Posts Tagged ‘business news’

Equisoft’s Global Presence Expands with the Opening of New Office in the Caribbean

MONTREAL, Jan. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– Equisoft, a leading global digital solutions provider to the financial industry, is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Trinidad, Port of Spain. This is Equisoft’s tenth international office and marks an exciting milestone for the company as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Equisoft’s Global Presence Expands with the Opening of New Office in the Caribbean

This expansion reinforces the company’s position as a pioneer in digital transformation solutions for the financial services industry. Equisoft has been a major technology provider to insurers in the Caribbean since 2012. Equisoft’s work with close to twenty insurers in the region created the need for the new office to get closer to the market and customers and to address surging demands in the Caribbean.

This office location will provide optimal service to Equisoft’s current customers and position them to effectively meet the growing demand in the Caribbean.

“As we celebrate Equisoft’s 30th anniversary, the opening of our new office in Port of Spain, Trinidad, stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and client satisfaction. This expansion is a milestone for us and underscores our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and the industry” said Ruben Veerasamy, Equisoft Senior Vice President, Caribbean.

The new office is located at 11-13 Victoria Avenue, 2nd. Floor, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

About Equisoft

Founded in 1994, Equisoft is a global provider of advanced insurance and investment digital solutions. Recognized as a valued partner by over 250 of the world’s leading financial institutions, Equisoft offers a complete ecosystem of solutions, from innovative front-end applications to extensive back-office services and unique data migration expertise. The firm’s flagship solutions include SaaS policy administration, CRM, financial needs analysis, financial planning, asset allocation, fund and portfolio analysis, quotes and illustrations, electronic application, agency management systems, as well as customer, agent and broker portals. With its business-driven approach, deep industry knowledge, innovative technology, and multicultural team of experts based in North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, Equisoft helps its clients tackle any challenge in this era of digital disruption. For more information, please visit www.equisoft.com.

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Parkland’s JOURNIE™ loyalty program invites Aeroplan Members to turn their everyday fuel and food purchases into meaningful rewards

  • JOURNIE™ Rewards – Aeroplan partnership launches today, giving members more ways to save at the fuel pump, in the convenience store, and in the sky
  • Aeroplan members can collect Aeroplan points as they refuel and shop at approximately 1,200 Pioneer, Ultramar, FasGas, Chevron and ON the RUN / Marché Express retail locations
  • Members can earn up to 3X the points when they link their Aeroplan and JOURNIE™ Rewards accounts

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Parkland Corporation (”Parkland”, “we”, the “Company”, or “our”) (TSX: PKI) – announced that starting today, Aeroplan members can begin earning and redeeming points at Parkland’s approximately 1,200 participating Ultramar, Chevron, Pioneer, FasGas, ON the RUN and Marché Express Canadian retail locations.

First announced in April, the partnership between JOURNIE™ Rewards and Aeroplan brings together two Canadian loyalty giants to offer members increased earning and redemption power. Members who link their Aeroplan and JOURNIE™ Rewards accounts can earn up to 3X the points and can access a greater choice of new benefits including savings on convenience items, M&M Food Market, and carwashes.

“We are delighted to welcome Aeroplan members to our national network of retail fuel and convenience stores,” said Uwe Stueckmann, SVP Strategic Marketing and Innovation at Parkland. “The JOURNIE™ and Aeroplan partnership provides members of both programs with a seamless way to turn everyday fuel and convenience purchases into meaningful rewards.”

“Aeroplan is thrilled to be partnering with Parkland and JOURNIE™ Rewards,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product at Air Canada. “Together we’re excited to give our members more choice, and more ways to get rewarded at every fill-up.”

Parkland’s extensive Canada-wide retail network offers Aeroplan members new and convenient ways to earn Aeroplan points. Members can now get closer to the trip they want and access a range of benefits across the travel journey, including hotels, vacation packages, and car rentals.

JOURNIE™ Rewards is calling on all Aeroplan members to sign up for JOURNIE™ to enhance their rewards experience and boost their earning potential.

Parkland’s JOURNIE™ Rewards provides its customers with access to rewards and benefits as they shop across our coast-to-coast network of approximately 1,200 participating fuel and convenience stores. With real-time fuel savings, free merchandise and targeted food and convenience offers, members earn through their purchases of fuel, convenience items, food and other services at participating Chevron, Ultramar, Pioneer, FasGas and ON the RUN / Marché Express retail locations.

JOURNIE™ Rewards unifies Parkland’s family of consumer brands to deliver one great customer experience and help customers make the most of every stop. Through JOURNIE™ Rewards’ financial services partner, CIBC, our members can go even further when they link their CIBC card with their JOURNIE™ Rewards membership.

Visit journie.ca to sign up today.

About Parkland

Parkland is an international fuel distributor, marketer, and convenience retailer with operations in 25 countries across the Americas. We serve over one million customers each day. Our vast retail network meets the fuel and convenience needs of everyday consumers. Our commercial operations provide businesses with industrial fuels so that they can better serve their customers. With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance.

In addition to meeting our customers’ needs for essential fuels, we provide a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact. These include carbon and renewables trading, solar power, renewables manufacturing and ultra-fast EV charging. Parkland’s proven business model is centered around organic growth, our supply advantage, and is driven by scale, our integrated refinery and supply infrastructure, and focus on acquiring prudently and integrating successfully.

Our strategy is focused on developing our existing business in resilient markets, growing our food, convenience and renewable energy businesses and helping customers to decarbonize. Our business is underpinned by our people, our values of safety, integrity, community and respect, which are deeply embedded across our organization.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.

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Sovereign Pacific Capital and Uma Shanker Mishra Expand their Reach with SPC Bank, a Global Financial Institution Spanning Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean Region

NEVIS, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sovereign Pacific Capital (SPC Group),www.spcgroup.org, led by Uma Shanker Mishra, celebrates a significant milestone with the licensing of SPC Bank, a private, international bank, wholly owned by SPC Group, located in Nevis, within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Technology behemoth Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has associated with SPC Bank to develop the core banking solutions and the digital security architecture, notably TCS is the fastest growing technology company with a market capitalization of USD $146.58 Billion, In addition, several leading European banks are also in touch with the SPC Bank for corresponding bank relationships. This strategic move aims to take advantage of opportunities in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

Sovereign Pacific Capital and Uma Shanker Mishra Expand their Reach with SPC Bank, a Global Financial Institution Spanning Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean Region
US Mishra, Chairman SPC Group, strategically orchestrating global financial landscape

Under Mishra’s  leadership, SPC Bank, not only acts as a financial institution but also as a catalyst for global impact. Recently, SPC Group unveiled a series of innovative investment portfolios, signalling a commitment to growth, innovation, and regional advancement. This calculated move is set to redefine SPC Group’s global role in the coming years. While details are undisclosed, SPC Group has hinted at launching several philanthropic projects aligned with its commercial initiatives across its operations in 2024, focusing on people, climate resilience, and social sustainability.

In a related development, Uma Shanker Mishra, Chairman of SPC Group and SPC Bank, has been appointed as a Special Advisor to Dr. Denzil L Douglas, Minister of Economic Development and Investment, in the Federal Government of St.Kitts and Nevis, demonstrating his dedication to supporting the Federation’s  Sustainable Development Goals. In line with this commitment, SPC Group has successfully negotiated a series of impactful projects in the Federation and Caribbean, contributing to economic growth and regional advancement. These initiatives include the establishment of the SPC Bank Complex, which will serve as the bank’s  headquarters and house an International Financial Services Centre. Adding to this, the Suncastle Marina Beach Resort, a five star luxury property, is poised to enhance the Federation’s economic landscape. As part of its pioneering approach, the financial conglomerate will lead the creation of an International Centre of Excellence for Regenerative Medical Research and Clinical Treatments in collaboration with renowned Institutions.

