Tanzeel Akhtar is a journalist based in Westminster, United Kingdom. Contributed to The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Bloomberg, Investing.com, TheNextWeb, CoinDesk, Brave New Coin, CryptoNews, The Street, Bitcoin Magazine, FT Alphaville, Financial Times' This is Africa, CNBC, Campden Family Office, ...

Swift, UBS, and Chainlink Complete Pilot for Settling Tokenized Funds

05 Nov 2024  |  cryptonews.com  |  English  |  Financial Markets

UBS Asset Management, Swift, and Chainlink have successfully completed a pilot project under the Monetary Authority of Singapore's Project Guardian, enabling the settlement of tokenized fund subscriptions and redemptions using Chainlink's blockchain technology integrated with Swift's network. This initiative aims to address inefficiencies in traditional fund transactions, such as manual processing and settlement delays, by leveraging blockchain for real-time data and cost reduction. The pilot demonstrates a potential method for financial institutions to conduct off-chain cash settlements for tokenized funds, enhancing liquidity and investment opportunities in the global mutual fund market. Chainlink's involvement has spurred positive momentum for its LINK token, reflecting its growing significance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Tags:

Swift UBS Asset Management Monetary Authority of Singapore

Informative

Factuality Scale

Anita Alig is a freelance journalist based in Spiddal,  County Galway, Ireland.

She contributes to online news websites while running two news/poetry blogs and writing content for corporate clients. Anita is the founder of the Poetry Cooperative.

#InvisibleNoLonger Campaign highlights the issues facing women living with HIV

01 Apr 2018  |  Blasting News  |  English  |  Healthcare Inequality

The Terrence Higgins Trust and the Sophia Forum have published a report titled 'Women and HIV: Invisible No Longer,' highlighting the disparities in care for women living with HIV in the UK compared to men. The report reveals that women, who make up one-third of the HIV-positive population, often face inadequate care, poverty, violence, and discrimination. The #InvisibleNoLonger campaign aims to address these issues, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, continuous medical support, and inclusion of women in decision-making processes. Despite challenges, nearly half of the women surveyed reported a good quality of life. The campaign also seeks to encourage women to seek support and calls for service providers and policymakers to improve HIV care for women.

Tags:

Swift Terrence Higgins Trust Sophia Forum Positively UK 4M

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Melissa Amezcua is a journalist based in Mexico City. Experienced in breaking news, gender, migration, human rights and culture and around the globe. Have covered international events. Delivers work on time and verified.

Iran: Wealth and Colonialism

12 Nov 2018  |  popula.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Iran has faced a long history of foreign intervention and exploitation, particularly concerning its oil resources. The British and later the Americans played significant roles in shaping Iran's political landscape, including the 1953 coup that reinstated the Shah. The Shah's regime, supported by the U.S., was marked by authoritarian rule and suppression of political dissent. The 1979 revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini drastically changed Iran's relationship with the U.S., resulting in prolonged sanctions and economic hardships. Despite attempts at reform and international agreements like the JCPOA, recent U.S. policies under President Trump have re-imposed sanctions, further straining Iran's economy and international relations.

Tags:

SWIFT CIA SAVAK Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps OPEC

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Quentin Ariès is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

After delays, EU agrees to end imports of Russian oil shipments

31 May 2022  |  Brisbane Times  |  English  |  Energy Crisis

European Union countries have agreed to phase out seaborne imports of Russian oil, marking a significant move to impact Russia's economy amid the war in Ukraine. The deal includes exemptions for pipeline oil, primarily benefiting Hungary, which had resisted the agreement. The sanctions package also targets Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, and bans three Russian state-owned broadcasters. The EU's decision reflects a shift from its previous dependency on Russian energy, although the compromise falls short of a full embargo. Analysts predict continued high oil prices globally, despite a reduction in Russian exports.

Tags:

SWIFT European Union Sberbank European Commission

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Adrian Brown is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

PayPal is Failing in its Legal Duty to Treat Customers Fairly

25 Sept 2022  |  dailysceptic.org  |  English  |  Consumer Rights

The article discusses the importance of financial inclusion as a human right and criticizes PayPal for failing to uphold its legal duty to treat customers fairly. It highlights the trend of de-risking in banking, where services are withdrawn from clients deemed high-risk, and the negative impact this has on individuals and businesses. The author, Adrian Brown, emphasizes that financial services firms have a responsibility to comply with legal obligations and to treat clients fairly, including following a formal complaints procedure. The article also references recent events where financial services were denied, such as to Russian citizens via SWIFT and to Canadian truckers by Justin Trudeau and GoFundMe.

