NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Whispers in the Texas Wind

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    As the leaves shift from green to shades of red and brown, Fall brings more than just hayrides, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating. You may not realize it while carving your jack-o’-lantern, but Texas is home to more than just famous haunted houses—you don’t have to look far to stumble upon a graveyard with a story to tell.

    Texas boasts around 14,000 cemeteries, many of which are steeped in legends that will send a chill up your spine. Some gravestones hold dramatic tales of early settlement, disease, natural disasters, and war. From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, these cemeteries are living pieces of history wrapped in a touch of the supernatural.

    Take Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, the state’s oldest graveyard. It spans 40 acres of centuries-old tombstones and is the resting place of Texas Revolution and Civil War veterans, as well as former governors like General Sam Houston. Some of the most haunting stories come from these graves. One such grave belongs to Eula Phillips a teenager murdered on Christmas Eve in 1885. Legend has it her spirit floats through the cemetery at night, searching for answers to her untimely death. 

    Farther southeast, in Galveston, lies the Old City Cemetery, where spirits are rumored to be more restless. This graveyard serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic Hurricane of 1900 that devastated the island. Thousands lost their lives, including many who were swept into the Gulf of Mexico. On stormy nights, the howling wind is said to carry the cries of men calling for help and wails of women searching for their lost children.

    Among those buried there is Elize Romer Alberti, Galveston’s “Demented Mother,” who poisoned her five children in 1894, four of whom succumbed to it. After the murders, she was sent to the San Antonio Asylum, but returned to Galveston, where she eventually died. Buried with her children, she is said to haunt the cemetery grounds to this day.

    In El Paso, Concordia Cemetery is one of Texas’ largest cemeteries, covering 52 acres and holding the graves of more than 60,000 souls, including buffalo soldiers and Texas Rangers. Its most famous occupant is John Wesley Hardin, the notorious gunslinger of the Old West. Under the moonlight, the spirits of Hardin and other outlaws are rumored to roam the grounds, earning Concordia the nickname “El Paso’s Boot Hill” due to its rowdy history.

    Texas cemeteries hold more than tombstones, they are places where the living just might happen upon spirits of the past. So whether you believe in ghosts or not, this is the season to gather around a campfire and share a scary story or two, because you never know what—or who—may be dying to hear it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Lafayette Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    HAMMOND- Markith Williams, age 39, of West Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after a jury found him guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a two-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

    Williams was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

     According to documents in the case, on January 13, 2022, a traffic stop of Williams’ vehicle in Jasper County, Indiana, led to the recovery of a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Williams’ criminal history revealed that he had 3 prior Illinois felony convictions which included being a felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and delivery of cocaine, any one of which prohibited him from possessing the firearm in this case. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hammond Police Department, and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Grindlay and Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eleven Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with RICO Conspiracy, Murder in Aid of Racketeering, and Drug Trafficking Offenses

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A federal grand jury in Minneapolis returned an 18-count indictment yesterday against 11 alleged members of the Lows — a violent Minneapolis street gang — for crimes including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, gun trafficking, and drug trafficking.

    “According to the indictment, these defendants are leaders, organizers, and members of the Lows street gang, a violent gang that allegedly committed multiple murders and attempted murders and trafficked in guns and drugs, including fentanyl,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Violent gangs that engage in bloody street wars and peddle deadly drugs endanger our communities. The Criminal Division, along with our local, state, and federal partners, is committed to holding violent criminals accountable, including by bringing racketeering charges.”

    “The Lows are an exceptionally violent criminal street gang that has terrorized north Minneapolis for nearly 20 years. Through threats and violence — shootings and murders — the Lows have long sought to establish dominion over large swaths of our city,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota. “My office will continue to respond to gang violence by treating it as the organized criminal activity it is. This indictment is an important step in dismantling a violent street gang that has devastated families and communities in north Minneapolis.”

    “More than 100 people lose their lives to gun violence every day in the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul Field Division. “There will never be a time where this will be considered acceptable. Our ATF agents put forth solid investigative work in this case utilizing crime gun intelligence that without a doubt aided the case announced today. ATF is happy to work alongside each of our partners in this investigation, and we are grateful to the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Luger, and the entire team for taking up this challenging RICO case.”

    “The charges in this indictment reflect our unwavering commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “For too long, the Lows have inflicted pain and spread fear in north Minneapolis. Together with our law enforcement partners, we are determined to remove this threat from our communities and help restore a sense of security to all who call this city home.”

    “Today’s indictment provides a stark reminder that violence and drug trafficking go hand-in-hand,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division. “These were not victimless crimes. Communities were hurt. The DEA will continue its unwavering focus to remove threats of violence and hold accountable the individuals responsible for inflicting fear on the streets of Minneapolis.”

    “The individuals named in this indictment allegedly engaged in homicide, and illegal drug and firearms trafficking, which created an atmosphere of terror and disrupted countless lives in this community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Chicago Field Office. “These charges represent a pivotal milestone in our commitment to restore safety and uphold justice in the communities we serve. Working with their federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, IRS-CI special agents will continue to follow every financial trail to dismantle the networks fueling these criminal enterprises. We stand united against the violence and fear that street gangs have inflicted upon our communities in Minneapolis and elsewhere.”

    “The Lows, and criminal organizations like them, wreak havoc on our communities, threatening the safety of our communities on a daily basis through their many acts of violence, murder, and narcotics and firearms trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) St. Paul. “HSI St. Paul will continue to foster a strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners to bring an end to the chaos these criminal organizations inflict on our local communities.”

    “This multi-count indictment against ranking members of the Lows gang is an excellent example of multiple law enforcement agencies combining their expertise and resources to conduct investigations with the common goal of taking down violent leaders perpetuating street violence involving guns and narcotics,” said Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Denver Division. “These RICO charges aim to remove these allegedly violent offenders from our community. U.S. Postal Inspectors are committed to continuing our work to dismantle drug trafficking operations to keep USPS customers and employees safe from greedy drug traffickers who favor profit over human lives.”

    As alleged in this indictment, the defendants were members of the Lows criminal street gang, which has been in existence in Minneapolis since approximately 2004. The Lows are primarily active in the northside of Minneapolis. They allegedly traffic in firearms and narcotics, including fentanyl, and use threats, intimidation, and violence to protect their territory, reputation, illicit proceeds, and power.

    The indictment charges that the defendants engaged in a pattern of racketeering — that is, unlawful acts of violence, gun trafficking, and narcotics trafficking — for the benefit of the Lows enterprise. These acts include seven alleged murders or attempted murders involving a total of ten victims.

    The 11 defendants, all from Minneapolis, have been indicted for the following crimes:

    Ashimiyu Alowonle II, 38, also known as Cash, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

    Timothy Callender III, 26, also known as Lil’ Tim, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

    Glenn Carter III, 23, also known as G5 and Bossman Carter, is charged with RICO conspiracy; using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death; and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Carter is charged with committing a murder on May 14, 2022, as a racketeering act in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy.

    Victor Collins, 22, also known as Vic, is charged with RICO conspiracy; using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possessing a firearm a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Collins is charged with committing a murder and an attempted murder on Feb. 27 as a racketeering act in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy.

    Damari Douglas, 20, also known as Mari, is charged with RICO conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun. Douglas is charged with committing a murder on Dec. 3, 2023, as a racketeering act in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy.

    Deontae Jackson, 35, also known as Leef, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

    Shannon Jackson, 32, also known as Shakedown, is charged with RICO conspiracy; using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jackson is charged with committing a murder on April 27, 2023, as a racketeering act in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy.

    Robert Knights Jr., 19, also known as CMB Rob and Lil’ Rob, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    Albert Lucas V, 20, also known as Abk Sav, is charged with RICO conspiracy; using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death; and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Lucas is charged with committing multiple murders and an attempted murder on Feb. 27 and May 6, 2021, as a racketeering act in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy.

    Kaprice Richards, 23, also known as Kap, is charged with RICO conspiracy and using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Richards is charged with committing an attempted murder on May 29, 2022, and a murder on April 27, 2023, as racketeering acts in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy.

    Cartrelle Smith, 27, also known as Poo Moe, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy involving acts of murder, using a firearm to commit murder, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after the consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and David M. Classen for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Warwick Lang, Victorian Country Hour, ABC Radio

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    WARWICK LONG:

    Let’s talk competition in farming in Australia. A member of the federal government has identified farming as an area in dire need of competition reform in Australia. Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Competition in the Labor government. He says this country’s small‑scale farmers are getting hammered at both ends by concentrated markets and at numerous points along the agricultural supply chain. I had a chat to him about improving the improving the competition playing field for farmers after he made a speech on such a topic to ABARES in Canberra.

    ANDREW LEIGH:

    Well, farmers are the meat in the sandwich when it comes to problems of competition in the Australian economy. We see too many farmers buying seed and fertiliser from concentrated markets and then getting squeezed by having to sell into concentrated markets for processors or in freight. And the effect is that farmers aren’t getting a fair deal. I’m talking about a lot of what we’re doing in the competition space through the lens of farming. Farming is a critical industry to the Australian economy, but it also illustrates some of the big competition problems that the Australian economy faces right now.

    LONG:

    Why is farming such an easy example to grasp about the lack of competition and what it does to markets?

    LEIGH:

    Compared to many industries, small‑scale farming is pretty easy to enter. It is not as easy to set up a tractor manufacturing business or to set up a freight distribution network. The result is that you get a lot of competition in farming across many commodities but not so much upstream and downstream. So if you’re looking at fertiliser, the big 4 fertiliser manufacturers in Australia have 62 per cent of the market between them. And then if you’re looking downstream, fruit and vegie processing, the big 4 have 34 per cent of the market. Meat processing, the big 4 have 44 per cent of the market. So there’s these really concentrated markets, and that’s before we’ve even gotten to the supermarkets where the supermarket duopoly does have the effect of squeezing farmers. Which, of course, is why, Warwick, we’re moving to make the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct a mandatory code.

    LONG:

    What has failed in the past? So the meat industry is one of those that you’re using, particularly you cite its effect on small‑scale beef producers, for example, because there’s such market concentration. Now, I’ve been around for quite a long time, Assistant Minister, and I remember when the ACCC didn’t oppose JBS’s taking over of Primo, for example, because even though it meant a highly concentrated market in areas like New South Wales and Queensland. So what’s gone wrong in the past to lead us down this road of concentration now?

    LEIGH:

    Our merger law system just hasn’t been up to what it needs for a modern economy. Australia’s competition watchdog doesn’t get to see about 3 out of every 4 mergers because there’s no requirement on big firms to notify them. You can’t block what you can’t see. So the merger reforms we’ve got in parliament right now are the biggest merger shake‑up in half a century. We’d hope they’d get support right across the parliament. And they’ll have 2 results, Warwick, one will be that low‑risk mergers get approved quicker, and the other is that high‑risk mergers can have the scrutiny that they deserve applied to them by the competition watchdog.

    LONG:

    What other rules and changes are you proposing?

    LEIGH:

    We’ve got the banning of unfair contract terms. We did that as soon as we came into office. And that’s mattered for areas such as fertiliser contracts and potato processing where those unfair contract terms have been used. For consumers we’ve got the CHOICE quarterly price monitoring to make sure that consumers are seeing where they can get their best deal across the grocery sector. And we’re giving the competition watchdog more resources in order to check up on unit pricing, make sure that the prices on the supermarket shelf really are a fair reflection of what Australians will pay.

    LONG:

    You’ve also cited in your speech today about the right to repair laws affecting the motor vehicle industry. You and I spoke a lot in the past about trying to extend that to tractor and machinery sales. Why hasn’t that happened yet?

    LEIGH:

    Well, we’re encouraging parties to first look at a voluntary agreement here which can often have a more tailored approach. But we recognise that there’s a squeeze on and it can particularly affect farmers where you’re working off short timeframes. You’ve got to get a crop harvested. Your machine breaks down and you just can’t afford to take a week for the authorised dealer to fix it. So we understand the squeeze. We understand that the farm machinery industry is heavily concentrated. This one is not as straightforward as what we did for the motor vehicle scheme –

    LONG:

    Why not?

    LEIGH:

    Well, because in motor vehicles you’ve got a greater diversity of independent repairers. There’s some 20,000 independent repairers across the country. You just don’t have that network of independent repairers in the area of farm machinery. Most of the repair is being done at the moment by the big firms. And what we’re looking at is a discussion where people say we could have a vibrant independent repair industry if only there was a right to repair laws for farm machinery.

    LONG:

    Yeah, so as opposed to what you had to do in the motor vehicle sector where there was already an existing network there effectively you need to look if your law changes for the farm machinery sector would effectively almost create a new category of business?

    LEIGH:

    Yes, that’s right. Whereas independent mechanics, we were seeing them being crushed by a lack of access to data. But data is a big thing. John Deere has got more software development engineers than mechanical design engineers. Farm machines are becoming increasingly computerised, and that means that access to the data is fundamental to allowing a third‑party repairer to fix a fault.

    LONG:

    This is your passion, isn’t it? Competition and how markets work.

    LEIGH:

    I’m glad you detected that passion, Warwick. Absolutely. For economists this goes back to Adam Smith in 1776. There’s really good work about the benefits of competition for consumers, for workers and just for innovation. More competitive markets see higher productivity growth. And so this is one of the key things we need to do if we’re going to kickstart more growth in the Australian economy.

    LONG:

    And obviously more competition, more buyers for products is important. Your government is restricting that in the world of agriculture, particularly for the WA sheep industry right now with the phase out of live sheep exports. Have you looked at what that will do to the market there?

    LEIGH:

    Look, we’re providing support to the industry – over $100 million there – and also encouraging the boxed meat industry. And as you well know, Warwick, the volume of live sheep exports has been steadily declining. We’re very keen to see that local processing industry increasing, the value‑adding, and also working hard to open up new markets. So if you look at the resumption of the rock lobster trade with China, with the trade deal with the United Arab Emirates, all of that opening up of the international markets gives more options to our farmers. It means that they’re not as constrained at just selling to a couple of local processors.

    LONG:

    A sheep farmer can hardly jump into the world of rock lobster farming, though, can they?

    LEIGH:

    No, that’s right. I’m just giving you an illustration of what we’re doing across the markets, recognising the importance of international trade to Australian farmers.

    LONG:

    I suppose you and I are talking about the same thing here, right, aren’t we, Andrew Leigh? We’re talking about how government decisions or actions, whether it be the closure of key international markets or whether it be phase‑outs of industry, that does affect markets and it’s on government to pull the levers to decide the future of these industries, isn’t it?

    LEIGH:

    The government plays a significant role. And what you’re talking about with live sheep really is an issue of animal welfare, which I think is broadly supported across the Australian community. But what we’ve been doing in opening up international markets really is very much in the traditions of the Whitlam, Hawke and Keating governments – that international engagement often led by farmers because we export the vast majority of our agricultural produce in Australia to the benefit of farmers and the broader economy.

    LONG:

    So, this is part of your discussion with ABARES. Do you have a plan to sort of update on whether your levers and work in competition areas will be working in, say, 12 months’ time?

    LEIGH:

    Yeah, it’s a great question, and one of the things we haven’t done very well in government is evaluating what we do. And so we’re now just thinking through the best ways of evaluating the impact of the competition reforms, making sure that as we move to a mandatory code of conduct for food and grocery that we are seeing those better deals coming through for farmers, ensuring that as we go into the new merger regime that we see better competition across Australian industries. So, tracking performance is absolutely the best practice in government. That’s what I want to do more of.

    LONG:

    That’s the Assistant Minister for Competition, Andrew Leigh, speaking there about improving competition rules, the playing field essentially for farmers.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Preparation, swift response define wildfire season

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Aerial view of wildfires near Fox Lake and Garden River in July.

    Through effective investments, including a historic $155-million wildfire base budget, Alberta’s government ensured the province was prepared to respond throughout the 2024 wildfire season. In anticipation of the wildfire season, Alberta’s government recruited 100 additional wildland firefighters and an additional 40 contract wildland firefighters – in addition to securing more airtankers, heavy equipment, and helicopters equipped with night vision technology. As a result of this preparation, front-line crews were able to respond quickly and fight fires around the clock, containing 85 per cent of wildfires within 24 hours of detection.

    “While the 2024 wildfire season was challenging, our coordinated efforts and the resilience of Albertans have been crucial in mitigating the impact. We will continue to adapt and strengthen our wildfire management strategies to protect our communities and natural resources.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

    “This wildfire season has tested our resolve, especially in areas like Fox Lake and Jasper. The coordinated efforts of our firefighters and support teams were instrumental in protecting our communities. We will build on this experience to continue to improve response strategies and initiate new strategies to ensure the safety of all Albertans.”

    Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead

    The 2024 wildfire season began earlier than usual, with 64 carryover wildfires stemming from a mild winter and extremely dry conditions. In response to this elevated danger, Alberta’s government activated an early start to the wildfire season on February 20, 2024, implementing a fire ban and fire permit system to prevent additional human-caused wildfires.

    Despite significant challenges, including large wildfires near Jasper that led to evacuations and the tragic loss of an Alberta wildland firefighter, as well as the loss of homes and businesses in the community, Alberta Wildfire demonstrated remarkable coordination, offering immediate aid and resources to Parks Canada, including support personnel, firefighters, aircraft and equipment.

    While supporting the Jasper response led by Parks Canada, Alberta Wildfire crews continued to tackle substantial wildfires throughout the province, deploying personnel, aircraft and equipment to combat wildfires and assist impacted communities. Throughout the season, residents of Garden River, John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake in the Little Red River Cree Nation, and the Chipewyan Cree Nation were also evacuated. Additionally, an area near Peace River and four neighborhoods in Fort McMurray faced short-term evacuations due to wildfires.

    “In the wake of the heartbreaking loss from the Jasper wildfire, we are reminded of the strength found in collaboration – with each other and among all orders of government. We are reminded also of the compelling need to invest together in training, preparation, mitigation and adaptation, ensuring that we not only respond effectively, but that we also build a more resilient future.”

    Richard Ireland, mayor, Town of Jasper

    “The 2024 wildfire season underscored the importance of early planning and preparation. Investments in people, resources and new technology proved invaluable in our response efforts.”

    Trevor Lamabe, executive director Wildfire Management Branch

    During the 2024 wildfire season, Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, exceeding last year’s record-breaking total. While the number of fires in 2024 exceeded the total number of fires in 2023, wildfires this season burned less than a third of the area compared with 2023, underscoring the effectiveness of Alberta’s preparation and investments.

    Although Oct. 31 marks the end of Alberta’s wildfire season, Alberta Wildfire remains vigilant and ready to respond to any potential wildfires across the province.

    Quick Facts

    • Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires this year with more than 705,000 hectares burned.
    • In 2023, there were 1,080 wildfires and more than 2.2 million hectares burned.
    • Alberta Wildfire had almost 1,900 firefighters, contractors and support staff working on Alberta’s provincial response.
    • Alberta Wildfire also received assistance from other agencies with more than 1,300 firefighters and support staff arriving from around the world to assist.
    • While most wildfires were caused by people, we had 410 lightning-caused wildfires in July, the highest number in 20-years.

    Related information

    • Alberta Wildfire
    • Alberta Wildfire app
    • Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Optus in court for alleged unconscionable sales and debt collection

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The ACCC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court alleging that Optus Mobile Pty Ltd (Optus) engaged in unconscionable conduct in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law when selling telecommunications goods and services to hundreds of consumers, that they often did not want or need, and in some cases then pursuing consumers for debts resulting from these sales.

    Many of these consumers were experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage, such as living with a mental disability, diminished cognitive capacity or learning difficulties, being financially dependent or unemployed, or having limited financial and legal literacy.

    Many of the impacted consumers were First Nations Australians from regional and remote areas or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

    “We allege Optus’ conduct disproportionately impacted consumers experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage, and that these practices were incentivised by the commission-based remuneration for sales staff. In some cases, we allege Optus took steps to protect its own financial interests by clawing back commissions to sales staff but failed to remediate affected consumers,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “This case concerns allegations of very serious conduct, as our case is that Optus sold goods to consumers experiencing vulnerability which they did not need, did not want and could not afford.”

    “We also allege that Optus’ unconscionable conduct continued after management became aware of deficiencies in its systems that were being exploited by sales staff, and despite this, failed to implement fixes,” Ms Cass Gottlieb said.

    Alleged conduct

    The ACCC’s case against Optus involves allegations that Optus acted unconscionably in its dealings with about 429 consumers by engaging in inappropriate sales conduct and/or pursuing consumers for debts, including when it knew contracts were created fraudulently.

    The conduct included Optus allegedly putting undue pressure on some of these consumers to purchase a large number of products, including expensive phones and accessories, and not undertaking coverage checks to inform the consumer whether they would have Optus coverage where they lived.

    It is alleged that Optus engaged debt collectors to pursue many of these consumers, despite knowing that they were subject to inappropriate or fraudulent sales conduct.

    The alleged conduct involves 363 consumers from two Optus Darwin stores, 42 consumers from the Optus Mount Isa store and 24 individual consumers from store locations across Australia.

    “We are taking this action against Optus and seeking consumer redress in relation to the hundreds of consumers affected by this alleged unconscionable conduct,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    The ACCC began its investigation after receiving a referral from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman about concerns regarding Optus’ sales practices to consumers experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage.

    The ACCC is seeking declarations and orders for penalties, non-party consumer redress, publication orders, a compliance program, and costs.

    Optus’ Darwin stores conduct

    The ACCC alleges unconscionable conduct at Optus’ two licensee-operated stores in Darwin, where nearly all staff allegedly engaged in inappropriate sales conduct, encouraged by senior store management, during a two-year period to June 2023. The conduct included not carrying out coverage checks, despite some of the 363 impacted consumers being First Nations Australians from regional, remote and very remote parts of the Northern Territory where there was no Optus coverage available.

