Posts Tagged ‘investment news’

Armenia commits to significantly boosting foreign direct investments

Arton Capital appointed advisors in the process

MONTREAL, June 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Arton Capital has been appointed to study and evaluate Armenia’s potential to develop and market an immigrant investor program, following an invitation from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development. The ICMPD seeks to promote innovative and sustainable migration policies around the world. The initiative comes as a series of steps undertaken by the EU-funded project entitled Support to Migration and Border Management.

In a series of meetings held in Yerevan this week, Arton’s team of experts had the chance to delve into the local political economy as well as the existing legal frameworks relating to visa and residency issuance, naturalization, and laws regarding foreigners.

The concept of citizenship by investment was embraced by high level officials at the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidential Administration, the Central Bank, the Police, the State Migration Service and the Center for Strategic Initiatives.

The government of Armenia shared its strong belief that alternative means of attracting foreign direct investment are of primary importance for the country’s economic development and future growth. For their part, the experts from Arton Capital shared their view that Armenia has the potential to position itself as a unique investment destination for high net worth individuals from the Middle East and Asia.

Arton Capital has been tasked with producing a detailed report that will evaluate the existing infrastructure, outline the best ways to structure an attractive and sustainable program in accordance with EU laws, and implement industry-leading due diligence practices.

Many countries in Europe, North America and the Caribbean have implemented citizenship and residency programs in the past 20 years, and they have attracted billions in investments. Many more are considering the implementation of such programs as a highly effective means of boosting foreign direct investment.

“The direction chosen by Armenia is shared by many others,” says Armand Arton, founder and president of Arton Capital. “As a proud Armenian, I am honored to offer my years of professional experience and acute know-how to help the country meet its foreign direct investment goals.”

In support of its philanthropic commitment, Arton Capital has pledged to donate the consulting fees awarded by the contract to help refugees in Armenia. More than 20,000 Syrians, many of whom are ethnically Armenian, have found refuge in Armenia since the Syrian war began in 2011.

About Arton Capital

Arton Capital empowers individuals and families to become Global Citizens by investing in second residence and citizenship around the world. This is accomplished through a bespoke service experience that simplifies complexity and is supported by long-term relationships.

As a global financial advisory firm specializing in investor programs for residence and citizenship, Arton plays a critical role in helping governments, industry professionals and investors meet their goals quickly, efficiently and effectively.

Arton is the founder of the Global Citizen Forum as well as the Global Citizen Foundation. Its global operations are spread over 15 offices around the world and have helped attract over US$3 billion in foreign direct investment to various countries.

Arton Capital is a member of The Arton Group, which comprises fully licensed international banking, financial advisory and investment consulting companies tailored to the needs of Global Citizens.

Click Here for More Information »

UVI RTPark To Host VIP Investment Showcase During Caribbean Week In New York

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, May 19, 2017: The University of the Virgin Islands Research & Technology Park, (UVI RTPark), will celebrate Caribbean Week in New York and Caribbean American Heritage Month in the USA with a Big Apple VIP Investment Showcase Reception this June.

The event is set to introduce the opportunities of the RTPark program to business leaders and key members of the Caribbean Diaspora in New York and highlight the many advantages to doing business with the RTPark program and the US Virgin Islands.

The UVI RTPark program, established in 2002, is a specialist economic development agency that aims to successfully establish the U.S. Virgin Islands as a premier business destination of choice for firms in knowledge and technology intensive sectors. It gives many qualified entrepreneurs and business owners an opportunity to #WorkFromTheBeach by benefiting from generous tax incentives while they enjoy the lifestyle of an island paradise.

Investment projects that are focused on quality are screened for their likelihood of fit in the RTPark program. The priority sectors include bio-medical devices, personalized medicine applications, wellness and healthcare management, energy research and systems, including renewable and clean technology, energy efficiency, energy management and sustainability solutions, as well as firms that will draw on advances in marine science. The RTPark has also had success in attracting Internet advertising firms, technology-mediated entertainment companies and advanced logistics and supply-chain management firms and recently welcomed Intellectual Global Concepts LLC and Anvil 1 LLC as clients.