In a rapidly changing world influenced by conflicts, the focus of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) is shifting towards reliability, safety, convenience, flexibility and responsiveness. Recognizing this shift, SPC Bank, www.spcbank.ch, strategically focuses on the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics. This positioning establishes SPC Bank as a key player in shaping the future of finance in Commonwealth countries. As SPC Bank navigates global uncertainties, it invites key Investors to join the financial institution dedicated to resilience, technology-driven foresight, with a commitment to create positive impact.

For more log in to www.spcbank.ch

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Parkland appoints Nora Duke to its Board of Directors

CALGARY, AB, July 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Parkland Corporation (”Parkland”, “we”, the “Company”, or “our”) (TSX: PKI) today announced the appointment of Nora Duke to Parkland’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective today.

“We are delighted to welcome Nora to our Board of Directors,” said Jim Pantelidis, Chairman of the Board. “Nora brings extensive executive experience spanning human resources, sustainability, acquisition and development, operations, and customer service. We expect our Board and Parkland’s shareholders will benefit greatly from her expertise and contributions.”

Ms. Duke’s career includes over 35 years within the Fortis group of companies, a diversified leader in the North American electric and gas utility industry. Most recently, Ms. Duke served as Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Chief Human Resource Officer at Fortis Inc., the parent company. Previously, Ms. Duke was Chief Executive Officer of Fortis Properties Corporation, and prior to that served as its Vice President, Hospitality Services.  Ms. Duke also served as Vice President of Customer and Corporate Services, at Fortis subsidiary, Newfoundland Power.

Ms. Duke has significant board experience in the corporate, industry and community sectors.  She currently sits on the board of the Institute of Corporate Directors. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Master of Business Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland and has an ICD.D designation.

Ms. Duke’s appointment forms part of Parkland’s ongoing Board refreshment process, and closely follows the recent election of Michael Christiansen and Marc Halley.

About Parkland Corporation

Parkland is an international fuel distributor and retailer with operations in twenty-five countries. Our purpose is to Power Journeys and Energize Communities, and every day, we provide over one million customers with the essential fuels, convenience items and quality foods on which they depend.

With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance. In addition to meeting our customers’ needs for essential fuels, we provide a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact. These include carbon and renewables trading, solar power, renewables manufacturing and ultrafast Electric Vehicle charging.

Our proven business model is centered around organic growth, our supply advantage, driven by scale and our integrated refinery and supply infrastructure, acquiring prudently, and integrating successfully. Our strategy is focused on developing our existing business in resilient markets, growing our food, convenience, and renewable energy businesses, and helping customers to decarbonize. Our business is underpinned by our people, and our values; safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are deeply embedded across our organization.

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St Kitts and Nevis announces extension to Citizenship by Investment Programme Sustainable Growth Fund Limited Time Offer due to unprecedented demand

CARIBPR WIRE, Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 29, 2023: International investors have been clamouring to take advantage of one of the best deals in the investment migration industry this year – St Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) Limited Time Offer (LTO) which allows investors to gain approval for alternative citizenship in the country in as little as 60 days for a reduced fee.

In December 2022, the St Kitts and Nevis Head of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Michael Martin, announced the enactment of the updated St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2023, which included the introduction of the LTO for the SGF investment option effective 1 January 2023 – 30 June 2023.

On 29 June 2023, Michael Martin made the following comment regarding the LTO:

“We have received an overwhelming response and demand for our Sustainable Growth Fund investment option through the Limited Time Offer and felt that we had to extend the offering for another seven months until 31 January 2024. International investors continue to see the value of the world’s first and finest Citizenship by Investment Programme and this proves it”.

The SGF remains the quickest and easiest route to alternative citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis and now until 31 January 2024, a main applicant can acquire alternative citizenship by contributing only US$125,000 to the SGF and receiving approval in principle within 60 days of acknowledgement by the CIU of submission of their application.

Under the LTO, the minimum SGF contributions are as follows:

  • Single applicant – US$ 125,000
  • Main applicant and a spouse – US$150,000
  • Main applicant and up to three dependants – US$170,000
  • Each additional dependant under 18 – US$10,000
  • Each additional dependant over 18 – US$25,000

Revenue from the SGF has facilitated economic development and social upliftment in the country. The SGF is used to provide financial support to educational institutions, and medical facilities, as well as support infrastructural development, increase tourism, preserve local culture and heritage and support sustainable growth initiatives in the twin-island nation.

Discerning investors are seeing the benefits of being part of St Kitts and Nevis’ success story. Following upgrades to the CBI Regulations, the country now offers one of the most secure and best-regulated investment migration offerings in the world.

This means that international investors looking to hedge their bets in a stable and growing economy should look no further than St Kitts and Nevis.

This extension is a fantastic opportunity for investors to obtain citizenship through the LTO. This is a final extension and from 1 February 2024, the minimum SGF contribution will increase to the amounts prior to the LTO period.

The country is making sure that it has only the best to offer international entrepreneurs and families who have realised that global powerhouses are no longer illustrious investment options due to security risks. Investors want to ensure that they can safeguard their families and wealth in a global economy that has been offering nothing but uncertainty since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Smaller governments such as that of St Kitts and Nevis have found ways, through CBI, to protect themselves from global shocks, offer favourable business policies aimed at growing corporations in international markets and, by using international funds channelled to the SGF, can diversify and grow their economy to meet global needs.

St Kitts and Nevis continues to create a name for itself as a financial nexus in the Caribbean with an attractive CBI programme underpinned by a sound legal framework and robust multi-layered due diligence.

For nearly 40 years, St Kitts and Nevis has been the pioneer of the global investor immigration industry and those who recognise this are taking advantage of the LTO.

St Kitts and Nevis continues to create a name for itself as a financial nexus in the Caribbean with an attractive CBI programme underpinned by a sound legal framework and robust multi-layered due diligence.

For nearly 40 years, St Kitts and Nevis has been the pioneer of the global investor immigration industry and those who recognise this are taking advantage of the LTO.

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ibex Appoints Tamara Ricketts-Brown Jamaica Country Manager

Dynamic Leader Brings 20+ Years of Operations Experience to Award-Winning BPO

ibex Appoints Tamara Ricketts-Brown Jamaica Country Manager
Tamara Ricketts-Brown Jamaica Country Manager press release graphic

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 28, 2023: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced that Tamara Ricketts-Brown has been appointed Senior Vice President and Country Manager of ibex in Jamaica.

With more than 20 years of experience serving the Retail, Travel, Finance, and Insurance verticals and leading multiple departments, including HR, Recruiting, Facilities, Security, and Employee Engagement, Ricketts-Brown will lead ibex’s operations in Jamaica and report to David Wilkerson, EVP of Operations at ibex.

“We are delighted to welcome Tamara to the growing ibex family,” said David Afdahl, Chief Operations Officer at ibex. “A dynamic operations leader with deep CX experience and a proven track record of success in managing and developing large teams, Tamara is the ideal person to drive our continued growth and success in Jamaica.”

Prior to joining ibex, Tamara was with Sutherland Global Services for five years. Previously, she spent more than 13 years at Xerox in multiple senior-level roles, including Division Vice President. Tamara holds an MBA from the University of Sunderland.

“I am excited to join ibex and lead the company’s fast-growing operations in Jamaica,” said Ricketts-Brown. “ibex brings together the best talent, training, culture, and technology in Jamaica to deliver amazing customer experiences for many of the world’s leading brands. I look forward to applying my skills, expertise, and passion to build on ibex’s tremendous success by developing and implementing initiatives that create an even better experience for our employees and greater value for our clients.”

Since opening its first site in Jamaica in 2016, ibex has been recognized for its culture, employee experience and development, and service, having been selected as Best Place to Work for Women in Central America and the Caribbean by Great Place to Work, Nearshore Company of the Year by Nearshore Americas, and Central America and Caribbean Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan.