    The ACCC’s allegations include that Optus staff manipulated credit checks, oversold and overpriced accessories, and sold consumers phones and plans they could not afford at the Darwin stores.

    Optus’ Mount Isa store conduct

    The ACCC also alleges Optus acted unconscionably by pursuing debts for at least 42 consumers from Mount Isa and remote areas of the Northern Territory, despite some senior executives knowing that those debts related to contracts for goods and services which were fraudulently created by a staff member at a licensee-operated Optus store in Mount Isa, without the knowledge of the affected consumers.

    Optus’ conduct to individual consumers

    The ACCC alleges Optus acted unconscionably in its dealings with 24 individual consumers by engaging in inappropriate sales conduct. This included by applying undue pressure and inducing the consumers to purchase a large number of goods and services.

    The alleged conduct includes claims that sales staff manipulated credit check results without the consumers’ knowledge to sell goods and services that they could not afford, while failing to explain the terms and conditions of contracts in an understandable manner. Despite knowing about this alleged conduct, Optus pursued debt collection activities in many cases, and referred and sold the consumers’ debts to third party debt collection agencies.

    In relation to four of these consumers, the ACCC also claims that Optus made false, misleading or deceptive representations that particular goods were ‘free’ when that was not in fact the case.

    “Many consumers suffered financial harm, incurring thousands of dollars of debt and non-financial harm, such as shame, fear, and emotional distress about the debts or being pursued by debt collectors,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Thankfully many consumers were supported by financial counsellors, carers and other advocates who gave their time and effort to support consumers to eventually seek resolution of Optus’ conduct.”

    “We will take appropriate enforcement action against breaches of the Australian Consumer Law, and we pay particular attention to conduct that disproportionately impacts consumers who are experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.”

    An example of the alleged conduct includes a person living with an intellectual disability which impacts their ability to speak and understand financial matters went into an Optus store and was sold an expensive phone, a business phone contract under a false ABN, a new NBN internet plan and accessories, though their disability was evident to Optus staff. The person did not want or need the majority of these items, and was upset and embarrassed about the unwanted and expensive items they were sold. When the person’s representative went to the store to return the items, the Optus staff refused to cancel the contracts and it was only through the intervention of a financial counsellor that Optus cancelled the contracts.

    Background

    Optus is Australia’s second largest telecommunications provider. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singtel Optus Pty Ltd, a foreign owned private company.

    In Australia, Optus’ stores are either:

    • owned and operated directly by Optus RetailCo Pty Ltd; or
    • owned and operated through third party licensees, through Retail License Agreements. For example, all Optus stores in the Adelaide region are owned and operated by Mavaya Pty Ltd, and all Optus stores in the Northern Territory, as well as several in regional Queensland, are owned and operated by Suntel Communications Pty Ltd.

     Statement of claim

    ACCC v Optus Mobile Pty Ltd – Introduction to Statement of Claim ( PDF 67.78 KB )

    The ACCC has commenced this proceeding with a Statement of Claim. The document available via the link contains the introduction section of the ACCC’s Statement of Claim in relation to this matter, which contains a summary of the ACCC’s case. We will not be uploading further documents.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. Reports 2024 Third-Quarter and Year-to-Date Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) today reported financial results for the 2024 third quarter and year-to-date ended September 30, 2024.

    2024 Third Quarter Financial and Operating Highlights (on a year-over-year basis unless noted):

    • 86 consecutive quarters of profitability
    • Net income increased 36.4% to $6.5 million, or $0.48 per basic and diluted share, from $4.8 million, or $0.35 per basic and diluted share, and net income expanded 14.7% from the 2024 second quarter
    • Net interest margin increased 12 basis points to 2.71%
    • Efficiency ratio improved to 67.98%, compared to 73.07% for the same period a year ago, and 69.03% for the 2024 second quarter
    • Total net loans remain stable at $2.54 billion at September 30, 2024
    • Total assets increased 4.8% to a record $3.39 billion
    • Deposits increased 4.3% to a record $2.68 billion
    • Stockholders’ equity increased 10.6% to a record $335.4 million
    • Asset quality remains at historically strong levels with nonperforming loans of only $2.9 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $22.4 million at September 30, 2023
    • Allowance for credit losses was 879.37% of nonperforming loans
    • F&M ended the quarter with excellent liquidity levels, and over $635 million in contingent funding sources, and a cash-to-assets ratio of 7.2%
    • According to the FDIC, F&M continued to have the third largest share of deposits out of the 58 financial institutions that are also operating within its local markets

    Lars B. Eller, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “F&M produced excellent earnings growth on a year-over-year and sequential basis, driven by higher net interest income, historically strong asset quality, and prudent expense management. Most importantly, our third quarter results reflect the talent of our associates, as we continue to work hard to drive operating improvements at F&M, serve our local Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan communities, and position F&M for long-term success. In addition, I am pleased to report that F&M was the third largest bank out of 58 financial institutions within the markets we compete, according to the FDIC, reflecting the leading value we provide to our local communities. In fact, F&M is the number one bank, based on deposits, in almost half of the communities in which we operate.”  

    Income Statement
    Net income for the 2024 third quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $6.5 million, compared to $4.8 million for the same period last year. Net income per basic and diluted share for the 2024 third quarter was $0.48, compared to $0.35 for the same period last year. Net income for the 2024 nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $17.6 million, compared to $17.2 million for the same period last year. Net income per basic and diluted share for the 2024 nine months was $1.28, compared to $1.26 for the same period last year.

    Mr. Eller continued, “Our 2024 third quarter and year-to-date performance demonstrate the success of the near-term strategies we are pursuing to navigate a complex operating environment and improve earnings. Most importantly, while the demand for loans is high across our markets, our approach to risk and pricing remains conservative. This near-term strategy has contributed to excellent asset quality. In addition, we continue to focus on strategies aimed at optimizing our deposit base and growing low-cost checking (DDA) deposits. Since the beginning of 2024, we have added over 5,600 new checking accounts, and benefited from new and expanded relationships at offices that were opened in 2023. As a result, we ended the quarter with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 93.6%, compared to 97.2% at September 30, 2023, and 96.0% at June 30, 2024. Our third quarter of 2024 loan-to-deposit ratio was the lowest quarterly value in two years. The final near-term strategy we are pursuing is focused on controlling expenses, and I am encouraged by the continued year-over-year and sequential improvement in our efficiency ratio. This reflects the opportunities we are pursuing to manage operating costs and expand productivity.”

    Deposits
    At September 30, 2024, total deposits were $2.68 billion, an increase of 4.3% from September 30, 2023. The Company’s cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.82% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and 3.02% for the 2023 fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023.

    Loan Portfolio and Asset Quality
    “F&M’s teams continue to do an excellent job managing our cost of funds, loan pricing, deposit growth and overall net interest margin. Since the quarter ended December 31, 2023, our yield on earning assets has increased by 34 basis points, compared to a 19 basis point increase in our cost of interest bearing liabilities – representing the third consecutive quarter our yield on earning assets has outpaced our cost of interest bearing liabilities. We expect this trend will continue as more of our loan portfolio reprices in 2024,” continued Mr. Eller.

    Total loans, net at September 30, 2024, increased 0.3%, or by $8.7 million to $2.54 billion, compared to $2.53 billion at September 30, 2023. The year-over-year growth was driven by higher consumer real estate, commercial and industrial, and agricultural loans, partially offset by lower commercial real estate, agricultural real estate, and consumer loans.

    F&M continues to closely monitor its loan portfolio with a particular emphasis on higher risk sectors. Nonperforming loans were $2.9 million, or 0.11% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $22.4 million, or 0.89% of total loans at September 30, 2023, and $22.4 million, or 0.87% at December 31, 2023.

    F&M maintains a well-balanced, diverse and high performing CRE portfolio. CRE loans represented 51.3% of the Company’s total loan portfolio at September 30, 2024. In addition, F&M’s commercial real estate office credit exposure represented 5.3% of the Company’s total loan portfolio at September 30, 2024, with a weighted average loan-to-value of approximately 64% and an average loan of approximately $880,000.

    F&M’s CRE portfolio included the following categories at September 30, 2024:

    CRE Category   Dollar
    Balance    		   Percent of CRE Portfolio(*)   Percent of Total Loan Portfolio(*)
                 
    Industrial   $ 274,953   21.1 %   10.8 %
    Retail   $ 237,622   18.2 %   9.4 %
    Multi-family   $ 223,926   17.2 %   8.8 %
    Hotels   $ 141,642   10.9 %   5.6 %
    Office   $ 134,973   10.4 %   5.3 %
    Gas Stations   $ 62,028   4.8 %   2.5 %
    Food Service   $ 46,526   3.6 %   1.8 %
    Development   $ 30,999   2.4 %   1.2 %
    Senior Living   $ 29,866   2.3 %   1.2 %
    Auto Dealers   $ 25,068   1.9 %   1.0 %
    Other   $ 93,557   7.2 %   3.7 %
    Total CRE   $ 1,301,160   100.0 %   51.3 %

             * Numbers have been rounded

    At September 30, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans was 879.37%, compared to 112.61% at September 30, 2023, and 111.95% at December 31, 2023. The allowance to total loans was 1.01% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.00% at September 30, 2023. Including accretable yield adjustments, associated with the Company’s recent acquisitions, F&M’s allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.10% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.18% at September 30, 2023.

    Mr. Eller concluded, “With two months remaining in 2024, I am encouraged by F&M’s strong financial and operating performance to date. F&M ended the quarter with record stockholders’ equity, historically strong asset quality, record deposits, and excellent liquidity levels with over $635 million in contingent funding sources, and a cash-to-assets ratio of 7.2%. We remain focused on continual improvements, managing the items under our control, and providing our customers and communities with outstanding, and local financial services. As a result, F&M’s financial and operating performance continues to strengthen and I believe the Company is well positioned to create lasting value for our communities, customers, team members, and shareholders.”

    Stockholders’ Equity and Dividends
    Total stockholders’ equity increased 10.6% to $335.4 million, or $24.48 per share at September 30, 2024, from $303.2 million, or $22.19 per share at September 30, 2023. The Company’s Tier 1 leverage ratio of 8.04%, remained stable compared to September 30, 2023.

    Tangible stockholders’ equity increased to $242.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $208.8 million at September 30, 2023. On a per share basis, tangible stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2024, was $17.72 per share, compared to $15.28 per share at September 30, 2023.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company has declared cash dividends of $0.66125 per share, which is a 5.0% increase over the same period last year. F&M is committed to returning capital to shareholders and has increased the annual cash dividend for 30 consecutive years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the dividend payout ratio was 50.99% compared to 49.50% for the same period last year.

    About Farmers & Merchants State Bank:
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) is the holding company of F&M Bank, a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in West Bloomfield, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (“F&M”) wishes to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions included in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    This press release includes disclosure of financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are required to be disclosed by GAAP. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the underlying operational results and trends and Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.’s marketplace performance. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the numbers prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures is included within this press release.

     
    FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME & COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    (Unaudited) (in thousands of dollars, except per share data)
             
          Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
          September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Interest Income                              
    Loans, including fees     $ 36,873     $ 36,593     $ 35,200     $ 34,493   $ 33,783     $ 108,666     $ 94,851  
    Debt securities:                              
    U.S. Treasury and government agencies       1,467       1,148       1,045       987     1,005       3,660       3,103  
    Municipalities       387       389       394       397     392       1,170       1,201  
    Dividends       334       327       333       365     246       994       517  
    Federal funds sold       7       7       7       8     6       21       36  
    Other       2,833       2,702       1,675       2,020     927       7,210       1,830  
    Total interest income       41,901       41,166       38,654       38,270     36,359       121,721       101,538  
    Interest Expense                              
    Deposits       16,947       16,488       15,279       15,015     13,323       48,714       31,908  
    Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase       277       276       284       293     349       837       1,181  
    Borrowed funds       2,804       2,742       2,689       2,742     2,741       8,235       6,134  
    Subordinated notes       284       285       284       285     284       853       853  
    Total interest expense       20,312       19,791       18,536       18,335     16,697       58,639       40,076  
    Net Interest Income – Before Provision for Credit Losses     21,589       21,375       20,118       19,935     19,662       63,082       61,462  
    Provision for Credit Losses – Loans       282       605       (289 )     278     460       598       1,420  
    Provision for Credit Losses – Off Balance Sheet Credit Exposures   (267 )     (18 )     (266 )     189     (76 )     (551 )     (143 )
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses       21,574       20,788       20,673       19,468     19,278       63,035       60,185  
    Noninterest Income                              
    Customer service fees       300       189       598       415     248       1,087       917  
    Other service charges and fees       1,155       1,085       1,057       1,090     1,133       3,297       3,253  
    Interchange income       1,315       1,330       1,429       1,310     1,266       4,074       4,008  
    Loan servicing income       710       513       539       666     502       1,762       3,739  
    Net gain on sale of loans       215       314       107       230     294       636       469  
    Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance       265       236       216       216     221       717       618  
    Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities       –       –       –       –     –       –       (891 )
    Total noninterest income       3,960       3,667       3,946       3,927     3,664       11,573       12,113  
    Noninterest Expense                              
    Salaries and wages       7,713       7,589       7,846       6,981     6,777       23,148       19,934  
    Employee benefits       2,112       2,112       2,171       1,218     2,066       6,395       6,302  
    Net occupancy expense       1,054       999       1,027       1,187     950       3,080       2,646  
    Furniture and equipment       1,472       1,407       1,353       1,370     1,189       4,232       3,652  
    Data processing       339       448       500       785     840       1,287       2,362  
    Franchise taxes       410       265       555       308     434       1,230       1,179  
    ATM expense       472       397       473       665     640       1,342       1,946  
    Advertising       597       519       530       397     865       1,646       2,209  
    Net (gain) loss on sale of other assets owned       –       (49 )     –       86     49       (49 )     49  
    FDIC assessment       516       507       580       594     586       1,603       1,388  
    Servicing rights amortization – net       219       187       168       182     106       574       429  
    Loan expense       244       251       229       246     241       724       809  
    Consulting fees       251       198       186       192     179       635       640  
    Professional fees       453       527       445       331     358       1,425       1,099  
    Intangible asset amortization       445       444       445       446     445       1,334       1,334  
    Other general and administrative       1,128       1,495       1,333       1,532     1,319       3,956       4,841  
    Total noninterest expense       17,425       17,296       17,841       16,520     17,044       52,562       50,819  
    Income Before Income Taxes       8,109       7,159       6,778       6,875     5,898       22,046       21,479  
    Income Taxes       1,593       1,477       1,419       1,332     1,121       4,489       4,235  
    Net Income       6,516       5,682       5,359       5,543     4,777       17,557       17,244  
    Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Net of Tax):                              
    Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities     11,664       2,531       (1,995 )     13,261     (4,514 )     12,200       (2,480 )
    Reclassification adjustment for realized loss on sale of available-for-sale securities       –       –       –       –     –       –       891  
    Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities     11,664       2,531       (1,995 )     13,261     (4,514 )     12,200       (1,589 )
    Tax expense (benefit)       2,449       531       (418 )     2,784     (947 )     2,562       (333 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss)       9,215       2,000       (1,577 )     10,477     (3,567 )     9,638       (1,256 )
    Comprehensive Income     $ 15,731     $ 7,682     $ 3,782     $ 16,020   $ 1,210     $ 27,195     $ 15,988  
    Basic Earnings Per Share     $ 0.48     $ 0.42     $ 0.39     $ 0.41   $ 0.35     $ 1.28     $ 1.26  
    Diluted Earnings Per Share     $ 0.48     $ 0.42     $ 0.39     $ 0.41   $ 0.35     $ 1.28     $ 1.26  
    Dividends Declared     $ 0.22125     $ 0.22     $ 0.22     $ 0.22   $ 0.21     $ 0.66125     $ 0.63  
                                   
    FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited) (in thousands of dollars, except per share data)
     
          September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023
          (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)
    Assets                    
    Cash and due from banks   $ 244,572     $ 191,785     $ 186,541     $ 140,917     $ 151,711  
    Federal funds sold     932       1,283       1,241       1,284       1,471  
      Total cash and cash equivalents     245,504       193,068       187,782       142,201       153,182  
                           
    Interest-bearing time deposits     2,727       3,221       2,735       2,740       2,989  
    Securities – available-for-sale     404,881       365,209       347,516       358,478       348,255  
    Other securities, at cost     15,028       14,721       14,744       17,138       16,995  
    Loans held for sale     1,706       1,628       2,410       1,576       1,039  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $25,484 9/30/24 and $25,024 12/31/23     2,512,852       2,534,468       2,516,687       2,556,167       2,504,329  
    Premises and equipment     33,779       34,507       35,007       35,790       31,723  
    Construction in progress     35       38       9       8       3,044  
    Goodwill     86,358       86,358       86,358       86,358       86,358  
    Loan servicing rights     5,644       5,504       5,555       5,648       5,687  
    Bank owned life insurance     34,624       34,359       34,123       33,907       33,691  
    Other assets     46,047       49,552       54,628       43,218       47,388  
                           
    Total Assets   $ 3,389,185     $ 3,322,633     $ 3,287,554     $ 3,283,229     $ 3,234,680  
                           
      Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                    
    Liabilities                    
    Deposits                    
      Noninterest-bearing   $ 481,444     $ 479,069     $ 510,731     $ 528,465     $ 505,358  
      Interest-bearing                    
      NOW accounts     865,617       821,145       829,236       816,790       778,133  
      Savings     661,565       673,284       635,430       599,191       591,344  
      Time     676,187       667,592       645,985       663,017       700,445  
      Total deposits     2,684,813       2,641,090       2,621,382       2,607,463       2,575,280  
                           
    Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase     27,292       27,218       28,218       28,218       30,527  
    Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances     263,081       266,102       256,628       265,750       266,286  
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs     34,789       34,759       34,731       34,702       34,673  
    Dividend payable     2,998       2,975       2,975       2,974       2,838  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     40,832       27,825       25,930       27,579       21,892  
      Total liabilities     3,053,805       2,999,969       2,969,864       2,966,686       2,931,496  
                           
    Commitments and Contingencies                    
                           
    Stockholders’ Equity                    
    Common stock – No par value 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued                    
    14,564,425 shares 9/30/24 and 12/31/23; outstanding 13,702,593     135,193       135,829       135,482       135,515       135,171  
    shares 9/30/24 and 13,664,641 shares 12/31/23                    
    Treasury stock – 861,832 shares 9/30/24 and 899,784 shares 12/31/23     (10,904 )     (11,006 )     (10,851 )     (11,040 )     (11,008 )
    Retained earnings     230,465       226,430       223,648       221,080       218,510  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (19,374 )     (28,589 )     (30,589 )     (29,012 )     (39,489 )
      Total stockholders’ equity     335,380       322,664       317,690       316,543       303,184  
                           
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 3,389,185     $ 3,322,633     $ 3,287,554     $ 3,283,229     $ 3,234,680  
                           
    FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECT FINANCIAL DATA
                                               
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended
    Selected financial data   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Return on average assets     0.78 %     0.69 %     0.66 %     0.67 %     0.59 %     0.71 %     0.73 %
    Return on average equity     7.93 %     7.13 %     6.76 %     7.27 %     6.26 %     7.28 %     7.52 %
    Yield on earning assets     5.27 %     5.22 %     5.00 %     4.93 %     4.79 %     5.17 %     4.57 %
    Cost of interest bearing liabilities     3.21 %     3.18 %     3.06 %     3.02 %     2.82 %     3.16 %     2.35 %
    Net interest spread     2.06 %     2.04 %     1.94 %     1.91 %     1.97 %     2.01 %     2.22 %
    Net interest margin     2.71 %     2.71 %     2.60 %     2.57 %     2.59 %     2.68 %     2.77 %
    Efficiency     67.98 %     69.03 %     74.08 %     69.23 %     73.07 %     70.36 %     68.24 %
    Dividend payout ratio     45.99 %     52.35 %     55.52 %     54.23 %     60.07 %     50.99 %     49.50 %
    Tangible book value per share   $ 17.72     $ 16.79     $ 16.39     $ 16.29     $ 15.28              
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     8.04 %     8.02 %     8.40 %     8.20 %     8.02 %            
    Average shares outstanding     13,687,119       13,681,501       13,671,166       13,665,773       13,650,823       13,679,955       13,633,101  
                                               
    Loans   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023            
    (Dollar amounts in thousands)                                          
    Commercial real estate   $ 1,301,160     $ 1,303,598     $ 1,304,400     $ 1,337,766     $ 1,304,118              
    Agricultural real estate     220,328       222,558       227,455       223,791       225,672              
    Consumer real estate     524,055       525,902       525,178       521,895       512,973              
    Commercial and industrial     260,732       268,426       256,051       254,935       250,891              
    Agricultural     137,252       142,909       127,670       132,560       123,735              
    Consumer     67,394       70,918       74,819       79,591       83,024              
    Other     25,916       26,449       26,776       30,136       31,083              
    Less: Net deferred loan fees, costs and other (1)     1,499       (1,022 )     (982 )     517       (1,890 )            
    Total loans, net   $ 2,538,336     $ 2,559,738     $ 2,541,367     $ 2,581,191     $ 2,529,606              
                                               
                                               
    Asset quality data   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023            
    (Dollar amounts in thousands)                                          
    Nonaccrual loans   $ 2,898     $ 2,487     $ 19,391     $ 22,353     $ 22,447              
    90 day past due and accruing   $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –              
    Nonperforming loans   $ 2,898     $ 2,487     $ 19,391     $ 22,353     $ 22,447              
    Other real estate owned   $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –              
    Nonperforming assets   $ 2,898     $ 2,487     $ 19,391     $ 22,353     $ 22,447              
                                               
