April 11, 2024

FC Barcelona and EBC Financial Group to Establish Official Foreign Exchange Partnership for the Next 3.5 Years

Originating from London, EBC Financial Group aims to build leadership in finance through becoming the Club’s official foreign exchange partner across Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania.

EBC Financial Group: Proud Official Partner of FC Barcelona

EBC Financial Group officially partners with FC Barcelona for a 3.5-year foreign exchange alliance.

BARCELONA, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FC Barcelona and EBC Financial Group (EBC) are pleased to announce their partnership in the foreign exchange sector across multiple regions for 3.5 years, commencing today. This partnership designates EBC as FC Barcelona’s official Partner in Foreign Exchange, with coverage extending to regions including APAC, LATAM, the Middle East, and Africa.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for EBC, aligning the brand with the respected legacy and global reach of FC Barcelona. Under this exclusive agreement, EBC is granted the unique privilege to engage in specialized business activities within the foreign exchange domain. The partnership encompasses a range of services, including foreign exchange transactions, trading, brokering (including CFDs), and advisory services.

Through this alliance, EBC is set to innovate and inspire, drawing on the club’s rich cultural heritage and passionate fanbase to cultivate meaningful engagement and establish a lasting presence in key regions with a brand-new audience, fostering connections with a vibrant, global community that transcend traditional market boundaries. It is also an unparalleled opportunity to bring FC Barcelona closer to its partners, supporters, and Culers in these regions, alongside its global expansion strategy to grow and continue to lead the industry via exploring the right partners in different sectors.

EBC Financial Group, founded in the esteemed financial centre of London, is a comprehensive financial services group renowned for its expertise in online trading, asset management and investment consultation. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres, such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, Singapore, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional and institutional investors worldwide. Known for its institutional-grade trading environment, the group provides tailor-made financial brokerage, trading services, and an extensive array of investment solutions.

A signing event to commemorate this significant milestone between the Club and EBC will be held at the revamped Spotify Camp Nou at a later date.

Strategic Alliance Sealed: EBC Financial Group Joins Forces with FC Barcelona

EBC Financial Group and FC Barcelona, alongside President Joan Laporta, celebrate the union of finance and football with a ceremonial jersey exchange.

Statement by Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group and David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd:

“Even though EBC is only four years old, we’ve only grown because we demand the best from ourselves and the industry. We’ve delved deep into FC Barcelona’s storied history, learning from their culture of mentorship where the experienced guide the new, and the new inspire the younger, creating a continuum of growth and excellence. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a shared journey towards greatness, embodying a culture where success is not just about winning but about fostering values, nurturing talent, and contributing positively to society. We’re inspired by Barca’s way of doing things, their culture where veterans nurture newcomers, passing on wisdom and passion. Our choice of FC Barcelona as a partner is deliberate and profound; it’s about learning from the best and embedding their ethos of teamwork, respect, and ambition into our DNA,” stated Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group.

David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, the UK subsidiary of EBC Financial Group added, “Being able to forge a partnership with such a strong and respected brand as FC Barcelona underlines the groups ambition to always push ourselves to the highest levels of achievement as possible. EBC Financial Group has firms regulated in the UK by the FCA, Australia by ASIC and the Caymans by CIMA – all highly respected global centres in financial markets – this partnership with FC Barcelona underlines our efforts to align and partner with the best in all aspects.”

Statement by Juli Guiu, Marketing Area Vice President at FC Barcelona:

“This partnership coincides with FC Barcelona’s global expansion plan in recent years, I’m sure that this will help the Club open up a wealth of opportunities in the financial sector through these 3.5 years of partnership with the well-renowned EBC Financial Group. With the untapped potentials we see in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the growing economies in South & Central America, Mexico, Africa, and Middle East, we’re excited to build more connections with brands, partners, supporters, and Culers in these regions.”

About EBC Financial Group
Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres, such as London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the highest levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd is regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

https://www.ebc.com/

About FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona was founded in 1899 and is currently owned by its more than 144,000 members. It is considered the finest multi-sports club in the world and has 125 years of history. Although rooted in its city and its country, Catalonia, its outlook is global. It has official offices in cities in three different continents: Barcelona, Hong Kong, and New York.

Barça seeks to change the world through sporting excellence. This also includes the world of knowledge and innovation through the Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB). The club is also recognised for its commitment to social causes, which it channels through the FC Barcelona Foundation, and for its work to educate children in the positive values of sport. Barça’s growth in recent years has led it to have more than 486 million followers on social networks.

www.fcbarcelona.com

Media Contact:
Douglas Chew
douglas.chew@ebc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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April 11, 2024

EMGA obtient un financement par emprunt de 50 millions de dollars pour la société kazakhe MFO KMF

LONDRES, 10 avr. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) annonce qu’elle a obtenu de la JICA, l’Agence japonaise de coopération internationale, une facilité de créance prioritaire de 50 millions de dollars US.