About ibex
ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage, and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of 34 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next-generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthtech, fintech, utilities and logistics.

ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including its Wave X platform, to manage nearly 200 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

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ibex nombra a Tamara Ricketts-Brown gerente de país en Jamaica

Líder dinámica aporta más de 20 años de experiencia en operaciones al galardonado BPO

ibex nombra a Tamara Ricketts-Brown, gerente de país en Jamaica
Comunicado de prensa gráfico de Tamara Ricketts-Brown, gerente de país en Jamaica

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 28, 2023: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), un proveedor líder mundial de outsourcing de procesos empresariales (BPO) y soluciones de tecnología de participación del cliente, anunció hoy que Tamara Ricketts-Brown fue nombrada vicepresidenta sénior y gerente de ibex en Jamaica.

Con más de 20 años de experiencia sirviendo a los sectores minorista, viajes, finanzas y seguros y liderando varios departamentos, incluyendo recursos humanos, reclutamiento, instalaciones, seguridad y participación de los empleados, Ricketts-Brown liderará las operaciones de ibex en Jamaica y se reportará a David Wilkerson, vicepresidente ejecutivo de operaciones de ibex.

“Estamos muy contentos de dar la bienvenida a Tamara a la cada vez más extensa familia ibex”, dijo David Afdahl, director de operaciones de ibex. “Una líder dinámica en operaciones con una profunda experiencia en CX (experiencia del cliente) y una trayectoria comprobada de éxito en gestión y desarrollo de grandes equipos, Tamara es la persona ideal para impulsar nuestro crecimiento y éxito continuos en Jamaica”.

Antes de unirse a ibex, Tamara trabajó en Sutherland Global Services durante cinco años. Anteriormente, permaneció más de 13 años en Xerox en varios roles de nivel ejecutivo, como vicepresidenta de división. Tamara cuenta con un MBA de University of Sunderland.

“Estoy muy emocionada de unirme a ibex y liderar las operaciones de rápido crecimiento de la empresa en Jamaica”, dijo Ricketts-Brown. “ibex reúne el mejor talento, capacitación, cultura y tecnología en Jamaica para ofrecer experiencias increíbles al cliente para muchas de las marcas líderes mundiales. Espero aplicar mis conocimientos, experiencia y pasión para continuar el extraordinario éxito de ibex con el desarrollo e implementación de iniciativas que crean una experiencia aún mejor para nuestros empleados y un mayor valor para nuestros clientes”.

Desde la apertura de su primer sitio en Jamaica en 2016, ibex fue reconocida por su cultura, experiencia, desarrollo del empleado y servicios y fue seleccionada como el Mejor lugar para trabajar para la mujer en Centroamérica y el Caribe por Great Place to Work, Empresa Nearshore del año por Nearshore Americas y Empresa del año en Centroamérica y el Caribe por Frost & Sullivan.

Acerca de ibex
ibex ofrece outsourcing de procesos empresariales (BPO) innovadores, marketing digital inteligente, tecnología de adquisición en línea y soluciones de participación del cliente de extremo a extremo para ayudar a las empresas en la adquisición, participación y retención de clientes valiosos. Hoy, ibex opera un modelo de centro de entrega de experiencia del cliente (CX) global que consiste de 34 instalaciones de operaciones en todo el mundo, al mismo tiempo que implementa tecnología de última generación para promover experiencias superiores para el cliente para muchas de las empresas líderes mundiales en los sectores minorista, comercio electrónico, tecnología de salud, tecnología financiera (fintech), servicios públicos y logística.

ibex aprovecha su diverso equipo global de más de 30.000 empleados junto con tecnología líder en el sector, incluyendo su plataforma Wave X, para la gestión de cerca de 200 millones de interacciones críticas con clientes, añadiendo más de $2.2 mil millones en ingresos vitalicios de clientes cada año e impulsando una experiencia de cliente verdaderamente diferenciada. Para más información, visite nuestro sitio web ibex.co y comuníquese con nosotros en LinkedIn.

na foto asociada con este comunicado de prensa está disponible en https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/40f206fa-e9f1-4481-8151-f857c91697af/spa

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Mastercard and The Caribbean Association of Banks Inc Sign a Memorandum of Understanding

This agreement will focus on enabling intra and inter regional payments and expanding financial inclusion in the Caribbean.

CARIBPR WIRE, Miami, Florida, Mon. June 12th, 2023 – Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc (CAB), the representative body and recognized voice for banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean.

The partnership’s central objective is to enable cross-border payments across all CAB member jurisdictions, as a powerful tool to tend to the region’s unbanked and underbanked populations and bolster financial inclusion and economic growth. As part of its commitment, Mastercard will activate its technology, resources, and expertise to help banks successfully integrate this innovative solution into their product offerings, as well as share its knowledge and educational platforms to raise awareness among citizens and small business owners on the benefits of this service and other digital financial tools that can help them reach their fullest potential and improve their living standards.

Mayra Vivacqua, Cluster Lead for Mastercard Caribbean (West & Dutch, Jamaica & East Caribbean, and Puerto Rico), said “We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc, which will drive the region’s digitalization and offer customers across various sectors, including consumers, SMEs, government agencies, B2B, and commercial entities, a safer, easier, and more convenient way of transferring money across borders. The knowledge and data we will leverage from this collaboration will enable us to advance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth in the Caribbean region.”

Mastercard Cross-Border Services help banks modernize and optimize their global payments business to deliver an experience for people and businesses that is secure, seamless, and certain. Ultimately, the collaboration between Mastercard and the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc will provide unbanked and underbanked populations in the English Caribbean access to modern financial services, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of the digital economy and providing them with priceless payment experiences.

“I am profoundly satisfied at the successful execution of this Memorandum of Understanding. Cognizant of the immense challenges faced by the region, concerning intra and inter regional payments, primarily as a result of the onslaught of de-risking activity, this is certainly a step in the right direction and exemplifies the tireless efforts of the CAB to identify innovative solutions to the challenges of present”, stated Wendy Delmar, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc. “The CAB acknowledges the increasing costs and complexity related to the transfer of funds among jurisdictions and is pleased to provide an option to the public via our member banks that is cost efficient and underpinned by the adoption of technology”, she added.

This partnership is part of Mastercard’s commitment to offering solutions that respond to specific market needs, benefiting millions of people in the Caribbean and taking a significant step towards achieving financial inclusion in the region.

***

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) www.mastercard.com

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships, and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo for use with this story is available HERE

PHOTO CAPTION: L-R: Mayra Vivacqua, Cluster Lead for Mastercard Caribbean (West & Dutch, Jamaica & East Caribbean, and Puerto Rico and Wendy Delmar, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc.

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HIGHGATE PUBLISHES FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) REPORT

Reinforces the Company’s Commitment to Making a Positive Impact on the Hospitality Industry and the Greater Global Community

NEW YORK, May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Highgate released today its environmental, social and governance (ESG) report which includes a comprehensive analysis of its successful sustainability performance to-date as well as its strategies for reducing the environmental impact of its hotels. It is believed to be among the first reports of its kind by a major hotel management company.

Highgate Logo

Highgate has company goals to expand on numerous initiatives highlighted in the report, including increasing its number of carbon neutral hotels, onsite solar systems, biodiversity projects, third-party eco-certified hotels, and electric vehicle (EV) charging station installations. Tracking and reporting carbon, energy, water and waste performance data is another critical program component to monitor and share progress. Comparing 2021 to 2019, Highgate reduced its total GHG emissions by 21.8% and has cut energy use by more than 170,000 megawatt hours (MWh).

“We all share an urgent responsibility to reduce our impact on climate change, and this is especially true for the hospitality industry,” said Highgate CEO Arash Azarbarzin. “Highgate is very proud to be a leader on this front by presenting this analysis that can serve as a roadmap to help drive hospitality management toward a net-zero future without compromising the guest experience.”

