, bringing the CCBX allowance for credit losses to $164.2 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $158.1 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in the allowance is due to the addition of new loans, partially offset by loan sales. CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses.

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

    The factors used in management’s analysis for community bank credit losses indicated that a provision of $65,000 was needed for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to a provision recapture of $1.1 million and $199,000 for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. The provision in the current period was due to a change in the mix of the community bank loan portfolio and growth in construction loans.

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

        Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Community bank   $ 65     $ (1,071 )   $ (199 )
    CCBX     54,319       63,741       79,717  
    Total provision expense   $ 54,384     $ 62,670     $ 79,518  
                             

    A provision for unfunded commitments of $613,000 was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as a result of a change in the loan mix of available balance. A provision for accrued interest receivable of $784,000 was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 on CCBX loans.

    At March 31, 2025, our nonperforming assets were $56.4 million, or 1.30%, of total assets, compared to $62.7 million, or 1.52%, of total assets, at December 31, 2024, and $54.9 million, or 1.42%, of total assets, at March 31, 2024. These ratios are impacted by nonperforming CCBX loans that are covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements. As of March 31, 2025, $54.1 million of the $56.2 million in nonperforming CCBX loans were covered by CCBX partner credit enhancements described above.

    Nonperforming assets decreased $6.3 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This change is due to a decrease in CCBX loans 90 days or more past due and still on accrual. Community bank nonperforming loans increased $89,000 from December 31, 2024 to $189,000 as of March 31, 2025, and CCBX nonperforming loans decreased $6.4 million to $56.2 million from December 31, 2024. The decrease in CCBX nonperforming loans is due to a $7.1 million decrease in CCBX loans that are past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest partially offset by an increase of $707,000 in nonaccrual loans from December 31, 2024 to $20.2 million. Some CCBX partners have a collection practice that places certain loans on nonaccrual status to improve collectability. $16.1 million of these loans are less than 90 days past due as of March 31, 2025. As a result of the type of loans (primarily consumer loans) originated through our CCBX partners we anticipate that balances 90 days past due or more and still accruing will generally increase as those loan portfolios grow. Installment/closed-end and revolving/open-end consumer loans originated through CCBX lending partners will continue to accrue interest until 120 and 180 days past due, respectively and are reported as substandard, 90 days or more days past due and still accruing. There were no repossessed assets or other real estate owned at March 31, 2025. Our nonperforming loans to loans receivable ratio was 1.60% at March 31, 2025, compared to 1.80% at December 31, 2024, and 1.72% at March 31, 2024. The lower nonperforming loans to loans receivable ratio is a reflection of our on-going risk reduction efforts.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, there were $3,000 community bank net recoveries and $48.2 million in net charge-offs were recorded on CCBX loans. These CCBX loans have a higher level of expected losses than our community bank loans, which is reflected in the factors for the allowance for credit losses.

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

    Consolidated As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 381     $ 334     $  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate               212  
    Commercial real estate               7,731  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   13,602       10,262        
    Other consumer and other loans   6,376       8,967        
    Total nonaccrual loans   20,359       19,563       7,943  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   782       1,006       1,793  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   2,407       2,608       1,796  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   27,187       34,490       37,603  
    Other consumer and other loans   5,632       4,989       5,731  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   36,008       43,093       46,923  
    Total nonperforming loans   56,367       62,656       54,866  
    Real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 56,367     $ 62,656     $ 54,866  
    Total nonaccrual loans to loans receivable   0.58 %     0.56 %     0.25 %
    Total nonperforming loans to loans receivable   1.60 %     1.80 %     1.72 %
    Total nonperforming assets to total assets   1.30 %     1.52 %     1.42 %
                           

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

    CCBX As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans:          
    All other commercial & industrial loans $ 192     $ 234     $  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   13,602       10,262        
    Other consumer and other loans   6,376       8,967        
    Total nonaccrual loans   20,170       19,463        
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Commercial & industrial loans   782       1,006       1,793  
    Real estate loans:          
    Residential real estate loans   2,407       2,608       1,796  
    Consumer and other loans:          
    Credit cards   27,187       34,490       37,603  
    Other consumer and other loans   5,632       4,989       5,731  
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   36,008       43,093       46,923  
    Total nonperforming loans   56,178       62,556       46,923  
    Other real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 56,178     $ 62,556     $ 46,923  
    Total CCBX nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets   1.29 %     1.52 %     1.21 %
                           
    Community Bank As of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial loans $ 189     $ 100     $  
    Real estate:          
    Residential real estate               212  
    Commercial real estate               7,731  
    Total nonaccrual loans   189       100       7,943  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:          
    Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more                
    Total nonperforming loans   189       100       7,943  
    Other real estate owned                
    Repossessed assets                
    Total nonperforming assets $ 189     $ 100     $ 7,943  
    Total community bank nonperforming assets to total consolidated assets   0.01 %     %     0.21 %
                           

    About Coastal Financial

    Coastal Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CCB) (the “Company”), is an Everett, Washington based bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries are Coastal Community Bank (“Bank”) and Arlington Olympic LLC.  The $4.34 billion Bank provides service through 14 branches in Snohomish, Island, and King Counties, the Internet and its mobile banking application.  The Bank provides banking as a service to digital financial service providers, companies and brands that want to provide financial services to their customers through the Bank’s CCBX segment.  To learn more about the Company visit www.coastalbank.com.

    CCB-ER

    Contact

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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

    ASSETS
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Cash and due from banks $ 43,467     $ 36,533     $ 45,327     $ 59,995     $ 32,790  
    Interest earning deposits with other banks   580,835       415,980       438,699       427,250       482,338  
    Investment securities, available for sale, at fair value   34       35       38       39       41  
    Investment securities, held to maturity, at amortized cost   46,957       47,286       48,582       49,174       50,049  
    Other investments   12,589       10,800       10,757       10,664       10,583  
    Loans held for sale   42,132       20,600       7,565             797  
    Loans receivable   3,517,359       3,486,565       3,413,894       3,321,813       3,195,101  
    Allowance for credit losses   (183,178 )     (176,994 )     (171,674 )     (148,878 )     (139,941 )
    Total loans receivable, net   3,334,181       3,309,571       3,242,220       3,172,935       3,055,160  
    CCBX credit enhancement asset   183,377       181,890       173,600       149,096       142,412  
    CCBX receivable   12,685       14,138       16,060       11,520       10,369  
    Premises and equipment, net   28,639       27,431       25,833       24,526       22,995  
    Lease right-of-use assets   5,117       5,219       5,427       5,635       5,756  
    Accrued interest receivable   21,109       21,104       22,315       21,620       22,485  
    Bank-owned life insurance, net   13,501       13,375       13,255       13,132       12,991  
    Deferred tax asset, net   3,912       3,600       3,083       2,221       2,221  
    Other assets   10,747       13,646       11,711       11,742       12,075  
    Total assets $ 4,339,282     $ 4,121,208     $ 4,064,472     $ 3,959,549     $ 3,863,062  
                       
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    LIABILITIES                  
    Deposits $ 3,791,229     $ 3,585,332     $ 3,627,288     $ 3,543,432     $ 3,462,979  
    Subordinated debt, net   44,331       44,293       44,256       44,219       44,181  
    Junior subordinated debentures, net   3,592       3,591       3,591       3,591       3,590  
    Deferred compensation   310       332       369       405       442  
    Accrued interest payable   1,107       962       1,070       999       1,061  
    Lease liabilities   5,293       5,398       5,609       5,821       5,946  
    CCBX payable   29,391       29,171       37,839       32,539       30,899  
    Other liabilities   14,112       13,425       12,520       11,850       10,255  
    Total liabilities   3,889,365       3,682,504       3,732,542       3,642,856       3,559,353  
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Common Stock   229,659       228,177       134,769       132,989       131,601  
    Retained earnings   220,259       210,529       197,162       183,706       172,110  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (1 )     (2 )     (1 )     (2 )     (2 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   449,917       438,704       331,930       316,693       303,709  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,339,282     $ 4,121,208     $ 4,064,472     $ 3,959,549     $ 3,863,062  
                                           

