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 - 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.

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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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

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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”.

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.

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

Regional Minister urges Muslims to continue with Ramadan lessons


Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, the Northern Regional Minister, has called on Muslims to continue practising the lessons learnt from Ramadan to ensure peace and togetherness during this year’s election and thereafter.

‘This is important for the country’s prosperity, well-being, advancement and development,’ he said.

Alhaji Saibu made the call on Wednesday while addressing a gathering of Muslims in Tamale to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

He encouraged them to practise self-discipline, and self-control, offer sacrifice, and have empathy for the less privileged.

‘It should, therefore, be evident that we have been granted the benefit of increased bodily and spiritual proximity to the Almighty Allah after going through such a serene period of sacrifice,’ he said.

‘We must strive to enhance the collaboration with the security agencies as this is crucial to the overall creation of a conducive environment for investors to come to the region.’

The Minister urged religious leaders to continue to educate
the citizenry, especially the youth, on the need to maintain peace in the region and the nation in general.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Imam calls on Muslims to uphold the virtues of Ramadan


Imam Umar Abubakar, the Kotokoli Imam of Ashaiman, has called on Muslims to inculcate the virtues cultivated during Ramadan into their daily lives.

Imam Abubakar said this when delivering a sermon at Ashaiman during the 2024 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

He emphasised the importance of sustaining the spirit of compassion, charity, and self-discipline beyond the holy month of Ramadan.

He reminded Muslims of the transformative power of Ramadan and the profound impact it had on the faithful and the community.

Imam Abubakar encouraged Muslims to continue the practice of fasting, not just for food and drinks but also for negative behaviours and attitudes, fostering a sense of inner peace and growth.

‘As we bid farewell to this sacred time, let us carry forward its teachings of empathy, kindness, and self-restraint into the days ahead,’ he added.

Highlighting the significance of charity during Ramadan, he urged worshippers to extend a helping hand to those in need throughout the year.

He emphasised the importance of
generosity, stating that the act of giving not only benefited the recipient but also purified the souls of the givers.

He said Eid-ul-Fitr is not just a celebration of the end of fasting but rather a celebration of ‘our spiritual achievements and a reminder of our duty to continue striving for excellence.’

‘We must remember that our faith is not limited to rituals and observance; it extends to interaction with others and our commitment to social justice.’

As the Eid prayers concluded with heartfelt supplication and greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak,’ worshippers left the Eid ground with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to embody the values of Ramadan in their daily lives.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Goshen Global Vision Partners COCOBOD in tree planting exercise on Cocoa farms


Goshen Global Vision (GGV), a non-government organisation, says it has engaged cocoa farmers to adopt nature-based to increase yield.

Madam Mary Perpetual Kwakwuyi, Executive Director of the GGV says her outfit was currently working in Ghana’s cocoa belt in the Western Region which holds the country’s richest forest.

Madam Kwakwuyi said illegal mining posed a challenge in the last decade, hence, the need for cocoa Agro-forestry and planting of trees in forest reserves.

She was speaking at a media engagement co-organised with the COCOBOD in Tarkwa to sensitise about 20 selected journalists Western-South Region Western-South Region, who are interested in cocoa-growing and related matters.

She said GGV had planted a total of 429,731 ordinary trees and 130,000 nature trees in more than 213 communities under four Districts namely Alavanyo, Subri Forest Reserves, Senchem and Essikado.

Madam Kwakwuyi said GGV had planted 130,000 nature trees alone since 2020 with 70,000 tree seedlings planted in the Subri fores
t reserves.

The Executive Director said the collaboration with CHED was aimed at capacity building of farmers in rural communities on distribution of nature tree seedlings to cocoa farmers.

Madam Kwakwuyi said GGV also assured monitoring of out-planted trees with community volunteers.

GGV had also rolled out alternative livelihood interventions such as bee-keeping farming.

The organisation had also initiated a Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA) to create self-managed and self-capitalised savings groups for lending purposes among cocoa farmers to better their lot especially during the lean season.

Manager of the Western-South Cocoa Region, Mr Samuel Osei thanked GGV for the partnership.

He said COCOBOD continued to plant trees and plantain suckers on cocoa farms to enhance climatic conditions and boost the livelihoods of farmers.

The Tarkwa-Nsuaem District Chief Cocoa Farmer, Nana Appiah who chaired the function, charged the media to intensify dissemination of information on cocoa production to
the public.

He said cocoa used to be the backbone of Ghana, but lack of motivation was a major cause for the decline in cocoa production.

Nana Appiah asked COCOBOD to open cooperative credit unions for cocoa farmers in the districts.

He appealed to COCOBOD to resolve the challenges with the cocoa farmers pension scheme for it to become operational.

Source: Ghana News Agency