                                               
    Allowance for credit losses   $ 25,484     $ 25,270     $ 24,680     $ 25,024     $ 25,277              
    Allowance for unfunded     1,661       1,928       1,946       2,212       2,023              
    Total Allowance for Credit Losses   $ 27,145     $ 27,198     $ 26,626     $ 27,236     $ 27,300              
    Allowance for credit losses/total loans     1.01 %     0.99 %     0.97 %     0.97 %     1.00 %            
    Adjusted credit losses with accretable yield/total loans     1.10 %     1.10 %     1.11 %     1.13 %     1.18 %            
    Net charge-offs:                                          
    Quarter-to-date   $ 68     $ 15     $ 55     $ 531     $ 93              
    Year-to-date   $ 138     $ 70     $ 55     $ 551     $ 20              
    Net charge-offs to average loans                                          
    Quarter-to-date     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.02 %     0.00 %            
    Year-to-date     0.01 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.02 %     0.00 %            
    Nonperforming loans/total loans     0.11 %     0.10 %     0.76 %     0.87 %     0.89 %            
    Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans     879.37 %     1016.08 %     127.28 %     111.95 %     112.61 %            
    NPA coverage ratio     879.37 %     1016.08 %     127.28 %     111.95 %     112.61 %            
                                               
    (1) Includes carrying value adjustments of $3.0 million as of September 30, 2024, $612 thousand as of June 30, 2024, $969 thousand as of March 31, 2024 and $2.7 million as of December 31, 2023 related to interest rate swaps associated with fixed rate loans            
     
    FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND RELATED YIELDS AND RATES
    (in thousands of dollars, except percentages)
                             
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Three Months Ended
        September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Interest Earning Assets:   Average Balance   Interest/Dividends   Annualized Yield/Rate   Average Balance   Interest/Dividends   Annualized Yield/Rate
    Loans   $ 2,551,899   $ 36,873   5.78 %   $ 2,536,885   $ 33,783   5.33 %
    Taxable investment securities     415,943     2,107   2.03 %     393,910     1,559   1.58 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities     19,661     81   2.09 %     23,986     84   1.77 %
    Fed funds sold & other     197,258     2,840   5.76 %     85,515     933   4.36 %
    Total Interest Earning Assets     3,184,761   $ 41,901   5.27 %     3,040,296   $ 36,359   4.79 %
                             
    Nonearning Assets     168,055             180,193        
                             
    Total Assets   $ 3,352,816           $ 3,220,489        
                             
    Interest Bearing Liabilities:                        
    Savings deposits   $ 1,538,387   $ 10,691   2.78 %   $ 1,367,168   $ 7,673   2.24 %
    Other time deposits     667,224     6,256   3.75 %     667,880     5,650   3.38 %
    Other borrowed money     264,539     2,804   4.24 %     266,467     2,741   4.11 %
    Fed funds purchased & securities sold under agreement to repurchase     27,481     277   4.03 %     34,128     349   4.09 %
    Subordinated notes     34,769     284   3.27 %     34,654     284   3.28 %
    Total Interest Bearing Liabilities   $ 2,532,400   $ 20,312   3.21 %   $ 2,370,297   $ 16,697   2.82 %
                             
    Noninterest Bearing Liabilities     491,851             544,801        
                             
    Stockholders’ Equity   $ 328,565           $ 305,391        
                             
    Net Interest Income and Interest Rate Spread       $ 21,589   2.06 %       $ 19,662   1.97 %
                             
    Net Interest Margin           2.71 %           2.59 %
                             
    Yields on Tax exempt securities and the portion of the tax-exempt IDB loans included in loans have been tax adjusted based on a 21% tax rate in the charts    
                             
                             
        For the Nine Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended
        September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Interest Earning Assets:   Average Balance   Interest/Dividends   Annualized Yield/Rate   Average Balance   Interest/Dividends   Annualized Yield/Rate
    Loans   $ 2,561,774   $ 108,666   5.66 %   $ 2,470,770   $ 94,851   5.12 %
    Taxable investment securities     397,466     5,575   1.87 %     396,917     4,544   1.53 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities     20,684     249   2.03 %     24,865     277   1.88 %
    Fed funds sold & other     165,227     7,231   5.84 %     67,869     1,866   3.67 %
    Total Interest Earning Assets     3,145,151   $ 121,721   5.17 %     2,960,421   $ 101,538   4.57 %
                             
    Nonearning Assets     161,113             176,568        
                             
    Total Assets   $ 3,306,264           $ 3,136,989        
                             
    Interest Bearing Liabilities:                        
    Savings deposits   $ 1,487,809   $ 30,291   2.71 %   $ 1,373,110   $ 18,854   1.83 %
    Other time deposits     662,129     18,423   3.71 %     620,071     13,054   2.81 %
    Other borrowed money     264,310     8,235   4.15 %     204,927     6,134   3.99 %
    Fed funds purchased & securities sold under agreement to repurchase     27,887     837   4.00 %     37,649     1,181   4.18 %
    Subordinated notes     34,741     853   3.27 %     34,625     853   3.28 %
    Total Interest Bearing Liabilities   $ 2,476,876   $ 58,639   3.16 %   $ 2,270,382   $ 40,076   2.35 %
                             
    Noninterest Bearing Liabilities     507,843             561,001        
                             
    Stockholders’ Equity   $ 321,545           $ 305,606        
                             
    Net Interest Income and Interest Rate Spread       $ 63,082   2.01 %       $ 61,462   2.22 %
                             
    Net Interest Margin           2.68 %           2.77 %
                             
    Yields on Tax exempt securities and the portion of the tax-exempt IDB loans included in loans have been tax adjusted based on a 21% tax rate in the charts    
                             
    FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND RELATED YIELDS AND RATES
    (in thousands of dollars, except percentages)    		  
                                         
      For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024   For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023  
      As Reported   Excluding Acc/Amort Difference   As Reported   Excluding Acc/Amort Difference  
      $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield  
    Interest Earning Assets:                                    
    Loans $ 36,873 5.78 %   $ 36,149 5.67 %   $ 724   0.11 %   $ 33,783 5.33 %   $ 32,631 5.15 %   $ 1,152   0.18 %  
    Taxable investment securities   2,107 2.03 %     2,107 2.03 %     –   0.00 %     1,559 1.58 %     1,559 1.58 %     –   0.00 %  
    Tax-exempt investment securities   81 2.09 %     81 2.09 %     –   0.00 %     84 1.77 %     84 1.77 %     –   0.00 %  
    Fed funds sold & other   2,840 5.76 %     2,840 5.76 %     –   0.00 %     933 4.36 %     933 4.36 %     –   0.00 %  
    Total Interest Earning Assets   41,901 5.27 %     41,177 5.17 %     724   0.10 %     36,359 4.79 %     35,207 4.64 %     1,152   0.15 %  
                                         
    Interest Bearing Liabilities:                                    
    Savings deposits $ 10,691 2.78 %   $ 10,691 2.78 %   $ –   0.00 %   $ 7,673 2.24 %   $ 7,673 2.24 %   $ –   0.00 %  
    Other time deposits   6,256 3.75 %     6,256 3.75 %     –   0.00 %     5,650 3.38 %     5,500 3.29 %     150   0.09 %  
    Other borrowed money   2,804 4.24 %     2,800 4.23 %     4   0.01 %     2,741 4.11 %     2,759 4.14 %     (18 ) -0.03 %  
    Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase   277 4.03 %     277 4.03 %     –   0.00 %     349 4.09 %     349 4.09 %     –   0.00 %  
    Subordinated notes   284 3.27 %     284 3.27 %     –   0.00 %     284 3.28 %     284 3.28 %     –   0.00 %  
    Total Interest Bearing Liabilities   20,312 3.21 %     20,308 3.21 %     4   0.00 %     16,697 2.82 %     16,565 2.80 %     132   0.02 %  
                                         
    Interest/Dividend income/yield   41,901 5.27 %     41,177 5.17 %     724   0.10 %     36,359 4.79 %     35,207 4.64 %     1,152   0.15 %  
    Interest Expense / yield   20,312 3.21 %     20,308 3.21 %     4   0.00 %     16,697 2.82 %     16,565 2.80 %     132   0.02 %  
    Net Interest Spread   21,589 2.06 %     20,869 1.96 %     720   0.10 %     19,662 1.97 %     18,642 1.84 %     1,020   0.13 %  
    Net Interest Margin   2.71 %     2.62 %     0.09 %     2.59 %     2.46 %     0.13 %  
                                         
                                         
      For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023  
      As Reported   Excluding Acc/Amort Difference   As Reported   Excluding Acc/Amort Difference  
      $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield   $ Yield  
    Interest Earning Assets:                                    
    Loans $ 108,666 5.66 %   $ 106,588 5.55 %   $ 2,078   0.11 %   $ 94,851 5.12 %   $ 92,364 4.99 %   $ 2,487   0.13 %  
    Taxable investment securities   5,575 1.87 %     5,575 1.87 %     –   0.00 %     4,544 1.53 %     4,544 1.53 %     –   0.00 %  
    Tax-exempt investment securities   249 2.03 %     249 2.03 %     –   0.00 %     277 1.88 %     277 1.88 %     –   0.00 %  
    Fed funds sold & other   7,231 5.84 %     7,231 5.84 %     –   0.00 %     1,866 3.67 %     1,866 3.67 %     –   0.00 %  
     Total Interest Earning Assets   121,721 5.17 %     119,643 5.08 %     2,078   0.09 %     101,538 4.57 %     99,051 4.47 %     2,487   0.10 %  
                                         
    Interest Bearing Liabilities:                                    
    Savings deposits $ 30,291 2.71 %   $ 30,291 2.71 %   $ –   0.00 %   $ 18,854 1.83 %   $ 18,854 1.83 %   $ –   0.00 %  
    Other time deposits   18,423 3.71 %     18,423 3.71 %     –   0.00 %     13,054 2.81 %     13,458 2.89 %     (404 ) -0.08 %  
    Other borrowed money   8,235 4.15 %     8,254 4.16 %     (19 ) -0.01 %     6,134 3.99 %     6,187 4.03 %     (53 ) -0.04 %  
    Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase   837 4.00 %     837 4.00 %     –   0.00 %     1,181 4.18 %     1,181 4.18 %     –   0.00 %  
    Subordinated notes   853 3.27 %     853 3.27 %     –   0.00 %     853 3.28 %     853 3.28 %     –   0.00 %  
    Total Interest Bearing Liabilities   58,639 3.16 %     58,658 3.16 %     (19 ) 0.00 %     40,076 2.35 %     40,533 2.38 %     (457 ) -0.03 %  
                                         
    Interest/Dividend income/yield   121,721 5.17 %     119,643 5.08 %     2,078   0.09 %     101,538 4.57 %     99,051 4.47 %     2,487   0.10 %  
    Interest Expense / yield   58,639 3.16 %     58,658 3.16 %     (19 ) 0.00 %     40,076 2.35 %     40,533 2.38 %     (457 ) -0.03 %  
    Net Interest Spread   63,082 2.01 %     60,985 1.92 %     2,097   0.09 %     61,462 2.22 %     58,518 2.09 %     2,944   0.13 %  
    Net Interest Margin   2.68 %     2.59 %     0.09 %     2.77 %     2.64 %     0.13 %  
                                         
    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy, Royal Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps Meet to Discuss Strategic Charter, Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Delivering Combined Seapower

    Source: United States Navy

    Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Royal Navy First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff (1SL/CNS) Adm. Sir Ben Key, and U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations Lt. Gen. James Bierman Jr. met at the Pentagon to discuss the ongoing strategic charter between the three services, Oct. 30.

    The charter, known as “Delivering Combined Seapower” or DCS, is a bilateral, tri-service strategic plan that supports cooperation, collaboration, and integration among U.S. and U.K. maritime services. First signed in 2014, DCS was introduced to build and sustain interoperability between the U.S. and U.K. fleets.

    “I am honoured to return to Washington to refresh the DCS Charter and reinforce our commitment to collaborative working with the U.S.,” said Key. “This strong and vital relationship between us continues, as we work side by side to protect the freedom of the seas. We support CNO’s Navigation Plan and together, our navies will remain a force for stability, security and innovation in an unpredictable world.”

    Integrating with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps for more than 100 years, Key’s visit reinforced the Royal Navy’s commitment to remaining closely aligned with the U.S. and the services’ ability to cooperate seamlessly. The three leaders took the opportunity to reaffirm their strategic vision for interchangeability and their determination to maximize opportunities to drive towards this goal – in both current and future force constructs.

    This year’s “Azimuth Check” focused on the four lines of effort of the DCS Charter: carrier strike, underwater superiority, littoral ops, and future integrated warfighting, to include improvements in Live, Virtual, and Constructive training opportunities and increased integration of robotic and autonomous systems.

    Franchetti and Bierman also discussed strategic guidance detailed in CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy, and the Commandant’s Planning Guidance, noting how both documents increase synergy with U.K.-U.S. bilateral relations. A key manifestation of this cooperation is the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025, alongside U.S. forces in the region, to help contribute to regional security.

    “In this decisive decade, our relationship is critical because we know that will never fight alone, but as part of a Joint warfighting ecosystem and with Allies and partners,” said Franchetti “Our relationship also sends a strong deterrent message to any potential adversaries. These “Azimuth Checks” are an important way to stay synchronized on and ensure that we are making measurable progress in driving DCS outcomes.”

    Last year CNO, the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith and 1SL/CNS met for the first “Azimuth Check” and to sign the inaugural tri-service agreement, adding in the USMC for the first time, highlighting their shared vision of enabling the next level of interchangeability for the three services.

    “As one of the sea services, alongside the Navy, it is critical that the Marine Corps assists in delivering combined seapower with our staunch British ally as we both navigate the changing character of war and the multitude of threats our Nations face,” said Bierman. “It is paramount that we continue to plan, train, and deploy together to enhance our interoperability as a combined Naval and Marine force.”

    The U.S. and U.K. naval forces regularly operate together around the globe with a collective dedication to safeguarding global maritime interests and promoting the rules-based international order.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reimburses expenses for assisted reproduction to boost birth support

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 30 — The majority of Chinese localities, including 27 provincial-level regions on the mainland, have added assisted reproduction services into the scope of medical insurance reimbursement, the National Healthcare Security Administration said on Wednesday.

    The remaining four provincial-regions on the mainland have also announced expedited measures to catch up on the issue, according to the administration.

    Assisted reproduction normally refers to the use of technologies such as artificial insemination and test-tube fertilization to help couples suffering from infertility or family genetic diseases conceive and give birth to healthy newborns.

    On Oct. 28, China’s State Council issued a directive outlining 13 targeted measures to enhance childbirth support services, expand child care systems, strengthen support in education, housing and employment, and foster a birth-friendly social atmosphere.

    Notably, suitable labor-pain relief and assisted reproductive technology services will be added to the list of services that qualify for medical insurance reimbursement, according to the document.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Breast screening age extension begins in Nelson Marlborough

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Free breast screening has been extended for 70 to 74-year-old women living in the Nelson Marlborough district, ahead of a national roll-out late next year, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.

    “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand with about 3,400 women diagnosed with the disease each year,” says Dr Reti. 

    “The aim of breast screening is to find breast cancers early – before there are any noticeable symptoms.  

    “Women who participate in the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme are 34 per cent less likely to die from breast cancer. 

    “That’s why earlier this year I announced that the Government would extend breast cancer screening to women aged 70-74 – a commitment reinforced through Budget 2024, which delivered $31.2 million for this initiative.

    “It’s a real pleasure to be in Nelson, on the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness month, to celebrate a significant milestone in the extension of our free breast screening programme – the start of the roll out here in the Nelson Marlborough district.”

    Over the next five years, women will continue to be eligible, while living in Nelson Marlborough, for screening at sites in district until they turn 75, before a roll out across the country from October 2025. 

    “Extending breast screening to an approximately 60,000 additional eligible women per year takes an immense amount of planning, including investment in workforce and physical infrastructure,” says Dr Reti.  

    “I thank everyone involved for their efforts and look forward to seeing this programme rolled out nationwide. The extension will potentially save 22 lives per year. We will also be looking to improve the outcomes for women like the more than 60 New Zealanders who succumbed in this age group in 2019.

    “The extension of breast screening to 70 to 74-year-olds is only one initiative the Government has introduced to provide New Zealanders with better cancer care. 

    “As a Government, we’ve already made a number of other advancements such as: 

    • Introducing a target for faster cancer treatment
    • Increasing access to PET-CT scanning, which is particularly helpful for diagnosis of prostate cancer
    • Expanding access to life-extending cancer medicines through our transformative investment in Pharmac
    • Building a new cancer radiotherapy machine at Whangārei Hospital, so 520 Northlanders a year will no longer have to travel to Auckland for treatment
    • Boosting the National Travel Assistance scheme by $18 million per year for those that need to travel for treatment. 

    “The Government is committed to improving outcomes for the thousands of Kiwis and their families affected by cancer every year.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Upgraded Woden library to reopen 18 November

    Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

    On 13 September 2024, the ACT Government assumed a caretaker role, with an election to be held 19 October 2024. Information on this website will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until after the election and conclusion of the caretaker period.

    Released 31/10/2024

    Woden library will reopen at 10am on Monday 18 November 2024 following upgrade works.

    The library was temporarily closed in May 2024 due to the significance of the upgrade works. The range of upgrades included:

    • replacing the heating and air conditioning system
    • renovating the ground floor bathroom
    • new LED lighting
    • roof repairs and other improvements.

    We thank the community for their patience as these important works were completed.

    A pop-up library at 26 Corinna Street in Phillip has been open during the closure.

    The reading room, public PCs, children’s room and community rooms at the pop-up library will be closed from 5.30pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024. The pop-up library will remain open on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November 2024, between 10am and 5.30pm, to allow community members to return items and collect reservations. The pop-up library will permanently close at 5.30pm on Friday 15 November 2024.

    On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024 reservations ready for collection will be held and will be available at the Woden library for collection from Monday 18 November 2024. During this time, we encourage you to access the digital resources available with your Libraries ACT membership.

    The return chute at Woden library will be open and you can return items 24/7. You can now also make bookings for community room hire at Woden library, including for the HIVE, from Monday 18 November 2024.

    A range of events and activities are scheduled at the Woden library when it reopens. These include drag story time, giggly wiggly balloon story time with Chloe Lim and an ACT Book of the Year author talk panel. For more information on the reopening and the events planned visit the Libraries ACT website at www.library.act.gov.au.

    – Statement ends –

    ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Suzy DiMont Works at the Intersection of Research and Action

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Distinguished Member of Operations Staff Is Busy Making the World a Better Place

    Suzy DiMont is a force to be reckoned with.

    Suzy DiMont. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL 

    Since she was hired at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2014, the Energy and Sustainability manager has evolved from an intern to a program manager and integral member of the Women’s Network Employee Resource Group (ERG). On the Intelligent Campus team, she is involved with all things sustainability, including the annual commuter survey, Site Sustainability Plan, and climate resilience planning and was also a key contributor to the NREL Smart Labs initiative, which NREL uses to meet sustainability goals.

    DiMont is actively engaged in her community and is always looking for ways to give back. Annually, she participates in the Bike MS NREL team ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research. As a member of the Women’s Network, she regularly mentors NREL peers and helps enable pathways for the professional advancement of women.

    Earlier this year, DiMont was named a Distinguished Member of Operations Staff for her “dedication to advancing NREL’s mission and making meaningful strides toward a sustainable and clean energy future.” As a member of the Intelligent Campus Program, she is the primary point of contact with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Golden Field Office and manages NREL’s electric vehicle supply equipment rollout and cost recovery program and NREL’s energy and water utility billing.

    When asked if she ever gets time to rest amid numerous projects, leadership roles, and community engagement activities, DiMont responded, “I do rest, I do rest. Well, I have a toddler now, so I don’t rest.”

    Then, always finding a way to make others shine, DiMont said, “It’s not just me doing it. I couldn’t do it by myself. I work with a lot of really great people all over the lab.”

    During her decade at the laboratory, DiMont has collaborated with diverse groups across NREL and is constantly getting involved with new projects related to sustainability. Although this line of work may seem custom fit, her path from student to educator to engineer to Sustainability manager was far from linear.

    Suzy DiMont, husband Neil, and Kosol Kiatreungwattana on their first Bike MS Ride. Photo by Suzy DiMont, NREL 

    A Lifelong Love for Learning

    As a child, DiMont did not long to settle into a perfect career. Instead, her innate curiosity sparked a desire to learn and participate in as many activities as possible.  

    “I don’t know if I ever really had a dream that I wanted to work,” DiMont said. “I always had a dream that I wanted to learn. I really liked school, I liked all topics, I liked everything. Math, reading, art, history, science—I wanted to do all of it.”

    DiMont’s desire to be a well-rounded learner drew her to a liberal arts education at Hamilton College in New York.

    At Hamilton, she explored a variety of majors—psychology, art, French, and archeology—before landing on anthropology and mathematics.

    Her first job after college was teaching math at the Solebury Boarding School in Pennsylvania. The role was intimidating because, although DiMont was a lifelong learner, she had no practice developing formal lesson plans for grade schoolers. She learned how to write tests that were appropriately challenging for students and experienced the joys of being a dorm mom for the girls on campus. DiMont also realized teaching was not her calling.

    After leaving Solebury, DiMont joined AmeriCorps, an independent U.S. government agency focused on service and volunteerism, and began working for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation. DiMont worked with students at under-resourced schools on dropout prevention and helped the students, known as “dreamers,” realize their aspirations and connected them with support.

    One of DiMont’s former dreamers, Anakary Valenzuela, is now a business support administrative associate for NREL’s Mechanical and Thermal Engineering Sciences (MTES) directorate. She remembers meeting DiMont as a sophomore at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, Colorado.

    Valenzuela had been a dreamer since second grade and was all too familiar with the influx of AmeriCorps members who served for a year then moved onto the next opportunity. DiMont was different. She stayed with the program for three years—long enough to see the cohort of students graduate high school—and she took a genuine interest in the lives of students she mentored.