Shalkar Zhussupov, président du conseil d’administration de KMF : « C’est la première fois que KMF s’engage dans un partenariat avec la JICA, dont les objectifs et la mission se rapprochent des nôtres. Nous souhaitons exprimer toute notre reconnaissance à EMGA et à la JICA pour leur confiance et leur soutien. Les fonds de la JICA seront utilisés pour mettre en œuvre des projets visant à soutenir les micro et petites entreprises, y compris les entrepreneurs ruraux, ce qui permettra de créer de nouvelles opportunités et de contribuer à leur croissance économique. »

Sajeev Chakkalakal, responsable de la banque d’investissement et directeur général d’EMGA, a déclaré : « Nous sommes ravis d’avoir mis en place cette nouvelle facilité de crédit historique pour notre client de longue date, KMF. Ce fut un réel plaisir de collaborer à nouveau avec eux, tandis qu’ils poursuivent la consolidation de leur position en tant que plus grande IMF (institution de microfinance) du pays, et le renforcement de leur position financière en dépit de cette période de turbulence. »

Jeremy Dobson, directeur général d’EMGA, a ajouté : « Ce nouveau financement aidera KMF à remplir la mission qu’elle s’est fixée : continuer à aider les entrepreneurs dans tout le Kazakhstan et développer ses activités en mettant davantage l’accent sur les entreprises détenues par des femmes et dans les zones rurales. »

MFO KMF est l’un des leaders du secteur de la microfinance en Asie centrale. La société vise à établir des relations de partenariat à long terme avec ses clients, fondées sur la confiance, la compréhension et le respect mutuels. MFO « KMF » octroie à ses clients des prêts individuels et collectifs pour les types d’activités suivants : affaires, commerce, agriculture et élevage, production et services et prêts à la consommation.

JICA : l’Agence japonaise de coopération internationale est une agence gouvernementale qui fournit l’essentiel de l’aide publique au développement pour le compte du gouvernement japonais. Elle est chargée de soutenir la croissance économique et sociale dans les pays en développement et de promouvoir la coopération internationale.

Emerging Markets Global Advisory Limited (EMGA), avec des bureaux à Londres et à New York, vient en aide aux établissements financiers et aux entreprises à la recherche de nouveaux capitaux d’emprunt ou de capitaux propres. L’équipe multinationale d’EMGA associe des décennies d’expérience nécessaires pour mener à bien des transactions au nom de ses clients sur les marchés émergents et les économies frontières de tous les pays du monde, y compris le Kazakhstan qui reste un marché clé. Grâce à son expérience reconnue dans la formation de capital et le conseil stratégique à travers divers cycles économiques, EMGA continue d’étendre son rayonnement géographique et son offre de services, consolidant ainsi sa place sur le marché comme l’une des principales banques d’investissement de niche axées sur les marchés émergents.

Coordonnées
info@emergingmarketsglobaladvisory.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000934122

April 11, 2024

A EMGA garante financiamento de dívida de US$ 50 milhões para a MFO KMF do Cazaquistão

LONDRES, April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) anuncia que obteve uma linha de crédito de US$ 50 milhões da JICA, a Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Presidente do Conselho de Administração da KMF, Shalkar Zhussupov: “Esta é a primeira vez que a KMF faz uma parceria com a JICA, cujos objetivos e missão se assemelham muito aos nossos. Somos gratos à EMGA e à JICA por sua confiança e apoio. Os recursos financeiros da JICA serão usados para implementar projetos de apoio a micro e pequenas empresas, incluindo empreendedores rurais, que criarão novas oportunidades e contribuirão para o crescimento econômico”.

Sajeev Chakkalakal, líder do setor de bancos de investimento e diretor administrativo da EMGA, disse: “Estamos muito satisfeitos por termos conseguido essa nova e histórica linha de crédito para nosso cliente de longa data, a KMF. Foi uma grande satisfação trabalhar com eles novamente, pois continuam a solidificar sua posição como a maior IMF do país e a fortalecer ainda mais sua posição financeira, apesar da época turbulenta”.

O diretor administrativo da EMGA, Jeremy Dobson, acrescentou: “Esse novo financiamento ajudará a KMF a cumprir sua declaração de missão: continuar a ajudar empreendedores em todo o Cazaquistão e desenvolver seus negócios com um foco maior em empresas controladas por mulheres e em áreas rurais”.

A MFO KMF é um dos líderes no setor de microfinanças da Ásia Central. O objetivo da empresa é estabelecer relações de parceria de longo prazo com os clientes, com base na confiança, compreensão e respeito mútuos. A MFO “KMF” concede aos clientes empréstimos individuais e coletivos para os seguintes tipos de atividade: negócios, comércio, agricultura e pecuária, produção e serviços e empréstimos ao consumidor.

JICA: a Japan International Cooperation Agency é uma agência governamental que fornece a maior parte da Assistência Oficial ao Desenvolvimento para o governo do Japão. Ela foi criada para ajudar no crescimento econômico e social dos países em desenvolvimento e na promoção da cooperação internacional.