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

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 98,147     $ 95,575     $ 99,676     $ 90,879     $ 85,891  
    Interest on interest earning deposits with other banks   6,070       6,021       4,781       5,683       4,780  
    Interest on investment securities   650       661       675       686       1,034  
    Dividends on other investments   40       191       33       174       37  
    Total interest income   104,907       102,448       105,165       97,422       91,742  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Interest on deposits   28,185       29,404       32,083       30,578       28,867  
    Interest on borrowed funds   660       667       809       672       669  
    Total interest expense   28,845       30,071       32,892       31,250       29,536  
    Net interest income   76,062       72,377       72,273       66,172       62,206  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   55,781       61,867       70,257       62,325       83,158  
    Net interest income/(expense) after provision for credit losses   20,281       10,510       2,016       3,847       (20,952 )
    NONINTEREST INCOME                  
    Service charges and fees   860       932       952       946       908  
    Loan referral fees                           168  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities, net   16       1       2       9       15  
    Other income   682       473       486       257       308  
    Noninterest income, excluding BaaS program income and BaaS indemnification income   1,558       1,406       1,440       1,212       1,399  
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   1,419       1,043       1,044       1,525       1,131  
    Transaction and interchange fees   3,833       3,699       3,549       2,934       2,661  
    Reimbursement of expenses   1,026       812       565       857       254  
    BaaS program income   6,278       5,554       5,158       5,316       4,046  
    BaaS credit enhancements   53,648       62,097       70,108       60,826       79,808  
    BaaS fraud enhancements   1,993       5,043       2,084       1,784       923  
    BaaS indemnification income   55,641       67,140       72,192       62,610       80,731  
    Total noninterest income   63,477       74,100       78,790       69,138       86,176  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   21,532       17,994       17,101       17,005       17,984  
    Occupancy   1,034       958       964       985       1,518  
    Data processing and software licenses   4,232       4,010       4,297       3,625       2,892  
    Legal and professional expenses   6,488       4,606       3,597       3,631       3,672  
    Point of sale expense   107       89       73       72       90  
    Excise taxes   722       778       762       (706 )     320  
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assessments   755       750       740       690       683  
    Director and staff expenses   631       683       559       470       400  
    Marketing   50       28       67       14       53  
    Other expense   1,938       1,752       1,482       1,383       1,867  
    Noninterest expense, excluding BaaS loan and BaaS fraud expense   37,489       31,648       29,642       27,169       29,479  
    BaaS loan expense   32,507       30,720       32,698       29,011       26,107  
    BaaS fraud expense   1,993       5,043       2,084       1,784       923  
    BaaS loan and fraud expense   34,500       35,763       34,782       30,795       27,030  
    Total noninterest expense   71,989       67,411       64,424       57,964       56,509  
    Income before provision for income taxes   11,769       17,199       16,382       15,021       8,715  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   2,039       3,832       2,926       3,425       1,915  
    NET INCOME $ 9,730     $ 13,367     $ 13,456     $ 11,596     $ 6,800  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.65     $ 0.97     $ 1.00     $ 0.86     $ 0.51  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.63     $ 0.94     $ 0.97     $ 0.84     $ 0.50  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                  
    Basic   14,962,507       13,828,605       13,447,066       13,412,667       13,340,997  
    Diluted   15,462,041       14,268,229       13,822,270       13,736,508       13,676,917  
                                           

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

      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning deposits with
    other banks
    $ 553,393     $ 6,070       4.45 %   $ 501,654     $ 6,021       4.77 %   $ 350,868     $ 4,780       5.48 %
    Investment securities, available for sale (2)   37       1       10.96       39                   64,878       349       2.16  
    Investment securities, held to maturity (2)   47,154       649       5.58       48,126       661       5.46       50,490       685       5.46  
    Other investments   11,757       40       1.38       10,783       191       7.05       10,262       37       1.45  
    Loans receivable (3)   3,511,724       98,147       11.33       3,419,476       95,575       11.12       3,137,271       85,891       11.01  
    Total interest earning assets   4,124,065       104,907       10.32       3,980,078       102,448       10.24       3,613,769       91,742       10.21  
    Noninterest earning assets:                                  
    Allowance for credit losses   (170,542 )             (156,687 )             (114,985 )        
    Other noninterest earning assets   296,993               277,922               229,437          
    Total assets $ 4,250,516             $ 4,101,313             $ 3,728,221          
                                       
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
    Interest bearing deposits $ 3,166,384     $ 28,185       3.61 %   $ 3,068,357     $ 29,404       3.81 %   $ 2,728,884     $ 28,867       4.25 %
    FHLB advances and other borrowings         1                   1             5              
    Subordinated debt   44,309       598       5.47       44,272       599       5.38       44,159       598       5.45  
    Junior subordinated debentures   3,592       61       6.89       3,591       67       7.42       3,590       71       7.95  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   3,214,285       28,845       3.64       3,116,220       30,071       3.84       2,776,638       29,536       4.28  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   543,784               577,453               595,693          
    Other liabilities   49,624               50,824               58,829          
    Total shareholders’ equity   442,823               356,816               297,061          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,250,516             $ 4,101,313             $ 3,728,221          
    Net interest income     $ 76,062             $ 72,377             $ 62,206      
    Interest rate spread           6.68 %             6.40 %             5.93 %
    Net interest margin (4)           7.48 %             7.23 %             6.92 %
    (1) Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (3) Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (4) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.
       

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

      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Community Bank                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2) $ 1,881,636     $ 30,292     6.53 %   $ 1,892,298     $ 31,043     6.53 %   $ 1,871,414     $ 30,052     6.46 %
    Total interest earning assets   1,881,636       30,292     6.53       1,892,298       31,043     6.53       1,871,414       30,052     6.46  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                
    Interest bearing deposits   1,045,971       6,604     2.56 %     1,029,346       7,161     2.77 %     922,340       6,013     2.62 %
    Intrabank liability   356,337       3,909     4.45       357,442       4,290     4.77       410,993       5,599     5.48  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   1,402,308       10,513     3.04       1,386,788       11,451     3.28       1,333,333       11,612     3.50  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   479,329               505,510               538,081          
    Net interest income     $ 19,779             $ 19,592             $ 18,440      
    Net interest margin(3)         4.26 %           4.12 %           3.96 %
                                       
    CCBX                                  
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Loans receivable (2)(4) $ 1,630,088     $ 67,855     16.88 %   $ 1,527,178     $ 64,532     16.81 %   $ 1,265,857     $ 55,839     17.74 %
    Intrabank asset   554,781       6,085     4.45       583,776       7,007     4.78       598,299       8,151     5.48  
    Total interest earning assets   2,184,869       73,940     13.72       2,110,954       71,539     13.48       1,864,156       63,990     13.81  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing liabilities:                            
    Interest bearing deposits   2,120,413       21,581     4.13 %     2,039,011       22,243     4.34 %     1,806,544       22,854     5.09 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   2,120,413       21,581     4.13       2,039,011       22,243     4.34       1,806,544       22,854     5.09  
    Noninterest bearing deposits   64,455               71,943               57,612          
    Net interest income     $ 52,359             $ 49,296             $ 41,136      
    Net interest margin(3)         9.72 %           9.29 %           8.88 %
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense(5)         3.68 %           3.50 %           3.24 %
                                             
      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited) Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest &
    Dividends
      Yield /
    Cost (1)
    Treasury & Administration                            
    Assets                                  
    Interest earning assets:                                  
    Interest earning
    deposits with
    other banks
    $ 553,393     $ 6,070     4.45 %   $ 501,654     $ 6,021     4.77 %   $ 350,868     $ 4,780     5.48 %
    Investment securities,
    available for sale (6)
      37       1     10.96       39                 64,878       349     2.16  
    Investment securities,
    held to maturity (6)
      47,154       649     5.58       48,126       661     5.46       50,490       685     5.46  
    Other investments   11,757       40     1.38       10,783       191     7.05       10,262       37     1.45  
    Total interest
    earning assets
      612,341       6,760     4.48 %     560,602       6,873     4.88 %     476,498       5,851     4.94 %
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest bearing
    liabilities:
                                     
    FHLB advances
    and borrowings
    $       1     %   $       1     %   $ 5           %
    Subordinated debt   44,309       598     5.47 %     44,272       599     5.38 %     44,159       598     5.45 %
    Junior subordinated
    debentures
      3,592       61     6.89       3,591       67     7.42       3,590       71     7.95  
    Intrabank liability, net (7)   198,444       2,176     4.45       226,334       2,717     4.78       187,306       2,552     5.48  
    Total interest
    bearing liabilities
      246,345       2,836     4.67       274,197       3,384     4.91       235,060       3,221     5.51  
    Net interest income     $ 3,924             $ 3,489             $ 2,630      
    Net interest margin(3)         2.60 %           2.48 %           2.22 %
    (1)  Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) Includes loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans.
    (3)  Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by the average total interest earning assets.
    (4) CCBX yield does not include the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements and originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release for the impact of BaaS loan expense on CCBX loan yield.
    (5) Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense, includes the impact of BaaS loan expense. BaaS loan expense represents the amount paid or payable to partners for credit enhancements, fraud enhancements, originating & servicing CCBX loans. See reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures at the end of this earnings release.
    (6) For presentation in this table, average balances and the corresponding average rates for investment securities are based upon historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
    (7)  Intrabank assets and liabilities are consolidated for period calculations and presented as intrabank asset, net or intrabank liability, net in the table above.
       

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    CCBX   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31
    2025
      December 31
    2024
      March 31
    2024
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans:
    CCBX loan yield (GAAP)(1)     16.88 %     16.81 %     17.74 %
    Total average CCBX loans receivable   $ 1,630,088     $ 1,527,178     $ 1,265,857  
    Interest and earned fee income on CCBX loans (GAAP)     67,855       64,532       55,839  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net BaaS loan income   $ 35,348     $ 33,812     $ 29,732  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average CCBX loans (1)     8.79 %     8.81 %     9.45 %
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    CCBX net interest margin (1)     9.72 %     9.29 %     8.88 %
    CCBX earning assets     2,184,869       2,110,954       1,864,156  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     52,359       49,296       41,136  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense   $ 19,852     $ 18,576     $ 15,029  
    CCBX net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     3.68 %     3.50 %     3.24 %
                             
    Consolidated   As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31
    2025
      December 31
    2024
      March 31
    2024
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense:        
    Net interest margin (1)     7.48 %     7.23 %     6.92 %
    Earning assets     4,124,065       3,980,078       3,613,769  
    Net interest income (GAAP)     76,062       72,377       62,206  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net interest income, net of BaaS loan expense   $ 43,555     $ 41,657     $ 36,099  
    Net interest margin, net of BaaS loan expense (1)     4.28 %     4.16 %     4.02 %
    Loan income net of BaaS loan expense divided by average loans:    
    Loan yield (GAAP)(1)     11.33 %     11.12 %     11.01 %
    Total average loans receivable   $ 3,511,724     $ 3,419,476     $ 3,137,271  
    Interest and earned fee income on loans (GAAP)     98,147       95,575       85,891  
    BaaS loan expense     (32,507 )     (30,720 )     (26,107 )
    Net loan income   $ 65,640     $ 64,855     $ 59,784  
    Loan income, net of BaaS loan expense, divided by average loans (1)     7.58 %     7.55 %     7.66 %
    (1) Annualized calculations for periods presented.
       