    When Anakary Valenzuela was a student, the “I Have a Dream” Foundation hosted an event to celebrate high school graduation. Photo from Casie Zalud Photography

    “She was the best AmeriCorp we ever had,” Valenzuela said. “I would go to her for advice. She would mentor me. [She was] my counselor, my friend. She would always stay extra hours to talk to us if it had to do with homework or college prep or advising us on what type of college we should go to or major [we should declare]. And then she would drive us home.”

    Their friendship extended well beyond Valenzuela’s high school graduation as DiMont informally mentored Valenzuela throughout college and encouraged her to apply at NREL. After Valenzuela was hired, DiMont encouraged her to get involved with the Women’s Network and Hispanic and Latinx Alliance and invited her to ERG meetings and dinners to make friends and build her network.

    “She inspires me to do more. I feel like I am part of her family,” Valenzuela said. “I can always count on her, she’s always been there. I don’t know how she does everything, but I’m so grateful that we crossed paths in this lifetime.”

    From Educator to Engineer

    During her three years with AmeriCorps, DiMont realized she could pursue her dual loves for mathematics and community engagement with a career in engineering. Working with low-income students exposed disparities in the lack of access to civil infrastructure. She saw engineering as a way to make infrastructure and transportation equitable for all.

    DiMont enrolled in the Engineering and Developing Communities graduate program at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder. DiMont got involved in the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, known as the RASEI program, now a joint program between NREL and CU Boulder.

    The university was DiMont’s introduction to NREL, via one of the laboratory’s vocal supporters: former NREL research technician Marc Landry.

    “What an incredible human,” DiMont said. “He would not stop talking about NREL and what a wonderful place it was … an unbelievable mind.”

    During one of the first events DiMont attended as an intern in 2014, Xcel Energy awarded NREL the Self-Direct Achievement Award. Photo from Suzy DiMont, NREL 

    During graduate school, DiMont pondered a career in international development work. She and her then boyfriend, now husband, traveled to Bolivia with a South Dakota Engineers Without Borders program to participate in a water development project. Although the work was important, she felt it was better to stay in Boulder.

    “To do international development work well, you have to be part of that community, and you have to invest in that community and spend time there and be there,” DiMont said. “You can’t just swoop in with technology. It’s not kind; it’s not effective.”

    After hearing Landry sing NREL’s praises for so many years, DiMont decided to apply for a sustainability internship at NREL.

    ‘Sustainability Is a Marathon, not a Sprint’

    As DiMont evolved from an intern into her current role, much of her work folded into the Intelligent Campus program, which leverages NREL campuses to advance research and achieve operational excellence by deploying cutting-edge control and analytics technology. Or in DiMont’s words, her job “sits at the intersection of research and making things happen.”

    She focuses on creating programs and strategies to implement changes regarding energy efficiency, the kind of energy NREL uses, and getting to net zero. However, DiMont acknowledged that “sustainability is a marathon, not a sprint.” For NREL to achieve its sustainability goals, the right folks—including researchers, subject matter experts, communicators, and technicians—need to come together and stay excited about work ahead.

    “A lot of what we do won’t have an impact for a while. That’s why it’s important to keep a generational lens,” DiMont said. “It’s not always easy, but having a great team makes it possible. They can commiserate with you, they support you, they back you up.”

    The NREL Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Team was recognized for a DOE Sustainability Award in 2016. Right to left: Ali Mohagheghi, Kenneth Proc, Kevin Donovan, Ellen Fortier, Laura Justice, Nancy Stovall, Laurie Snyder, Suzy DiMont and Susan Chadwick. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL

    Making the World a Better Place for All

    When it comes to making the world a better place, for DiMont, that starts with making NREL a better place. As an early member of the Women’s Network, Suzy advocates for diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The Women’s Network is one of NREL’s 11 ERGs and provides a platform for promoting women in leadership and the workforce.

    “I think the Women’s Network is so important, because there is still, especially in research in STEM, so much discrimination against women, people of color, women with intersectional identities, folks that are marginalized in some way,” DiMont said.

    For many, the biggest hurdle is staying in a career field if you see few people who look like you or share your experiences.

    “It’s a huge loss, because these are the fields where we need a diversity of thought, people that don’t see the world the same way, that think about problems differently, people that lead differently,” DiMont said. “You need that diversity in a field where you’re looking for innovation and new things. To reach everyone on the planet, you must have that diversity to be successful.”

    During her tenure at NREL, DiMont has witnessed major changes in the ways NREL promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and credits much of this change to NREL’s women in leadership, such as Bobi Garrett, NREL’s former chief operating officer, and Julie Baker, deputy laboratory director for Laboratory Operations.

    Suzy DiMont and her child Sebastian. Photo from Suzy DiMont, NREL

    “It’s incredible to be around these powerful women,” DiMont said. “It’s very inspiring.”

    As a mother, DiMont wants to make the world a better place for her child. Living in a world impacted by climate change causes many to feel anxious and depressed about the future. For DiMont, knowing that humans caused climate change means humans are also part of the solution. She hopes to impart this optimism onto the next generation.

    “I want my child to live in a world where he sees engineers and expects them to be women,” DiMont said. “I want him to feel like he has agency and can be part of these solutions.”

    It is a lot of work and the job is not easy, but for DiMont, making the world better for the next generation is what it is all about.

    “When do I rest?” DiMont asked. “I’ve got this time to do what I can do with it. I put in my energy when I can, then I unplug. I unplug and put my energy in other places. It’s just about being present for the things you are doing in that moment.”  

    Learn more about NREL’s commitments to sustainability and resilience.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: M&G ENT USA’s Photo Booth “Momentura” Begins Full-Scale Entry into the North American Photo Booth Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, CA, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — M&G ENT USA, the U.S. branch of M&G ENT Co., Ltd., a specialized manufacturer of smart education and ICT equipment for business use, will officially enter the North American market, starting with the 2024 photo booth business presentation to be held at The One event hall in LA on Tuesday, November 5, at 5 PM.

    M&G ENT Co., Ltd. manufactures and supplies projectors and electronic whiteboards to major Korean video equipment companies and educational institutions. To enter the North American market, the company established branches on the East Coast (Boston) and West Coast (LA) of the U.S., a first for the industry, during the second half of last year.

    M&G ENT’s Momentura is a brand that is derived from the Latin word meaning “moment.” the Momentura photo booth is equipped with a high-performance DSLR and a dedicated photo printer, producing high-quality photos in a short time compared to photo booths currently available in the North American market. It has the ability to move the camera vertically to accommodate diverse user audiences, as well as the ability to freely apply filters and stickers to the images taken. The photo booth also is equipped with AR features such as caricatures, as well as regular frame cuts, ID photo features, and the function to print images saved on your phone. Moreover, it incorporates Korean-style designs based on K-culture that resonate with younger generations. Momentura also provides a customizable service for the exterior and frames to fit various installation settings, which has been gaining traction amongst users.

    Notably, at the ISTE Live 2024 International Education Exhibition held in Denver, Colorado, in June, M&G ENT unveiled a modular photo booth, specialized for rental services. The particular model is convenient for transportation and storage and ideal for use at events hosted by schools and public institutions. This received enthusiastic responses from education institution representatives.

    Sungju An, CEO of M&G ENT, announced that through the Los Angeles business presentation, they plan to recruit dealers and agents across the U.S., while showcasing the actual products. They aim to provide differentiated services such as sales, delivery, and after-sales support through local branches and distribution networks. By introducing various products into the market, they hope to create new business opportunities that offer a win-win situation for both partners, and expand the photo booth business to the global market.

    The 2024 photo booth business presentation schedule is as follows:

    • Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Venue: The One Event Hall 5F, 3680 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
    • Inquiries (English): 949) 351-7194
    • Inquiries (Korean): 949) 351-7055
    • Email: contact@momentura.us

    Media Contact

    Brand: M&G ENT USA

    Contact: Somin An

    Email: contact@momentura.us

    Phone: +1 949 351 7194(English) / +1 949 351 7055(Korean)

    Website: https://www.momentura.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 29th, 2024 N.M. Delegation Welcomes Over $4 Million From the Infrastructure Law to Enhance Safety, Reduce Delays at Railway Crossings, and Grow Local Economies in Clovis and San Juan County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) welcomed a combined $4,570,920 for two projects in New Mexico from the U.S. Department of Transportation to strengthen the nation’s supply chain, reduce costs, and grow New Mexico’s economy. 

    $4,000,000 will help San Juan County and the Navajo Nation complete the planning for a proposed freight rail line connecting Farmington and Gallup. 

    $570,920 will help the City of Clovis enhance safety and reduce traffic delays at two railway crossings.

    “Thanks to our Infrastructure Law, we’re delivering the funds needed to kick-start planning for a freight rail line from Farmington to Gallup and improve railway crossings in Clovis. Combined, these investments will strengthen our nation’s supply chain, grow local economies, lower transportation costs, create high-quality jobs New Mexicans can build their families around, and improve safety for our communities,” said Heinrich. “I’m pleased to welcome these federal investments, and I remain committed to securing more investments to connect rural communities to the abundant opportunities ahead.”

    “Across our state, New Mexicans rely daily on our railways for travel and to keep our economy running,” said Luján. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $4.5+ million in federal funding will deliver much-needed railway safety enhancements in Clovis and help construct a new rail line within the Navajo Nation to expand regional rail service in Northwestern New Mexico. I’m proud to welcome these two grants that will both boost railway service and drive economic development for Clovis, the Navajo Nation, and their surrounding communities. I will continue to fight to bring federal dollars home to New Mexico to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail.”

    “Every time I go to the Four Corners, local leaders emphasize the importance of connecting the region with rail. The Four Corners area is a major economic center of our state, and the funding we’re announcing today is the beginning of our work to make sure our rail infrastructure is ready to meet that potential across San Juan and McKinley Counties,” said Leger Fernández. “I am happy that this funding also includes improvements to safety and efficiency of freight in Clovis. With the support of the CRISI program, we can begin the critical work needed to build stronger connections and drive growth in rural New Mexico.”

    “I am thrilled about the recent allocation of two significant federal grants from the Federal Railroad Administration’s CRISI program, which will greatly enhance rail safety and connectivity in New Mexico,” said Stansbury. “These two grants reflect our commitment to investing in infrastructure prioritizing safety and economic growth. I am grateful for the support from the Federal Railroad Administration and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition as we work together to build a safer New Mexico!”

    “Federal investments like this bring vital safety and economic benefits to communities across New Mexico. With this funding, we’re improving railway safety, cutting down delays, and connecting New Mexicans to opportunities that drive economic growth and quality jobs,” said Vasquez. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are building a stronger, safer transportation network. I’m proud to welcome this funding to bring more jobs and opportunities to our rural communities.”

    “The award of grant funding takes a prospective freight rail line study further than any study in the past and is further proof of the importance of collaboration between tribal, local, state, and federal partners to open doors to economic opportunities. We are appreciative of assistance from New Mexico’s federal delegation and excited for future economic growth opportunities in San Juan County and the Four Corners region,” said John T. Beckstead, San Juan County Commission Chairman.

    “The Federal CRISI Grant brings San Juan County and the City of Farmington one step closer to having competitive transportation and economic development. This is an important step in growing our regional economy,” said Tim Gibbs, Four Corner Economic Development CEO.

    The grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. The CRISI Program received significant, additional investments from the Infrastructure Law – legislation passed by Democrats in the N.M. Congressional Delegation. 

    The N.M. Delegation sent a letter of support to the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting the grant for San Juan County that is being announced today. This grant will prepare the Four Corners Rail Project for final design proposals and planning.

    In May 2020, Heinrich and Luján wrote a letter of support for San Juan County’s application for a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant, which applicants of the CRISI Program are required to be approved for.  

    Members of the N.M. Delegation sent a letter of support to the U.S. Department of Transportation urging the support of the grant for the City of Clovis that is being announced today. This grant will enhance safety and reduce traffic delays at two railway crossings including modifications to the Norris Street railroad crossing and construction of a new grade-separated crossing at MLK Jr. Boulevard.

    Below is a breakdown of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration funding:  

    Project Name

    Recipient

    Award Amount

    Project Description

    Clovis, N.M. Corridor Improvement Project

    City of Clovis

    $ 570,920

    The proposed project was selected for Project Development and includes activities for one grade crossing separation and improvements to a second at-grade crossing along the BNSF Railway line in Clovis, New Mexico. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety and improving system and service performance as the project will reduce blocked crossings. The City of Clovis and BNSF Railway will contribute the 53 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

    Four Corners Freight Rail Project

    San Juan County

    $ 4,000,000

    The proposed project was selected for Project Development and includes activities to develop a new rail line to connect the Farmington, New Mexico Area to the BNSF Railway corridor near Gallup across San Juan County and McKinley County, New Mexico. The proposed project is a partnership between San Juan County, the Navajo Nation, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and most of the project is located within the Navajo Nation. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing resilience and improving system and service performance as the project will provide a viable freight transportation modal alternative to highway trucking, opportunities to simplify the supply chain, and enable new, rail-dependent economic development opportunities thereby imparting benefits to the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities. San Juan County will contribute the 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

    For more information from San Juan County on the proposed Four Corners Rail Project, please click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 29th, 2024 Heinrich, Leger Fernández Highlight Over $22 Million to Build a New Terminal at Clovis Regional Airport, Participate in Terminal Groundbreaking Ceremony

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    PHOTOS/VIDEOS

    CLOVIS, N.M. — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) participated in a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on a new 21,000 square foot terminal at Clovis Regional Airport (CVN). The new terminal at Clovis Regional Airport is fully funded by a $15.7 million grant and a $3.5 million grant from the Infrastructure Law — legislation passed by Democrats in the N.M. Congressional Delegation — and a Heinrich-led $3.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending award that is advancing in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee in July.

    These three investments, totaling $22,700,000, are making it possible for Clovis to complete the new terminal. 

    The terminal at Clovis Regional Airport will better connect the community, improve travelers’ experiences, create high-quality jobs, and grow local economies across New Mexico.

    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on a new terminal at Clovis Regional Airport (CVN), October 29, 2024.

    “When we invest in New Mexico’s airports, we invest in the people who rely on these facilities to do business in our state, create jobs, and contribute to our economy,” said Heinrich. “I am proud to have secured funding from the Infrastructure Law to fully construct Clovis Regional Airport’s new terminal and I will keep fighting to secure more investments to improve airports all across New Mexico — improving travelers’ experiences, creating high quality jobs New Mexicans can build their families around, and driving our state’s economic growth for the future.”

    “Thanks to our work on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $22 million investment will create good jobs, connect families across the region, and drive economic vitality for communities across eastern New Mexico,” said Leger Fernández. “Today’s groundbreaking at the Clovis Regional Airport gets us closer to connecting eastern New Mexico to new economic opportunities and supporting the region’s growth. This new terminal isn’t just about creating a strong foundation for the future of Clovis — it’s about creating a strong foundation for the future of eastern New Mexico. I also want to thank Senator Heinrich for his leadership as he champions rural projects like this one in the Senate Appropriations Committee.”

    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) participate in a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on a new terminal at Clovis Regional Airport (CVN), October 29, 2024.

    The Infrastructure Law is delivering billions of dollars in historic infrastructure investments to New Mexico.    

    The Infrastructure Law is set to invest $4.3 billion in formula funding alone for at least 337 vital projects in New Mexico. Some of the projects and priorities that have already received federal funding from the Infrastructure Law include:   

    • $1.8 billion for New Mexico’s roads and bridges.   
    • $379 million over five years, based on formula funding, for New Mexico’s public transit. To date, New Mexico has been allocated $147.2 million to improve public transportation options across the state in Fiscal Year 2022.    
    • $710 million for clean drinking water in New Mexico.   
    • $362.3 million for infrastructure resilience, including $23.4 million through the Army Corps of Engineers for flood mitigation in New Mexico.   
    • $160 million, the first installment of funding from the Infrastructure Law, to support the completion of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System pipeline in Eastern New Mexico. 
    • $3 billion across Indian Country to help Tribes deploy broadband infrastructure.  
    • $52.4 million for capping orphaned oil and gas wells and reclaiming abandoned mine lands and $20.7 million has been allocated to cleaning up Superfund and Brownfield sites across New Mexico.   
    • $38 million over five years, based on formula funding, to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state.   
    • $74.9 million for clean energy, energy efficiency, and power in New Mexico.   
    • $50 million for airports across New Mexico.   
    • $33 million for clean and low emission buses in New Mexico.   

    The Infrastructure Law is also helping 173,000 New Mexico households save on broadband. For eligibility on internet programs, visit GetInternet.gov. 

    For more information, click here to see a map of funding and announced projects in New Mexico through the Infrastructure Law.  

    Find a fact sheet of the investments New Mexico has received through the Infrastructure Law here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten doorstop interview at Salvation Army Project 614, Melbourne

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE transcript 

    JOURNALIST: Mr. Shorten, how important is this initiative between the Salvos and Diabetes Australia, and what impact do you think it will have?

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICESHORTEN: Diabetes is a giant problem for Aussies. 1.9 million of our fellow Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes. Someone’s going to get a diagnosis every five minutes in Australia. For diabetes, the burden of it falls particularly on First Nations people, and also people who live in insecure housing or are in fact homeless. So today, for the first time, we’ve partnered up Diabetes Australia with the Salvation Army, Project 614 in Bourke Street in Melbourne. And what we’re going to see is that at long last, people living at the margins of Australian society won’t be forgotten citizens when it comes to getting a diagnosis of diabetes and the treatment that’s required, because this is a preventable illness.

    JOURNALIST: Were you quite shocked with some of the statistics you heard today about just how prevalent, even over the past ten weeks, how much they’ve found of it on the streets of Melbourne?

    SHORTEN: Diabetes is one of the invisible killers of Australians but is preventable. Sometimes in life stuff happens you can’t stop. Diabetes can be treated. Now, at long last, courtesy of the Salvos, Diabetes Australia and a bit of help from a friendly federal government, we are going to see homeless people are get this sort of assistance which some Australians take for granted.

    JOURNALIST: And would you like to see this expanded? Obviously, it’s for the Salvos at the moment, but would you like to see it expanded into other areas as well?

    SHORTEN: There’s a big challenge in Australia and the way we deliver government and health services. Not everyone is a digital warrior who can go online. Not everyone is able to just pop down to the local health office or Services Australia office. Governments and health systems have got to go to where the people are. A lot of our people in Australia are not doing so well and so we have to go to the people. And today, I hope this is an example all over Australia, that where the government and health system goes to the people, we don’t wait for the people to come to us.

    JOURNALIST: Okay. On the Anti-Corruption Commission now looking, reviewing its decision about not investigating Robodebt. Do you welcome that?

    SHORTEN: Labor set up the National Anti-Corruption Commission. It was long overdue to be set up. The organisation is completely independent of government. The Inspector General has made a recommendation that the decision by the National Anti-Corruption Commission not to take proceedings further, be reviewed. So now the decision will be reconsidered, whether or not people referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission should in fact be investigated again.

    JOURNALIST: Do you welcome that decision? I mean, you campaigned long and hard, didn’t you?

    SHORTEN: The decision of the Anti-Corruption Commission today by the Inspector General to review an earlier decision not to proceed with matters against people involved in the Robodebt scandal that is up to the independent body. For me, it’s all about justice for the victims of Robodebt. We can’t invent a time – we haven’t invented a time machine to take us back before Robodebt happened. That would be the best outcome. The class action, the Royal Commission, internal public sector, that’s all been putting pressure on the authors of Robodebt. I still am very keen to see the sealed section, listing some of the people that the Royal Commission identify released that’s still under consideration.

    JOURNALIST: Okay. Now on the Prime Minister, do you concede, given its cost of living, do you concede it is a bad look what he did?

    SHORTEN: Prime Minister has done everything within the rules that exist. He has diligently for two decades declared any particular benefits which he’s received. He’s adhered to the rules. That’s where I think the matter is at.

    JOURNALIST: But do you concede, though, it’s a bad look given there is a cost-of-living crisis. So many Australians, so many Australians are struggling, and yet you have a transport minister ringing up the CEO of Qantas saying give me the upgrades?

    SHORTEN: Well, first of all, the Prime Minister has explained exactly what’s happened, and these matters go back in some cases up to 20 years ago. Labor is focused on cost of living. If we want to fix cost of living, it’s not whether or not a politician catches a plane. It’s how do we help them with tax cuts? Tick, we’ve done that. How do we help them with their energy bills? Tick, we’re doing that. Cost of living is a major pressure on Australians. We’ve got more to do, and this government and the Prime Minister and everyone else has been focused on tax cuts, energy relief, more Medicare support, more bulk billing. I mean, times are really tough. And that’s where our focus is not on a particular news story.

    JOURNALIST: So, this is a, this is a big distraction though isn’t it, when this is happening?

    SHORTEN: Oh, I’m not distracted. I’m focused on making sure the crooks in the NDIS are caught, making sure that people are getting value for money who are disabled. I certainly am focused on making sure that people at the margins of our society are accessing healthcare. No, I think we’re focused.

    JOURNALIST: Claire O’Neill says it’s all a beat up. Do you agree with her?

    SHORTEN: Well, I’m just focused on my day job and that’s what I know the Government is. Our day job is to make sure, in the example of health services, that people, regardless of how much money they’ve got in the bank, can get to see their doctor or get the medical support they require. I’m focused on making sure that people have, the hard-working people who earn, you know, as cleaners or workers, aged care workers, disability, that they’re getting pay rises along with our nurses. So, my eye is on the ball, the government’s eye is on the ball. It’s about helping people get through this very difficult time of cost, living pressure and high interest rates.

    JOURNALIST: Mr. Dutton says he wants to refer this matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission. What’s your reaction?

