April 11, 2024 – Djibouti News Gazette

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

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b03d2a3-2caa-4e2a-a1cd-aa739ccaf676

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5d1d1b6-ad04-4056-901b-fe69df1eae6b

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9088105

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

Kwale Residents Urged To Prevent Bushfires To Safeguard Power Supply

Kenya Power has issued a stern warning to individuals responsible for sparking bushfire incidents perilously close to electricity infrastructure in the coastal county of Kwale.

Kenya Power Kwale County business manager Calvin Jagongo says areas mostly affected are Msambweni and Matuga sub counties where the devastating consequences of these bushfires have been astutely felt.

Jagongo has sounded the alarm on the spiraling issue during the National Government Development-County Implementation, Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CICMC) meeting chaired by Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde.

He says dozens of electricity poles in the region have been burnt as bushfires ravage parts of Kwale caused by unscrupulous individuals.

The power utility firm officially decried the severe damage caused to both property and the region’s electricity infrastructure.

He says the surge in bush fires near electricity infrastructure is not just a matter of inconvenience but also poses a significant threat to the
safety of residents and the stability of electricity supply in the region.

Jagongo noted that the proximity of these fires to the electricity transmission networks not only endangers lives but also leads to costly damages and interference to power supply.

‘Our operational areas are witnessing fires causing substantial damage to our power installations particularly the poles and equipment,’ he told the county forum.

He says Kenya Power is committed to working closely with the residents to mitigate the risks posed by bush fires and safeguard the region’s electricity supply and environmental conditions.

The Kenya Power Kwale county boss says the frequent fires are disrupting power supply imposing a financial burden on the power company as significant resources are expended to replace the affected infrastructure.

‘Replacing fire-damaged power infrastructure requires substantial effort and time leading to prolonged power supply disruptions and huge financial and reputational losses to the power company,’ said
Jagongo.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Coast Regional official Eng. Lewis Maina says the bushfires are reportedly being caused by contractors doing bush clearing along major roads sparking wildfires.

‘We have realized that rogue contractors carrying out routine road maintenance and bush clearing are the cause of the fires causing significant disruptions to motorists,’ said Maina.

Commissioner Orinde says the intentional setting of fires near electricity poles and major roads has become a growing concern for the authorities and promised action.

He says the bushfires impact on roads leading to reduced visibility for motorists and pedestrians and serious injury or death for those navigating them.

‘Personally I have witnessed a series of fire incidents along the Kombani-Kwale road resulting in poor visibility due to smoke for motorists and we cannot allow this reckless behaviour to continue,’ he warned.

Mr. Orinde directed chiefs and their assistants to raise awareness about the dangers of bush
fires near electricity poles and main roads.

He highlighted the critical role that community involvement plays in safeguarding electricity poles and power installations to deter service interruptions.

The county administrator warned that individuals especially in farming zones found guilty of causing bush fires near electricity infrastructure will face strict penalties.

Orinde specifically asked farmers to construct fire belts before clearing and burning their farmlands to prevent uncontrolled fires that endanger electricity infrastructure in their localities.

He urged residents to report any instances of bush fires near electricity systems, equipment and materials to the authorities for action to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

Source: Kenya News Agency

April 11, 2024

Fake Fertilizer; Farmers To Be Compensated With A Top Dresser.

Farmers who bought fake fertilizer will be compensated with top dressing to help address nutrient deficiencies in their farms.

The assurance was made by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries during a fact finding tour at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Kipkaren _ Selia in Nandi County where the data of farmers who were affected by the scam was taken.

The committee led by its chairman Kamau Murango said supplying fake farm inputs to farmers was equal to economic sabotage or terrorism adding that all perpetrators should be brought to book to face full force of the law.

Murango directed NCPB to move ahead and facilitate farmers by capturing the data and ascertaining information for swift compensation plan

‘Every farmer who bought fake fertilizer will get the correct one free of charge. Those who were involved with the illicit trade to sabotage food security in the Country will be arrested and prosecuted. The government is committed to safeguarding the agricultural se
ctor and safeguarding farmers from fraudulent practices,’ he said.

The chairman called upon NCPB across the region to fast track the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to enable farmer’s plant on time during this rainy season.

Already eight senior officials at the Kenya Bureau of Standard have been suspended over the fake fertilizer fiasco with various stakeholders calling upon the government to crack the whip to avoid repetition of the same in future.

Some 2,247 bags of suspected fake fertilizer had been sold at the depot with farmers asking the government to compensate them immediately

A foul smell of strange chemicals combined with animal manure and stones rendered the air when farmers opened parcels of fake fertilizer they had brought as evidence during the inquiry

Wycliffe Kirwa from Cheptil, Mosop Sub County narrated to the committee how his planter broke down after using the fake fertilizer adding that he still has 90 bags in store.

‘Since the fake fertilizer has combination of stones and manu
re, it destroys the planter. I have about 50 acres of land and l cannot use manpower. We are stressed, stranded and devasted. Joke with anything else but not efforts and sweat of farmers. We have suffered a big loss and we demand for proper compensation,’ he said

Daisy Chepkosgei, a single mother of three who bought 12 bags said she was forced to use the fake fertilizer because she had no money to buy another fertilizer.

‘I spent all my savings to buy a mixture of sand and salt in form of fertilizer. We don’t know if we will be able to harvest anything this season,’ she said adding that she depend on the produce to educate her children.

She called upon the government to ensure farm inputs not only the fertilizer being distributed meet the required standard.

Source: Kenya News Agency