“With this report, we endeavored to exhibit our most successful initiatives and to provide visibility into our full carbon footprint, including initial emissions calculations for our entire supply chain. We will use these data to establish achievable goals and measure our progress,” said Marianne Balfe, Vice President of Sustainability of Highgate.

As an example of the ambitious environmental standards and objectives that Highgate is pursuing, the report highlights how the Alohilani Resort became the first hotel in Hawaii to commit to PAS 2060 carbon neutrality certification. As part of this initiative, the hotel partnered with the Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative to reforest more than 1,200 acres of trees, which is the first carbon removal project in the United States to achieve Gold Standard certification.

As a member of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), Highgate became the first hospitality company to sign CEBA’s Commercial Real Estate Principles, which supports the decarbonization of commercial buildings through energy optimization and renewable energy procurement. In 2021, Highgate made a large-scale investment in Green-e certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) that allowed more than 200 hotels in its portfolio to be powered by 100% renewable energy. Highgate is also evaluating onsite renewable energy feasibility and is conducting a comprehensive analysis of onsite solar and battery storage opportunities across its entire portfolio.

Highgate is also increasing the utilization of energy efficient technologies at its hotels, while also increasing the use of renewable energy. As part of its Environmental Brand Standards, Highgate requires hotels to install smart guestroom thermostats, 100% LED lighting, and intelligent kitchen hood fans for properties with large kitchens. As of 2021, approximately 65% of its properties already use high-efficiency lighting.

Other areas of focus in Highgate’s sustainability program include improving water management, preventing food waste, reducing landfill waste and bolstering recycling, single-use plastics elimination, responsible sourcing, supporting biodiversity projects, and implementing green construction and design practices.

“We are deeply focused on sustainable design and construction practices, partners and opportunities,” said Paul McElroy, Executive Vice President of Design and Construction. ”We are actively seeking the right partnerships that will not only help us hold ourselves accountable to minimize our carbon footprint, but can also inspire a “more conscious” ripple effect across the larger design and construction community.”

The full report can be found here.

About Highgate

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $20 billion of assets under management. Highgate has a 30-year track record as an investment manager, operating partner, and developer for REITs, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, high net worth individuals, and other institutional investors. With a particular focus in hospitality real estate, Highgate’s portfolio includes over 500 owned and/or managed hotels comprising over 80,000 rooms across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate’s capabilities extend to adjacent real estate verticals including multifamily, short-term rentals, and diversified healthcare real estate, as well as investments in real estate-linked securities, technology platforms, and hospitality-related operating businesses. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, Miami, Seattle, and Waikiki. For more information, visit: www.highgate.com.

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Wells Fargo and T.D. Jakes Group Announce Ten-Year Strategic Partnership to Build Inclusive Communities

SAN FRANCISCO, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and the T.D. Jakes Group, which includes T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC (TDJREV), TDJ Enterprises (TDJE) and T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), today announced a strategic partnership to drive economic vitality and inclusivity in communities across America. Over the next 10 years, the partnership between these organizations could result in up to $1 billion in capital and financing from Wells Fargo, as well as grants from the Wells Fargo Foundation, with the goal of revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering economic opportunity and creating long-term change in communities most in need. The partnership marks the first of its kind in driving long-term transformational impact over the next decade.

T.D. Jakes Group

“We are excited to collaborate with the T.D. Jakes Group as they play a key role in the transformation of communities that will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” said Charlie Scharf, CEO of Wells Fargo. “This strategic partnership goes beyond a one-off capital investment and underscores our continued commitment to diverse and inclusive communities. We look forward to seeing the meaningful difference we’ll make together in communities across the country.”

“This alliance with our organization allows us to further our four decades-long work to provide economic justice, eradicate food deserts, construct desirable workplaces and affordable housing, closing the digital divide and ultimately help families leave a rich and lasting legacy for the next generation,” remarked T.D. Jakes, Chairman & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Group. “We recognize the need for CEOs like Charlie Scharf bending the arc and aim of Wells Fargo toward correcting systemic inequalities. We are committed to ensuring additional opportunities actually reach as many areas of need that we can influence. Disruptive partnerships like this create a paradigm shift in how we can collectively bring long overdue transformation, particularly to Black and Brown communities and other marginalized groups around our nation.”

In 2022, TDJREV began purchasing nearly 100 acres of Fort McPherson, the historic former army base situated in enviable proximity to downtown Atlanta with plans to create an innovative community of commercial and residential space. The plans for this land include mixed-income housing with an array of living choices such as single-family homes, townhomes and apartments positioned in well-designed neighborhoods with ample amenities aimed at enhancing the quality of life through healthy food choices, healthcare options and other wraparound services. One of the first prominent projects that Wells Fargo intends to support as a financial partner is the revitalization of the Fort McPherson property, with the vision of aiding TDJREV in developing the area into an inclusive neighborhood equipped with ample green space, a bike path, recreation centers, impacting the Historic Business and Cultural districts at Fort McPherson.

The Wells Fargo Foundation and T.D. Jakes Foundation also expect to provide financial empowerment education and revitalize neighborhoods in underserved low-and moderate-income communities by increasing homeownership and fostering business creation in several cities including Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.

Charlie Scharf will join T.D. Jakes on stage on May 5, during Jakes’ International Leadership Summit in Orlando, Florida for a conversation about this unique partnership and other topics. There is a press registration link for media who want to attend in person or virtually.

Wells Fargo – A Builder of Communities

Wells Fargo has been a leader in the development of and investment in affordable housing across the nation. Since 2016, the Company has held the position of the top Fannie Mae DUS® Affordable Housing Lender. Coming out of the pandemic over the last two years, (2021 and 2022), the Company closed $10 billion in financing through its Community Lending and Investment (CLI) group and $5.7 billion in financing through its Multifamily Capital (MFC) group directed towards affordable housing and community development. In addition, the Company provides LIHTC investments and has a portfolio of approximately 1500 transactions with a book value of $12.2 billion. Further, in March of 2020, the Company made a $50 million investment in Minority Depository Institutions (MDI’s); the pledge included advisory services to help these important local institutions to flourish. As of the end of 2021, all 15 institutions received their investment. Wells Fargo has donated more than $525 million to support housing affordability solutions for individuals and families (2019-2022).

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is a leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 41 on Fortune’s 2022 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy.

News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter: @WellsFargo

About The T.D. Jakes Group

The T.D. Jakes Group is a global conglomerate that’s worked for more than four decades at the intersection of mission, ministry and marketplace to solve society’s problems through strategic alliances creating equity and providing solutions for underrepresented and underserved communities. The organization’s four pillars operate globally: T.D. Jakes Enterprises is a civil rights award-winning social impact holding company reaching millions through entrepreneurial training, minority business accelerator initiatives and trailblazing representation in streaming unscripted series, film, music and publishing that has grossed over $500 million worldwide through original entertainment content; T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership; T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures is actively developing sustainable communities with a focus on economic development, eradicating food deserts and opening doors for home ownership and wealth building where none existed before.; T.D. Jakes Ministries is a faith-based international organization who’s inspiring content is translated to over 90 languages each week, and whose returning citizen advocacy work has helped over 30,000 individuals create lasting, generational change.

Learn how the T.D. Jakes Group is creating a more equitable society through innovative concepts and disruptive partnerships by visiting tdjakes.org/newsroom.

[Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements]
This release contains forward-looking statements about our future business. Because forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements as actual results could differ materially from expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we do not undertake to update them to reflect changes or events that occur after that date. For information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, refer to our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at www.sec.gov.]

Wells Fargo & Company (NSYE: WFC)

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PaySett Corporation expands its payments partnership with the Barbados Automated Clearing House Services Inc. (BACHSI)

The real time payments (RTP) solution PayExpedite® will complement the current electronic payments ecosystem to allow for the creation of new payment services in Barbados.

ATLANTA and BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, April 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – PaySett Corporation, a global provider of payment solutions, and BACHSI announced today the launch of the new RTP platform based on the ISO 20022 messaging standard.

Natalie Garraway, immediate past chairman (2020-2022) and current deputy chair (2023) commented, “We are elated to have this platform launched in Barbados. This system will be integral in our digital journey as a country as it offers speed, convenience, and reliability. We are grateful to PaySett for partnering with us (BACHSI) to provide such a solution that covers all those key areas that our citizens and customers have been eagerly requesting in a banking solution.”

Jesus Garcia, VP of Business Development, added, “Our market proven PayExpedite® solution will integrate seamlessly into the Barbados payments ecosystem to serve the government of Barbados’ plans to reduce (and longer term eliminate) the number of cash and cheque transactions while reducing the costs of these traditional payment methods. Each participating financial institution will have at its disposal a robust real time payments platform capable of supporting new service offerings such as emergency payments, P2P payments, digital wallets, eCommerce, and others. The ease, speed, and security capabilities of the PayExpedite® platform will facilitate the country’s transition to a more digital economy.”

These same financial institutions will be able to process consumer, corporate and government payments in real time through a multitude of banking channels. PaySett’s PayExpedite® product has been deployed across multiple countries offering regional financial institutions the opportunity to manage real time payments across their entire geographical market.

About PaySett Corporation

Atlanta Georgia based PaySett Corporation is a global provider of payment software solutions. PaySett provides products/services to assist global financial entities to effectively manage the way money moves throughout their organizations and for their customers. PaySett’s two decades of experience moving payments through national and international payment networks has allowed for the development of advance payment software for assisting global banks with the capability to enhance their regional and global payment network processing capabilities. Twelve of the top twenty global banks process payments through PaySett software.

Natalie Garraway, Deputy Chairman, BACHSI Barbados.

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Doc Popcorn Scoops Up Dippin’ Dots to Create Co-Branded Store in Outlets Canovanas

CANOVANAS, Puerto Rico, April 8, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – A well-known stop for fresh-popped, kettle-cooked popcorn is adding flash-frozen ice cream to its menu in Outlets Canovanas. The local Doc Popcorn business has turned into a co-branded location that now serves Dippin’ Dots and will celebrate with a grand opening event April 13 from 1-3 p.m. The business is located at 18400 Autopista Roberto Sanchez Vilella, and guests who attend will get a free small serving of Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn. Throughout the day, guests can participate in face painting and register for a chance to win free Doc Popcorn and Dippin’ Dots for an entire year.

Dippin' Dots, the original beaded ice cream, founded in 1988.

By combining two leading snack and treat brands in one space, the dual-concept store gives shoppers the opportunity to satisfy both sweet and savory snack cravings. The new co-branded franchise location is the third Dippin Dots/Doc Popcorn store in Puerto Rico, all owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Angel Diaz and Jorge Marcano. After 20 years of managing construction together, the duo decided to bring the popcorn concept to Puerto Rico and has since tacked on ice cream to all three.

“We couldn’t believe how long lines were to buy Doc Popcorn when we visited the continental U.S., and we’re thrilled to add Dippin’ Dots to our third store, sweetening all of Puerto Rico’s locations,” said Diaz. “We know shoppers will enjoy the treats we have year-round at this location.”

In addition to the new Outlets Canovanas store, there are more than 20 other Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn co-branded locations around the world, with more opportunities in the pipeline.

About Dippin’ Dots
Dippin’ Dots has produced and distributed its flash frozen tiny beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavored ice products since 1988. For more information, including franchise opportunities, please visit www.dippindots.com.

About Doc Popcorn
Using whole grain kernels, proprietary flavor blends and other high-quality ingredients, Doc Popcorn handcrafts a wide variety of fresh-popped specialty flavors of popcorn free of trans fat, MSG, artificial colors and preservatives. Doc Popcorn started franchising in 2009 and has been consistently recognized as one of the top food franchises in the country by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. For more information and to inquire about franchise opportunities, please visit www.docpopcorn.com.

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Parkland Fuel Corporation Hosts Investor Day

CaribPR Wire, CALGARY, Alberta, April 03, 2019: Parkland Fuel Corporation (“Parkland”, the “Company”) (TSX:PKI) will host its Investor Day later this morning, with webcast details confirmed below.

Parkland’s executive team will be providing a business overview, update on corporate strategy and a review of Parkland’s financial outlook.  Highlights of the presentation include:

  • An expected growth capital investment of approximately $200 million for 2019;
  • An update on Parkland’s 2020 Burnaby refinery turnaround, which has an initial cost estimate of approximately $85 million and is expected to take 8 weeks to complete. This cost estimate may vary by plus or minus 30% depending on scope finalization and discoveries made during the actual turnaround. The 2020 major turnaround was previously outlined and is considered an approximate 5-year cycle event; and
  • Additional details regarding the product offerings and geographic breakdowns that contributed to Parkland 2018 Adjusted EBITDA in its various segments.

Investor Day Webcast Details

The Investor Day presentation will be webcast beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern Time (7 a.m. Mountain Time) today, and will be available using the following link:

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1939128/F208F2F5CA75B5006B4B051A8BB0DF9A

Please connect and log in approximately 10 minutes before the beginning of the presentation. The webcast will be available for replay two hours after the conference call ends at the link above. It will remain available for one year and will also be posted to www.parkland.ca.

For analysts and investors interested in attending in person, or if you require additional information, please contact Melanie Forsyth at [email protected].

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). When used in this news release the words “expect”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “continue”, “pursue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, 2019 growth capital estimates, 2020 turnaround costs and timing, corporate strategy and financial positions, plans and objectives of or involving Parkland. Please review the forward-looking statement in the linked presentation for further details regarding forward-looking information included in the presentation.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Parkland does not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by securities law. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general economic, market and business conditions; industry capacity; competitive action by other companies; refining and marketing margins; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; actions by governmental authorities and other regulators including but not limited to increases in taxes or restricted access to markets; changes and developments in environmental and other regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Parkland. See also the risks and uncertainties described in “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” included in Parkland’s Annual Information Form dated March 29, 2019 and in “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” in the Q4 2018 MD&A, each as filed on SEDAR and available on the Parkland website at www.parkland.ca.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA is a measures of segment profit. See Section 13 of the Q4 2018 MD&A and Note 24 of the 2018 Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of this measures of segment profit. Investors are encouraged to evaluate this measure and the reasons Parkland considers it appropriate for supplemental analysis.

Investors are cautioned, however, that this measures should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings determined in accordance with IFRS as an indication of Parkland’s performance. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About Parkland Fuel Corporation

Parkland is Canada and the Caribbean’s largest, and one of America’s fastest growing, independent suppliers and marketers of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience store operator. Parkland services customers in 25 countries through three channels: Retail, Commercial and Wholesale. Parkland optimizes its fuel supply across these three channels by operating and leveraging a growing portfolio of supply relationships and storage infrastructure. Parkland provides trusted and locally relevant fuel brands and convenience store offerings in the communities it serves.

Parkland creates value for shareholders by focusing on its proven strategy of growing organically, realizing a supply advantage and acquiring prudently and integrating successfully. At the core of our strategy are our people, as well as our values of safety, integrity, community and respect, which are embraced across our organization.

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Nasdaq to Deliver Market Technology to the Jamaica Stock Exchange

The Exchange will leverage Nasdaq’s matching engine and market surveillance technology

CaribPR Wire, STOCKHOLM, Sweden, and KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 01, 2019: Nasdaq Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) and the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) have signed a new seven-year agreement for Nasdaq to deliver matching engine and market surveillance technology (SMARTS) to the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

By tapping Nasdaq’s technology, the JSE, as part of its strategy will be able to bolster their product and service delivery regionally and globally. Further, via the Nasdaq Matching Engine, JSE will have the ability to offer new products, enhance current trading capabilities and improve the latency of order execution. The market surveillance technology will provide the exchange the ability to closely monitor trade activities while strengthening market integrity.

”There are no boundaries that are beyond the JSE, as the organization continues to explore the use of technology that Nasdaq provides to ensure that our shareholders value are maximized and the confidence of the market remains high,” said Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director, JSE. “This partnership with Nasdaq is another step to keep apace with the world’s financial markets. We expect that this relationship will enable the JSE and its member dealers to design and create new products and services facilitated by the cutting-edge technology that Nasdaq will provide.”

“The Jamaica Stock Exchange has been at the forefront of modernizing the Caribbean region’s financial markets,” said Carlos Patino, Head of Latin America and the Caribbean, Market Technology, Nasdaq. “By leveraging our trading and surveillance solutions, JSE will be operating on the world’s most widely-used trading technology for exchanges in the world. This is a key indicator of their dedication to build Jamaica’s capital market ecosystem into an important hub for finance and commerce. We look forward to a productive, long-term partnership with the JSE.”

Nasdaq’s market technology powers more than 250 of the world’s market infrastructure organizations and market participants, including broker-dealers, exchanges, clearinghouses, central securities depositories and regulators, in over 50 countries with end-to-end, mission-critical technology solutions.

About the Jamaica Stock Exchange

The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) provides a fair and efficient stock market. It is a well regulated and agile organization which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It continues to provide the local, regional and global financial markets with opportunities to invest, grow businesses and mobilize capital.

As the leading Exchange in the Caribbean, The JSE has been strategically forging partnership with other industry players to ensure that our subsidiary, the Jamaica Central Securities Depository (JCSD), our shareholders and the general public are able to maximize any opportunities that arises.

The impact of the JSE on the local economy and its consistent performance of have not gone unnoticed, and in 2015 and 2018 the Jamaican Stock Market was declared the ”Best performing Stock Market in the World” (Bloomberg).

About Nasdaq

Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ) is a leading global provider of trading, clearing, exchange technology, listing, information and public company services. Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, Nasdaq enables customers to plan, optimize and execute their business vision with confidence, using proven technologies that provide transparency and insight for navigating today’s global capital markets. As the creator of the world’s first electronic stock market, its technology powers more than 100 marketplaces in 50 countries, and 1 in 10 of the world’s securities transactions. Nasdaq is home to approximately 4,000 total listings with a market value of approximately $15 trillion. To learn more, visit: http://business.nasdaq.com.

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Canada Life Reinsurance enters into €5.5bn longevity risk reinsurance agreement with SRLEV N.V. (VIVAT)

DUBLIN, March 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Canada Life Reinsurance is pleased to announce that it has recently entered into a long-term longevity reinsurance agreement with VIVAT covering 70% of €8 billion of in-force liabilities. More than 150,000 of in-payment and deferred pensioners are reinsured by Canada Life Reinsurance under this agreement.

Jeff Poulin, Global Head of Canada Life Reinsurance, commented, “I am pleased to announce this significant reinsurance transaction, which highlights our strength in working effectively with VIVAT to structure a longevity risk solution to efficiently manage their overall risk. This transaction adds to our diverse longevity reinsurance portfolio and demonstrates how, together with Arpian, we create large, complex and unique risk transfer structures backed by our financial strength to benefit our clients.”

Canada Life Reinsurance offers a range of innovative risk and capital management solutions covering mortality, longevity, health and lapse risks for insurers, reinsurers and pension funds across the U.S. and Europe, including the Netherlands, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Belgium and Ireland.

About VIVAT
VIVAT NV is the holding company for, among others, SRLEV NV, VIVAT Schadeverzekeringen NV, Proteq Levensverzekeringen NV, ACTIAM NV and Zwitserleven PPI NV. VIVAT’s subsidiaries are also active on the Dutch market with, among others, the Zwitserleven, Reaal and ACTIAM brands. A balance sheet total of €56 billion (end of December 2018) makes VIVAT one of the largest insurers in the Netherlands. Anbang Group Holdings Co. Ltd., a full subsidiary of Anbang Insurance Group Co. Ltd, is the sole shareholder of VIVAT NV. For more information please visit www.vivat.nl.

About Canada Life
Canada Life is part of a group of companies owned by Great-West Lifeco Inc., a diversified financial services holding company headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada. Great-West Lifeco and its insurance subsidiaries have received strong ratings from major rating agencies. To learn more, visit canadalifere.com.

About Great-West Lifeco Inc.
Great-West Lifeco is an international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management and reinsurance businesses. Great-West Lifeco has operations in Canada, the United States and Europe through Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life, Irish Life, Great-West Financial and Putnam Investments. Great-West Lifeco and its companies have approximately €0.9 trillion (C$1.4 trillion) in consolidated assets under administration as of December 31, 2018 and are members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies. Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO. To learn more, visit greatwestlifeco.com.

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Scotiabank completes acquisition of 51% of Banco Cencosud in Peru

TORONTO and LIMA, Peru, March 1, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Scotiabank announced today it has successfully completed the acquisition of 51% of the controlling interest of Banco Cencosud after receiving regulatory approval from Peruvian authorities. Scotiabank and Banco Cencosud will jointly manage the credit card operations and offer other products and services to customers in partnership for 15 years. Scotiabank and Cencosud have similar agreements in Chile and Colombia. With the closing of this acquisition, Scotiabank has become Peru’s second largest credit card issuer.

“Partnering with Cencosud has been a rewarding process in which we have begun to leverage the potential of the consumer finance business”, said Miguel Uccelli, CEO & Country Head of Scotiabank Peru.” With this acquisition we have completed one more phase in our strategy to strengthen our consumer financing and credit card business in Peru, which aligns with our global vision to increase scale in the countries of the Pacific Alliance; Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru”, he concluded.

“Our objective is to leverage the teams from Banco Cencosud and Scotiabank to build an improved experience for all our customers”, said Carlos Morante, CEO of Banco Cencosud, and who will be in charge of the operation under the new name of CAJA CAT PERÚ. “Our customers will continue to enjoy the products they have with us, under the same conditions, but with greater support. We will continue operating separately, taking into account the special features of each business and we will continue to work with our current team of employees”, he said. Morante indicated that no customer has to change their credit cards or other products, “Everything remains the same”, he concluded.

Cencosud Peru owns the second-largest supermarket and the fourth-largest department store chain in the country. Cencosud has operated in Peru since 2007 through the Wong supermarket brand Metro supermarket and Paris department stores. It is also the owner of various shopping malls.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 98,000 employees1 and assets of over $1 trillion (as at January 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

1Employees are reported on a full-time equivalent basis.

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Scotiabank completes acquisition of 97.44% of Banco Dominicano del Progreso

TORONTO and SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 1, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Scotiabank announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of 97.44% of Banco Dominicano del Progreso (BDP), after receiving regulatory approval by the Superintendency of Banks and the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic.

“We are excited to have completed this transaction that is fueled by the strategy of gaining greater scale in economically stable markets with prospects for growth, and allows us to expand and strengthen our operations in the country. We are building a leaner, more modern digital bank, to continue improving our customers’ experience with enhanced financial services and products” said Gonzalo Parral, CEO, Scotiabank Dominican Republic.

With the closing of this acquisition, Scotiabank doubles its customer base and strengthens its fourth-place position in terms of assets in full-service banking and its third-place ranking in the credit card segment in the Dominican Republic, with a 17% share of the market. The acquired Banco Dominicano del Progreso operations include 57 branches, 184 ABMs and more than 160 banking sub-agents, which serve more than 250,000 personal and commercial banking customers.

For further information on the integration stage, please visit www.scotiabank.com.do and www.progreso.com.do.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 98,000 employees¹ and assets of over $1 trillion (as at January 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

¹Employees are reported on a full-time equivalent basis.

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Trinidad & Tobago’s First Citizens Group Becomes Visa Loyalty Solutions Premium Partner

- Bank is one of the first in the Caribbean to implement Visa Loyalty Solutions, a cutting-edge digital payment platform and loyalty program co-created by fintech and insurtech company novae and leading payment technology company Visa

- With VLS, First Citizens, already a pioneer in Internet banking and mobile banking in Trinidad & Tobago, has incorporated a powerful tool to increase customer loyalty

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Trinidad-based First Citizens Group has received the Premium Partner designation from fintech and insurtech company novae and leading payment technology company Visa for being one of the first banks in the Caribbean to adopt Visa Loyalty Solutions (VLS), the white-label digital loyalty platform the two companies recently co-created.

From left to right: Jorge Salum, Sr. Director, Business Development, Caribbean for Visa; Jorge Lemus, SVP and Group Country Head, Caribbean and Central America for Visa; Avril Edwards, General Manager of Electronic Banking for First Citizens Group; and Facundo Mendez, Managing Director of Enterprise, Growth & Loyalty for novae.

Over the years First Citizens has introduced a number of innovations locally, including Internet banking and mobile banking. It has also been recognized on several occasions for excellence in innovation, communications technology and e-commerce by the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago.

VLS is a user-centric, universal, cross-border, all-digital, mobile-first, white-label loyalty platform for banks that enables consumers and merchants to redeem points anytime, anywhere, from any device (mobile, desktop or wearable) and using multiple payment methods (credit, debit, points or split payment), while offering banks superior customer care, same-day activation and easy administration.

Thanks to VLS’s single, smart payment solution on an invisible and securely encrypted payment platform, First Citizens clients will be able to register rewards as digital currency that can be used alone or split with other payment methods, such as credit or debit cards registered on the platform, to make payments online and contactless in-store around the world.

Finally, by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, VLS’s technologies will help First Citizens better analyze the interactions and purchase behaviors of its clients to present increasingly relevant offers, while retaining contact information, payment and travel preferences.

novae not only created the technology behind the digital platform, but also the program’s impressive network of international travel rewards, to which First Citizens customers will now have access. A powerful metasearch engine and partnerships with major worldwide travel aggregators enable users to get preferential pricing and exclusive deals at more than 400,000 hotels in 25,000 cities; 70,000 flights to 1,700 destinations on 130 airlines; 500 car rental companies at 30,000 locations in 170 countries; 2 million vacation rental properties in 190 countries; and 10,000 tours and other entertainment options in 90 countries.

First Citizens Group’s VLS Premier Partner designation is the latest of several awards and recognitions the bank has received. The bank was awarded the Best Bank in Trinidad and Tobago by Euromoney Award for Banking Excellence 2016 and also received an affirmed rating of BBB+/A-2 from Standard & Poor’s. Other awards bestowed on the bank over the years include Safest Bank in the English-speaking Caribbean in 2015, 2011 and 2010 (Global Finance Magazine); Best Bank In Trinidad & Tobago in 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010 and 2009 (World Finance); Bank Of The Year 2015 and 2009 (The Banker Magazine) and Bank of The Year in 2009 (Latin Finance).

“First Citizens Group is proud to have received the Visa Loyalty Solutions Premium Partner designation, which recognizes our bank’s positioning as a first adopter of cutting-edge digital and mobile solutions,” said Avril Edwards, General Manager of Electronic Banking for First Citizens Group.

“Visa Loyalty Solutions offers First Citizens a seamless and flexible digital experience that adds value and provides an unmatched customer experience,” said Ricardo Tafur, Vice President of Consumer Products for Visa in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“VLS gives First Citizens an important differentiator in this competitive retail banking market,” said Jorge Lemus, SVP and Group Country Head, Caribbean and Central America for Visa.

“As a pioneer in mobile and Internet banking, First Citizens has always offered customers cutting-edge solutions to meet their banking needs. With Visa Loyalty Solutions, they have added a powerful tool in their arsenal to maximize loyalty, boost spend and increase operational efficiency,” said Facundo Mendez, Managing Director of Enterprise, Growth and Loyalty for novae.

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The Bevertec Group to Implement Shared Financial Delivery Services for St. Lucia Credit Unions

CaribPR Wire, TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2019: Bevertec CST Inc., a leading provider of retail financial services technology and services in the Caribbean and worldwide, is pleased to announce that the company has reached an agreement with Capita Financial Services Inc. (Barbados) to implement an Automated Teller Machine network and related technology to serve the credit unions of St. Lucia.

The ATM driving, transaction switching and debit card issuing solution will be run from Bevertec’s processing centre in Antigua. All credit union ATMs in St. Lucia will be shared among the subscribing institutions forming a de-facto national network for credit unions. Bevertec’s Client Services Workstation will be available to all ATM-owner institutions enabling local, real-time, ATM monitoring and report retrieval over and above centralized monitoring and support delivered from Bevertec’s operations centre.

Bevertec’s President, Mr. Barry Walsh, commented, “We are very proud to be an integral participant in the digital transformation of St. Lucia’s Credit Unions. This project provides Bevertec with an opportunity to further demonstrate our commitment to the financial services industry in the region. We are looking forward to working with Capita and the Credit Unions of St. Lucia in building a showcase of innovation and service delivery.”

Mr. Paul Maxwell, President & CEO of Capita Financial Services Inc. said, “This partnership is transformative, both for the credit unions who can now offer their members a more complete range of services and for individual members who would now be able to perform ordinary day-to-day transactions in a way that was not before possible.”

About Bevertec Group

Since 1981, the Bevertec Group, a Canadian enterprise, has been supplying technology and services to various industry sectors. The Group has over 100 customers in the financial services sector spread across five continents but focuses primarily in the Caribbean, Central and South American markets. The Group also provides consulting services, staffing solutions and subject matter expertise to assist institutions at all business levels including development/project work, project management and strategic direction and planning.

About Capita Financial Services Inc.

Capita Financial Services Inc., a Barbados company, is a one-stop financial services company. Capita provides residential and commercial mortgages, land loans, vehicle loans, premium finance loans, leases, general insurance, term deposits, mutual funds and stock brokerage services. The company serves private individuals, insurance companies, credit unions, government statutory corporations, pension funds, and institutional investors.

About St. Lucia Co-operative League Limited

The St. Lucia Co-operative League Limited is the umbrella body for Co-operatives in St. Lucia. At the local level they function as the link between government and the individual Credit Unions. Key responsibilities include fostering the growth and welfare of Credit Unions both by direct effort and co-operation with other agencies having similar objectives and providing information and guidance to co-operative leaders and personnel so that the societies they serve will offer the best possible service to members and to make such opportunity equitable.

El Grupo Bevertec implementará servicios de entrega financiera compartida para las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito de Santa Lucía

CARIBPR WIRE TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2019:  Bevertec CST Inc., un proveedor líder de servicios y tecnología de servicios financieros para el consumidor en el Caribe y en todo el mundo, se complace en anunciar que la compañía ha alcanzado un acuerdo con Capita Financial Services Inc. (Barbados) para implementar una red de cajeros automáticos y tecnología relacionada para atender a las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito de Santa Lucía (St. Lucia Co-operative League Limited).

La solución para manejo de cajeros automáticos, cambio de transacciones y emisión de tarjetas de débito se ejecutará desde el centro de procesamiento de Bevertec en Antigua. Todos los cajeros automáticos de St. Lucia Co-operative League Limited será compartida entre las instituciones suscritas que forman una red nacional de facto para las cooperativas de crédito. La estación de trabajo de Servicios para Clientes de Bevertec estará disponible para todas las instituciones propietarias de cajeros automáticos, lo que permitirá el monitoreo de cajeros automáticos en tiempo real en tiempo real y la recuperación de informes por encima del monitoreo y la asistencia centralizados que ofrece el centro de operaciones de Bevertec.

El presidente de Bevertec, el Sr. Barry Walsh, comentó: “Estamos muy orgullosos de ser un participante integral en la transformación digital de las cooperativas de crédito de Santa Lucía. Este proyecto le brinda a Bevertec la oportunidad de demostrar aún más nuestro compromiso con la industria de servicios financieros en la región. Estamos ansiosos por trabajar con Capita y las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito de Santa Lucía en la construcción de una muestra de innovación y prestación de servicios “.

El Sr. Paul Maxwell, Presidente y CEO de Capita Financial Services Inc. dijo: “Esta asociación es transformadora, tanto para las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito que ahora pueden ofrecer a sus miembros una gama de servicios más completa como para los miembros individuales que ahora podrían realizar transacciones cotidianas ordinarias de una manera que antes no era posible “.

Acerca del Grupo Bevertec

Desde 1981, el Grupo Bevertec, una empresa canadiense, ha estado suministrando tecnología y servicios a diversos sectores de la industria. El Grupo tiene más de 100 clientes en el sector de servicios financieros distribuidos en los cinco continentes, pero se centra principalmente en los mercados del Caribe, América Central y América del Sur. El Grupo también proporciona servicios de consultoría, soluciones de personal y expertos para ayudar a las instituciones en todos los niveles de negocios, incluido el desarrollo / trabajo de proyectos, gestión de proyectos y dirección estratégica y planificación.

Acerca de Capita Financial Services Inc.

Capita Financial Services Inc., una compañía de Barbados, es una compañía integral de servicios financieros. Capita otorga hipotecas residenciales y comerciales, préstamos sobre terrenos, préstamos para vehículos, préstamos con financiamiento premium, arrendamientos, seguros generales, depósitos a plazo, fondos mutuos y servicios de corretaje de valores. La compañía presta servicios a personas privadas, compañías de seguros, cooperativas de crédito, corporaciones gubernamentales, fondos de pensiones e inversionistas institucionales.

Sobre St. Lucia Co-operative League Limited

St. Lucia Co-operative League Limited es el organismo que une a las cooperativas en Santa Lucía. A nivel local, funciona como el vínculo entre el gobierno y las cooperativas de crédito individuales. Las responsabilidades clave incluyen fomentar el crecimiento y el bienestar de las cooperativas de crédito, tanto por el esfuerzo directo como por la cooperación con otras agencias que tienen objetivos similares y brindar información y orientación a los líderes y al personal de las cooperativas para que las sociedades a las que sirven ofrezcan el mejor servicio posible a sus miembros y para asegurar que oportunidades como esta sean equitativas.

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Parkland Completes Acquisition of 75% of the Shares of Sol Investment Limited, the Largest Independent Fuel Marketer in the Caribbean

CaribPR Wire, CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 08, 2019:  Parkland Fuel Corporation (“Parkland”) (TSX:PKI), a leading convenience store operator and one of the fastest growing independent marketers of fuel and petroleum products in the Americas, today announced the closing of its acquisition of 75% of the shares of Sol Investments Limited (“SIL” and together with its subsidiaries “Sol”). Sol is the largest independent marketer and supplier of petroleum products in the Caribbean, operating in 23 jurisdictions. As expected, this close enables Sol to effectively contribute to Parkland’s earnings for the full calendar year of 2019. Parkland will update its guidance for 2019 when it discloses its year-end results for 2018.

“The opportunity to expand to a new geography and market through a strong business platform like Sol is an exciting time for Parkland. The assets and infrastructure we have acquired are proven, well known, and will enable Parkland to extend its supply advantage into a new region,” said Bob Espey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkland. “I would like to welcome the Sol team to Parkland. Our two businesses are stronger together, and I look forward to the opportunities this acquisition will enable for all of us.”

Pierre Magnan, Parkland’s Vice-President of Corporate Development and former head of Supply, Trading & Refining will assume the role of President, Parkland International and will oversee the Sol business based  from Grand Cayman.

“I look forward to working with the Sol team to build on Sol’s strong foundation of safe and reliable supply in the region,” said Mr. Magnan. “We are committed to investing in Sol’s people and infrastructure to grow our presence in the region.”

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information included herein is forward-looking. Many of these forward looking statements can be identified by words such as “expects”, “expected”, “will”, “anticipate”, “continue”, or similar words. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, potential benefits to be realized from the business combination, Parkland’s future investment in the assets of Sol and expansion of operations in the Caribbean region. Parkland believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are described in Parkland’s annual information form and other continuous disclosure documents. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Parkland’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions; industry capacity; competitive action by other companies; refining and marketing margins; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; actions by governmental authorities including increases in taxes; changes in environmental and other regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Parkland.

Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Parkland does not undertake any obligation, except as required under applicable law, to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

ABOUT PARKLAND FUEL CORPORATION

Parkland is Canada’s largest and one of North America’s fastest growing independent suppliers and marketers of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience store operator.  Parkland services customers through three channels: Retail, Commercial and Wholesale. Parkland optimizes its fuel supply across these three channels by operating the Parkland Burnaby Refinery, and leveraging a growing portfolio of supply relationships and storage infrastructure.  Parkland provides trusted and locally relevant fuel brands and convenience store offerings, including its On the Run/Marché Express banners, in the communities it serves.

Parkland creates value for shareholders by focusing on its proven strategy of growing organically, realizing a supply advantage and acquiring prudently and integrating successfully. At the core of our strategy are our people, as well as our values of safety, integrity, community and respect, which are embraced across our organization.

To sign up for Parkland news alerts, please go to http://bit.ly/PKI-Alert or visit www.parkland.ca.

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DoubleLine UCITS Funds Now Available on Allfunds Bank Platform

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – DoubleLine Capital LP has begun offering its Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS funds on the Allfunds Bank platform, an open architecture, worldwide distributor of mutual funds.

“Allfunds is one of the leading international distribution platforms,” said Ron Redell, executive vice president of DoubleLine. “The availability of DoubleLine Funds (Luxembourg) on this distribution network is strategically important for DoubleLine’s UCITS funds global expansion.”

The term UCITS stands for Undertakings for the Collective Investment of Transferable Securities, an open-end fund vehicle available in Europe, Latin America and many other countries outside the U.S. The sub-funds of the DoubleLine Funds (Luxembourg) UCITS currently include the DoubleLine Shiller Enhanced CAPE® equity sub-fund, which is co-managed by DoubleLine Alternatives LP and DoubleLine Capital LP, and DoubleLine Short Duration fixed income sub-fund, which is managed by DoubleLine Capital LP. Depending on an investor’s country of residence, the sub-funds are available via retail and institutional share classes denominated in various currencies.

Allfunds Bank Group offers integrated fund solutions (operational, analysis and information). Created in 2000, today Allfunds Bank has more than €370 Billion assets under administration and offers more than 64,400 funds from over 1,200 fund managers. Allfunds Bank Group has a local presence in Luxembourg, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Chile and Colombia and has more than 605 institutional clients, including major commercial banks, private banks, insurance companies, pension funds, fund managers, financial supermarkets, international brokers, and specialist firms from 45 different countries. Allfunds Bank Group operates in Asia through the entity of Allfunds Singapore Branch.

About DoubleLine Capital LP

DoubleLine Capital LP is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. As of the September 30, 2018 end of the third quarter, DoubleLine Capital and its related companies (”DoubleLine”) managed approximately $123 billion in assets across all vehicles, including open-end mutual funds, collective investment trusts, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, hedge funds, variable annuities, UCITS and separate accounts. DoubleLine’s offices can be reached by telephone at (213) 633-8200 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Media can reach DoubleLine by e-mail at [email protected]. DoubleLine® is a registered trademark of DoubleLine Capital LP.

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