    SHORTEN: I wish Mr. Dutton was focused on the cost-of-living issues of everyday Australians. I mean, he’s not shy about catching a plane with billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart. I don’t think he’s proposing to refer himself. So, I think that what Australians want is for the politicians to stop bickering amongst themselves and get on with looking after the everyday people. That’s what we’re doing today.

    JOURNALIST: We’ve just got a couple of questions from SBS just back on the NACC. Has the NACC failed at the very first hurdle?

    SHORTEN: Oh, the NACC is independent of Government. The National Anti-Corruption Commission is independent of Government. I think the smartest thing that a parliamentarian can do is not comment adversely about the operations of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. They’ve got to do their job. The very fact that we’ve established one is something which was long overdue. The Liberals never did that. The very fact that in the system that we set up, that there’s an inspector general who can review decisions and then send them back if he didn’t agree, shows the system is actually working.

    JOURNALIST: Should Commissioner Brereton keep his job?

    SHORTEN: Oh, absolutely not the province of a politician to start picking and choosing, you know, saying he should go, he should stay. The NACC is doing its job. The system is actually worked in that the Inspector General has said, hey, you need to go back and redo this decision for various reasons. Have relook at it. That’s actually the system working. For Robodebt victims, it should never have happened. I mean, illegal and immoral scheme. I’ve helped run the class action we helped do the parliamentary or the Royal Commission. We’re making sure that never again can our poor people be welfare shamed and treated as second class citizens by a government. That’s where my focus is. I wish it had never happened. I’m sorry that they were let down by the government, and we’re making sure that just because you’re disadvantaged or down on your luck doesn’t mean you get treated like a second class Australian.

    JOURNALIST: Should the independent statutory review of the NACC be brought forward?

    SHORTEN: That’s a matter for other Ministers. I’m interested in how someone can get an analysis for diabetes and get treated. The review of whatever to do with the NACC. I’ll leave to other people. My eye is on the ball. Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Amundi: Third quarter and nine-month 2024 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amundi: Third quarter and nine-month 2024 results

    Net income1,2up +16% Q3/Q3 and record assets under management at €2.2 trillion

    Strong growth in earnings and revenues   Q3 – adjusted net income1,2 at €337m, fast-growing: +16.1% Q3/Q3

    • Thanks to revenue growth (+10.5%) and positive jaws effect
    • Q3/Q3 cost/income ratio improvement at 52.9%3

    9 months – adjusted net income1,2 at €1,005m, up +10.4% 9M/9M

    Earnings per share2: €1.65 for Q3, €4.91 for 9M
         
    Record AuM
    & dynamic MLT inflows5    		   Record assets under management3: €2,192bn at 30 September 2024, up +11% year-on-year

    Q3 net inflows3 of +€2.9bn, or +€14.5bn excluding the exit from a large, low-income institutional mandate4

    • +€9.1bn in MLT assets4,5,6
    • Solid commercial momentum of Asian JVs: +€5.3bn
         
    Continued strategic progress   ETFs6: +€8bn in Q3 net inflows, now more than €250bn in assets under management
    Third-party distribution: +€7bn Q3 net inflows, with contribution from all regions and asset classes

    Asia: +€7bn in Q3 net inflows, from JVs and direct distribution in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    Technology: revenues +42% Q3/Q3

    Victory Capital: approval7 of the partnership with Amundi secured at EGM, transaction expected to close in Q1 2025

    Paris, 30 October 2024

    Amundi’s Board of Directors met on 29 October 2024 under the chairmanship of Philippe Brassac, and reviewed the financial statements for the third quarter and the first 9 months of 2024.

    Valérie Baudson, Chief Executive Officer, said:
    « Amundi’s results in the third quarter of 2024 demonstrate our ongoing strategic progress and continued growth potential. Our Q3 net profit1,2of €337m, increased by +16% compared to the same period in 2023 and exceeded one billion euros over 9 months. Assets under management reached a record level of €2.2 trillion.

    We have been able to support our clients whatever their profile and needs, which has resulted in a high level of net inflows in our strategic development areas, namely Asia, Third-Party Distributors, and ETFs.

    By putting clients at the heart of our strategy and by continuing to develop the areas of expertise that primarily seek to meet their needs, we are ideally positioned to seize growth opportunities in the savings industry. »

    * * * * *

    Further progress in achieving our 2025 Ambitions plan

    Q3 2024 saw key areas of focus under the “2025 Strategic Ambitions” plan contribute to activity and earnings growth.

    • ETFs exceeded €250bn in assets under management at the end of September, up +31% year-on-year, thanks in particular to very dynamic net inflows reaching +€17bn over 9 months, including +€8bn in Q3. This places Amundi in second place in the European market in terms of net inflows this quarter8. these inflows are well diversified across equity and fixed income products, with a high share of products classified as responsible investment9 in net inflows (+€3bn, or 34% market share in flows in this market segment). Amundi has had many commercial successes this quarter: for example, the Amundi ETF Stoxx Europe 600 is the best-selling (+€0.85bn) European equity ETFs in Q3, the Amundi ETF Euro Government Tilted Green Bond, launched last year, saw its assets under management exceed €3bn after gathering +€1.1bn since the beginning of the year, and the Amundi ETF Prime ACWI exceeded €1bn in assets under management 8 months after its launch.
    • Third-Party Distribution reached €377bn in assets under management at the end of September, up +24% year-on-year, with net inflows +€19bn for 9 months 2024, and +€7bn in Q3, thanks to contributions from all regions and asset classes, from ETFs, treasury products and active management;
    • Asia assets under management increased by +17% year-on-year to €458bn; net inflows for 9 months 2024 stood at +€30bn with a significant contribution from Amundi’s Indian JV SBI MF, which now has €278bn in assets, up +19% year-on-year (+€18bn in net inflows); €103bn of total Asian assets under management come from direct distribution excluding JVs (+20% year-on-year), with net inflows for 9 months 2024 standing at +€3bn in Japan, +€2.4bn Singapore, +€1.4bn Hong Kong and also +€1.7bn in China outside the two JVs, mainly with institutional clients;
    • The Technology & Services offering is also experiencing strong growth, with technology revenues of €54m over 9 months, up +28% compared to the same period in 2023, and even +42% Q3/Q3; the Fund Channel fund distribution platform exceeded €490bn in assets at the end of September 2024; during the quarter it signed a distribution agreement with ING Germany and integrated the fintech AirFund into its ecosystem to digitise access to private markets; Fund Channel was also ranked “Best Distribution Platform” for the third consecutive year by the consulting and research firm Platforum;
    • In fixed income expertise, Amundi now manages €1,160bn in assets10 across a wide range of solutions, from treasury products to target maturity funds, offering attractive returns and capital protection; fixed income net inflows stood at +€46bn10 over 9 months and +€14bn10 in Q3 thanks to sustained activity in active bond strategies (+€11bn excluding JV) and ETFs (+€2.5bn);
    • The partnership project with Victory Capital reached an important milestone with shareholder approval of resolutions7 necessary to finalise the transactions, expected in Q1 2025. As a reminder, this partnership aims at creating a larger US investment platform, via the contribution of Amundi US to Victory Capital in return for Amundi taking a 26%-stake of the combined entity as well as 15-year distribution agreements, to serve the clients of both companies; Amundi would thus have a greater number of US and global management expertise to offer its clients. The transaction, which involves no disbursement of cash, is expected to bring a low single-digit accretion for Amundi shareholders, with an increase in the contribution of our US operations to the adjusted net income and EPS.

    Activity

    Market environment

    In the third quarter of 2024, equity markets11 increased by +1.1% in average compared to the previous quarter and by +15.6% compared to Q3 2023. The European bond markets12 also rose, reflecting the shift in monetary policy and the ECB’s decision to cut rates. Year-on-year, our benchmark index12 increased by +6.3% in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023 and by +2.1% compared to Q2 2024. The market effect is therefore positive on the evolution of Amundi’s revenues and net income.

    When compared to the 2021 averages used as a reference for the 2025 Ambitions plan, the market effect is only slightly positive.

    The European asset management market continues its gradual recovery. Open-ended fund volumes13, at +€213bn in the third quarter, continued to be driven by treasury products (+€93bn) and passive management (+€75bn). Nevertheless, the third quarter recorded positive flows in medium- to long-term active management for the second quarter in a row (+€45bn), driven by fixed income strategies (+€69bn).

    High level of activity over the quarter in MLT assets5, assets under management at a record level of €2.2tn

    Activity this quarter continues to be marked, like the rest of the European market, by risk aversion among retail clients. However, Amundi performed well, driven in particular by ETFs, bond solutions, third-party distributors and Asia. Excluding the exceptional exit from a low-income insurance mandate4, net inflows were positive in all major medium- to long-term areas of expertise (passive, active, structured products and real assets), in all client segments (Retail, Institutional and JV), and in all major markets (France, Italy, Germany, Asia and the United States).

    Amundi’s assets under management at 30 September 2024 increased by +11.1% year-on-year (compared to the end of September 2023) and by +1.6% quarter-on-quarter (compared to the end of June 2024), to €2,192bn, an all-time high.

    In the third quarter of 2024, the market and currency effect amounted to +€32.5bn (+€175.9bn over a year) and Amundi generated positive net inflows of +€2.9bn. As announced at the time of the second quarter results publication, this amount includes the exit of a low-income multi-asset mandate4 with a European insurer, of €11.6bn.

    Adjusted for this exit4, net inflows for the quarter were +€14.4bn of which +€9.1bn in MLT Assets5. It was positive in active management (+€4.3bn) and ETFs (+€7.8bn), partially offset by outflows from index strategies. Structured products and real and alternative assets also recorded positive net inflows (+€0.8bn), while treasury products were flat (+€0.1bn).

    Finally, the JVs14continued their solid commercial momentum, with net inflows of +€5.3bn, reflecting a positive contribution from India (SBI MF, +€6.0bn) and South Korea (NH-Amundi, +€0.4bn), partially offset this quarter by slight net outflows in China (ABC-CA) despite continued open-ended net inflows.

    By Client Segment, Retail recorded net inflows of +€6.3bn, of which +€1.3bn in MLT assets5, with contrasting developments according to the sub-segments:

    • Third-Party Distributors had another very good quarter in terms of total net inflows (+€6.8bn); all regions contributed to these inflows, which were highly diversified across asset classes, with positive contributions from ETFs, treasury products but also active management (+€1.5bn);
    • Risk aversion has a larger impact on the activity of partner network clients in France (+€1.1bn) and outside France excluding Amundi BOC WM (-€0.9bn), despite the good performance of structured and treasury products as well as bond strategies; Sabadell’s network in Spain continues its sales momentum (+€0.4bn);
    • In China, Amundi BOC WM posted net outflows this quarter (-€0.7bn), as the maturities of fixed-term funds were not offset by open-ended fund subscriptions.

    Excluding the loss of the low-income insurance mandate already mentioned4, the Institutional segment recorded very positive inflows in MLT Assets5(+€7.8bn), in all sub-segments: Institutional & Sovereigns with +€4.4bn, CA & SG insurance mandates with +€2.4bn thanks to the continued recovery of the traditional life insurance Euro contracts this quarter, Corporates and Employee Savings (+€1.0bn) thanks to net inflows in short-term bond products from corporates. Net outflows in Treasury Products (-€4.9bn) are to a large extent seasonal.

    Results

    Sustained growth in net income, +16% Q3/Q3 to €337m, and more than €1bn in the 9 months of 2024

    Adjusted data2

    In the third quarter of 2024, adjusted net income2reached €337m, up +16.1% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Since the second quarter, it includes Alpha Associates, whose acquisition was finalised in early April.

    The growth in net income was mainly due to organic revenue growth, amplified by operating efficiency, which led to a positive jaws effect, and by the very strong momentum of Asian JVs. These results were achieved against the backdrop of continued client risk aversion, and inflation.

    Adjusted net revenues2 reached €862m, up +10.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

    • The sustained growth in net management fees, up +9.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023, to €805m, reflects the good level of activity and the increase in average assets under management excluding JVs (+8.6% over the same period);
    • Performance fees (€20m) doubled compared to the third quarter of 2023 (€10m), a low basis of comparison; however, they were down compared to the second quarter of 2024 (€50m) due to the lower level of crystallisation15 in the third quarter than in the second and fourth quarters, as it does every year; however, the performance of Amundi’s management is at a good level, with more than 71% of assets under management ranked in the first or second quartiles according to Morningstar16 over 1, 3 or 5 years and 257 Amundi funds rated 4 or 5 stars by Morningstar as of 30 September;
    • Amundi Technology’s revenues, at €20m, continued to grow steadily (+41.8% compared to the third quarter of 2023; +13.0% compared to the second quarter of 2024), confirming the development of this business;
    • Finally, the Financial and other income2 amounted to €17m, down slightly compared to the third quarter of 2023 and previous quarters.

    The increase in operating expenses2, by +7.4% compared to the third quarter of 2023, to €456m, remains lower than the increase in revenues (+10.5%) over the same period, thus generating a positive jaws effect which reflects the Group’s operational efficiency.

    The increase is mainly due to:

    • the first consolidation of Alpha Associates;
    • the provision for individual variable remuneration in line with the increase in results;
    • and finally the acceleration of investments in development initiatives according to the axes of the 2025 Ambitions Plan, particularly in technology.

    The Cost income ratio improved to 52.9% in adjusted data2 compared to the same quarter last year, and remains in line with the 2025 target and at the best level in the industry.

    The Adjusted gross operating income2(EBIT) amounted to €406m, up +14.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023, reflecting double-digit revenue growth amplified by operational efficiency.

    Income from equity-accounted companies, which reflects Amundi’s share of the net income of minority JVs in India (SBI MF), China (ABC-CA), South Korea (NH-Amundi) and Morocco (Wafa Gestion), was up +36.5% compared to the third quarter of 2023, to €33m, representing 10% of adjusted net income, reflecting the good level of activity in India and Korea.

    Adjusted earnings per share2in the third quarter of 2024 reached €1.65, up +16.0%.

    Accounting data in the third quarter of 2024

    Accounting Net income Group share amounted to €320m and includes non-cash charges related to acquisitions, in particular the amortisation of intangible assets related to distribution and client contracts (-€24m before tax in the quarter including the corresponding new charges related to Alpha Associates, see details in p. 11), representing a total of -€17m after tax.

    Accounting earnings per share in the third quarter of 2024 reached €1.56.

    In the first 9 months of 2024, adjusted net income2amounted to €1,005m, up +10.4%, reflecting the same trends as in the third quarter:

    • Adjusted net revenues2 grew by +7.3% compared to the first 9 months of 2023, to €2,573m, reflecting as in the quarter the sustained growth in management fees (+6.6%) and the strong increase in Amundi Technology’s revenues (€54m, +28.2%) and financial and other income2 (€67m, +38.2%); performance fees, on the other hand, were down by -2.0% to €88m;
    • Adjusted operating expenses2 are well controlled with an increase of +5.9% compared to the first 9 months of 2023, at €1,356m, resulting in a positive jaws effect;
    • Adjusted cost income ratio2 stands at 52.7%.

    Adjusted gross operating income2 was €1,217m, up +8,9% compared to the first 9 months of 2023, showing a higher growth rate than revenue growth thanks to operating efficiency.

    Income from equity-accounted companies increased by +28.6% compared to the first 9 months of 2023, to €94m.

    Adjusted earnings per share2for the first 9 months of 2024 reached €4.91, up +10.1% compared to the first 9 months of 2023.

    Accounting data for the first 9 months of 2024

    Accounting Net income Group share amounted to €956m and includes non-cash charges related to acquisitions, in particular the amortisation of intangible assets related to distribution and client contracts (-€68m before tax in the 9 months including the corresponding new charges related to Alpha Associates, see details on p. 11), representing a total of -€49m after tax in the first 9 months of 2024.

    Accounting earnings per share for the first 9 months of 2024 reached €4.67.

    To be noted for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024

    Success of the capital increase reserved for employees – The capital increase reserved for employees “We Share Amundi”, announced on 23 September 2024, is expected to be completed tomorrow, 31 October 2024. This operation offered for the seventh consecutive year a subscription of shares at a discount.

    It was once again a great success this year: more than 2,000 employees in 15 countries subscribed to this capital increase, for a total amount of €36.3m. This represents nearly two out of three employees in France and more than two out of five worldwide.        
    This transaction, which is in line with the existing legal authorisations voted by the Shareholders’ Meeting on 12 May 2023, reflects Amundi’s desire to involve its employees not only in the development of the Company but also in the creation of economic value.

    The impact of this transaction on earnings per share will be very limited: the number of shares to be created will be 771,628 (i.e. ~0.4% of the share capital before the transaction).        
    This issue will bring the number of shares making up Amundi’s share capital to 205,419,262 as of 31 October 2024, i.e. a share capital increased to €513,548,155.        
    Employees will now hold around 1.7% of Amundi’s capital, compared to 1.3% before the transaction. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Amundi Group will record in its consolidated financial statements a charge relating to the subscription discount of €12.3m before tax.

    On the basis of the Finance Bill presented by the French government, an exceptional tax contribution on the profits of large companies would apply to Amundi, whose turnover in France for tax purposes is more than €3bn.

    * * * * *

    APPENDICES

    Adjusted income statement2of the first 9 months of 2024 and 2023

    (€m)   9M 2024 9M 2023 % chg.
    9M/9M
             
    Net revenue – Adjusted   2,573 2,397 +7.3%
    Management fees   2,364 2,217 +6.6%
    Performance fees   88 89 -2.0%
    Technology   54 42 +28.2%
    Net financial & other net income   67 49 +38.2%
    Operating expenses – Adjusted   (1,356) (1,280) +5.9%
    Cost income ratio – Adjusted (%)   52.7% 53.4% -0.7pp
    Gross operating income – Adjusted   1,217, 1,117, +8.9%
    Cost of risk & other   (7) (5) +24.5%
    Equity-accounted companies   94 73 +28.6%
    Income before tax – Adjusted   1,305 1,185 +10.1%
    Corporate tax   (302) (277) +8.8%
    Non-controlling interests   2 3 -25.2%
    Net income, Group share – Adjusted   1,005 910 +10.4%
    Depreciation of intangible assets after tax   (49) (44) +11.6%
    Integration costs net of tax   0 0 NS
    Net income, Group share   956 866 +10.3%
    Earnings per share (€)   4.67 4.25 +10.0%
    Earnings per share – Adjusted (€)   4.91 4.46 +10.1%

    Adjusted income statement2of the third quarter of 2024

    (€m)   Q3 2024 Q3 2023 % chg.
    Q3/Q3    		   Q2 2024 % chg.
    Q3/Q2
                   
    Net revenue – Adjusted   862 780 +10.5%   887 -2.9%
    Management fees   805 737 +9.2%   794 +1.3%
    Performance fees   20 10 +97.3%   50 -58.9%
    Technology   20 14 +41.8%   17 +13.0%
    Net financial & other net income   17 19 -10.6%   26 -34.0%
    Operating expenses – Adjusted   (456) (424) +7.4%   (461) -1.1%
    Cost income ratio – Adjusted (%)   52.9% 54.4% -1.5pp   51.9% +1.0pp
    Gross operating income – Adjusted   406 356 +14.2%   426 -4.8%
    Cost of risk & other   (2) (3) -36.0%   (5) -63.4%
    Equity-accounted companies   33 24 +36.5%   33 -0.1%
    Income before tax – Adjusted   437 377 +15.9%   454 -3.9%
    Corporate tax   (101) (88) +14.9%   (105) -3.8%
    Non-controlling interests   1 1 -23.5%   0 NS
    Net income, Group share – Adjusted   337 290 +16.1%   350 -3.7%
    Depreciation of intangible assets after tax   (17) (15) +17.9%   (17) +1.2%
    Integration costs net of tax   0 0 NS   0 NS
    Net income, Group share   320 276 +16.0%   333 -4.0%
    Earnings per share (€)   1.56 1.35 +15.9%   1.63 -4.0%
    Earnings per share – Adjusted (€)   1.65 1.42 +16.0%   1.71 -3.7%

    Evolution of assets under management from the end of 2020 to the end of September 202417

    (€bn) Assets under management Net

    inflows

    		 Market &

    Forex Effect

    		 Scope effect   Change in AuM
    vs. previous quarter
    As of 31/12/2020 1,729       / +4.0%
    Q1 2021   -12.7 +39.3   /  
    As of 31/03/2021 1,755       / +1.5%
    Q2 2021   +7.2 +31.4   /  
    As of 30/06/2021 1,794       / +2.2%
    Q3 2021   +0.2 +17.0   /  
    As of 30/09/2021 1,811       / +1.0%
    Q4 2021   +65.6 +39.1   +14818  
    As of 31/12/2021 2,064       / +14%
    Q1 2022   +3.2 -46.4   /  
    As of 31/03/2022 2,021       / -2.1%
    Q2 2022   +1.8 -97.75   /  
    As of 30/06/2022 1,925       / -4.8%
    Q3 2022   -12.9 -16.3   /  
    As of 30/09/2022 1,895       / -1.6%
    Q4 2022   +15.0 -6.2   /  
    As of 31/12/2022 1,904       / +0.5%
    Q1 2023   -11.1 +40.9   /  
    As of 31/03/2023 1,934       / +1.6%
    Q2 2023   +3.7 +23.8   /  
    As of 31/06/2023 1,961       / +1.4%
    Q3 2023   +13.7 -1.7   /  
    As of 30/09/2023 1,973       / +0.6%
    Q4 2023   +19.5 +63.8   -20  
    As of 31/12/2023 2,037       / +3.2%
    Q1 2024   +16.6 +63.0   /  
    As of 31/03/2024 2,116       / +3.9%
    Q2 2024   +15.5 +16.6   +8  
    30/06/2024 2,156         +1.9%
    Q3 2024   +2.9 +32.5   /  
    30/09/2024 2,192         +1.6%

    Total over one year between September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2024: +11.1%