Tags:

SWIFT World Bank Financial Conduct Authority

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Nicu Calcea is a data journalist based in London, UK.

Currently at the New Statesman Media Group.

How the Russian rouble has plummeted to a record low

28 Feb 2022  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  Currency Depreciation

The Russian rouble fell to a record low on 28 February due to Western sanctions and Vladimir Putin's decision to put Russia's nuclear forces on special alert. The rouble dropped by nearly 30 percent but recovered slightly as Russia tightened trading conditions. Western countries banned selected Russian banks from Swift and imposed sanctions on the Russian central bank, preventing it from using foreign currency reserves to support the rouble. In response, Russia's central bank more than doubled its interest rate to protect the currency from depreciation. The crash has affected global markets, causing oil prices to surge, stocks to fall, and demand for sovereign bonds to remain high.

Tags:

Swift Russian central bank

Informative

Factuality Scale

Luke Cleary is a broadcast journalist based in Seoul, South Korea since 2009.

Currently anchoring the news for KBS World TV and filing for TBS eFM 101.3MHz. 

For more work samples, check out my blog: ****

Here's my full work history in Korea:  

Anchoring News Today at KBS World has been ...

Man's death a reminder of harrowing danger of American River this season

29 Apr 2023  |  abc10.com  |  English  |  Public Safety

A 22-year-old man from Antelope, Victor Nguyen, was swept away by the fast-moving current of the American River in Auburn and was found dead three weeks later. The Placer County Swift Water Rescue team, led by Cal Fire Captain Rick Salas, emphasizes the dangers of the river, which is filled with cold water from Sierra snowmelt. Salas urges the public to stay out of the water, highlighting the increased risk this year. Other incidents include a missing swimmer from the Bay Area and two children who drowned in the Kings River in Fresno County.

Tags:

Placer County Swift Water Rescue Cal Fire

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Melissa Daniels is a journalist based in Los Angeles. She has extensive experience covering political campaigns, public policy and the judiciary — as well as feature reporting for arts and culture sections and business publications. She is available for freelance assignments as well as contract ...

Why apps like Venmo are killing the mail-in rebate

01 Oct 2023  |  www.modernretail.co  |  English  |  Digital Payments

Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle are increasingly being used by brands to offer digital rebates, replacing traditional mail-in rebates. This shift is driven by the convenience and customer gratification associated with digital transactions. Companies like Glaceau Smartwater, Perfect Bar, and Enfamil are leveraging these platforms for promotions and rewards programs. Save Mart and period care brand August are also using Venmo for customer engagement and advocacy. The modern approach to rebates is seen as more efficient and appealing, especially to younger consumers, and offers potential benefits like cost savings and customer data collection.

Tags:

Swiftly Pew Research Center Coca-Cola Energy Brands Reckitt Bankrate

Informative

Factuality Scale

Saibal Dasgupta is a journalist based in Beijing, China.

BRICS’ de-dollarization agenda has a long way to go

27 Oct 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  International Payment Systems

BRICS leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, are committed to creating an alternative payment system to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. Despite their intentions, analysts question the feasibility of such a system, citing technical and political challenges. The recent BRICS meeting discussed alternatives to SWIFT, with Russia particularly interested due to its exclusion from SWIFT following the Ukraine war. The Kazan Declaration introduced the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative, but participation is voluntary and non-binding. While China and India have bypassed sanctions using local currencies, experts doubt the stability of a potential BRICS currency. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledged BRICS' de-dollarization efforts as a response to U.S. sanctions, but emphasized the strength of U.S. financial markets.

Tags:

SWIFT BRICS U.S. Treasury Department Mercator Institute for China Studies House Financial Services Committee Council on Foreign Relations

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Mariah Doksil is an award winning journalist based in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

She is passionate about contributing to children, girls and women's empowerment, writing about social inequality and injustice, exploring environmental issues and also documenting stories and facts involving the ...