“The RT Park program is at a very exciting stage. Ten years after our first client, we have fine-tuned the application process and now offer impact investors a unique opportunity and have drawn twenty new companies to the Virgin Islands since 2015,” said RTPark executive director Dr. Gillian Marcelle. “Our recent clients are involved in projects that build the pipeline of skills in the US Virgin Islands and bring new ways of doing business to the Territory while the owners of these businesses enjoy living in an island Paradise.”

The RTPark program is headquartered in a US $13 million, LEED certified green two-storey, 18,000 square foot building near the main entrance of the University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen campus just off of the Queen Mary highway, in St. Croix.

For more information about the UVI RTPark, call 340-692-4300, email [email protected].

###

SOURCE: UVI RTPark

MEDIA CONTACT:

Felicia J. Persaud

[email protected]

718-476-3616

Click Here for More Information »

Markel completes acquisition of assets of CATCo Investment Management Ltd.

RICHMOND, Virginia, LONDON and HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Markel Corporation (”Markel”) (NYSE: MKL) and CATCo Investment Management Ltd. (”CATCo”) jointly announced today the completion of the acquisition by Markel of substantially all of the assets of CATCo.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151208/294218LOGO
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73238

The business, which provides collateralized protections to over 35 global reinsurance buyers, will now operate as Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. (”Markel CATCo”). Every member of the CATCo team, led by Chief Executive Officer Tony Belisle, has transferred to Markel CATCo.

Richard R. Whitt, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Markel, commented, “We welcome Tony and the CATCo team into the Markel family. The reception by existing CATCo reinsurance buyers and investors to the newly established Markel platform has been overwhelmingly positive. We truly will be hitting the ground running.”  Whitt further remarked, “Joining CATCo’s insurance linked investment management capabilities alongside Markel’s traditional reinsurance capabilities should make for a powerful combination.”

Tony Belisle, Chief Executive Officer of Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd., said, ”I am delighted with the successful closure of the transaction and the bringing together of two fantastic organisations that share similar goals and cultures.

“The extra support our new owner brings will enable us to offer enhanced product ranges and secure capital efficiencies for our growing number of reinsurance buyers. With a significant amount of next year’s renewals already committed and projected AUM expected to exceed $3bn, 2016 is shaping up to be a positive and exciting year.”

Willis Capital Markets & Advisory served as exclusive financial advisor and Hogan Lovells International LLP served as legal advisor to CATCo. Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to Markel.

About Markel Corporation

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at www.markelcorp.com.

About Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd.

Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. is a specialist investment management business. From its headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda, Markel CATCo manages retrocession and traditional reinsurance portfolios for clients around the world, including financial institutions, charities, pension funds, family offices and investment funds. Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. is authorized and regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

Disclaimer

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Markel’s and Markel CATCo’s beliefs, plans or expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Markel’s and Markel CATCo’s current plans, estimates and expectations. There are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by such statements. Neither Markel nor Markel CATCo assumes any obligation to update this release (including any forward-looking statements herein) as a result of new information, developments or otherwise. This release speaks only as of the date issued.Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73238

CONTACT: Markel Corporation, Media, Paul Broughton, Managing Director, Marketing, 804-527-7618, [email protected]; Markel Corporation, Investors, Bruce Kay, Managing Director, Investor Relations, 804-747-0136, [email protected]; Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd., Media, Mark Way, Investor Relations Director, +44 7786 116 991, [email protected]; Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd., Investors, Tony Belisle, Chief Executive Officer, 508-259-1640, [email protected]

Click Here for More Information »

St. Kitts & Nevis engages IPSA International to assist Citizenship by Investment Program, Improve Transparency

NEW YORK and BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ – root9B Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: RTNB) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, IPSA International (IPSA), has been retained by the St. Kitts and Nevis Government to address recommendations that will improve the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program.  IPSA, a regulatory risk mitigation firm delivering advisory and investigative services, will assist the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit to increase the program’s transparency and efficiency.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris has committed to ensuring the continued prestige of the Citizenship by Investment Program, which began in 1984 and is the most established program of its kind in the world. The program attracts investors of good character to make a substantial economic contribution to the development of the Federation in return for the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

“We appreciate the opportunity to assist St. Kitts and Nevis in their objective to ensure integrity exists in all aspects of their Citizenship by Investment Program,” said IPSA’s Chief Executive Officer Dan Wachtler. “The Immigrant Investor industry is seeing tremendous growth and change, and with that can come increased risk. St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to help themselves and the industry as a whole by implementing best practices in their program.”