    • Net inflows          +€54.5bn
    • Market & exchange rate effects        +€175.9bn
    • Scope effects        -€12.2bn
      (disposal of Lyxor Inc. in Q4 2023, first consolidation of Alpha Associates in Q2 2024)

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by client segments19

    (€bn) AuM

    30.09.2024

    		 AuM

    30.09.2023

    		 % change /30.09.2023 Net flows

    Q3 2024

    		 Net flows

    Q3 2023

    		 Net flows

    9M 2024

    		 Net flows

    9M 2023
    French networks 138 126 +9.1% +1.1 +0.9 +0.3 +4.6
    International networks 167 156 +7.1% -1.6 -1.0 -4.4 -3.2
    o/w Amundi BOC WM 3 4 -26.9% -0.7 -0.5 -0.5 -3.3
    Third-party distributors 377 305 +23.5% +6.8 +2.1 +19.2 +4.1
    Retail 681 587 +16.1% +6.3 +2.0 +15.1 +5.6
    Institutional & Sovereigns (*) 518 489 +6.0% -9.3 +17.9 +1.4 +14.4
    Corporates 113 97 +16.0% +2.3 -3.8 -5.8 -7.4
    Employee savings plans 92 84 +9.8% -0.5 -0.9 +2.5 +2.6
    CA & SG insurers 428 406 +5.3% -1.2 -3.9 +0.5 -9.6
    Institutional 1,151 1,076 +6.9% -8.7 +9.3 -1.4 +0.0
    JVs 360 310 +16.0% +5.3 +2.4 +21.3 +0.7
    Total 2,192 1,973 +11.1% +2.9 +13.7 +35.0 +6.3

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by asset classes19

    (€bn) AuM

    30.09.2024

    		 AuM

    30.09.2023

    		 % change /30.09.2023 Net flows

    Q3 2024

    		 Net flows

    Q3 2023

    		 Net flows

    9M 2024

    		 Net flows

    9M 2023
    Equity 527 443 +18.9% -0.7 +7.0 +0.0 +2.0
    Multi-assets 274 274 -0.0% -15.4 -5.9 -22.3 -17.0
    Bonds 732 624 +17.3% +12.8 +7.7 +36.8 +10.1
    Real, alternative & structured assets 114 124 -8.3% +0.8 -1.1 +1.5 +2.4
    MLT ASSETS excl. JVs 1,647 1,465 +12.4% -2.5 +7.8 +16.1 -2.4
    Treasury products excl. JVs 185 198 -6.5% +0.1 +3.5 -2.4 +8.0
    Assets excl. JVs 1,832 1,663 +10.1% -2.4 +11.3 +13.6 +5.6
    JVs 360 310 +16.0% +5.3 +2.4 +21.3 +0.7
    TOTAL 2,192 1,973 +11.1% +2.9 +13.7 +35.0 +6.3
    o/w MLT assets 1,973 1,745 +13.1% +3.4 +11.3 +34.9 -0.7
    o/w Treasury products 219 229 -4.2% -0.5 +2.5 +0.1 +7.1

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by management type and asset classes19

    (€bn) AuM

    30.09.2024

    		 AuM

    30.09.2023

    		 % change /30.09.2023 Net flows

    Q3 2024

    		 Net flows

    Q3 2023

    		 Net flows

    9M 2024

    		 Net flows

    9M 2023
    Active management 1,136 1,022 +11.1% -7.1 -1.9 +2.2 -15.6
    Equity 208 187 +11.4% -2.3 -1.6 -5.4 -2.5
    Multi-assets 263 265 -0.9% -15.7 -6.3 -23.4 -18.2
    Bonds 665 570 +16.6% +10.8 +6.1 +31.0 +5.1
    Structured products 43 35 +22.3% +0.8 -0.2 +2.7 +2.9
    Passive management 397 319 +24.5% +3.8 +10.8 +12.4 +10.8
    ETFs & ETC 251 192 +31.1% +7.8 +3.6 +17.3 +8.0
    Index & Smart Beta 146 127 +14.5% -4.0 +7.2 -5.0 +2.8
    Real & alternative assets 71 89 -20.5% +0.0 -0.9 -1.2 -0.5
    Real assets 67 63 +4.8% +0.2 -0.3 -0.1 +0.2
    Alternative assets 4 25 -83.8% -0.2 -0.6 -1.1 -0.7
    MLT ASSETS excl. JVs 1,647 1,465 +12.4% -2.5 +7.8 +16.1 -2.4
    Treasury products excl. JVs 185 198 -6.5% +0.1 +3.5 -2.4 +8.0
    TOTAL ASSETS excl. JVs 1,832 1,663 +10.1% -2.4 +11.3 +13.6 +5.6
    JVs 360 310 +16.0% +5.3 +2.4 +21.3 +0.7
    TOTAL 2,192 1,973 +11.1% +2.9 +13.7 +35.0 +6.3

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by geographical areas19

    (€bn) AuM

    30.09.2024

    		 AuM

    30.09.2023

    		 % change /30.09.2023 Net flows

    Q3 2024

    		 Net flows

    Q3 2023

    		 Net flows

    9M 2024

    		 Net flows

    9M 2023
    France 987 903 +9.3% +2.8 +4.1 +12.8 -1.2
    Italy 202 197 +2.7% -10.8 -1.5 -13.8 -2.2
    Europe excl. France & Italy 421 353 +19.2% +1.9 -0.8 +6.0 +6.0
    Asia 458 392 +17.0% +7.4 +3.4 +29.6 -0.3
    Rest of the world 124 129 -4.3% +1.7 +8.4 +0.4 +4.0
    TOTAL 2,192 1,973 +11.1% +2.9 +13.7 +35.0 +6.3
    TOTAL outside France 1,204 1,070 +12.5% +0.1 +9.6 +22.2 +7.5

    Methodology Appendix

    Accounting & adjusted data

    Accounting data – These include the amortization of intangible assets, recorded as other income, and since Q2 2024, other non-cash expenses spread according to the schedule of payments of the earn-out until the end of 2029; these expenses are recognized as deductions from net income, in finance costs.

    The aggregate amounts of these items are as follows for the different periods under review:

    • Q1 2023: -€20m before tax and -€15m after tax
    • Q2 2023: -€20m before tax and -€15m after tax
    • Q3 2023: -€20m before tax and -€15m after tax
    • 9M 2023: -€61m before tax and -€44m after tax
    • 2023: -€82m before tax and -€59m after tax
    • Q1 2024: -€20m before tax and -€15m after tax
    • Q2 2024: -€24m before tax and -€17m after tax
    • Q3 2024: -€24m pre-tax and -€17m after tax
    • 9M 2024: -€68m before tax and -€49m after tax

    There were no significant integration costs recorded in the third quarter as a result of the acquisition of Alpha Associates

    Adjusted data – in order to present an income statement closer to economic reality, the following adjustments are made: restatement of the amortization of distribution contracts with Bawag, UniCredit and Banco Sabadell, intangible assets representing the client contracts of Lyxor and, since the second quarter of 2024, Alpha Associates, as well as other non-cash charges related to the acquisition of Alpha Associates; such depreciation and amortization and non-cash expenses are recorded as a deduction from net revenues.

    Acquisition of Alpha Associates

    In accordance with IFRS 3, recognition of Amundi’s balance sheet as at 01/04/2024:

    • goodwill of €290m;
    • an intangible asset of €50m representing client contracts, depreciable on a straight-line basis until the end of 2030;
    • a liability representing the conditional earn-out not yet paid, for €160m, including an actuarial discount of -€30m, which will be amortized over 6 years.

    In the Group’s income statement, the following is recorded:

    • amortization of intangible assets for a full-year expense of -€7.6m (-€6.1m after tax)
    • other non-cash expenses spread according to the schedule of payments of the earn-out until the end of 2029; These expenses are recorded as deductions from net income, as finance costs.

    In Q3 2024, the amortization of intangible assets was -€1.9m before tax (-€1.5m after tax) and non-cash expenses were -€1.4m before tax (i.e. -€1.1m after tax). Over the first 9 months of 2024, these expenses are respectively -€3.8m and -€2.9m (-€6.6m in total), since they only started in Q2.

    Alternative Performance Measures20

    In order to present an income statement that is closer to economic reality, Amundi publishes adjusted data that excludes the depreciation of intangible assets and, since the second quarter of 2024, Alpha Associates, as well as other non-cash charges related to the acquisition of Alpha Associates.
    Adjusted, normalized data are reconciled with accounting data as follows:

    = accounting data
    = adjusted data
    (m€)   9M 2024 9M 2023   Q3 2024 Q3 2023   Q2 2024
                     
    Net operating income   2,452 2,307   825 747   844
    Technology   54 42   20 14   17
    Net financial income and other income   (1) (13)   (6) (1)   3
    Adjusted net financial income and other income   67 49   17 19   26
                     
    Net revenues (a)   2,505 2,336   838 760,   864,
    – Depreciation of intangible assets before tax   (65) (61)   (22) (20)   (22)
    – other non-cash charges relating to Alpha Associates   (3) 0   (1) 0   (1)
    Net revenues – Adjusted (b)   2,573 2,397   862, 780,   887
                     
    Operating expenses (c)   (1,356) (1,280)   (456) (424)   (461)
    – Integration costs before tax   0 0   0 0   0
    Operating expenses – Adjusted (d)   (1,356) (1,280)   (456) (424)   (461)
                     
    Gross operating income (e) = (a) + (c)   1,149 1,056   382 335   403
    Gross operating income – Adjusted (f) = (b) + (d)   1,217 1,117   406 356   426
    Cost-income ratio (%) -(c)/(a)   54.1% 54.8%   54.4% 55.9%   53.4%
    Cost-income ratio – Adjusted (%) -(d)/(b)   52.7% 53.4%   52.9% 54.4%   51.9%
    Cost of risk & other (g)   (7) (5)   (2) (3)   (5)
    Equity-accounted companies (h)   94 73   33 24   33
    Income before tax (i) = (e) + (g) + (h)   1,237 1,124   413 356   431
    Income before tax – Adjusted (j) = (f) + (g) + (h)   1,305 1,185   437 377   454
    Income tax (k)   (283) (260)   (94) (82)   (98)
    Income tax – Adjusted (l)   (302) (277)   (101) (88)   (105)
    Non-controlling interests (m)   2 3   1 1   0
    Net income, Group share (o) = (i)+(k)+(m)   956 866   320 276   333
    Net income, Group share – Adjusted (p) = (j)+(l)+(m)   1,005 910   337 290   350
                     
    Earnings per share (€)   4.67 4.25   1.56 1.35   1.63
    Adjusted earnings per share (€)   4.91 4.46   1.65 1.42   1.71

    Shareholding

        30 September 2023   31 December 2023   30 September 2024
    (units)   Number

    of shares

    		 % of share capital   Number

    of shares

    		 % of share capital   Number

    of shares

    		 % of share capital
    Crédit Agricole Group   141,057,399 68.93%   141,057,399 68.93%   141,057,399 68.93%
    Employees   3,042,292 1.49%   2,918,391 1.43%   2,751,891 1.34%
    Treasury shares   1,297,231 0.63%   1,247,998 0.61%   958,031 0.47%
    Free float   59,250,712 28.95%   59,423,846 29.04%   59,880,313 29.26%
                       
    Number of shares at end of period   204,647,634 100.0%   204,647,634 100.0%   204,647,634 100.0%
    Average number of shares year-to-date   204,050,516 –   204,201,023 –   204,647,634 –
    Average number of shares quarter-to-date   204,425,079 –   204,647,634 –   204,647,634 –

    Average number of shares on a pro rata basis.

    • The average number of shares is unchanged between Q2 and Q3 2024, it increased by +0.1% between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024 and by +0.3% between the first 9 months of 2023 and the same period of 2024;
    • A capital increase reserved for employees will be carried out on October 31, 2024. 771,628 shares were created (approximately 0.4% of the share capital before the transaction), bringing the share of employees to about 1.7% of the capital, compared to 1.34% at September 30, 2024, before the transaction.                                        

    Financial communication calendar

    • Q4 and Full Year 2024 Results: February 4, 2025
    • Q1 2025 earnings release: April 29, 2025
    • Annual General Meeting: May 27, 2025
    • Q2 and H1 2025 earnings release: July 29, 2025
    • Q3 and 9-month 2025 results: October 28, 2025

    About Amundi

    Amundi, the leading European asset manager, ranking among the top 10 global players21, offers its 100 million clients – retail, institutional and corporate – a complete range of savings and investment solutions in active and passive management, in traditional or real assets. This offering is enhanced with IT tools and services to cover the entire savings value chain. A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group and listed on the stock exchange, Amundi currently manages close to €2.2 trillion of assets22.

    With its six international investment hubs23, financial and extra-financial research capabilities and long-standing commitment to responsible investment, Amundi is a key player in the asset management landscape.

    Amundi clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,500 employees in 35 countries.

    Amundi, a trusted partner, working every day in the interest of its clients and society.

    www.amundi.com  

    Press contacts:        
    Natacha Andermahr 
    Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05
    natacha.andermahr@amundi.com 

    Corentin Henry
    Tel. +33 1 76 36 26 96
    corentin.henry@amundi.com

    Investor contacts:
    Cyril Meilland, CFA
    Tel. +33 1 76 32 62 67
    cyril.meilland@amundi.com 

    Thomas Lapeyre
    Tel. +33 1 76 33 70 54
    thomas.lapeyre@amundi.com 

    Annabelle Wiriath

    Tel. + 33 1 76 32 43 92

    annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com

    WARNING

    This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or purchase, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities of Amundi in the United States of America or in France. Securities may not be offered, subscribed or sold in the United States of America absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements thereof. The securities of Amundi have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and Amundi does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States of America or in France.

    This document may contain forward looking statements concerning Amundi’s financial position and results. The data provided do not constitute a profit “forecast” or “estimate” as defined in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980.

    These forward looking statements include projections and financial estimates based on scenarios that employ a number of economic assumptions in a given competitive and regulatory context, assumptions regarding plans, objectives and expectations in connection with future events, transactions, products and services, and assumptions in terms of future performance and synergies. By their very nature, they are therefore subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could lead to their non-fulfilment. Consequently, no assurance can be given that these forward looking statement will come to fruition, and Amundi’s actual financial position and results may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward looking statements. [In particular, conditions to completion of the announced transaction between Amundi and Victory Capital, may not be satisfied and such transaction may not be completed on schedule, or at all; risks relating to the expected benefits or impact of the transaction on Victory Capital’s and Amundi’s respective businesses are contained in their respective public filings.]

    Amundi undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward looking statements provided as at the date of this document. Risks that may affect Amundi’s financial position and results are further detailed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Universal Registration Document filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The reader should take all these uncertainties and risks into consideration before forming their own opinion.

    The figures presented were prepared in accordance with applicable prudential regulations and IFRS guidelines, as adopted by the European Union and applicable at that date. The financial information set out herein do not constitute a set of financial statements for an interim period as defined by IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” and has not been audited.

    Unless otherwise specified, sources for rankings and market positions are internal. The information contained in this document, to the extent that it relates to parties other than Amundi or comes from external sources, has not been verified by a supervisory authority or, more generally, subject to independent verification, and no representation or warranty has been expressed as to, nor should any reliance be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, correctness or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Neither Amundi nor its representatives can be held liable for any decision made, negligence or loss that may result from the use of this document or its contents, or anything related to them, or any document or information to which this document may refer.

    The sum of values set out in the tables and analyses may differ slightly from the total reported due to rounding.

    1        Net income Group share
    2        Adjusted data: excluding amortisation of intangible assets relating to distribution and client contracts as well as other non-cash charges relating to the acquisition of Alpha Associates recorded in net financial income (see note p. 11)
    3        Assets under management and flows including assets under advisory, marketed assets and funds of funds, and taking into account 100% of Asian JV’s assets and flows; for Wafa Gestion in Morocco, they are reported in proportion to Amundi’s holding in the capital of the JV
    4        As announced at the time of the publication of the Q2 results, exit in Q3 from a large low-income mandate (€11.6 billion) with a European insurer, in multi-asset; including this exit, net inflows were positive by +€2.9bn in Q3 and +€35bn over 9 months
    5        Medium-Long Term Assets
    6        Excluding JVs
    7        Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Victory Capital, held on 11 October 2024
    8        Source: TrackInsight Q3 2024
    9        Classified as article 8 or 9 of the SFDR regulation of the European Union
    10        Including JV: €234bn in assets, +€12bn net inflows over 9 months and +€1bn in Q3
    11        50% MSCI World + 50% Eurostoxx 600 composite index for equity markets, average values over each period considered
    12        Bloomberg Euro Aggregate for bond markets, average values over each reporting period
    13        Source: Morningstar FundFile, ETFGI. European & cross-border open-ended funds (excluding mandates and dedicated funds). Data as of the end of June 2024.
    14        Assets under management and flows including assets under advisory, marketed assets and funds of funds, and taking into account 100% of Asian JV’s assets and flows; for Wafa Gestion in Morocco, they are reported in proportion to Amundi’s holding in the capital of the JV
    15        Anniversary dates of the funds triggering the recognition of these fees
    16        Source: Morningstar Direct, Broadridge FundFile – Open-ended funds and ETFs, global fund scope, September 2024; as a percentage of the assets under management of the funds in question; the number of Amundi open-ended funds rated by Morningstar was 1063 at the end of September 2024. © 2024 Morningstar, all rights reserved
    17        Assets under management and flows including assets under advisory, marketed assets and funds of funds, and taking into account 100% of Asian JV’s assets and flows; for Wafa Gestion in Morocco, they are reported in proportion to Amundi’s holding in the capital of the JV
    18        Lyxor, integrated as of 31/12/2021
    19        Assets under management and flows including assets under advisory, marketed assets and funds of funds, and taking into account 100% of Asian JV’s assets and flows; for Wafa Gestion in Morocco, they are reported in proportion to Amundi’s holding in the capital of the JV; as of 01/01/2024, reclassification of short-term bond strategies (€30 billion in outstandings) as Bonds previously classified as Treasury until that date; Outstanding amounts up to that date have not been reclassified in these tables
    20        See also the section 4.3 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 18, 2024
    21Source: IPE “Top 500 Asset Managers” published in June 2024, based on assets under management as at 31/12/2023
    22Amundi data at 30/09/2024
    23Boston, Dublin, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has expanded the list of railway infrastructure facilities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Order dated October 29, 2024 No. 3053-r

    Document

    Order dated October 29, 2024 No. 3053-r

    The new railway, which is necessary for transporting coal from deposits in Krasnoyarsk Krai and Yakutia to ports in Khabarovsk Krai, has been included in the list of railway infrastructure facilities, the construction of which is being carried out at an accelerated pace. The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    The railway is being built by a private investor. The new line will connect the Tunguska coal basin, as well as the Elga coal complex with the sea terminals in the area of Cape Manorsky in Khabarovsk Krai. Now this construction is included in the list of objects covered by the federal law “On the specifics of regulating certain relations for the purpose of implementing priority projects for the modernization and expansion of infrastructure.” The document introduces a special legal regime in the construction sector and allows for the acceleration of the implementation of projects for a period of 9 to 21 months.

    The construction of a new railway line will make it possible to relieve the BAM and Trans-Siberian Railway. In addition, the constructed engineering infrastructure – electrical networks and communication networks – will improve the quality of life of people in Siberia and the Far East.

    The signed document introduces changes toGovernment Order of September 7, 2020 No. 2278-r.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over 600 tons of garbage during navigation: how river waters are cleaned in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The municipal fleet collected more than 600 tons of garbage from the capital’s waters during the navigation period this year. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “Communal vessels were engaged in daily garbage collection from the water surface of the Moscow River and the navigable part of the Yauza, eliminated pollution, and removed silt sediment. In total, they collected over 600 tons of floating garbage, eliminated almost 140 different types of pollution, and removed about 6.5 thousand tons of sand and soil from the bottom,” noted Pyotr Biryukov.

    Thanks to the competent arrangement of the fleet and waste collection bases, the entire water area of the Moscow River within the city boundaries and the navigable section of the Yauza are under 24-hour control. The main efforts to collect floating waste were concentrated in the upper reaches of the Moscow River, which ensured the cleanliness of the riverbed downstream. Garbage collection vessels worked mainly, with small vessels operating in shallow areas. Floating cranes and non-self-propelled barges with tugs were used to extract bottom sediments of sand and soil.

    The head of the city economy complex reminded that the capital’s municipal fleet operates all year round. Even after the end of the seasonal navigation, two vessels with an ice class of up to 20 centimeters remain on the water. Garbage collectors and rapid response boats continue to operate on non-freezing rivers.

    During the inter-navigation period, the bulk of the fleet is moored in winter mooring areas, where maintenance and routine repairs are carried out.