Government sets up company to process bird’s nests for export

30 Nov 2024  |  Borneo Post Online  |  English  |  Economic Development

The Sabah State Government has established the Sabah Bird Nest Corporation Sdn Bhd to process and export bird's nests to China, aiming to provide a new platform for swiftlet ranchers in Sabah. This initiative is expected to enhance the market value of bird's nests and support local ranchers through financial assistance and productivity seminars. The government is also planning to create a Sabah Bird’s Nest Board to further assist the industry. SWIFIN, led by Datuk Karim Bujang, is actively engaging with authorities to represent industry interests and plans to organize more activities to benefit ranchers, including training and workshops.

Tags:

Sabah Swiftlet House and Bird’s Nest Industry Association (SWIFIN) Sabah Bird Nest Corporation Sdn Bhd Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Lisa Gibbons is a journalist. 

A self starter, blockchain advocate with a love for creative writing. Lisa began writing about post-colonial identities in 2012 and has kept up her love for the written word. She is a keen writer in the Blockchain and Crypto space. Lisa enjoys research and ...

Stripe Co-Founder Vows to Build the World's Leading Stablecoin Infrastructure

21 Oct 2024  |  www.thestreet.com  |  English  |  Acquisition

Stripe has announced its acquisition of Bridge, a leading stablecoin infrastructure provider, marking a significant expansion into the stablecoin market. Bridge has been instrumental in integrating stablecoins into various financial solutions, including cross-border payments and USD-based products. The acquisition aims to accelerate stablecoin adoption and enhance global financial services. As stablecoins gain traction, Stripe and Bridge are poised to lead the development of a stablecoin-based financial ecosystem, supported by major financial institutions and policymakers.

Tags:

SWIFT SpaceX Visa

Balanced

Factuality Scale

alicia gonzalez is a journalist based in Madrid, España.

Putin precipitates a new world economic order

12 Mar 2022  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The article explores the significant economic and political shifts precipitated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the increasing polarization between authoritarian and democratic blocs. It discusses the impact of Western sanctions on Russia, the strategic economic alignment between Russia and China, and the potential long-term effects on global financial systems and supply chains. The narrative underscores the challenges and uncertainties facing the global economy, including the potential for increased economic fragmentation and the reevaluation of globalization principles.

Tags:

Swift Bank of Russia Federal Reserve Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) European Union

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

I am an experienced independent journalist based in North Macedonia. I can cover Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Albania and Bulgaria. I am always ready to travel at short notice. 

I provide written materials as well as and multimedia reports and documentaries.  I cover the entire ...

EU agrees on partial embargo on oil imports from Russia

30 Oct 2023  |  meta.mk  |  Macedonian  |  Energy

EU leaders have agreed to reduce oil imports from Russia by 90% by the end of the year, resolving a deadlock with Hungary over sanctions against Moscow for the war in Ukraine. The embargo covers Russian oil transported by sea, with temporary exemptions for pipeline imports. The agreement also includes excluding Sberbank from the SWIFT system, banning three Russian state broadcasters, and imposing sanctions on individuals responsible for war crimes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged EU leaders to adopt the sanctions to make Russia feel the consequences of its actions.

Tags:

SWIFT European Union

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Emma James is a broadcast journalist based in Paris, France. She’s worked for the BBC, ITV and France 24 and has more than 20 years of experience in broadcasting.

Piers Morgan blasts 'weasel' Roman Abramovich after Russian oligarch fails to condemn Putin's invasion of Ukraine

27 Feb 2022  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Sports

Piers Morgan has criticized Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for not publicly condemning Putin's invasion of Ukraine, calling him a 'weasel' and a 'Putin puppet.' Abramovich has handed control of Chelsea FC to its trustees, a move Morgan deems 'self-serving.' Football pundit Micah Richards also criticized the club's vague statement. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Russian forces continue to attack Ukrainian cities, and Western allies have taken measures such as removing Russian banks from the Swift system. Abramovich's decision is seen as an attempt to protect the club from controversy, and his daughter Sofia has posted anti-Putin content on social media. The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is seeking clarification on the club's future.

Tags:

Swift system The Chelsea Foundation Sky Sports

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Nicola Kelly has reported for BBC Radio 4's flagship 'From Our Own Correspondent' and World Service programmes 'Newshour', 'Newsday', 'World Update', 'World Business Report' and 'Focus on Africa'.