A Emerging Markets Global Advisory Limited (EMGA), com filiais em Londres e Nova York, auxilia instituições financeiras e empresas que buscam capital de novas dívidas ou acionário. A equipe multinacional da EMGA combina décadas da experiência necessária para concluir transações em nome de seus clientes nos mercados emergentes e economias de fronteira do mundo, incluindo o Cazaquistão, que continua sendo um mercado importante. Com um histórico comprovado em formação de capital e consultoria estratégica ao longo de diversos ciclos econômicos, a EMGA continua expandindo seu alcance geográfico e sua oferta de serviços, solidificando sua posição no mercado como um dos bancos de investimento de nicho mais proeminentes do setor voltado para mercados emergentes.

Informações de contato
info@emergingmarketsglobaladvisory.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000934122

April 11, 2024

Mbumba calls for unity while extending Eid greetings to Muslim community

President Nangolo Mbumba on Thursday extended greetings to the Muslim community in Namibia on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr is also known as the ‘breaking the fast’ and celebrates the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. It signifies a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline and compassion.

‘I extend heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters across the nation. As our Muslim brothers and sisters gather to share meals and exchange gifts, let us extend a hand of support to those in need, embodying the true spirit of Eid al-Fitr,’ Mbumba said.

The president concluded by saying he hopes the spirit of Eid inspires Namibians to strive for better communities where everyone can live in dignity.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

April 11, 2024

72 Liqour Shops Closed In Narok South

The security team has seized 72 wine and spirit shops in Narok South Sub County that violated liquor licensing board regulations.

At the same time, the team destroyed 24 lotto machines and closed the lotto businesses in all the trading centers in the sub county. Narok South Deputy County Commissioner Felix Kisalu said they are alert to close any illegal business that operates without a valid license from the county government.

Kisalu said this when he led the security team to destroy the lotto machines at Ololulunga trading center, where the 24 lotto machines were destroyed. The DCC observed that the lotto business was ruining the future of many youths in the area as they were spending most of their time playing the lotto games.

‘We have learnt that our youths are stealing money from their parents to play the lotto games. This has compromised education in this area as the young people do not concentrate in their classwork,’ he said.

Kisalu cited an example of Ololulunga boys, saying many strikes that have
been witnessed at the school are caused by a portion of boys who squander their school fees in the drinking dens and lotto joints, and thereafter cause commotion in school.

He reiterated that insecurity cases have gone down since the crackdown against the illegal drinking dens began, saying they will continue working with village elders, religious leaders and the business community to ensure the illicit brew is finished in the area.

The DCC called on the residents to help in giving information that will help arrest any person who engages in criminals’ activities in the town.

Source: Kenya News Agency

April 11, 2024

IT Professionals Urged To Embrace Emerging Technologies

Information Technology (IT) professionals have been challenged to be abreast with emerging technologies and the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build digital trust.

More than 2000 IT practitioners are meeting in Mombasa under The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Kenya Chapter to embrace the extraordinary potential of AI and empower the members to build a more secure, trustworthy, and resilient future amid cyber security threats.

ISACA Kenya Chapter President Mercy Omolo says the Annual conference brings together experts from various IT realms in the public and private sectors to discuss digital trust and how they can build trust and a resilient future for their organizations and the country.

The theme of the meeting is Digital Trust: Charting the Course for a Resilient Future.

‘We train and equip our members with knowledge on ICT matters relating to cyber security, IT audit, IT risk, data privacy, and information security. We also collaborate with government and provi
de our expertise input into various topical matters relating to IT such as regulations, and ICT bills,’ elucidated Omolo.

AI, she says will offer numerous opportunities to Kenya through innovation that will improve processes. ‘You can automate a lot of things that traditionally will have been done by humans,’ stated Omolo.

Organizations deploying AI were advised to ensure they have proper safeguards in place to mitigate risks that come with the use of AI and to prevent data breaches.

ISACA she noted trains their IT auditors to be able to detect where there are anomalies in mobile phone technologies.

President Omolo emphasized that the IT industry should have professionals who have the right credentials and are accredited.

The IT professionals were urged to continue building their expertise, retraining and upscaling to be able to evolve and support their organization in case there is a new cyber threat that has emerged.

On his part, ICT Authority Director of Shared Services Michael Odhiambo stated that c
yber threat is a global phenomenon and ICTA is banking on coordination and linkages with other nations to identify and mitigate cyber threats in advance.

‘The National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) is one of the cyber security measures put in place to ensure government transactions are done securely and safely,’ said Odhiambo.

He termed the Data Protection Act, 2013 as a game changer in the industry and many countries are benchmarking on the act.

‘It has aligned a lot of grey areas around data protection. If you are a data collector and you haven’t registered as a collector there are ramifications,’ said Omolo, adding, that ICTA ensures that companies working with the government are accredited.

Source: Kenya News Agency