    Sergei Sobyanin: Icebreakers of the municipal fleet patrol the Moscow River every dayThe southern part of the Moscow River water area has been cleared of abandoned ships and floating objects

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145940073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on November 16

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on November 16
    Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on November 16
    ***************************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) today (October 30) announced that the auction of traditional vehicle registration marks will be held on November 16 (Saturday) in Meeting Room S421, L4, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.     “A total of 350 vehicle registration marks will be put up for public auction. The list of marks has been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html,” a department spokesman said.     Applicants who have paid a deposit of $1,000 to reserve a mark for auction should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price of $1,000). Otherwise, the mark concerned may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.     People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following important points:(1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.(2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the memorandum will not be permitted.(3) A vehicle registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.(4) Special registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.(5) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the mark will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of Traditional Vehicle Registration Marks, which can be downloaded from the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 14:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Dental care professionals

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Lam Chun-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):Question:     Regarding dental care professionals (DenCPs), will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the following information on the Department of Health (DH)’s recruitment exercise for dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians and dental surgery assistants in each of the past five years: the (i) target number of recruits, (ii) number of applicants, (iii) number of persons invited to attend interviews/trade tests, (iv) number of persons who passed the interviews/trade tests, (v) number of appointment letters issued and (vi) number of persons who reported for duty;(2) as the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care under the Health Bureau has pointed out in the Interim Report submitted to the Panel on Health Services of this Council in March this year that merely relying on the dentist workforce to meet the needs for enhancing dental care services is insufficient, and suggested that DenCPs play a more significant role in dental care services, whether the authorities have plans to expand the staff establishments of dental hygienists and dental therapists so as to enhance public services; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;(3) as DH currently provides annual tuition fee sponsorship of $70,000 to students pursuing studies as dental hygienists and dental therapists on the condition that they work in dental clinics under DH or specified non-governmental organisations for one year after graduation, how the authorities plan to attract those graduates to stay and serve in the public healthcare system upon the expiry of the one-year period;(4) as there are views pointing out that the introduction of a statutory registration system for DenCPs (including dental hygienists and dental therapists) with their scope of practice defined under the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 (the Bill) has fundamentally altered the work nature, duties and work complexity of the dental hygienist and dental therapist grades in the Government, whether the authorities will commence a grade structure review for the aforesaid grades to comprehensively examine their entry requirements, qualification requirements for various ranks and remuneration packages; if so, of the timetable and roadmap; if not, the reasons for that;(5) as the authorities indicated during the Second Reading debate on the Bill that they expected the Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK) to set up a registration system for DenCPs within three years upon the passage of the Bill, of the timetable and roadmap for the relevant work (including compiling a DenCPs register and drawing up a code of practice); whether they have plans to include dental technicians and dental surgery assistants in the registration system in phases, so as to enhance the protection for users of dental services; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;(6) whether the authorities will consider discussing with DCHK to further relax the scope of practice of dental hygienists to allow them to administer anaesthetic injections for periodontal disease and root canal treatments, as well as other non-invasive treatments, and to include relevant contents such as the procedure for administering anaesthetic injections in the training curriculum of dental hygienists; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;(7) whether the authorities have plans to further expand the participation of DenCPs in the primary healthcare system, including allowing them in the provision of oral healthcare at District Health Centre Expresses and District Health Centres, as well as dental health education and disease prevention services; if so, of the details; if not, whether the authorities will formulate the relevant plans expeditiously; and(8) whether it has considered including DenCPs as healthcare service providers under the Elderly Healthcare Voucher Scheme to encourage the elderly to receive dental care services on a regular basis; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?Reply:President,     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care (Working Group) in December 2022 to review the policy objectives, implementation strategies, service scopes and delivery models, etc, of oral health and dental care, with a view to safeguarding the oral health of members of the public. The Working Group mentioned in its interim report released in December 2023 that the Government should work in line with the strategies set out in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint and aim at preventing oral diseases and enhancing the oral health of the community on the premise of improving oral health of all citizens. The report also mentioned that it is insufficient to merely rely on the dentist workforce to meet the needs for enhancing dental care services, and that ancillary dental workers, including dental hygienists and dental therapists, could play a more significant role in dental care services.     The HKSAR Government has completed the amendment of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Chapter 156) (DRO) to modernise the regulatory framework for dentists and ancillary dental workers (including dental hygienists and dental therapists), and increase the manpower resources for dental care profession by gradually increasing training places for dental hygienists and dental therapists. The measures above will contribute to the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group, allowing ancillary dental workers to play a more significant role in providing more preventive primary dental care services to complement the direction of the Primary Healthcare Blueprint which attaches importance to prevention, early identification and timely intervention.     The consolidated reply in response to the questions raised by the Hon Lam Chun-sing is as follows:Registration system and scope of work of dental care professionals     The amended DRO introduced a statutory registration system for two classes of ancillary dental workers (including dental hygienists and dental therapists) and retitled ancillary dental workers as dental care professionals (DenCPs), so as to ensure their service quality through a more formalised regulatory regime and establish their professional status.     At present, dental hygienists can work in public or private sectors, and may perform preventive dental care (e.g. education, consultation, risk assessment, oral examination, fluoride application and scaling) in accordance with the directions of a dentist who is available in the premises at all times when such work is being carried out. Dental therapists work exclusively under the Department of Health (DH) to provide the School Dental Care Service. Dental therapists may perform preventive dental care and basic curative dental care (e.g. filling, extraction) in accordance with the directions of a dentist who is available in the premises at all times when such work is being carried out.     The amended DRO suitably adjusted the scope of practice of dental hygienists and dental therapists based on a risk-based approach, taking into account the consultation outcome with the sectors and relevant stakeholders. It would enable them, upon training, to perform some lower-risk preventive dental care (e.g. oral examination, education, teeth cleaning and polishing, fluoride application) without the presence of a dentist, and perform scaling in accordance with the directions of a dentist who is present in the same premises. Dental therapists may also perform basic curative dental care (e.g. filling, extraction) in accordance with the directions of a dentist who is present in the same premises.     The statutory registration system for DenCPs would be put in place within three years, and by then the revised scope of work of DenCPs will come into effect. All DenCPs (including dental therapists) will be allowed to provide services outside the DH (including institutions in the public or private sector). During the transitional period, the Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK) will develop clear guidelines on the collaborative relationship between dentists and DenCPs and establish the Continuing Professional Development arrangements for DenCPs. At the current stage, the DCHK is focusing on the preparatory work for establishing the registration system as soon as possible and will liaise with the sectors to explore the feasibility of implementing DenCP registration earlier in 2026. When the new registration system is in place, the DCHK will monitor both its implementation and the adaptation of DenCPs to the expanded scope of work to ensure the safety of patients. As things currently stand, the Government has no plan to further expand the scope of work of dental hygienists to perform higher-risk procedures such as injection of local anaesthetics. The Government will maintain dialogue with the dental professions and revisit the scope of practice of DenCPs from time to time, with a view to meeting local dental care service needs.     In view of the actual needs in the community, the Government will examine the necessity for including other classes of DenCPs under the registration system on a risk-based approach. The Government will maintain communication with the dental professions to canvass their views.The role of DenCPs in primary healthcare system     Taking reference to the suggestion of the Working Group, the Government would promote primary dental services appropriate for different age groups and make use of the existing primary healthcare service system. For example, when the manpower supply for dental hygienists has increased, they can provide preventive primary dental services suitable for different age groups at District Health Centres or District Health Centre Expresses, including risk assessment, offering advice on oral care and personal lifestyle, and assisting the citizens in managing their own oral health, so as to put prevention, early identification and timely intervention of dental diseases into action.     Furthermore, the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) currently allows eligible elderly persons to choose from private primary healthcare services provided by 14 categories of healthcare professions, including dentists. Following the upcoming establishment of registration system for DenCPs, the preventive primary dental service would be strengthened. Eligible elderly persons can use Elderly Health Care Vouchers to pay for the relevant service charges through dental clinics in future. The Government will review the relevant operational details of the EHVS in a timely manner.Manpower of DenCPs      As at September 2024, there are a total of 614 registered dental hygienists, whereas 226 dental therapists are employed by the DH. To increase the manpower resources for dental care profession, the Government has gradually increased training places for dental hygienists and dental therapists to nearly double from 95 in the 2023/24 academic year to 185 in the 2024/25 academic year.     When the statutory registration system is in place, dental therapists will be allowed to work in private institutions which will broaden their employment opportunities. Establishing a career ladder for DenCPs will, in the long run, attract more individuals to join the industry. To attract more young people to join the industry, the DH has been offering full tuition fee sponsorship since 2023/24 academic year to students studying the programmes for dental hygienists and dental therapists. Dental hygienists and dental therapists who have received the sponsorship are required to work in dental clinics of the DH or other specified non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for at least one year after graduation. The above measures could help provide sufficient manpower in support of dental care services provided by the Government, private institutions and NGOs in future.     Regarding the establishment issue of DenCP grades in the DH, according to the prevailing policy guidelines, the Government may consider conducting a Grade Structure Review (GSR) as necessary in case of fundamental changes in the job nature, level of responsibilities and job complexity of a particular grade, or if there are proven and persistent recruitment and retention difficulties in the grade. For Dental Hygienist grade in the DH, when the relevant provisions of the amended DRO come into effect, given the minimum academic qualification requirement for registration as dental hygienist with the DCHK, the job entry requirements of the Dental Hygienist grade including the Qualification Group of the academic qualification will be changed. The DH is gathering relevant data and information of the Dental Hygienist grade (including their job nature, duties and responsibilities, and recruitment situation) for consideration of conducting a GSR for the grade. The Government will also assess the need for GSR for Dental Therapist grade in accordance with the relevant policy guidelines in due course.      In the past five years, the information of recruitment of dental ancillary grades of the DH is at Annex.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Harbin hits ‘home stretch’ for Games

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

    With venues ready, volunteers recruited and testing events underway, Harbin is nearly ready to take up its hosting duties for the 9th Asian Winter Games, with preparatory work almost done entering the 100-day countdown.

    As a traditional hot spot for ice and snow sports activities in Northeast China, Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, is pushing ahead with preparations for the 2025 edition of the Games, with full confidence that the continental gala event will be a resounding success in promoting sports and culture exchanges in the region.

    With 100 days to go before the Feb 7 opening ceremony, all 13 existing competition venues for the Games — five for ice sports in downtown Harbin and another eight for snow events in Yabuli, a ski resort cluster 200 kilometers from Harbin — have been renovated and have updated equipment to meet international standards, with workers trained and ready to be deployed to each site, according to the organizing committee.

    The national men’s and under-18 women’s ice hockey championships, which were held during the National Day holiday, were the first of 14 test events to be held in Harbin through January to optimize various venue operations, including capacity, facility function and spectator services.

    Over 6,000 volunteers, mostly local college students, have been recruited from over 10,000 applicants, with a quarter of them having experience serving at international events such as the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games, according to organizers.

    The 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games will mark the biggest representation of Asian countries and regions, with 34 National Olympic Committees — the most in the event’s history — having confirmed their entries, including first-timers Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. Over 1,500 athletes are expected to participate.

    A total of 64 medal events across six sports will be held from Feb 7 to 14. Among them, mixed doubles curling, ski mountaineering and synchronized aerials of freestyle skiing will make their debut at the Games.

    Meanwhile, many Southeast Asian countries and regions, including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, have signed up for the alpine skiing competition, which will have more participants than any other event in Harbin’s program, underlining winter sports’ expanding landscape on the continent.

    It will be Harbin’s second time staging the continental gala since it hosted in 1996, and the third edition to be held in China after the 2007 edition in Changchun, Jilin province.

    Boasting ready-made facilities and abundant experience in winter sports promotion, Harbin is confident it can deliver a memorable edition of the Games with strong Chinese characteristics and Asian style, organizers said.

    “With full support from the government, the public and all shareholders, we’ve moved into the home stretch of preparations,” Han Shengjian, vice-governor of Heilongjiang and vice-president of the Harbin organizing committee, said during a news conference on Tuesday. “We are committed to hosting a world-class event representing Asian spirit and Chinese style to promote winter sports across Asia, as well as the unique charm of Harbin as a generous host.”

    Already a popular winter holiday destination in the country, Harbin is keen on taking advantage of the Games to make the city more appealing to winter sports fans and foreign tourists, according to Wang Hesheng, mayor of Harbin and secretary-general of the organizing committee.

    To help boost tourism in the city, a new metro line will be launched at the end of this month in Harbin, and a newly built second runway at the city’s airport will open in January. In addition, more frequent high-speed railway services connecting mountain resorts in Yabuli with downtown Harbin and other major cities are coming in the near future.

    “Hopefully after hosting the Games, Harbin will make its name as a winter wonderland more prominent, not just in our country, but also across Asia,” Wang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Foreign secondary school students compete in 17th ‘Chinese Bridge’ contest

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    On the evening of Oct. 28, the global finals and awarding ceremony for the 17th Chinese Bridge—Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students and the 4th Chinese Bridge—Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students took place in Tianjin. The event was attended by officials from the Tianjin Municipal Government, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange of the MOE, along with the Kenyan Ambassador to China and representatives from the UAE’s Chinese Language Teaching “100 Schools Project.”

    The global finals of the 17th Chinese Bridge—Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students. [Photo courtesy of Chinese Bridge]

    The finals opened with a visually stunning show titled “Jin·Cai Hua Zhang,” featuring outstanding primary and secondary school students from around the world, who gathered to communicate in Chinese and share their understanding of Chinese culture. After a series of rigorous selections during the overseas preliminary rounds, Chitpasong Souvanhxay from Laos, Irina Mei Li from Madagascar, Kuchinskaia Anastasiia from Russia, Rothschild Shiraz Palestrant from the U.S. and Blaom Oliver Garion from New Zealand emerged as continental champions to advance to the global finals. 

    Chitpasong Souvanhxay from Laos wins the global champion of the 17th Chinese Bridge—Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students. [Photo courtesy of Chinese Bridge]

    During the finals, the five contestants competed in five rounds: “History of the Spring and Autumn Period,” “Books of the Qin and Han Dynasties,” “The Lasting Appeal of the Tang and Song Dynasties,” “Window to Modernity,” and “The Final Showdown.” Chitpasong Souvanhxay from Laos showcased exceptional skills and won the global championship. Guests at the event presented awards to the participants who received individual awards in the 4th Chinese Bridge–Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students, as well as to those who won individual awards and the first, second, and third prizes in the 17th Chinese Bridge–Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, along with the continental champions and the global champion.

    In the finals, contestants including Kiri Meier Werner from the U.S., Solo Uniacke from the U.K., Frida Quetzalli Garcia Lins from Mexico, Tessa Mir from Georgia and her mother shared personal stories about their experiences with the Chinese Bridge competition and the growth and benefits they gained from participating in the competition.

    This year, 181 primary and secondary school contestants from 102 countries gathered in Beijing and Tianjin for a grand celebration of Chinese language learning and cultural exchange. Over a period of 15 days filled with competitions and cultural activities, contestants explored iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. They also experienced intangible cultural heritage such as Clay Figurine Zhang, Yangliuqing New Year paintings, shadow puppetry and traditional opera, allowing them to appreciate the development and heritage of Chinese culture and history. Additionally, contestants toured Tianjin, visiting attractions like the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel, Haihe River, the historic Wudadao area (Five Great Avenues), Jingwu Town, the National Maritime Museum, and Tianjin Port, witnessing the city’s inclusiveness and application of intelligent technologies.

    At the award ceremony, primary and secondary school contestants from around the world, together with previous champions, sang the “Chinese Bridge” theme song. Through the medium of Chinese, they connected cultures, fostered lasting friendships, and strengthened global understanding of China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Enhancing Express Rail Link services

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):

    Question:

         Some members of the tourism industry are of the view that further increasing the number of destinations in the Mainland served by the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) connecting to the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (WKS), as well as building up the XRL’s long-haul sleeper service network in an orderly manner, are conducive to promoting the development of the tourism industry and facilitating Hong Kong’s integration into the country’s overall development. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the respective monthly patronage of the XRL service plying between WKS and Guangzhoudong Station and Guangzhounan Station, as well as those plying between WKS and each of the intermediate stations along the routes between WKS and these two stations, since the resumption of XRL service last year; as it has been reported that at present, it takes at least about 90 minutes to travel from WKS to Guangzhoudong Station, which fails to demonstrate the advantages of XRL, whether the authorities have studied with the Mainland authorities the feasibility of raising the speed of the relevant route; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (2) as it is learnt that Xintang Station, commissioned last year with its location at the core of the new development area in the eastern part of Guangzhou, is not only a necessary stop but also an important hub for travelling to the eastern part of Guangzhou, yet the relevant XRL routes only pass the station currently without stopping on it, whether the authorities will expedite negotiation with the Mainland authorities to make Xintang Station an intermediate station of XRL, so as to achieve better linkage between the XRL Hong Kong Section and the Mainland’s railway network; and

    (3) as some members of the industry have relayed that XRL sleeper trains plying between Hong Kong and Beijing/Shanghai are well-received by travellers, whether the authorities have studied the provision of long-haul sleeper train service to more destinations, such as Xi’an and Chengdu in western China, so as to open up the long-‍haul rail passenger market in the western part of the country, thereby facilitating “two-way travel” by travellers?

    Reply:

    President,

         The Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) was commissioned on September 23, 2018, connecting with the over 46 000 kilometres long national high-speed rail network. It is a key component of the highly accessible transport network and economic circle of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and consolidates Hong Kong’s position as a regional transport hub. The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) is responsible for operating the XRL Hong Kong Section, and has been in active liaison and collaboration with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Mainland railway authorities to continuously enhance the various operational arrangements of the XRL Hong Kong Section, with a view to fully realising its socio-economic benefits and the advantages of interconnectivity in the national high-speed rail network for the promotion of better integration of Hong Kong into the national development. Serving 80 directly connected destinations at present, the Hong Kong Section of the XRL is a crucial link between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and a testament to the increasingly frequent exchanges between the two places for business, leisure and other purposes.

         In consultation with the MTRCL, my reply to the question raised by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung is as follows:

    (1) and (2) With the resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland after the pandemic, the XRL Hong Kong Section has progressively resumed train services since January 15, 2023. New short-haul and long-haul destinations have been introduced progressively, including the short-haul destinations of Dongguannan, Dongguan, Guangzhoudong and Changping, making it a more comprehensive network. In view of the increasingly frequent flow of people between the two places, upon discussion between the MTRCL and the Mainland railway authorities, the frequency of short-haul train trips of the XRL Hong Kong Section have been increased continuously. The number of trains running to and from Guangzhounan Station has increased from 16 trips per day in early 2023 to the present 38 trips per day. Passengers may also take long-haul trains that call at Guangzhounan Station, which are operating at 20 train trips per day; whilst the number of trains running to and from Guangzhoudong Station has increased from 12 trips per day in early 2023 to the present 26 trips per day. 

         The services of the XRL Hong Kong Section have been popular among passengers. In the first nine months of 2024, the XRL Hong Kong Section recorded an average daily patronage of about 70 000 passenger trips, with the total number of passenger trips approaching the annual total of approximately 20 million passenger trips in 2023. According to the ticket sales provided by the MTRCL, for short-haul destinations, more than 60 per cent of short-haul passengers are destined for stations in Shenzhen (i.e. Futian and Shenzhenbei), and nearly 30 per cent are destined for Guangzhoudong and Guangzhounan. Less than 10 per cent travel to the remaining short-haul destinations (i.e. Guangmingcheng, Humen, Qingsheng, Dongguannan, Changping and Dongguan).

         To meet the travel needs of passengers, the MTRCL and the Mainland railway authorities review the operation schedule of train trips from time to time and enhance services in a timely manner. For instance, train trips running between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (WKS) and Futian Station or Shenzhenbei Station have been enhanced during weekends since early April this year. The MTRCL will also operate additional short-haul train trips for popular destinations during festive holidays in response to passengers’ travel needs. As for the travelling time of trains between WKS and Guangzhoudong Station, a balance has been struck between the journey time of trains and the number of intermediate stops needed for passenger convenience. The MTRCL will continue to liaise with the Mainland railway authorities with a view to providing better cross-boundary rail service.

         As for new stations, the number of directly connected destinations on the XRL Hong Kong Section has increased from 44 at the beginning of its operation to 80 currently. In addition to the aforementioned short-haul destinations, the XRL Hong Kong Section has been connected to the Chengdudong Line in southwest part of the country, including Chengdudong and Leshan, as well as the Zhanjiangxi Line, including Jiangmen, Kaipingnan, Yangjiang, Maoming and Zhanjiangxi. A long-haul route to Hunan Province was introduced in mid-2024, which directly connects to popular tourist destinations such as Zhangjiajie and Fenghuanggucheng. As for the proposal of introducing Xintang Station as a directly connected destination to the XRL Hong Kong Section, the MTRCL and the Mainland railway authorities are actively looking into the matter with a view to offering passengers a more convenient and comfortable travelling experience, while facilitating the flow of people between the two places.

    (3) Thanks to the Central Government’s care for Hong Kong and the strong support from various Mainland authorities, sleeper train service between WKS and Beijingxi Station/Shanghai Hongqiao Station was introduced on the XRL Hong Kong Section on June 15, 2024, with trains departing in the evenings and arriving the following mornings. This arrangement was an upgrade of the original ordinary-speed train service between the Hong Kong Hung Hom Station and Beijing/Shanghai, and reduced the journey time by almost a half. The trains also call at Shijiazhuang in Hebei and Hangzhou in Zhejiang as intermediate stations. In October 2024, the sleeper train service to Beijing and Shanghai was further upgraded. Fuxing high-speed sleeper trains have been deployed to serve passengers, along with adjustments to routes and departure times. The journey time between WKS and Beijing/Shanghai takes about 11.5 hours and 11 hours respectively. The service upgrade provides passengers with more caring, comfortable and comprehensive service, further leveraging the benefits of “evening departures and morning arrivals”.

         The HKSAR Government and the MTRCL have been actively observing the development of the high-speed rail network in the Mainland, and striving to further introduce destinations directly connected to the XRL Hong Kong Section, so as to provide passengers with more diversified options and services. Regarding the western region of the Mainland, direct train services are currently available at WKS, serving stations such as Chengdudong, Chongqing and Kunming. As for the introduction of direct sleeper trains to those destinations, various considerations and arrangement of different railway authorities are involved. The HKSAR Government and the MTRCL will maintain liaison and co-ordination with the Mainland railway authorities and relevant departments to explore feasible options for further enhancing the service of the XRL Hong Kong Section.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening address by Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) at ASIFMA’s 5th Annual Sustainable Finance Conference: Enabling Transition Finance in Asia (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the opening address by the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan, at the ASIFMA’s 5th Annual Sustainable Finance Conference: Enabling Transition Finance in Asia today (October 30):
     
    Peter (Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA), Mr Peter Stein), Boris (Managing Director, Head of Institutional Banking Group of DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr Boris Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today at the 5th Annual Sustainable Finance Conference organised by ASIFMA. ASIFMA’s events always draw an inquisitive and enthusiastic crowd with a lot of brain power. Today is no exception, but perhaps with somewhat more seriousness than usual as we are addressing the serious topic of enabling transition finance in the sustainability pathway towards net zero carbon emissions.  
     