    The following non-GAAP measure is presented to illustrate the impact of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense and reimbursement of expenses (BaaS) on noninterest expense. Certain noninterest expenses are reimbursed by our CCBX partners. In accordance with GAAP we recognize all expenses in noninterest expense and the reimbursement of expenses from our CCBX partner in noninterest income. This non-GAAP measure shows the portion of noninterest expenses that are reimbursed by partners to assist the understanding of how the increases in noninterest expense are related to expenses incurred for and reimbursed by CCBX partner. The most comparable GAAP measure is noninterest expense.

        As of and for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Noninterest expense, net of reimbursement of expenses (BaaS)
    Noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 71,989     $ 67,411     $ 56,509  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,507       30,720       26,107  
    Less: BaaS fraud expense     1,993       5,043       923  
    Less: Reimbursement of expenses     1,026       812       254  
    Noninterest expense, net of BaaS loan expense, BaaS fraud expense
    and reimbursement of expenses
      $ 36,463     $ 30,836     $ 29,225  
                             

    APPENDIX A –
    As of March 31, 2025

    Industry Concentration

    We have a diversified loan portfolio, representing a wide variety of industries. Our major categories of loans are commercial real estate, consumer and other loans, residential real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction, land and land development loans. Together they represent $3.52 billion in outstanding loan balances. When combined with $2.14 billion in unused commitments the total of these categories is $5.67 billion.

    Commercial real estate loans represent the largest segment of our loans, comprising 38.0% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $29.4 million, and the combined total in commercial real estate loans represents $1.37 billion, or 24.2% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial real estate portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    Apartments   $ 392,740     $ 4,488     $ 397,228     7.0 %   $ 3,927     100  
    Hotel/Motel     149,859       61       149,920     2.6       6,516     23  
    Convenience Store     138,838       561       139,399     2.5       2,314     60  
    Office     121,346       7,183       128,529     2.3       1,379     88  
    Retail     101,118       744       101,862     1.8       972     104  
    Warehouse     103,813             103,813     1.8       1,790     58  
    Mixed use     91,025       5,220       96,245     1.7       1,167     78  
    Mini Storage     73,172       8,022       81,194     1.4       3,659     20  
    Strip Mall     43,678             43,678     0.8       6,240     7  
    Manufacturing     36,887       370       37,257     0.7       1,272     29  
    Groups < 0.70% of total     88,171       2,752       90,923     1.6       1,145     77  
    Total   $ 1,340,647     $ 29,401     $ 1,370,048     24.2 %   $ 2,082     644  
                                                 

    Consumer loans comprise 34.5% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $910.8 million, and the combined total in consumer and other loans represents $2.13 billion, or 37.5% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. As illustrated in the table below, our CCBX partners bring in a large number of mostly smaller dollar loans, resulting in an average consumer loan balance of just $1,000. CCBX consumer loans are underwritten to CCBX credit standards and underwriting of these loans is regularly tested, including quarterly testing for partners with portfolio balances greater than $10.0 million.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our consumer and other loan portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    CCBX consumer loans
    Credit cards   $ 532,775     $ 868,969     $ 1,401,744     24.7 %   $ 1.7     314,203  
    Installment loans     654,844       29,027       683,871     12.1       0.8     776,669  
    Lines of credit     627       2       629     0.0       1.3     477  
    Other loans     14,555             14,555     0.3       0.1     185,894  
    Community bank consumer loans
    Installment loans     1,846       3       1,849     0.0       65.9     28  
    Lines of credit     173       357       530     0.0       5.2     33  
    Other loans     11,307       12,400       23,707     0.4       34.6     327  
    Total   $ 1,216,127     $ 910,758     $ 2,126,885     37.5 %   $ 1.0     1,277,631  

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

    Residential real estate loans comprise 13.9% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $529.3 million, and the combined total in residential real estate loans represents $1.02 billion, or 18.0% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our residential real estate loan portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    CCBX residential real estate loans
    Home equity line of credit   $ 285,355     $ 481,778     $ 767,133     13.5 %   $ 28     10,291  
    Community bank residential real estate loans
    Closed end, secured by first liens     164,284       1,649       165,933     3.0       533     308  
    Home equity line of credit     27,931       45,016       72,947     1.3       115     242  
    Closed end, second liens     10,705       892       11,597     0.2       357     30  
    Total   $ 488,275     $ 529,335     $ 1,017,610     18.0 %   $ 45     10,871  

    (1)  Total exposure on CCBX loans is subject to CCBX partner/portfolio maximum limits. CCBX home equity lines of credit are limited to a $375.0 million portfolio maximum.

    Commercial and industrial loans comprise 8.9% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $601.0 million, and the combined total in commercial and industrial loans represents $913.2 million, or 16.1% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments. Included in commercial and industrial loans is $133.5 million in outstanding capital call lines, with an additional $514.9 million in available loan commitments which is limited to a $350.0 million portfolio maximum. Capital call lines are provided to venture capital firms through one of our CCBX BaaS clients. These loans are secured by the capital call rights and are individually underwritten to the Bank’s credit standards and the underwriting is reviewed by the Bank on every capital call line.

    The following table summarizes our loan commitment by industry for our commercial and industrial loan portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments (1)   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment (1)   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans
    CCBX C&I Loans
    Capital Call Lines   $ 133,466     $ 514,864     $ 648,330     11.4 %   $ 1,019     131  
    Retail and other loans     29,702       21,736       51,438     0.9       10     3,002  
    Community bank C&I Loans
    Construction/Contractor Services     30,768       31,642       62,410     1.1       152     202  
    Financial Institutions     48,648             48,648     0.9       4,054     12  
    Medical / Dental / Other Care     6,721       2,739       9,460     0.2       517     13  
    Manufacturing     5,611       4,022       9,633     0.2       156     36  
    Groups < 0.20% of total     57,356       25,969       83,325     1.4       222     258  
    Total   $ 312,272     $ 600,972     $ 913,244     16.1 %   $ 85     3,654  

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

    Construction, land and land development loans comprise 4.7% of our total balance of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2025. Unused commitments to extend credit represents an additional $72.5 million, and the combined total in construction, land and land development loans represents $239.0 million, or 4.2% of our total outstanding loans and loan commitments.

    The following table details our loan commitment for our construction, land and land development portfolio as of March 31, 2025:

    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Outstanding Balance   Available Loan Commitments   Total Outstanding Balance & Available Commitment   % of Total Loans
    (Outstanding Balance &
    Available Commitment)
      Average Loan Balance   Number of Loans  
    Commercial construction   $ 96,716     $ 41,654     $ 138,370     2.4 %   $ 6,908     14  
    Residential construction     39,375       22,253       61,628     1.1       2,316     17  
    Developed land loans     7,788       2       7,790     0.1       556     14  
    Undeveloped land loans     16,684       4,185       20,869     0.4       1,112     15  
    Land development     5,988       4,382       10,370     0.2       665     9  
    Total   $ 166,551     $ 72,476     $ 239,027     4.2 %   $ 2,414     69  
                                                 

    Exposure and risk in our construction, land and land development portfolio increased compared to recent periods as indicated in the following table:

        Outstanding Balance as of
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Commercial construction   $ 96,716     $ 83,216     $ 97,792     $ 110,372     $ 102,099  
    Residential construction     39,375       40,940       35,822       34,652       28,751  
    Undeveloped land loans     16,684       8,665       8,606       8,372       8,190  
    Developed land loans     7,788       8,305       14,863       13,954       14,307  
    Land development     5,988       7,072       5,968       5,714       7,515  
    Total   $ 166,551     $ 148,198     $ 163,051     $ 173,064     $ 160,862  
                                             

    Commitments to extend credit total $2.14 billion at March 31, 2025,   however we do not anticipate our customers using the $2.14 billion that is showing as available due to CCBX partner and portfolio limits.

    The following table presents outstanding commitments to extend credit as of March 31, 2025:

    Consolidated    
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   As of March 31, 2025
    Commitments to extend credit:    
    Commercial and industrial loans   $ 86,108  
    Commercial and industrial loans – capital call lines     514,864  
    Construction – commercial real estate loans     50,221  
    Construction – residential real estate loans     22,255  
    Residential real estate loans     529,335  
    Commercial real estate loans     29,401  
    Credit cards     868,969  
    Consumer and other loans     41,789  
    Total commitments to extend credit   $ 2,142,942  
             

    We have individual CCBX partner portfolio limits with our each of our partners to manage loan concentration risk, liquidity risk, and counter-party partner risk. For example, as of March 31, 2025, capital call lines outstanding balance totaled $133.5 million and, while commitments totaled $514.9 million, the commitments are limited to a maximum of $350.0 million by agreement with the partner. If a CCBX partner goes over their individual limit, it would be a breach of their contract and the Bank may impose penalties and would have the choice to fund or not fund the loan.