Field report and produce mixed packages, interview, dispatches, live and pre-recorded two-ways. 

...

Update: European Union Agrees on Further Sanctions on Russia

26 Feb 2022  |  www.jdsupra.com  |  English  |  European Union

The European Union has significantly expanded its sanctions on Russia, targeting the Russian economy, oil refining, aviation, and space sectors. The sanctions, effective from February 26, 2022, include restrictions on financial and capital markets, disconnection of certain Russian banks from the SWIFT system, and prohibitions on the sale of specific goods and technologies. The sanctions also extend to dual-use items, financial sector restrictions, and public financing. Additionally, 99 individuals, including the Russian president and foreign minister, have been designated. Further sanctions are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Tags:

SWIFT European Union

Factual

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Jamil Khan is a journalist based in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan.

Emergence of new global currency

01 Jan 2022  |  Brecorder  |  English  |  Economic Sanctions

The article discusses the historical dominance of the US dollar as the global currency and its use as a tool for economic sanctions. It highlights the recent shift towards the Chinese Yuan, particularly with Saudi Arabia's decision to accept it for oil trading, and the introduction of the digital Yuan (d-Yuan) by China. The d-Yuan is poised to challenge the US dollar's hegemony, especially among countries involved in China's Belt & Road Initiative. The article also outlines the potential benefits of the d-Yuan, including reducing corruption and aiding rural communities, while questioning how it will interact with the US dollar in the future.

Tags:

SWIFT OPEC BRI GCC

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Loc Khuong is a journalist based in Fort Worth, United States of America.

Biography Abstract of Dr. Loc Khuong, M.B.A., Ph.D.
Professor for MBA programs (10 years as full-time Professor at DeVry University & Keller Graduate School of Management)
Awarded Marquis Who’s Who in America Albert ...

Does Vietnam suffer any consequences when Russia is pushed out of the SWIFT system?

04 Mar 2022  |  Radio Free Asia  |  Vietnamese  |  Sanctions

Vietnam faces certain impacts due to Russia's exclusion from the SWIFT financial messaging system, following sanctions imposed by the US, UK, Canada, and the EU in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine. Vietnamese businesses engaged in trade with Russia experience payment difficulties, although the overall trade interaction between Vietnam and Russia, including Ukraine, is only about 1% of Vietnam's GDP. Projects in Vietnam involving Russian investment, particularly in the energy sector, are affected, with some facing delays. Experts suggest Vietnam could mitigate these effects by diversifying trade relations and not relying on a single source, as well as potentially using alternative payment systems like China's. Inflation in Vietnam is projected to be controlled at 3.4% for 2022, and the economy is expected to withstand negative impacts due to its diversified trade relationships and mature state and private enterprises.

Tags:

SWIFT VNDirect Research Power Machines Zarubezhneft JSC DEME Concessions

Leonie Kijewski is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

EU slaps more sanctions on Russia, introduces food exceptions

04 Oct 2023  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Food Security

EU ambassadors agreed on a new round of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian gold and exceptions for sanctioned banks to facilitate the purchase, import, or transport of agricultural and food products. The sanctions package also targets 48 individuals, nine groups, and companies, and introduces stricter reporting requirements for asset freezes and tighter export controls on dual-use and advanced technology items. Additionally, a new derogation allows certain Russian-flagged ships to dock at European ports for renewable energy projects.

Tags:

SWIFT European Union National Commercial Bank Sberbank

Informative

Factuality Scale

Christopher Lee is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. Former BBC Defence Correspondent, Arms Control, Moscow Correspondent and Royal Correspondent. Fellow in Contemporary History Emmanuel College Cambridge. Defence Adviser to British Forces Broadcasting Service. Defence & Foreign Affairs ...

Red Sox fall in provincial tiebreaker

29 Jul 2023  |  www.sasktoday.ca  |  English  |  Baseball

The Muenster Midget AAA Red Sox's season ended after being eliminated in a provincial tournament tiebreaker game against the Regina White Sox. The Red Sox faced multiple teams, including the Saskatoon Cubs, Regina White Sox, and Swift Current 57’s, with mixed results. Key players like Kyle Froehlich, Matthew McGrath, and Jayden Huls had notable performances, but the team ultimately fell short, concluding their season earlier than in previous years.

Tags:

Swift Current 57’s Muenster Midget AAA Red Sox Saskatoon Cubs Regina White Sox

Factual

Factuality Scale

Euan Macdonald is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Friend and Foe of the Week - Nov. 29, 2018

29 Nov 2018  |  Kyiv Post  |  English  |  Sanctions

The article highlights Toomas Hendrik Ilves as Ukraine's Friend of the Week for his strong stance against Russian aggression and practical suggestions for Western actions, such as visa restrictions and cutting Russia off from SWIFT. Dmitry Polyansky is named Foe of the Week for his deceitful and combative diplomatic style at the UN, particularly in the context of the Kerch Strait incident. The article criticizes the West's ineffective responses to Russian actions and underscores the need for meaningful, non-military measures to deter further aggression.

Tags:

SWIFT United Nations NATO European Union

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Felix Matasva is a journalist.

IIFF 2023 to spotlight women's stories of resilience

03 Dec 2023  |  www.thestandard.co.zw  |  English  |  Cinema

The International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF) 2023, themed 'Women of Hope', will take place in Harare from November 28 to December 2 and in Bulawayo from December 8 to December 10. The festival will showcase films from around the world, focusing on women's stories of resilience and societal impact. The opening film is 'NOME', directed by Sana Na N’Hada. IIFF will also offer masterclasses led by industry professionals such as Zanele Mthembu and Carla Sospedra. The festival is organized by the ICAPA Trust and supported financially by the Culture Fund and the European Union in Zimbabwe, with free screenings at various venues.

Tags:

Sisters Working in Film and TV (SWIFT) International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF) Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA) Trust European Union in Zimbabwe

I am a British freelance journalist, National Council of Journalists trained. I was a local reporter, and then a features writer and business editor at Reed Elsevier for nine years. In Japan, my feature specialities are the business, manufacturing, management, maritime, motorcycling, and industrial ...

Futures Spun And Stolen In The Metaverse

05 Oct 2023  |  www.noemamag.com  |  English  |  Predictive Policing

The narrative explores the manipulation and exploitation within the metaverse and art market, focusing on the story of Andre Hendrix, a street artist known as Fragileman. The protagonist and his associate, Dave Clutch, orchestrate a pump-and-dump scheme using NFTs and predictive policing technology from PreScience. The story highlights the ethical and moral dilemmas of turning art and individuals into tradable financial products, culminating in a tragic end for the artist, which is then further exploited for financial gain.

Tags:

Swift Finance SEC Cyrus Capital Knowles & Carter Investment New York Times Buzzfeed Vice Vox

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Pablo Ramiro is a video journalist based in Madrid, Spain. He has worked in different national and international media such as El País or Euronews, in different countries.

What is SWIFT? This is how the economic 'atomic bomb' that the EU wants to use against Russia works

27 Feb 2022  |  es.euronews.com  |  Spanish  |  Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The European Union has decided to disconnect Russia from the SWIFT financial network, a move likened to an economic 'atomic bomb.' This decision, previously considered during the 2014 Crimea crisis, aims to significantly impact Russian banks and their ability to conduct international transactions. However, it also poses risks to European countries dependent on Russian energy supplies. Despite some EU members' reluctance, leaders like Boris Johnson and Donald Tusk have supported the measure from the outset.

Tags:

SWIFT European Union Russian Banks

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Bruno Waterfield is Brussels correspondent for The Times. He has been reporting on European affairs for almost 20 years, first from Westminster and then from the capital of the EU. He reported for the Daily Telegraph from Brussels from 2007 to 2015.

Trump demands Ukraine’s minerals and oil in exchange for ceasefire

27 Mar 2025  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Sanctions

The article discusses a proposed deal by the US, under Trump's administration, to control Ukraine's mineral resources in exchange for a ceasefire. The deal involves a joint investment fund with the US having significant control. Ukraine is under pressure as Russia continues to violate the truce, demanding sanctions relief. The UK, led by Sir Keir Starmer, opposes lifting sanctions and plans to send military chiefs to Ukraine for peacekeeping discussions. The EU's sanctions on Russian banks remain a point of contention, with the Swift payment system playing a crucial role.

Tags:

Swift White House US National Security Council Kremlin Rosselkhozbank EU

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View