         The seriousness is compounded when one reads the Asian Development Bank’s thematic report on “Asia in the Global Transition to Net Zero” published last year. According to the report, developing Asia accounted for 44 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2019, and growth in the region still tends to rely substantially on emission-intensive activities. Obviously, there is a huge need for transition finance to assist heavy-emitting industries and economic activities to go down the path of net zero while managing economic development implications. Market estimates put the funding gap at over US$3 to 4 trillion in annual investment over the next three decades in the region. Policy trade-offs will certainly be involved in finding the right solutions.
     
         For this, I note a keyword in the topic of the Conference today and that is “enabling”. Hong Kong, being an international financial centre as well as a premier sustainable finance hub, is well-positioned to play important enabling roles in expediting Asia’s transition to net zero in an enabling or conducive environment. 
     
         With well-functioning capital markets offering a wide range of investment products and an international pool of financial services professionals, Hong Kong can contribute to mobilising international capital to finance transition initiatives in the region.  We are already doing so and enriching our ecosystem. For example, the number of ESG funds authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has increased significantly in recent years, with assets under management reaching close to US$170 billion as of June this year.
     
         The bond market also helps issuers raise sustainable financing in support of low-carbon transition efforts. The volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong increased by about five times from around US$6 billion in 2019 to almost US$30 billion last year, topping the Asian market from 2021 to 2023. Among these, the Government Green Bond Programme has issued bonds of various tenors denominated in different currencies including RMB, euro and USD. The programme has recently been expanded to cover sustainable projects. The bonds issuances have been well received by institutional and retail investors alike, and have taken tokenisation form for two recent tranches. 
     
         Two points specifically on transition finance:
     
    (a) First, we published the first edition of the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance in May this year to provide a clear set of definitions or classification of green activities for application by the industry in their green transition journey. It aligns with the two mainstream taxonomies of the Mainland and the European Union, and currently encompasses 12 economic activities under four sectors of power generation, transportation, construction, and water and waste management. The Taxonomy is now under the next phase development, where the scope of sectors and economic activities will be expanded to cover transition activities as well. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) plans to conduct a public consultation on the updated taxonomy prototype in the first half of 2025.
     
    (b) Second, to cater for the increasingly significant need for transition finance in the region, we have expanded the scope of the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme to cover transition bonds and loans, helping to incentivise relevant industries in the region to make use of Hong Kong’s transition financing platform towards the decarbonisation mission. Since its inception in 2021 to mid-October this year, we have granted around $280 million to 470 green and sustainable debt instruments under the Scheme.
     
            Moving into another subject which is important to today’s topic, data clarity and transparency is often cited as one of the primary challenges hindering the development of transition finance. Hong Kong operates a highly open and internationalised market aligning with international standards and best practices. We stand ready to promote the adoption of data transparency in the market to facilitate and encourage more transition financing activities. 
     
         Earlier this month, for example, the Hong Kong Code of Conduct for ESG Ratings and Data Products Providers was published by an industry working group sponsored by the SFC. Its aim is to establish and promote a globally consistent, interoperable, and proportionate voluntary code for providers offering ESG ratings and data products and services in Hong Kong. The Code was modelled on international best practices recommended by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). It is intended to enhance transparency of methodologies for ESG ratings and data products and improve standards generally across the market with a view to combating greenwashing and instilling integrity in the growing green and sustainable finance ecosystem.
     
         Another important measure on standards is our commitment to launch a roadmap on the full adoption of the ISSB Standards on sustainability disclosure within this year, leading Hong Kong to be among the first jurisdictions in the world to align its local requirements with ISSB Standards. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants has already issued the exposure drafts for consultation. I am sure they will come up with final Hong Kong standards aligning with the ISSB Standards soon. I know that the afternoon session of this Conference has scheduled a dedicated panel to dive deep into this subject. I will spare the detail here.

         Blended finance is an evolving concept and is quickly developing. An OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) report defines it as a combination of official development finance, private philanthropic funds and commercial finance where the principal purpose is commercial rather than development. I look forward to the Panel’s discussion on this. I would note here that as Asia’s primary asset and wealth management hub for international investors, Hong Kong is well placed to harness the finance power of the public and private sectors. 
     
         On the home front, the HKMA launched last week the Sustainable Finance Action Agenda, setting out its goals and actions to be taken to further support green and sustainable financing needs in Asia and globally. Under the Agenda, one of the action areas is investment in a sustainable future, under which the HKMA aims to achieve net-zero emissions for the investment portfolio of the Exchange Fund by 2050 through continuing to actively expand the scope and variety of its sustainable investments, particularly those supporting the theme of climate transition across the public and private markets. The Exchange Fund will also deepen its focus on transition opportunities and mobilise stakeholders to actively support this effort through stewardship and engagement.
     
         Another emerging source of funds to support sustainable initiatives comes from philanthropy and impact investing of family offices. In Hong Kong, the philanthropic landscape is underscored by the existence of more than 10 000 charities that have been established in Hong Kong, reflecting a diverse and robust ecosystem of giving. Meanwhile, the global impact investing market, valued at about US$1.6 trillion, attaches growing recognition of the need to address critical challenges such as climate change. We have seen growing interest from family offices in impact investing as they do not just allocate funds for charitable purposes but also seek financial returns and measurable social outcomes. To this end, we will soon consult the industry on proposals to enhance the tax arrangements for funds and single family offices, including expanding the definition of “fund” to cover pension fund and endowment fund, and include emission derivatives and emission allowance as eligible exemption items.
     
         Added to this, Hong Kong is exceptionally well placed to serve the sustainable initiatives and transition needs of entities on the Mainland. Various Mainland local governments including Shenzhen, Hainan Province and Guangdong Province have issued offshore RMB local government bonds including green, blue, sustainability and social bonds in Hong Kong over the past few years. And Core Climate, our carbon credit marketplace, is exploring co-operation initiatives with its Mainland counterparts. We will certainly contribute our best to the country’s drive to achieve the goal of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2060. 
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, all these being said, a lot remains to be done. Hong Kong takes our 2050 net zero commitment very seriously and has set up a high-level steering committee comprising policy bureaux with both environmental protection and financial services policy responsibilities, and all financial regulators to co-ordinate and take forward relevant initiatives. Our Financial Secretary is also chairing the Green Technology and Finance Development Committee. We look forward to having your advice and participation in the journey. On this note, I wish you all a rewarding day at the Conference today. Thank you.   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Redemption of 2024 Zero Dividend Preference Shares and Notice of Cancellation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    Redemption of 2024 Zero Dividend Preference Shares and Notice of Cancellation

    30 October 2024

    NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn1, FTSE 250, listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today announces that the Company will request the admission to and trading of the 2024 ZDPs on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of London Stock Exchange plc be cancelled. The cancellation will follow the redemption of the 2024 Zero Dividend Preference Shares (“2024 ZDPs”), with effect from 12:00 pm on 30 October 2024.  

    As previously announced, the maturity date of the 2024 ZDPs is 30 October 2024 and the final capital entitlement is 130.63 pence per share.

    Cheques are expected to be mailed to holders on 30 October 2024.

    CREST accounts are expected to be credited on 30 October 2024.

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations         +44 (0) 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason                              NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com 

    Kaso Legg Communications   +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman                        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman
    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $509 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. The PRI identified the firm as part of the Leader’s Group, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last ten years

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security. NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of September 30, 2024.

    1Based on net asset value.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Renovation program: phased resettlement of almost 900 residents of old houses begins in Kryukov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Kryukovo district, a phased resettlement of 860 residents of four old houses to a new building on Zavodskaya Street is beginning. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The new building is located at the address: Zavodskaya Street, Building 14, Buildings 1 and 2. It was erected on the site of four old buildings that were resettled and dismantled. 860 residents of the Kryukovo district are starting to move to the new residential complex. In total, 34 houses are to be resettled under the renovation program in Zelenograd, and more than seven thousand residents of the district will receive modern apartments,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The first stage of the renovation program in the district has come to an end. The resettlement of city residents has been completed ahead of schedule.

    “The completion of the new building on Zavodskaya Street has made it possible to speed up the resettlement of residents of buildings included in the second stage of the renovation program. The building is designed for 477 apartments. For the convenience of Muscovites, entrance groups were made on both sides. You can exit both into the inner courtyard space with a playground, and into the outer part of the courtyard with guest parking for cars,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The first to be resettled are residents of old buildings located at the following addresses: Zavodskaya Street, Buildings 4 and 6. According to the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property Maxim Gaman, letters offering equivalent apartments to 280 Muscovites were sent on October 30. City residents will be able to inspect the new housing starting the next day. Another 580 residents of two buildings at the addresses: Zavodskaya Street, Building 2 and 1 Maya Street, Building 4 will begin inspecting apartments on November 6 and 12, respectively. Specialists from the City Property Department will send them notifications with offers the day before — November 5 and 11.

    On the first floor of the new building, a public information center will be open from October 31, where you can get free consultations on resettlement issues.

    To all participants renovation programs The city offers spacious apartments with improved finishing, plumbing, electric stoves and lighting fixtures. The entrances are level with the ground. Thanks to this, parents with strollers and residents with limited mobility can get into the entrance without assistance. Children’s and sports grounds are arranged in the courtyards.

    Previously Sergei Sobyanin reported, that since the beginning of the year, 23 new buildings have been commissioned under the renovation program and 44 residential complexes have been handed over for occupancy.

    Renovation program housing was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the resettlement of over 47 thousand people was ensured. The Mayor of Moscow has instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. In recent years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential properties in the capital has doubled – from three to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145937073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SITI at Green Tech Summit 2024 (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by SITI at Green Tech Summit 2024 (English only) (with photo)
    Speech by SITI at Green Tech Summit 2024 (English only) (with photo)
    ********************************************************************

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Hong Kong Green Tech Summit 2024 today (October 30): Alice Chow (President of Stanford GSB Hong Kong Alumni Club), Jason Tu (Founder and CEO of MioTech), and participants of the Hong Kong Green Tech Summit 2024,      I am delighted to join you today at this important occasion, the first ever Hong Kong Green Tech Summit 2024 – The Tech Afternoon, where leading experts, policymakers, and innovators gather to discuss and explore the latest advancements in innovation and technology (I&T), with a focus on green technology and sustainable practices.        In the face of intensifying climate change challenges, promoting green transformation to achieve sustainable development is a crucial issue for countries worldwide. Hong Kong has pooled together numerous green tech enterprises and talent, giving it a significant advantage in fostering the development of green tech. There are more than 250 green-technology companies now in the two I&T flagships in Hong Kong, i.e. the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, with some equipped with globally competitive technologies and having successfully tapped into Mainland and overseas markets. This also enables Hong Kong to contribute its strengths to addressing global climate issues. Green tech plays a vital role in supporting the reduction of carbon emissions and environmental protection, serving as a key engine for accelerating green transformation. Promoting the development of green tech is a long-term and challenging task. Throughout this process, stakeholders from various fields collaborate across sectors to identify pain points and needs in the low-carbon transition of different industries. They jointly develop and refine solutions, and support and promote applications, aiming to balance environmental protection and societal needs while driving economic development.      Under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is positioned to be an international I&T centre. The Hong Kong SAR Government has been attaching much importance to enhancing the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong by rolling out various initiatives in recent years, and I am pleased to share with you that Hong Kong ranked first in Asia and third globally among the world’s top 100 emerging ecosystems in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024. We also ranked second worldwide in the “Technology” Factor and 10th overall in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2023 published by the International Institute for Management Development.       In fact, Hong Kong has robust capability in basic research and development (R&D). Our city is the only one in Asia with five of the world’s top 100 universities. In addition, the level of internationalisation among our I&T talent is world-leading, with four of our universities ranked among the world’s top 10 most international universities. These, coupled with our robust intellectual property protection regime, could help pool global innovation resources to Hong Kong.      To support the development of various I&T industries, including green tech, the Government has been proactively enhancing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, which hinges on the comprehensive development of and positive interaction among the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. To this end, the Government has been actively promoting interactive development of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors.      To further promote upstream basic R&D, we endeavour to consolidate Hong Kong’s R&D strengths and strengthen universities’ capacity for breakthrough researches. The Government has been implementing different initiatives to fund R&D projects, including those on green technologies. For example, the Green Tech Fund provides focused funding support to R&D projects that can help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection. In addition, the I&T Fund provides funding to R&D projects in various technology areas, including green tech.      The R&D Centres established by the Government have been carrying out R&D work in different areas, including green tech. For example, one of the centres developed a new generation of materials incorporating plant stems into biodegradable plastics, which could aid the production of eco-friendly products at a competitive cost.      To support the transformation and realisation of the R&D outcomes in the midstream, we launched the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+) last year, to fund, on a matching basis, research teams from universities with good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes. We welcome investors around the world to explore collaboration opportunities with the universities in Hong Kong and invest in their RAISe+ projects.      As for the promotion of downstream development of new industrialisation, we have launched the $10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme this year to provide funding support for enterprises in industries of strategic importance to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Such industries include life and health technology, along with AI and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology industries, etc. To further support our tech enterprises, the Government introduced enhancement measures to the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme to encourage local manufacturers to switch to smart manufacturing. The scheme benefits enterprises to, among others, upgrade and transform by adopting green technology.      In addition, to give further impetus to the promotion of new industrialisation, the Chief Executive has announced in his 2024 Policy Address (PA) that a $10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund will be set up to form a fund-of-funds to channel more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance.      Hong Kong’s two I&T flagships, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport, have been providing technology start-ups with incubation programmes and one-stop support services. These I&T parks have nurtured a group of passionate and high-quality green tech companies. The 2024 PA also announced the launch of the I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme with a funding allocation of $180 million at a one-to-two matching ratio between the Government and the institution, up to a subsidy ceiling of $30 million, with an aim to attract professional start-up service providers with proven track records in and beyond Hong Kong to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong.      Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is fully committed to positioning as an international I&T centre. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Stanford GSB Hong Kong Alumni Club and MioTech for hosting this meaningful event. I encourage all participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and forge collaborations that will drive real change. Together, let us embrace the opportunities before us and solidify Hong Kong’s position as a global leader in green tech.      Thank you.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 15:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Q&A: Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific (IF-CAP)

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    • Workers walking by a solar power plant in Kazakhstan

    Article | 30 October 2024
    Read time: 6 mins

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    •  IF-CAP is the first leveraged guarantee mechanism for climate finance to ever be adopted by a multilateral development bank.
    •  Various simulations have shown that for every $1 that is guaranteed, up to $4.5 of new climate finance will be generated under IF-CAP’s mechanism.
    •  IF-CAP will strengthen ADB’s developing member countries’ capacity to develop their low-carbon and climate-resilient strategies and build a larger pipeline of potential investments.

    What is IF-CAP?

      The Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific, or IF-CAP, is a multi-donor financing partnership facility with the goal of scaling-up finance for accelerated action against climate change in Asia and the Pacific. IF-CAP partners will provide guarantees for parts of ADB’s sovereign loan portfolios to enable ADB to free up capital to increase lending for climate investments. Supplementary grants will facilitate project preparation, capacity building, and knowledge solutions.

    Why is IF-CAP being formed?

    The battle against climate change will be won or lost in Asia and the Pacific. And our region is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts. More than 40% of climate-related disasters occurred in Asia and the Pacific since the start of the century, affecting nearly 3.6 billion people. ADB estimates that $1.7 trillion per year will need to be invested in infrastructure in developing Asia between 2016-2030 to meet both climate and development goals. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) says the year 2030 is a significant crossroad after which it will become considerably harder to meet climate targets.

    As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, the Asian Development Bank is spearheading significant climate change financing and expertise across the region.   IF-CAP is the first leveraged guarantee mechanism for climate finance to ever be adopted by a multilateral development bank. It is inspired by the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd), which aims to use innovative financing to unlock new education funding in low-and middle-income countries.

    What will IF-CAP do?

    IF-CAP will allow ADB to significantly increase climate finance for investments that are aligned with the Paris Agreement and other key ADB policies, including the forthcoming Climate Change Action Plan.

      With a model of “$1 in, $4.5 out”, IF-CAP’s current guarantee size of $2.5 billion will create over $11 billion in climate finance for much-needed climate projects across Asia and the Pacific. Alongside lending facilitated by IF-CAP, ADB will provide up to $1 billion in concessional ordinary capital resources lending (COL) from its own resources, in support of projects enabled by IF-CAP’s guarantee structure. In total, resources aligned with IF-CAP amount to over $12 billion.

    IF-CAP enabled projects will address both climate change mitigation, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change adaptation, which focuses on building resilience to the worsening effects of climate change. These investments could cover a wide range of sectors, such as transportation, energy, urban, and agriculture and natural resources, as well as social sectors such as health and education, for projects with high climate impacts.

    What will IF-CAP not do?

    IF-CAP will not support new or existing fossil fuel-based electricity generation facilities or dedicated transmission, or any new or existing natural gas-related projects. Climate finance enabled by IF-CAP will not be used towards early retirement or repurposing of fossil fuel fired power plants.

    • Developing Asia’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions nearly doubled, from 22% in 1990 to 44% in 2019 and is expected to remain at this level until mid-century under current policies.

    • Asia and the Pacific can only realize its climate goals if it pursues a transition away from coal-based energy in the near term.

    How does the leverage mechanism work?

    The program is based on the use of financial guarantees from our partners. By guaranteeing a portfolio of ADB sovereign loans on a first-loss basis, they will help shoulder some of the loss in case of a default by one of our borrowers included in our portfolio.

    This is a groundbreaking arrangement because IF-CAP’s portfolio guarantee enables ADB to optimize the usage of our balance sheet, supported by the strength of our triple-A credit ratings and preferred creditor status. This allows ADB to reduce the capital held for credit risk and release more capital for climate loans. Every dollar of guarantee into IF-CAP will result in the capacity to provide more climate finance for eligible projects. Simulations show that for every $1 that is guaranteed, $4.5 of climate finance could be generated. That is a fundamental shift from the traditional “one dollar in, one dollar out” facilities at MDBs, because of IF-CAP’s leverage effect.

    Who are the partners supporting IF-CAP?

    IF-CAP’s founding partners are Denmark, Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2023, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet established a trust fund under the IF-CAP Financing Partnership Facility.

    What sovereign portfolios will their guarantees cover?

    IF-CAP will cover a dynamic and diversified reference portfolio consisting of ADB’s exposures to a board spectrum of developing member countries, which have been identified to achieve the desired leverage based on the risk appetite of the partners.

    Which countries are eligible for IF-CAP financing?

    All ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) are eligible. Individual financing partners may exercise discretion for certain projects based on their policies and priorities.

    Will IF-CAP differ from ADB’s regular climate financing?

    Functionally, there will be no difference. IF-CAP’s role will be to enable ADB to approve climate financing more quickly and at a higher volume.

    What are the benefits of IF-CAP?

    For DMCs, IF-CAP can help them advance operations with high climate ambition that are currently not in their pipeline, increase climate finance components of existing pipeline projects, and enable greater visibility and demonstration effects for projects including those with innovative components or high climate impact.

    For IF-CAP partners, it can enable them to make a greater impact through a leveraged guarantee mechanism not offered by other financing partnership facilities, providing them with an effective and efficient way to fight climate change in support of their national commitments.

    For ADB, IF-CAP is an innovative method to optimize our balance sheet, unlock capital resources, and increase our lending capacity by over $11 billion so we can make more resources available for critical climate projects in Asia and the Pacific.

    Will IF-CAP contribute to ADB’s ambition of $100 billion climate financing for 2019-2030?

    IF-CAP will be one of the flagship instruments to enable ADB to reach its climate finance target beyond $100 billion and support our target for climate finance to reach 50% of the total committed financing volume by 2030.

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    Subjects
    • ADB funds and products
    • Climate change
    • Climate finance

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What excursions await the participants of the ninth season of the project “Discover

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From November 5 to 22, more than 170 excursions will be held around the capital’s high-tech industrial enterprises. Participants will visit production facilities that produce cosmetics, footwear, clothing, confectionery and bakery products, ventilators, emergency medical supplies, elevators and other products. You can register for the excursion on the project’s website “Open. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy Anatoly Garbuzov.

    “We continue to introduce Moscow residents to the production processes of food products, children’s educational kits, laser equipment, pharmaceuticals, auto parts and other high-tech products. In November, we prepared over 170 excursions to 35 enterprises, as well as 75 master classes. This season, four new factories have joined the project, which produce Christmas tree decorations, clothing, cable products and printed products,” said Anatoly Garbuzov.

    The new season will see the first tours of the Kolomeyev Christmas tree toy factory. Guests will see how the products are blown and painted. The company makes classic Soviet toys: pine cones, Christmas trees, houses, astronaut figurines, as well as New Year’s decorations for the interior and dolls for the tree. Most of the products are made using traditional technologies and hand-painted by master artists.

    For the first time, the company “Printing House “Tissot”” will welcome visitors. The company’s specialists will show how postcards, books, calendars, folders and other products are produced. In addition, a master class on making notebooks will be held here.

    In addition, Muscovites will be able to visit the production of PLNB Jeans, where jeans, trousers, jackets, shirts and much more are produced. The tour will tell about all stages of preparation and production of products, as well as the history of denim culture and the capital brand.

    At the Spetskabel plant, which will also welcome visitors for the first time, guests will see how modern cable and wire products are manufactured. The company manufactures cables for all industries, including the oil and gas, energy, shipbuilding and space sectors. Many of the company’s developments have no analogues in the world. The plant produces more than 40 thousand kilometers of cable per year.

    The Open Project

    Sobyanin: This year, the project “Open

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145935073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –