Latest news with #Confluence
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
First Trust Announces Expected Effective Date of First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund Reorganization into FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF
WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Trust Advisors L.P. ('FTA') announced today that, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, the reorganization of First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE: FGB), a closed-end management investment company, managed by FTA and sub-advised by Confluence Investment Management LLC ('Confluence'), into FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (NYSE Arca: FBDC), an actively managed exchange-traded fund ('ETF') managed by FTA and sub-advised by Confluence, is expected to become effective immediately before the opening of the NYSE on June 30, 2025. As previously announced, the shareholders of FGB approved FGB's reorganization into FBDC at a Special Meeting of Shareholders on May 5, 2025. The reorganization was approved by the Board of Trustees of each of FGB and FBDC on September 8-9, 2024. Upon the completion of the transaction, which is expected to be tax-free, the assets of FGB will be transferred to, and the liabilities of FGB will be assumed by, FBDC. The shareholders of FGB will receive shares of FBDC with a value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the shares of FGB held by them. FGB is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of attractive total return. Under normal market conditions, FGB pursues its investment objectives by investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in a portfolio of securities of specialty finance and other financial companies that Confluence believes offer attractive opportunities for income and capital appreciation. 'Managed Assets' means the total asset value of FGB minus the sum of FGB's liabilities other than the principal amount of borrowings, if any. FBDC is an actively managed ETF that seeks to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of attractive total return. FBDC pursues these investment objectives by investing in BDCs and other specialty finance companies that Confluence believes offer attractive opportunities for income and capital appreciation. FTA is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund's investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P. ('FTP'), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $255 billion as of April 30, 2025 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois. Confluence Investment Management LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor, serves as the investment sub-advisor to FGB and the new ETF. The Confluence team has more than 600 years of combined financial experience and 400 years of portfolio management/research experience, maintaining a track record that dates back to 1994. As of March 31, 2025, Confluence had $12.7 billion in assets under management and advisement (assets under management = $7.2 billion; assets under advisement = $5.5 billion). Additional Information / Forward-Looking Statements This press release is not intended to, and shall not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of FGB or FBDC. Certain statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are referred to as 'forward-looking statements' under the U.S. federal securities laws. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward- looking statements due to numerous factors. Generally, the words 'believe,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' 'anticipate,' 'project,' 'will' and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the historical experience of FTA and the funds managed by FTA and its present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. FTA, FGB and FBDC undertake no responsibility to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements. An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of FGB or FBDC, as applicable, before investing. The prospectuses for FGB and FBDC contain this and other important information and are available free of charge by calling toll-free at 1-800-621-1675 or writing FGB or FBDC at 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First Trust Announces Expected Effective Date of First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund Reorganization into FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF
WHEATON, Ill., June 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announced today that, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, the reorganization of First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE: FGB), a closed-end management investment company, managed by FTA and sub-advised by Confluence Investment Management LLC ("Confluence"), into FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (NYSE Arca: FBDC), an actively managed exchange-traded fund ("ETF") managed by FTA and sub-advised by Confluence, is expected to become effective immediately before the opening of the NYSE on June 30, 2025. As previously announced, the shareholders of FGB approved FGB's reorganization into FBDC at a Special Meeting of Shareholders on May 5, 2025. The reorganization was approved by the Board of Trustees of each of FGB and FBDC on September 8-9, 2024. Upon the completion of the transaction, which is expected to be tax-free, the assets of FGB will be transferred to, and the liabilities of FGB will be assumed by, FBDC. The shareholders of FGB will receive shares of FBDC with a value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the shares of FGB held by them. FGB is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of attractive total return. Under normal market conditions, FGB pursues its investment objectives by investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in a portfolio of securities of specialty finance and other financial companies that Confluence believes offer attractive opportunities for income and capital appreciation. "Managed Assets" means the total asset value of FGB minus the sum of FGB's liabilities other than the principal amount of borrowings, if any. FBDC is an actively managed ETF that seeks to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of attractive total return. FBDC pursues these investment objectives by investing in BDCs and other specialty finance companies that Confluence believes offer attractive opportunities for income and capital appreciation. FTA is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund's investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P. ("FTP"), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $255 billion as of April 30, 2025 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois. Confluence Investment Management LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor, serves as the investment sub-advisor to FGB and the new ETF. The Confluence team has more than 600 years of combined financial experience and 400 years of portfolio management/research experience, maintaining a track record that dates back to 1994. As of March 31, 2025, Confluence had $12.7 billion in assets under management and advisement (assets under management = $7.2 billion; assets under advisement = $5.5 billion). Additional Information / Forward-Looking Statements This press release is not intended to, and shall not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of FGB or FBDC. Certain statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are referred to as "forward-looking statements" under the U.S. federal securities laws. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward- looking statements due to numerous factors. Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the historical experience of FTA and the funds managed by FTA and its present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. FTA, FGB and FBDC undertake no responsibility to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements. An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of FGB or FBDC, as applicable, before investing. The prospectuses for FGB and FBDC contain this and other important information and are available free of charge by calling toll-free at 1-800-621-1675 or writing FGB or FBDC at 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. View source version on Contacts Jeff Margolin – (630) 517-7643Jim Dykas – (630) 517-7665 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
The Confluence's first permanent exhibit in over 2 decades celebrates Blackfoot way of life
Blackfoot culture is in the spotlight at The Confluence. Kípaitápiiyssinnooni, which translates to Our Way of Life in the Blackfoot language, was unveiled to the Calgary community on Saturday as the first major permanent exhibit to open at the historic site since 2001. The 900-square-foot exhibit is a physical expression of the collective knowledge and ongoing presence of the Blackfoot people, said curator Star Crop Eared Wolf. "It's a place to learn, to reflect, and to experience the richness of Blackfoot history and culture," she said. "For too long, Blackfoot people and other Indigenous people have been portrayed as a disappearing and a vanishing grace. But we are not gone, we are here." Kípaitápiiyssinnooni draws inspiration from the traditional layout of a Blackfoot lodge as well as Crop Eared Wolf's childhood experiences. It's made up of materials made by Indigenous creators and shares knowledge gathered from interviews with Blackfoot elders and knowledge keepers. Throughout the exhibit, the Blackfoot language makes up the first part of every write-up, with English translations coming second. Crop Eared Wolf, a Niitsitapi artist and member of the Kainai Nation, is the first full-time curator hired at The Confluence in more than two decades, where she's worked on putting the new exhibit together for well over a year. "It's an honour and a sense of pride just to be able to be a part of this and represent our people," she said. WATCH | First permanent exhibit to open at The Confluence in 20 years focuses on Blackfoot culture: First permanent exhibit to open at The Confluence in 20 years focuses on Blackfoot culture 13 hours ago Duration 1:33 New direction for The Confluence The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland, formerly called Fort Calgary before being renamed in 2024, is ushering in a new era, starting with the opening of Kípaitápiiyssinnooni. "We've heard that people are excited and looking for a connection to Calgary's identity and Calgary's story, and what I like to think is that this is the first step in that direction," said Jennifer Thompson, president of The Confluence. The exhibit marks the completion of the first phase of The Confluence's ongoing exhibit overhaul, a process that has been underway since November 2024. Phase one saw eight exhibits dating back to approximately three decades ago removed and put into storage to make way for Kípaitápiiyssinnooni. "On Blackfoot territory, it only makes sense to begin the story with Blackfoot voices," said Thompson. The second phase of the overhaul will bring in exhibits on the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut'ina and Métis nations, followed by phase three, which is set to focus on colonization and the establishment of Fort Calgary 150 years ago by the North-West Mounted Police. Expected to be complete within the next three years, the exhibit redevelopment marks the historic site's second major overhaul since the Fort Calgary Interpretive Centre first opened in 1978. "From the moment you walk in the doors where you see how the rivers were created, to Kípaitápiiyssinnooni, where you hear the stories of the first peoples on this land, you get a sense of our identity here at Mohkinstsis," said Thompson. Thompson hopes the unveiling of the Blackfoot exhibit, which took place the day before International Museum Day on May 18, will also spark change among other museums and historic sites. "We see this as a call to other institutions in Canada to move beyond recognition and into relationship, and to honour the sacred obligation we share to this land, and together as treaty people," she said.
Business Journals
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
SRP's new construction program encourages sustainability and cost savings
Booming development throughout Phoenix makes having a partnership that encourages sustainability and lowering costs a major advantage for construction companies. Knowing this, Salt River Project (SRP) created the New Construction Solutions Program to ensure project teams have the support needed to complete energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective buildings. Ryan Companies partners with SRP Ryan Companies, a full-service real estate company, recently shared their experience with SRP's new construction program and the benefits yielded from their partnership. 'Our goal is to build impactful projects for people to live, work and play in,' says Molly Carson, executive vice president and market leader of Ryan Companies' Southwest Region. SRP's construction-tailored initiative aligns with Ryan Companies' goal to create desirable and cost-effective projects, ultimately making them energy-efficient for their clients as well. 'SRP walked us through the rebate program, the process and benefits,' Carson explains. To maximize overall cost savings, the SRP new construction program unites key stakeholders — building architects, engineers and building owners, as examples — early in the project design stage. 'Our developers, property managers, accountants — everyone — got to hear the same thing at the same time, which makes things a lot easier and more streamlined on our side.' Carson says that having a dedicated SRP strategic energy manager (SEM) added to the ease of the process, from learning about eligibility to rebate implementation. 'The availability of a human being is key — just being able to talk to someone if we had any questions was fantastic,' she says. Rebate pathways and plus-sides SRP's new construction program offers several rebates to encourage energy saving measures. Members of the EDA service team can receive up to $50,000 at $0.08/kWh of verified savings. Design team rebates, ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 based on building size, help off-set the costs of involving essential project members like owners, architects, contractors and engineers. Ryan Companies recently worked with SRP for the Confluence project in Mesa, completing the last three of a nine-building project, taking advantage of the new construction rebate program. 'Who doesn't love a rebate or trying to do the right thing working towards energy efficiency?' Carson asks, adding that rebate opportunities save the company thousands of dollars. Builders to business owners: Everyone saves Carson and her Ryan Companies team acknowledge how by SRP's construction program passing on energy savings, property managers can offer more competitive lease rates, benefiting tenants and attracting quality businesses. Carson explains that this lifecycle enables Ryan Companies to 'attract great businesses and be as competitive as possible.' As for future demand of energy-efficient, cost-saving solutions such as SRP's new construction program, Carson closes with this: 'I think it will only continue to grow. Together we encourage, push and challenge each other to continue to rise up to these occasions in a manner where we can continue to attract great businesses and be as competitive as possible.' For more information on how your project can benefit from SRP's New Construction Solutions Program (including eligibility and participation information), contact your strategic energy manager or our new construction administrator, Humayun Kabir, at 480-768-3905 or hkabir@ Erin Thorburn is an accomplished writer, journalist, photographer and illustrator with over 20 years of experience covering business travel and lifestyle trends in the Southwest. She is the founder and editor of The Best of the Southwest. Additionally, she contributes to publications like AZ Business, AZ Business Leaders, AZRE and Experience AZ magazines.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Allspring Selects Confluence Style Analytics to Gain Factor-Based Insights
Leading asset management firm leverages factor analysis with improved data-driven analytics PITTSBURGH, May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Confluence Technologies, Inc. ("Confluence"), a global technology solutions provider for regulatory, analytics, and investor communications solutions for the investment management industry, today announced that Allspring Global Investments™ has selected its Style Analytics solution for enhanced transparency and improved competitive intelligence analysis for factor-based portfolio insights. A leading independent global asset management firm with over $605 billion in assets under advisement*, Allspring will leverage Style Analytics to provide institutional investors and consultants with a clear, third-party independent perspective on its equity products, reinforcing trust and facilitating data-driven conversations with its clients. Furthermore, Allspring will be able to offer clients instant visibility into factor exposures, gaining in-depth competitive intelligence and portfolio differentiation. "Allspring's selection of Style Analytics underscores the growing need for objective, factor-based insights," said Chris Smith-Hill, Vice President of Product, Style Analytics at Confluence. "By integrating our solution, Allspring will further differentiate its portfolios with a clear demonstration of how its products align with investor expectations." With Style Analytics, Allspring can access custom peer group analysis, gaining competitive intelligence that is based on factor comparisons and identifying key differentiators in portfolio positioning. As asset managers face increasing pressure for differentiation, justification of fees, and demonstration of value, robust analytics is becoming essential for success. For more information about Confluence Style Analytics and other performance, attribution, and risk analytics solutions, visit About Allspring Allspring Global Investments™ is an independent asset management firm with more than $600 billion in assets under advisement*, over 20 offices globally, and investment teams supported by 390+ investment professionals. Allspring is committed to thoughtful investing, purposeful planning, and inspiring a new era of investing that pursues both financial returns and positive outcomes. For more information, please visit *As of March 31, 2025. Figures include discretionary and non-discretionary assets. About Confluence: Confluence is a global leader in enterprise data and software solutions for regulatory, analytics, and investor communications. Our best-of-breed solutions make it easy and fast to create, share, and operationalize mission-critical reporting and actionable insights essential to the investment management industry. Trusted for over 30 years by the largest asset service providers, asset managers, asset owners, and investment consultants worldwide, our global team of regulatory and analytics experts delivers forward-looking innovations and market-leading solutions, adding efficiency, speed, and accuracy to everything we do. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with ~700+ employees across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa, and Australia, Confluence services over 1,000 clients in more than 40 countries. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Confluence Media Contact: Elia LevitinCognitoconfluence@ +1 (917) 456 6351 Sign in to access your portfolio