IPSA International completed a program review of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program in the fourth quarter of 2014. Prime Minister Harris outlined that, with higher volumes, changing regulations and increased focus on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Funding, the review was commissioned to make recommendations for enhancements to protect the integrity and security of the program. IPSA made 20 recommendations for improved governance, risk mitigation and compliance, all of which were accepted. These included the roll-out of a case management tool to streamline the application management process within the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU); changes to the CIU’s organizational structure to enhance processing capabilities and mitigate risk; an improved risk assessment process; and a review of previously approved applicants. Prime Minister Harris stated that IPSA has now been engaged to assist the CIU and the Government in carrying out these recommendations, including the immediate implementation of the case management tool.

“I can say today, that this government has reviewed the report and after consultations with a wide cross section of persons representing developers, agents, service providers, lawyers, ordinary citizens and workers, we have decided that it is in the best interest of our country that we implement the 20 recommendations proposed by IPSA International,” said Prime Minister Harris. “These will form the basis to restructure, reform, and reposition the CBI Program and unit in particular to restore it to its former glory. Not just to become known as a program which is the oldest, but a program which is the best and which will become a leader in best practices in (similar) programs.”

Since 2004, IPSA International has been providing investigative due diligence and consulting services for citizenship by investment programs, and in the Caribbean region since 2012. IPSA is a recognized industry pioneer and currently a preferred vendor for three citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean. IPSA has consulted with governments in relation to these programs, including operational policies and procedures, workflow analysis, operational support, system recommendations, and implementation.

“IPSA has been involved with Immigrant Investor programs for over 10 years and we are pleased to be able to assist St. Kitts and Nevis in implementing these changes to meet the highest international standards,” IPSA’s Executive Vice President, International Operations, Kim Marsh said. “This will ensure continued confidence in the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program.”

About St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

The Citizenship by Investment Program was established in 1984, making it the longest established program of this kind in the world. It has distinguished itself from many other similar programs by rigidly enforced investment requirements and meticulous due diligence procedures. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis utilizes this program to attract investors of good character to make a substantial contribution to the development of the Federation. These investors are then given the opportunity to apply for citizenship and passport within the strict guidelines of the law and the relevant regulations. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the Government Authority which handles all matters concerning Citizenship by Investment in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

About IPSA International

IPSA International, a root9B Technologies, Inc. company, is a regulatory risk mitigation firm delivering advisory and investigative services globally in the areas of Anti-Money Laundering, Investigative Due Diligence, Enterprise Risk Management and Litigation Support. Our clients include public and private middle market businesses, multi-national corporations, financial institutions and governments. IPSA International has offices in the US, UK, Canada, UAE and Hong Kong, resources in over 75 countries and research capabilities in 20 languages. For more information, please visit us at www.ipsaintl.com.

About root9B Technologies

root9B Technologies (OTCQB: RTNB) is a leading provider of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Risk Mitigation Solutions. root9B Technologies delivers results that improve productivity, mitigate risk and maximize profits. Our clients range in size from Fortune 100 companies to mid-sized and owner-managed businesses across a broad range of industries including local, state, and government agencies. For more information, visit www.root9Btechnologies.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release may include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future financial performance, future growth and future acquisitions. These statements are based on root9B Technologies’ current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of root9B Technologies business. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies are indicated from time to time in root9B Technologies filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. Further, investors should keep in mind that root9B Technologies financial results in any particular period may not be indicative of future results.  root9B Technologies is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

CONTACTS:

IPSA International
Kenneth (Kim) Marsh
Executive Vice President, International
Operations
(604) 633-1750
[email protected]

MEDIA                                   INVESTOR RELATIONS
 root9B Technologies                     root9B Technologies
 Andrew Hoffman                          Mark Elliott
 (908) 655-6798                          Chief Administrative Officer
 [email protected]                 (704) 521-8077
                                        [email protected]
IPSA International
Julie Malone                            The Equity Group Inc. (Investors)
Brand Marketing Manager                 Devin Sullivan
(602) 889-1137                          Senior Vice President
[email protected]                    (212) 836-9608
                                      [email protected]
Click Here for More Information »