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

    CCBX                
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   Balance   Percent of CCBX loans receivable Available Commitments (1)   Maximum Portfolio Size Cash Reserve/Pledge Account Amount (2)
    Commercial and industrial loans:            
    Capital call lines   $ 133,466     8.1 % $ 514,864     $ 350,000   $  
    All other commercial & industrial loans     29,702     1.8     21,736       475,720     541  
    Real estate loans:                
    Home equity lines of credit (3)     285,355     17.3     481,778       375,000     33,436  
    Consumer and other loans:            
    Credit cards – cash secured     339                  
    Credit cards – unsecured     532,436         868,969         27,589  
    Credit cards – total     532,775     32.2     868,969       850,000     27,589  
    Installment loans – cash secured     127,426         29,027          
    Installment loans – unsecured     527,418                 1,175  
    Installment loans – total     654,844     39.7     29,027       1,814,541     1,175  
    Other consumer and other loans     15,182     0.9     2       4,739     419  
    Gross CCBX loans receivable     1,651,324     100.0 %   1,916,376       3,870,000   $ 63,160  
    Net deferred origination fees     (498 )            
    Loans receivable   $ 1,650,826              
    (1) Remaining commitment available, net of outstanding balance.
    (2) Balances are as of April 9, 2025.
    (3) These home equity lines of credit are secured by residential real estate and are accessed by using a credit card, but are classified as 1-4 family residential properties per regulatory guidelines.
       

    APPENDIX B –
    As of March 31, 2025

    CCBX – BaaS Reporting Information

    During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, $53.6 million was recorded in BaaS credit enhancements related to the provision for credit losses – loans and reserve for unfunded commitments for CCBX partner loans and negative deposit accounts. Agreements with our CCBX partners provide for a credit enhancement provided by the partner which protects the Bank by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred losses. In accordance with accounting guidance, we estimate and record a provision for expected losses for these CCBX loans, unfunded commitments and negative deposit accounts. When the provision for credit losses – loans and provision for unfunded commitments is recorded, a credit enhancement asset is also recorded on the balance sheet through noninterest income (BaaS credit enhancements) in recognition of the CCBX partner legal commitment to indemnify or reimburse losses. The credit enhancement asset is relieved as credit enhancement payments and recoveries are received from the CCBX partner or taken from the partner’s cash reserve account. Agreements with our CCBX partners also provide protection to the Bank from fraud by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred fraud losses. BaaS fraud includes non-credit fraud losses on loans and deposits originated through partners, generally fraud losses related to loans are comprised primarily of first payment defaults. Fraud losses are recorded when incurred as losses in noninterest expense, and the enhancement received from the CCBX partner is recorded in noninterest income, resulting in a net impact of zero to the income statement. Many CCBX partners also pledge a cash reserve account at the Bank which the Bank can collect from when losses occur that is then replenished by the partner on a regular interval. Although agreements with our CCBX partners provide for credit enhancements that provide protection to the Bank from credit and fraud losses by indemnifying or reimbursing incurred credit and fraud losses, if our partner is unable to fulfill their contracted obligation then the bank would be exposed to additional loan and deposit losses if the cash flows on the loans were not sufficient to fund the reimbursement of loan losses, as a result of this counterparty risk. If a CCBX partner does not replenish their cash reserve account the Bank may consider an alternative plan for funding the cash reserve. This may involve the possibility of adjusting the funding amounts or timelines to better align with the partner’s specific situation. If a mutually agreeable funding plan is not agreed to, the Bank could declare the agreement in default, take over servicing and cease paying the partner for servicing the loan and providing credit enhancements. The Bank would evaluate any remaining credit enhancement asset from the CCBX partner in the event the partner failed to determine if a write-off is appropriate. If a write-off occurs, the Bank would retain the full yield and any fee income on the loan portfolio going forward, and our BaaS loan expense would decrease once default occurred and payments to the CCBX partner were stopped.

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

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

    Loan income and related loan expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Yield on loans (1)     16.88 %     16.81 %     17.74 %
    BaaS loan interest income   $ 67,855     $ 64,532     $ 55,839  
    Less: BaaS loan expense     32,507       30,720       26,107  
    Net BaaS loan income (2)   $ 35,348     $ 33,812     $ 29,732  
    Net BaaS loan income divided by average BaaS loans (1)(2)     8.79 %     8.81 %     9.45 %

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

    An increase in average CCBX loans receivable resulted in increased interest income on CCBX loans during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The increase in average CCBX loans receivable was primarily due to our strategy to optimize the CCBX loan portfolio and strengthen our balance sheet through originating higher quality new loans with enhanced credit standards. These higher quality loans also have lower stated rates and expected losses than some of our CCBX loans historically. Our yield on loans and our net interest margin net of BaaS loan expense slightly increased, as our CCBX portfolio is leveling out. Current loan sales and new loan growth are at more similar interest rates compared to prior periods when we were selling loans with higher risk and higher interest rates and replacing them with higher quality lower interest rate loans. We continue to reposition ourselves by managing CCBX credit and concentration levels in an effort to optimize our loan portfolio and also generate off balance sheet fee income. Growth in CCBX loans and deposits has resulted in increases in interest income and expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

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

    Interest income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Loan interest income   $ 67,855     $ 64,532     $ 55,839  
    Total BaaS interest income   $ 67,855     $ 64,532     $ 55,839  
                             
    Interest expense   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    BaaS interest expense   $ 21,581     $ 22,243     $ 22,854  
    Total BaaS interest expense   $ 21,581     $ 22,243     $ 22,854  
                             
    BaaS income   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    BaaS program income:            
    Servicing and other BaaS fees   $ 1,419     $ 1,043     $ 1,131  
    Transaction and interchange fees     3,833       3,699       2,661  
    Reimbursement of expenses     1,026       812       254  
    Total BaaS program income     6,278       5,554       4,046  
    BaaS indemnification income:            
    BaaS credit enhancements     53,648       62,097       79,808  
    BaaS fraud enhancements     1,993       5,043       923  
    BaaS indemnification income     55,641       67,140       80,731  
    Total noninterest BaaS income   $ 61,919     $ 72,694     $ 84,777  
                             

    Servicing and other BaaS fees increased $376,000 and transaction and interchange fees increased $134,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. We expect servicing and other BaaS fees to be higher when we are bringing new partners on and then to decrease when transaction and interchange fees increase as partner activity grows and contracted minimum fees are replaced with these recurring fees when they exceed the minimum fees. Increases in BaaS reimbursement of fees offsets increases in noninterest expense from BaaS expenses covered by CCBX partners.

    BaaS loan and fraud expense:   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands; unaudited)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    BaaS loan expense   $ 32,507     $ 30,720     $ 26,107  
    BaaS fraud expense     1,993       5,043       923  
    Total BaaS loan and fraud expense   $ 34,500     $ 35,763     $ 27,030  
                             

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26a7ee4c-99dc-493e-8703-90dc906581e2

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Stage 0 cancer is often overlooked — but it could be your earliest warning sign

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles in December 2024 DFree/Shutterstock

    At 71, Tina Knowles – the fashion designer, businesswoman, and mother of Beyoncé – made headlines not for her career, but for a deeply personal revelation: her breast cancer diagnosis. In 2023, a routine mammogram uncovered two tumours in her left breast, one benign and the other malignant. Diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, she underwent surgery and is now cancer-free.

    Knowles had initially hesitated to share her story, even considering leaving it out of her upcoming memoir Matriarch. A private person by nature, she ultimately chose to speak out to educate and inspire others – especially women balancing busy lives – about the critical importance of regular screenings.




    Read more:
    Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer – so why is breast screening attendance still a problem?


    Knowles candidly revealed that her cancer might have been caught even earlier, at stage 0, if she hadn’t missed a mammogram during the COVID pandemic. Like many, she delayed rescheduling, and it wasn’t until nearly four years later that she returned for screening.

    Her sister, a breast cancer survivor herself, reminded her that if she had stayed on schedule, doctors might have detected her cancer before it had begun to invade surrounding tissue.

    Thankfully, Knowles’ tumour was small and slow-growing. Still, the experience shook her and reinforced a message she now shares widely: early detection saves lives.

    Knowles’ story opens the door to an important medical conversation: what exactly is stage 0 cancer, and why does it matter?

    Stage 0, often called “carcinoma in situ”, is the earliest form of cancer. The Latin phrase in situ means “in its original place”, and that’s exactly where these abnormal cells remain – they haven’t yet spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body. In breast cancer, the most common type of stage 0 is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts.

    Because stage 0 cancers rarely cause symptoms or lumps, they’re usually detected through screening – most often, a mammogram. In fact, the breast is where stage 0 is most commonly diagnosed, thanks to the effectiveness of these screening programs.

    But stage 0 cancer is not unique to the breast. Similar early, non-invasive changes can be found in other organs, such as the cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) or the colon (certain types of polyps).

    There’s a growing debate in the medical community about whether stage 0 cancers should be labelled as “cancer” at all. Some experts argue that terms like “precancer” or “non-invasive cancer” might better reflect the low risk posed by these abnormal cells. Others caution that, while not invasive yet, some stage 0 cancers can become dangerous over time, especially if left untreated.

    Research suggests that up to 40% of untreated DCIS cases may eventually develop into invasive breast cancer, although the risk in any given year is relatively low at around 3%. Because we currently lack a reliable way to predict which cases will progress, most doctors recommend treatment such as surgery to remove abnormal cells.

    Treatment for stage 0 cancer is typically less aggressive than for more advanced stages, but it’s still personalised. In breast cancer, options often include:

    • Lumpectomy – surgery to remove only the affected area
    • Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast
    • Radiation therapy – often recommended after lumpectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence
    • Hormone therapy – for cancers that have hormone receptors, medication may be used to lower future risk.

    However, some experts are exploring a different approach: active surveillance. This strategy involves closely monitoring low-grade lesions without immediate treatment. While promising for some patients, it’s still controversial since there’s always a risk the cancer could progress silently.

    The prognosis for stage 0 cancer is overwhelmingly positive. The five-year survival rate for stage 0 breast cancer approaches 99% and most people diagnosed at this stage will never experience a recurrence.

    This remarkable outcome is a testament to the power of early detection and effective treatment. However, the rise in stage 0 diagnoses also raises questions about so-called over-diagnosis and over-treatment and whether this means some people are undergoing unnecessary procedures for abnormalities that might never have caused harm.

    Despite its early stage, a diagnosis of stage 0 cancer can carry a heavy emotional toll. There’s comfort in knowing the cancer was caught early but also anxiety about what might have happened if it hadn’t. Many patients struggle with the uncertainty of whether treatment was necessary or whether watchful waiting would have been safe.

    Knowles, for instance, spoke of disbelief, fear and the emotional rollercoaster that followed her diagnosis. She credits her daughters and friends for getting her through, providing love, laughter and perspective in a frightening time. Her openness underscores how vital it is to have a strong support system and a healthcare team that encourages open dialogue.

    Mammograms and other screening tools like colonoscopies are vital for catching cancers at the earliest, most treatable stages. While the increase in stage 0 diagnoses has fuelled debate about over-treatment, it’s clear that early detection gives people options and a chance at a cure before cancer becomes more aggressive.

    My research team is working to develop more effective methods for distinguishing which early abnormalities truly require treatment and which can be safely monitored. Until those tools are widely available, public health experts continue to stress one clear message: stay up to date with recommended screenings.

    Knowles’ story is more than a celebrity health headline, it’s a powerful reminder that prioritising routine care can change the course of your life. Stage 0 cancer represents a rare window of opportunity: a chance to intervene early, often with excellent outcomes. But it also requires careful decision-making, emotional resilience and support.

    The message is simple and urgent: take care of yourself. Reschedule that appointment. Get screened. It might just save your life.

    Justin Stebbing does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Stage 0 cancer is often overlooked — but it could be your earliest warning sign – https://theconversation.com/stage-0-cancer-is-often-overlooked-but-it-could-be-your-earliest-warning-sign-255460

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Georgia: EUAA publishes overview of the health landscape and accessibility to oncological and psychiatric care

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    The Agency has just published two topical reports that provide an overview of the access to oncology and psychiatry in Georgia. These two reports complement another: Georgia: Provision of Healthcare, which outlines the organisation and structure of the healthcare system in Georgia. The reports come as EU+ countries received just over 15 000 asylum applications from Georgian citizens in 2024.

    The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has recently published three Medical Country of Origin Information (“MedCOI”) reports on the state of healthcare provision in Georgia. The reports cover the general situation of healthcare provision in the country and, separately, access to oncological and psychiatric care.

    These reports are the first to be published by the EUAA, following a recently developed and agreed MedCOI methodology, the first one to be published by any public body in the world. The new methodology establishes the guiding principles for MedCOI and includes guidance on how to research and draft the reports, as well as the different quality control mechanisms integrated into the production process.

    Provision of healthcare

    In its report Georgia: Provision of Healthcare, the EUAA provides updates on the organisation of the health system, the public and private healthcare sectors, the pharmaceutical sector, as well as an overview of health insurance schemes and healthcare expenditure.

    The report outlines key developments in Georgia’s healthcare system, highlighting major reforms since the shift from the Soviet system to a decentralised model. The MedCOI report serves as a resource for understanding the evolving landscape and addressing ongoing gaps in the delivery of healthcare services. The launch of the Universal Health Care Programme (UHCP) in 2013 expanded access, but high out-of-pocket costs persist due to the dominance of private facilities. While public insurance now better supports vulnerable groups, low-income households often face significant costs. 

    New topical reports on Oncology and Psychiatry in Georgia

    Separately, the Agency has also published two topical reports on the healthcare situation in Georgia as it relates to oncology and psychiatry.

    With cancer remaining a leading cause of mortality in Georgia; in its report on Oncology, the EUAA highlights both the significant progress and ongoing challenges in cancer care, with a particular focus on insurance and access to treatment and medication.

    Under the UHCP, national authorities have increased funding for oncological treatments, now fully covering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery for all citizens, including those with private insurance. However, private insurance policies often exclude full oncological treatment, leaving many patients covering the costs of diagnostics and essential medications out-of-pocket. Despite State efforts to procure medications directly and support vulnerable groups, disparities persist, particularly in rural areas and among those needing services beyond annual public coverage limits.

    In its report on Psychiatry, the EUAA highlights both the progress and persistent challenges in Georgia’s mental healthcare system. Georgia has seen a rising prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders, especially among young adults, though underreporting remains an issue, due to the stigma often associated with mental health disorders.

    Mental healthcare services are mainly funded by public schemes, such as the state’s Mental Health Programme and the Drug Addiction Programme. Services are delivered through a mix of public and private providers, but access remains uneven across regions, and community-based care is underdeveloped. Despite increased funding in recent years, the system still falls short of international standards, and integrated care for dual diagnoses.

    Background

    The EUAA regularly publishes Medical Country-of-Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ national asylum and migration authorities involved in migration and international protection procedures. Medical Country of Origin information is used within international protection procedures or in the context of family reunification. Member States’ national authorities also make use of the information within migration and return procedures, to comply with their obligations under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The treasure of trusteeship

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    The treasure of trusteeship

    David Holdsworth delivers speech at Trustee Exchange 2025.

    Good afternoon. 

    I’m delighted to join so many of you here today at the annual Trustee Exchange.  

    This is the event in the calendar dedicated to promoting and developing trustees, and I’d like to extend my thanks to Civil Society for once again bringing us all together.  

    Because, put simply, without you, there would be no charity sector.  

    What you achieve – individually and collectively – for society, is nothing short of staggering. 

    A figure used a lot is £94 billion.

    That’s the annual turnover of the charity sector in England and Wales.

    It’s a huge figure – so huge that it’s hard to really imagine what that means, on the ground, in people’s lives. 

    Well – it means game-changing medical trials – like the one recently funded by the charity Spinal Research – a paralysed woman regaining the use of her hands so that she can now brush her young daughter’s hair.

    It means that the osprey – that magnificent bird of prey – which was once driven to near extinction in the UK – is now thriving, with over 250 nesting pairs living in Britain today. 

    It means that 30 million more people across the world now have access to a safe, working toilet. 

    It means that families with seriously ill children in hospital can stay close by in free, purpose-built accommodation. 

    And it means that, on average, two lives are saved at sea every single day by RNLI volunteers.   

    These a just a few examples of what has been made possible by the charity sector, and the steadfast custodianship of its trustees.  

    So please, take a moment to reflect on your own contribution to the countless and varied achievements of charities across the years.  

    I can assure you, your work does not go unnoticed by us or the public. 

    So ensuring the Commission supports you as trustees in maximising your charities’ impact is vital – and that’s what I want to discuss today. 

    It won’t come as news to you that the entire charitable sector is scaffolded by the enthusiasm, generosity, and capability of its trustees. 

    So making trusteeship an attractive prospect – both for current trustees, and for new recruits – is absolutely vital for us. 

    I’ve been in post at the Charity Commission now for nine months, and in this time have had the pleasure of visiting a great range of charities in England and Wales.  

    I don’t need to tell anyone here today that times remain challenging for the sector as a whole. 

    Charities are on the front line, dealing with the fall out from unpredictable global politics and shifting world orders. 

    From providing aid in warzones such as Ukraine and the Middle East, to running vital services here in the UK, the sector consistently steps in to meet need – wherever it finds it. 

    All the while, charities continue to grapple with higher running costs, a challenging environment for fundraising and increasing demand for their services. 

    In the face of these challenges, many trustees are being forced to make difficult decisions about the future of their charity.  

    Against this backdrop, you might assume morale among the charities I’ve visited would be low.   

    But I’ve found the opposite to be true.  

    The trustees I’ve spoken to are realistic about the challenges they face, but overwhelmingly optimistic about the resilience of their charity to weather them.  

    They are the embodiment of public spirit.  

    Trustee research 

    Just today we have published the results our new research with ProBono Economics into the experience of trustees in England and Wales.  

    It found that the vast majority of trustees are immensely positive about their experience. Something that you and most of us who are or have been trustees of course already knew. 

    They reported multiple benefits from their role, ranging from professional benefits to a greater sense of personal connection, purpose and fulfilment.  

    Eight in ten trustees would be likely to recommend the role to others.

    Most trustees feel positive about board dynamics, and their relationships with staff. 

    Most report feeling that they are having a positive impact on the world, and that they’re more connected to their community as a result. 

    One in three said that their role expanded their social circle.  

    And the benefits don’t stop there. 

    Trustees who are still of working age found that the role supported their career development, while two thirds of trustees said they enjoyed the opportunity to use their skills in a new context. 

    More than half have served on their boards for four years or more, underlining the loyalty and dedication of many trustees.   

    The full report – which I’d encourage you to read on our website – gives us a detailed snapshot of the sector and includes useful information about the demographics of trusteeship. 

    We are seeing positive movement towards gender parity, with 43% of trustees now being female. 

    This represents a welcome shift from our last research in 2017, when just 36% were women. So more to do, but progress.  

    Over half of all trustees are retired, with the average age being 65.  

    Although there are proportionately fewer younger people involved in trusteeship, for those who do, there seem to be multiple benefits.

    Over half of trustees under 30 said that their role supported their career development.  

    White people are overrepresented on charity boards compared to their proportion of the overall population, and by that same measure, there are fewer trustees from ethnic minorities as compared with the national average.  

    This is a challenge we need to collectively address, but again, as with the gender breakdown, there are some positives to take away from the new research.  

    For example, there are proportionally more Black trustees aged under 60 than in the general under age 60 population (7% compared to 5%), indicating that we are seeing the green shoots of a move towards greater ethnic parity among trustees.  

    Which is not to say there isn’t active work the sector needs to undertake to address the challenge! 

    Reassuringly, of the trustees we spoke to, the vast majority reported feeling confident in their role. 

    More than nine in ten reported understanding their roles and responsibilities (95%) and feeling qualified to fulfil them (93%).    

    However, the findings suggest some boards could benefit from more people with certain skills or expertise.  

    A quarter of respondents reported accessing legal expertise externally, suggesting a possible lack of relevant skills at board level.   

    While most trustees report their board had significant finance skills and experience, this was also the skillset with the second greatest reliance on external sources.    

    Elsewhere, only a quarter of boards reported any significant experience in marketing, campaigning and anti-fraud skills. 

    Collectively, these findings demonstrate the importance of helping charities to recruit people with a broader range of skills, backgrounds and experience – ultimately strengthening their charity’s governance. 

    While we must always work collectively on ensuring the pipeline of trustees remains flowing, I don’t accept there is any kind of ‘crisis’ in trusteeship.  

    Of the 60 million people in England and Wales, more than 800,000 are trustees. 

    And this figure has remained broadly stable over time.   

    So, as the old saying goes, you really are never more than 6 feet away from a charity trustee.  

    And, casting the Commission as Pied Piper – in this analogy that I’m beginning to regret – we want to lead trustees on the path to good governance. 

    Because, although trustees are plentiful, our work at the Commission does indicate that there are charities on the register with a smaller number of trustees on their board – around 11% of charities have fewer than three trustees, according to our 2023 Annual Returns.  

    Although this does not necessarily mean they are inquorate, very small trustee boards can have the potential to increase risk factors relating to dominance, lack of independence and conflicts of interest.     

    This, along with the skills gaps within existing boards, demonstrates the continued need for widening the base of trustees.  

    Along with the sector, it’s vital that we respond to these findings and help inspire a pipeline of people willing to serve as volunteer trustees into the future. 

    The big question, then, is how? 

    Widening access to trusteeship 

    In this space, it would be remiss of me not to mention the sad demise of Getting on Board last year.  

    For twenty years, the organisation played a vital role in encouraging new talent into trusteeship and its contribution will be sorely missed in the sector. 

    We must all take up this mantle, and work proactively to encourage others to become trustees. 

    Because, in fact, the very best advert for trusteeship is you.  

    Most of you tend to be quite shy about the amazing work you do – after all, it’s simply not very British to shout our achievements from the rooftops is it? 

    But one of the best ways to encourage trusteeship is by being a walking, talking advert for the role.  

    By being more open – talking more – and celebrating the amazing work you do, you can publicly demonstrate the opportunities trusteeship presents. 

    Don’t underestimate the power of your own story. 

    We also know that there is work to be done on improving trustee recruitment practices, so that new wells of talent can be tapped. 

    The new data from PBE suggests that most charities rely strongly on their existing networks to recruit trustees.  

    One in three charity trustees was asked to join the board directly by the Chair, while only 6% of trustee recruitment came from advertising. 

    Of course, informal networking and personal recommendations can be invaluable, especially when charities are stretched for time. 

    But this may come at the expense of casting the net wider, to recruit trustees who could bring different skills and perspectives to the board. 

    Looking beyond existing supporter bases, with fair and open recruitment practices, will help the sector engage a broader pool of trustee talent. 

    To help charities with this endeavour, we’ll be publishing refreshed guidance on finding new trustees – CC30 – in the coming months.  

    We’ll be providing updated advice around the recruitment process and how to recruit further afield. Reach Volunteering’s digital platform being a great tool, for example, especially as its services are offered free of charge for smaller charities.  

    Please, do take five minutes to read it and think about the ways in which you can apply the guidance in your own charity. 

    The Voluntary Principle 

    I know that for some, one solution to recruitment difficulties would be to pay trustees for their service, thereby attracting a wider range of candidates to roles. 

    In fact, our director of policy and communications, Paul Latham, took part in a panel discussion on the matter here at Trustee Exchange this morning. 

    One argument for paying for trustees is that it would broaden the role’s appeal, particularly amongst currently underrepresented groups. 

    But, according to research from the volunteer recruitment charity Reach, the data shows that for age, ethnicity, gender and sexuality this does not hold true.  

    Voluntary service has proven to be no barrier to diversity when it comes to trustee recruitment. 

    At this point, I would like to be clear, however, that no one should feel as though they can’t afford to participate in trusteeship.  

    And that is one reason we’ve also published a new, separate guide on trustee expenses. 

    The Commission is clear that expenses do not constitute trustee ‘payments’ and that trustees are entitled to have their reasonable expenses reimbursed by the charity. 

    This can include childcare, travel costs and meals when acting on behalf of their charity. 

    In this way, trustees can undertake their voluntary duties without worrying that that it will put them out of pocket.    

    But while we heard some cogent arguments in favour of paying trustees at the panel today, to my mind, none can truly stand up to what’s at stake here.  

    Which is why I want to be very clear – it’s the Commission’s belief that voluntary trusteeship underpins the public’s trust in charity. 

    And public trust is particularly important when you consider the fact that charities in England and Wales rely on public donations of almost 60 billion every year.

    The research consistently backs this up.  

    Charity trust is currently at a 10-year high – and time and again we are told that what matters most to people is knowing how their donation is spent. 

    Rightly or wrongly, the public’s positive perception of charity is intrinsically linked with the concept of voluntary service, of doing good for others, not to gain financially, but in return for the personal rewards I mentioned earlier. 

    In our research into public trust in charities in 2023, most people said they were more inclined to trust a charity run by volunteers, than one run by paid professionals.  

    Put simply, voluntary trusteeship is the lynchpin of the public’s trust in charity – and we must guard it fiercely.  

    We already know that the vast majority of trustees undertake their duties voluntarily.  

    There are an incredible 800,000 trustees on our register, filling almost a million trustee positions. Of those, only a very small proportion receive any kind of payment. 

    Last year, fewer than one in ten charities declared they were paying trustees, and in most of these cases, it was for providing goods or services. 

    But some charities will be faced with decisions about whether to pay one or more trustee, whether for the role itself or as payment for goods and services. It is vital that charities get these decisions right, and boards fulfil legal duties and responsibilities carefully. 

    We’ve recently refreshed and revised our guidance on the topic – CC11 – with the aim of making it easier for trustees to know what is expected of them when making this decision. 

    Conclusion  

    But as I draw to a close, I want to return my focus to the present – and to the three quarters of a million-strong community of trustees that we currently have on our register.   

    As our research released today has shown, it’s a role like no other – one that asks a lot of its incumbent – but also one that repays this effort with interest. 

    What you all have built, in your individual organisations, and as civic society – is truly remarkable. 

    It must be nurtured, cherished and defended. 

    And with your dedication, commitment and public spirit, I can’t think of a better group to do so.  

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) v1.1

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) v1.1

    An updated version of the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) is available.

    An updated version of the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), referred to as v1.1, has been published on GOV.UK.

    RAM v1.1 has been created following feedback from industry on RAM v1, which was published on 23 December 2024.  

    Simplifications informed by the value chain  

    PackUK carried out a RAM simplification sprint in February 2025. The aim of the sprint was to reduce complexity of the RAM and increase the viability of producers being able to fully complete RAM assessments in 2025.   

    The sprint involved gathering feedback on the first iteration of the RAM and offering up simplifications, which have been incorporated into the newly released v1.1.  

    The sprint was positively received by industry. A broad range of stakeholders contributed a variety of comments and content suggestions for v1.1, including targeted feedback from retailers and brands with large and complex product portfolios.      

    The suggestions were cross-referenced against industry standards and technical feedback was sought from industry material associations to ensure accuracy and consistency.     

    On 8 April 2025, PackUK sent a final technical draft of RAM v1.1 out to packaging producers. The technical draft aimed to provide stakeholders with as much lead in time as possible, ensuring they can apply the guidance in 2025.     

    What this means

    The RAM methodology will enable large packaging producers to assess the recyclability of their household packaging and produce a red/amber/green output which will inform the level of fee modulation payable for that material from year 2 of pEPR.  

    Producers are required to apply the methodology for household packaging placed on the market from 1 January 2025, with the first reporting deadline being 1 October 2025.   

    Only large producers (also known as ‘large organisations’) must report their recyclability assessment data. Find out about small and large producers.  

    You only need to collect and report recyclability assessment data if you are responsible for household packaging.  

    Join the Circular Economy stakeholder forum   

    At the May stakeholder forum, we will deliver a presentation on RAM v1.1. There will also be an opportunity for stakeholders to ask in-depth questions and relay feedback.   

    • date: Tuesday 6 May 2025  

    • time: 2:30pm to 4pm  

    • registration: Please register for the forum on Microsoft Teams Live  

    Please direct any questions about RAM v1.1 to the EPRCustomerService@defra.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Calls on SBA to Step Up and Support Content Creators and the Digital Creator Economy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    Rep. Gomez is calling for more tailored small business resources for digital entrepreneurs fueling a $250 billion industry

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is calling on the Small Business Administration (SBA) to step up support for content creators—an increasingly powerful part of the small business economy. In a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Rep. Gomez urged the agency to provide more services and resources tailored to the unique needs of digital entrepreneurs who are building businesses on social platforms.

    “The content creator economy is a robust economic and social infrastructure which has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. This growth has driven a major shift in our social and economic ecosystem as online social platforms have become an epicenter for ideas and commerce,” wrote Rep. Gomez. “I write to urge the Small Business Administration to support this fast-growing industry by providing services and programs that will help content creator small businesses continue to thrive and contribute to our economy.”

    “Content creators and influencers form the backbone of this thriving economic sector and represent a rapidly expanding segment of small business entrepreneurs across the country. Their innovative contributions fuel job creation, shape consumer spending habits, and spark growth in our economy,” continued Rep. Gomez. “My district in Los Angeles in particular serves as a global hub for content creation due to its deep roots in media and entertainment as well as a rich history as home to a thriving, diverse community of creative talent.”

    Rep. Gomez is demanding the SBA to outline how it is helping creators with key challenges like taxes, intellectual property, business loans, and managing irregular income. His push comes as more Americans build careers through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. According to Goldman Sachs, content creators and influencers collectively form an over $250 billion creator economy that is projected to grow to nearly $500 billion within the next four years. This effort builds on Rep. Gomez’s January listening session with leading social media influencers, held just days before a potential TikTok ban. There, he emphasized the need for better tax and legal support for creators, and reaffirmed his opposition to policies that would harm the digital creator economy.

    You can read the full letter HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘NextGen’ Tempus AI Workers Continue to Make History with Landmark First IAM Contract

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Inaugural IAM members at Tempus AI recently ratified their first contract with the Chicago-based precision healthcare artificial intelligence biotech lab, making history as one of the first unions in the industry.

    The group of 443 lab workers, who use use next generation DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence to help provide precision healthcare treatment options to cancer patients, and data used leading cancer research, is chartering the IAM Midwest Territory’s first healthcare unit, Local H1.

    “We spent a lot of time in preparation,” said IAM Midwest Territory International Representative Bill LePinske. “Everything was very well thought out. I applaud the committee’s work away from the bargaining table and their level of dedication to the process. On both sides of the table, it wasn’t about winning or losing, it was about solving problems.”

    In early 2024, the lab workers at Tempus AI, many of whom hold advanced degrees, voted to join the IAM. Now, just over a year after their union election was certified, their first contract goes into effect on April 24, 2025, establishing a landmark in the evolution of labor relations within the biotech industry.

    The new contract addresses the group’s core issues regarding work–life balance, competitive pay and benefits, safety, and transparency.

    Highlights of the three-year agreement include: 

    • Guaranteed wage increases ranging from 10% to 12.5% over three years with the ability to add merit.
    • Retroactive wage increases to Feb. 24.
    • Promotion increases ranging from 6% to 11% with ability to add merit
    • Wage protection language requiring the employer to increase wages if a new employee comes in 5% over the contractual minimum.
    • Increases to shift premiums.
    • Guaranteed annual company stock issues.
    • Improvements to paid time off rules and accruals.
    • Safety language, including a safety committee.
    • Grievance and arbitration process.

    “We got a first contract in only eight bargaining sessions,” said IAM Midwest Territory International Representative Chris Tucker, who helped organize the group. “I really want to tip my hat to this bargaining committee. They were incredibly dedicated to this cause. They spent a lot of their own time and made an extraordinary effort to create terms that don’t just benefit themselves, but benefit the whole group. They took everybody into account.” 

    The new local union’s formal name is “Next Generation Local H1,” a name that carries meaning with the group as pioneers in biotech research and in labor organizing.

    “The name is symbolic of their young energy coming into the space,” said LePinske. “It signifies that they’re going to do things a bit of a different way, a more modern way. It’s a reflection of the work they do, because the process they use sequencing the patients’ DNA is known as “Next Generation Sequencing” or NGS and also signifies what they were trying to accomplish with their local union.”

    “This contract will set a standard for any others to come,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “We are in this industry now, and these trail-blazing new members have put in some impressive work to successfully build their own local union with a strong first contract through solidarity with each other. This entire campaign, from interest in organizing with the IAM to their first, ratified collective bargaining agreement, is a win for our entire union and all workers in the industry.”

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  • MIL-OSI: Vitus Marine, Greatland Fuel Sales, and Vitus Terminals Secure Combined $37M in USDA Funding to Expand Fuel Infrastructure and Strengthen Rural Alaskan Communities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAGRANGE, Ga., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vitus Marine LLC, Greatland Fuel Sales LLC (GFS), and Vitus Terminals LLC (VT), collectively (Vitus), announced today the group secured $37M in USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Program funding to enhance fuel infrastructure and drive economic growth in rural Alaska. Phoenix Lender Services (Phoenix) facilitated the loan fundings with Community Bank & Trust. Phoenix is a subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., which originated, underwrote, and closed the loans, while Community Bank & Trust funded the loans. This second series of loans follows a total of $25M in three B&I loans funded in June of 2024 for Vitus.

    These strategic investments support existing jobs, improve access to essential energy resources and bolster local economies in some of Alaska’s most remote regions.

    On a combined basis for the three companies, these two loan tranches secured over $62 million in total funding and made a significant positive impact to strengthen vital energy infrastructure in Alaska. The Vitus family of companies runs bulk fuel, freight lighterage and energy products to consumers in remote Alaskan communities and provides vital heat, electricity and logistics support to its customers.

    “These partnerships represent the impact we strive to achieve—empowering rural businesses to grow and continuing to serve communities with critical services,” said Chris Hurn, President/CEO of Phoenix Lender Services. “Vitus Marine, Greatland Fuel Sales, and Vitus Terminals are vital to Alaska’s energy infrastructure, and we’re proud to support them through the USDA B&I Program.”

    These loans offer favorable terms with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, reducing financial burdens and demonstrating a commitment to the sustainability and growth of rural businesses. These investments highlight a powerful public-private partnership focused on preserving access, affordability, and economic opportunity for some of America’s most underserved regions.

    “Fuel and energy access is an essential service for all people. Energy access is not a luxury for the people we serve,” said Justin Charon, Owner and CEO of Vitus. “This collaboration ensures that our customers can continue to depend on us, no matter how remote their community or harsh the delivery season.”

    For more information on Phoenix and its lending solutions, visit https://phoenixlenderservices.com.

    About Phoenix Lender Services
    Based in Georgia and serving clients nationwide, Phoenix Lender Services offers a comprehensive suite of commercial lending solutions, including loan underwriting, closing, and servicing; participant lender matching; secondary market sales; portfolio management; risk analysis; and compliance reviews and regulatory support. Seasoned professionals at Phoenix combine extensive industry expertise in SBA, USDA, and commercial government-guaranteed lending with industry-leading technologies to deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s unique strategic goals. Phoenix Lender Services is leading the way in SBA, USDA, and commercial lending.

    About Vitus Marine LLC [1]
    Vitus Marine LLC (VM) is one of two major fuel importers and distributors in Western Alaska with the ability to craft custom import solutions, offer hedging ideas and card-lock alternatives for its commercial and industrial buyers. Its customers have learned to depend on the team at Vitus Marine for creative approaches to solve the problems they face in the remote Arctic region the team serves.

    About Vitus Terminals LLC
    Vitus Terminals LLC (VT) is one of a few major fuel importers and distributors into the roadless regions in Western Alaska. They provide heating fuel deliveries to homes and businesses with convenience store access in Bethel and Dillingham, Alaska. All locations offer 24-hour card-lock access. They specialize in the storage, sale, hedging and distribution of fuel through their service hubs in Bethel, Kotzebue, Dillingham, St. Michael, Alaska.

    About Greatland Fuel Sales LLC
    Greatland Fuel Sales LLC continues Vitus Energy’s 15-year history of providing energy to Alaska with unique and timely solutions to create value for its customers through its growing energy supply network and clean convenience stores. Their mission is to deliver competitive energy alternatives for local road warriors and visitors to Alaska.

    About Community Bank & Trust
    Community Bank & Trust (CB&T), a subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., is a trusted financial institution dedicated to serving individuals, families, and businesses across its service area and nationwide. Headquartered in LaGrange, GA, CB&T is committed to leveraging its rural roots to empower both local consumers and commercial entities, as well as underserved groups and communities with a broad slate of accessible, personalized banking solutions, while also reaching a diverse and growing nationwide audience.

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Hannah Conley
    Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
    hannah.conley@moburst.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Inspira and Cequence Security Join Forces to Strengthen API Security and Bot Defense Worldwide

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inspira Enterprise, Inc. (“Inspira”), a global cybersecurity services leader, today announced a strategic partnership with Cequence Security, a pioneer in API security and bot management. With this collaboration, Inspira and Cequence will help organizations globally defend against the full spectrum of API based threats, including automated threats, ranging from malicious bots to business logic abuse, while maintaining frictionless digital experiences. The cybersecurity landscape will be fortified by pairing Inspira’s end-to-end cybersecurity services across advisory, transformation, and operations, and a range of data analytics solutions, with Cequence’s innovative Unified API Protection (UAP) platform.

    APIs have become the backbone of modern digital transformation, powering everything from mobile apps to customer portals. But with that innovation comes risk. Security teams face significant challenges in protecting API applications, especially with their rapid deployment across multiple cloud environments. Unmanaged and unprotected APIs often expose critical vulnerabilities, while inconsistent security postures across the application landscape add further complexity and risk.

    Cequence Security’s UAP platform helps organizations gain visibility into their API traffic, ensure API compliance, test for security gaps, and stop automated threats such as credential stuffing, scraping, and fake account creation. While doing so, the Platform also ensures that it does not block good bots, alter development cycles, or disrupt the business or user experience.

    “Our customers are under pressure to secure their APIs, manage risk, and meet growing compliance demands across geographies,” said Geetanjali Sethi, President – Strategy and Growth at Inspira. “By partnering with Cequence, we’re expanding our portfolio to offer API security and bot protection as a fully managed service, combining cutting-edge technology with our global expertise and 24/7 operational support.”

    Cequence is proud to join Inspira’s trusted partner ecosystem, helping them bring outcome-driven API protection and bot mitigation to customers worldwide. Customers can now detect and stop sophisticated API attacks, enhance API governance and security testing, improve visibility and response time, secure APIs during open banking transitions, and meet stringent data sovereignty requirements.

    “This partnership is rooted in delivering real outcomes,” said Arun Gowda, VP of Business Development at Cequence Security. “With Cequence, customers already get a world-class platform to secure their APIs and defend against automated attacks. Now, paired with Inspira’s global reach and service capabilities, organizations can consume the platform as a managed service, enabling faster implementation, management, and threat monitoring.”

    As part of the partnership, Inspira is augmenting its cybersecurity portfolio with industry-leading API security and bot management capabilities, offering not only the Cequence Platform but also the managed security services wrapped around it. Inspira will provide expert deployment, advisory support, ongoing monitoring, and full lifecycle threat management to help customers adopt and operate the solution with ease. The joint offering delivers a full-stack approach to API protection and bot defense, backed by Inspira’s white-glove service model and global Cyber Fusion Centers.

    About Inspira Enterprise
    Inspira Enterprise is a global Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence services provider with a presence in North America, ASEAN, the Middle East, India, and Africa. It offers a wide range of services to a host of industries like Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Healthcare, Public Sector, Manufacturing, Information technology-enabled services (ITeS), eCommerce, and others. Inspira believes in delivering adaptive, intelligent, industry and customer-centric solutions for the resilient businesses of tomorrow. Inspira is also a NVIDIA partner specializing in the planning, design, implementation, and project management of solutions that include NVIDIA products and technologies to address customers’ business and technology needs.

    Over the years, Inspira has successfully designed and delivered complex transformational projects to over 250+ customers, including the Government, PSUs, BFSI, and Enterprise customers, with a team of over 1600 professionals. For more information, please visit https://inspiraenterprise.com/.

    About Cequence Security
    Cequence is a pioneer in API security and bot management, protecting the applications and APIs that organizations depend on from cyberattacks, business logic abuse, and fraud. Its Unified API Protection platform brings together discovery, compliance, and protection capabilities to deliver real-time defense against advanced threats. Requiring no code changes or app instrumentation, Cequence demonstrates value in minutes and scales to support the world’s largest private and public sector organizations—safeguarding more than 8 billion API interactions daily and over 3 billion user accounts. Learn more at www.cequence.ai.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Rapid7’s Command Platform Launches Unified Threat-Informed Remediation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD), a leader in extended risk and threat detection, today announced a series of powerful enhancements to its Command Platform. With unified threat-informed remediation, Rapid7 now offers security teams platform-level remediation capabilities across exposure management and threat detection and response, resulting in greater visibility, alignment, collaboration, and security outcomes. In addition, Rapid7 stands behind these security outcomes with financial coverage through Breach Protection Warranty, giving customers confidence that they’re not only protected from threats – but also providing peace of mind should a breach occur.

    Security teams face an increasingly expanding attack surface, made more complex by a fragmented approach to security tools and continued distribution of ownership and responsibility of IT operations and security. To take command of their attack surface, automated remediation across an organization’s full ecosystem is critical. This next version of the Command Platform helps security teams transform their exposure and threat remediation processes by proactively identifying, prioritizing, and remediating critical exposures faster and with greater precision.

    The new enhancements provide integrated remediation of all vulnerabilities, whether they come from a native Rapid7 scanner or a third-party vulnerability management tool, in addition to AI-powered and automated prioritization for threat investigation. They also include Active Remediation with Velociraptor, allowing Rapid7 to take action on customers’ behalf to remove malicious artifacts with precision, effectively responding to exposures and threat signals before they become incidents.

    “Security teams are overwhelmed with alerts—they’re asking for clarity, prioritization, and outcomes,” said Craig Adams, chief product officer at Rapid7. “It’s not enough to simply detect threats; teams need the context to act quickly and the confidence that issues will be resolved. With our latest version of the Command Platform, we’re giving customers a cohesive, continuous, and trusted understanding of their entire attack surface—alongside the intelligent automation to prioritize threats and remediate them fast.”

    Among the key updates of threat-informed remediation on Rapid7’s Command Platform:

    • Unified Vulnerability Management Across Ecosystems: Rapid7 continues to expand support for third-party vulnerabilities, helping organizations consolidate and act on risk signals across disparate security tools. With vendor-agnostic dashboards, reporting, and centralized workflows, security teams can now prioritize vulnerabilities across their entire ecosystem, streamline remediation, and track progress with confidence.
    • Fully Integrated Automation into the Remediation Process: Security teams can use Remediation Hub workflows to automate asset owner notifications and manual tasks. This reduces administrative overhead, improves communication efficiency, speeds up remediation and offers a unified progress view to comprehensively track remediation across hybrid environments.
    • Transparent, Trustworthy AI-Powered Triage: This new triage experience in Rapid7’s AI detection and response platform, InsightIDR, gives security analysts unprecedented visibility into the decisions made by the Rapid7 AI Engine. A redesigned alert details interface highlights the key data inputs and reasoning behind each AI-driven triage decision, helping teams build trust and seamlessly integrate automation into their workflows. The new “AI Suggested Disposition” field enables faster investigation and resolution by allowing users to sort, filter, and bulk action alerts triaged by AI.
    • Active Remediation With Velociraptor: Once a threat is contained, the work shouldn’t stop there. With this new capability of Velociraptor, Rapid7 now performs advanced remediation actions on customers’ behalf—removing malware remnants, restoring registry settings, and returning affected assets to a secure state. This reduces dwell time and helps organizations bounce back faster, often before they’ve had time to react manually.
    • Breach Protection Warranty: In addition to the enhancements around AI-triage and remediation with Velociraptor, Managed Threat Complete (MTC) Ultimate customers can now confidently manage the financial impact of a cyberattack with up to $1,000,000 in breach-related coverage embedded directly into the service. This includes expenses related to forensic investigations, legal counsel, post-incident response, and public relations. In addition, Rapid7’s service is the only offering to include unlimited incident response (IR), removing the cost of IR engagements required by other providers. With the financial benefit not offset by additional fees, customers reduce complexity in breach response planning.

    To learn more about Unified Threat-Informed Remediation, visit https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/2025/04/29/from-exposure-to-assurance-unified-remediation-across-the-security-lifecycle/.

    Rapid7 will also be showcasing these capabilities live at RSA Conference in San Francisco, April 28 – May 1.

    About Rapid7
    Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is on a mission to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. We empower security professionals to manage a modern attack surface through our best-in-class technology, leading-edge research, and broad, strategic expertise. Rapid7’s comprehensive security solutions help more than 11,000 global customers unite cloud risk management with threat detection and response to reduce attack surfaces and eliminate threats with speed and precision. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

    Rapid7 Media Relations
    Alice Randall
    Director, Global Communications
    press@rapid7.com
    (857) 216-7804

    Rapid7 Investor Contact
    Elizabeth Chwalk
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    investors@rapid7.com
    (617) 865-4277

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Applied Announces New AI-Powered Accounting Automation Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced Automated Statements, an AI-powered statement recording and reconciliation application for direct bill commissions and agency bill payables launching in fall 2025. Natively embedded in Applied Epic’s General Ledger, Automated Statements will allow users to simply upload direct or agency bill statements in any format and leverage AI to extract data for matching and reconciliation to policies and plans in Applied Epic, creating step-change efficiency value for the direct bill and agency bill revenue processes.  

    Automated Statements centralizes and automates accounting workflows within Applied Epic to accelerate time-consuming reconciliation workflows and improve quality and confidence in an agency’s financial data. Covering more than 90% of certified P&C and Benefits carriers, Automated Statements in Applied Epic enables data extraction from statements received in any format, including scanned images, PDF, CSV, advanced matching to plans and policies, and financial data recording or reconciliation, depending on direct or agency billing methods. Statements can be submitted to the Applied Epic General Ledger for suspended or reconciled statements with a single click, saving staff time. AI-powered accounting automation in Applied Epic helps finance and accounting teams reconcile the statement of record with ease, ensuring their business, people, and carrier partners are paid quickly and accurately while reducing back-office costs to drive more profitable revenue growth.   

    “Applied has been at the core of agencies’ accounting and financial workflows since its inception, and with the introduction and rapid growth of digital payments with Applied Pay the past couple of years, there is a clear opportunity and demand to create more automation value for the back office,” said Chase Petrey, president, Applied Pay, Applied Systems. “Direct bill commissions and agency bill payables are two of the most common and time-consuming tasks for finance and accounting teams, and by integrating our differentiated solution directly into their management system’s general ledger, we are going to immediately create step change efficiency gains and make the process of money movement simpler and faster than ever.”

     # # #

    The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    The MIL Network