Latest news with #DavidBarrett
National Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Expensify Announces Q1 2025 Results
Article content Total interchange derived from the Expensify Card grew to $5.1 million, an increase of 43% as compared to the same period last year. Article content Article content PORTLAND, Ore. — Expensify, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXFY), a payments superapp that helps individuals and businesses around the world simplify the way they manage money across expenses, corporate cards and bills, today released a letter to shareholders from Founder and CEO David Barrett alongside results for its quarter ended March 31, 2025. Article content A Message From Our Founder Article content Q1'25 was another strong quarter. Though seasonally affected as expected, on an annual basis this quarter saw an 8% increase in revenue, 43% increase in interchange, 38% increase in cash from operating activities and 75% increase in free cash flow from the same quarter last year. In fact, this quarter produced $4.8 million of cash from operating activities and $9.1 million in FCF – over 50% of the bottom end of our FCF forecast for the entire year. As such we are increasing our full year 2025 FCF guidance to $17.0 million – $21.0 million. Article content On top of that strong performance was a 166% increase in quarterly travel bookings, which is now fully launched to all customers and seeing strong pickup from customers new and old. Indeed, though still very early days, we're seeing companies adopt travel at over twice the rate they adopted the Expensify Card at launch. Article content Our main effort for Q1'25 was in preparing for the upcoming F1 premier on June 25th, in which Expensify is the top sponsor of Brad Pitt's F1 team. This is Apple's largest movie launch to date, and we are extremely excited for the visibility we will get in the movie and lead up advertising: this gives us incredible exposure on a global basis, and we believe it is possibly one of the best brand placement opportunities ever. Accordingly, we are battening down the hatches in preparation for what we hope will be a wave of new leads that puts our servers, sales team, and customer success to the test. Article content Finally, we are executing on the Concierge AI plan held out last quarter, adding the ability to not just resolve basic violations using natural language chat (via email or SMS, without even needing to open the app), but also giving Concierge actual voice with a 'Talk to Concierge' button that lets you speak directly to the AI out loud. Article content All in all, it was another solid quarter relative to last year, despite a challenging backdrop. We couldn't be more excited for what's coming next. See you in theaters June 25th! Article content -david Article content Revenue was $36.1 million, an increase of 8% compared to the same period last year. Generated $4.8 million of cash from operating activities. Free cash flow was $9.1 million. Net loss was $3.2 million, compared to $3.8 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP net income was $4.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $8.4 million. Total interchange derived from the Expensify Card grew to $5.1 million, an increase of 43% compared to the same period last year. See Financial Outlook section for Free Cash Flow guidance for fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Article content Business: Article content Paid members – Paid members were 657,000, a decrease of 5% from the same period last year. Expensify Travel – Expensify travel saw a 166% Q/Q increase in quarterly travel bookings. Pricing – The company announced an update to its Collect plan pricing: a simple, transparent flat rate of $5 per member per month. Article content Expensify's outlook statements are based on current estimates, expectations and assumptions and are not a guarantee of future performance. The following statements are forward-looking and actual results could differ materially depending on market conditions and the factors set forth under 'Forward-Looking Statements' below. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve the results expressed by this guidance. Article content Free Cash Flow Article content Expensify estimates Free Cash Flow of $17.0 million to $21.0 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Article content The Company does not provide a reconciliation for free cash flow estimates on a forward-looking basis because it is unable, without making unreasonable efforts, to provide a meaningful or reasonably accurate calculation or estimation of net cash provided by operating activities and certain reconciling items on a forward-looking basis, which could be significant to the Company's results. Article content An estimate of expected stock-based compensation expense for the next four fiscal quarters is as follows, which is driven primarily by the pre-IPO grant of RSUs issued to all employees (which vest quarterly over eight years with approximately four years remaining). Article content Investors and others should note that Expensify routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the Expensify Investor Relations website at While not all of the information that the Company posts to its Investor Relations website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, the Company encourages investors, the media and others interested in Expensify to review the information that it shares on its Investor Relations website. Article content Conference Call Article content Expensify will host a video call to discuss the financial results and business highlights at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today. An investor presentation and the video call information is available on Expensify's Investor Relations website at A replay of the call will be available on the site for three months. Article content In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ('GAAP'), we provide certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net loss, and free cash flow. Article content We believe our non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, measuring our performance, identifying trends affecting our business, formulating business plans and making strategic decisions. Accordingly, we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations in the same manner as our management team. These non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only, should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from similarly titled metrics or measures presented by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for financial information presented under GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP financial measures versus comparable financial measures determined under GAAP. For example, other companies in our industry may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance. All of these limitations could reduce the usefulness of these non-GAAP financial measures as analytical tools. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. A reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP is at the end of this press release. Article content Adjusted EBITDA. We define adjusted EBITDA as net loss excluding provision for income taxes, other income (expenses), net, depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation expense. Article content Non-GAAP net income. We define non-GAAP net income as net loss excluding stock-based compensation expense. Article content Free cash flow. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities excluding changes in settlement assets and settlement liabilities, which represent funds held for customers and customer funds in transit, respectively, reduced by the purchases of property and equipment and software development costs. Article content The tables at the end of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements provide reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to each of these non-GAAP financial measures. Article content Forward-Looking Statements Article content Forward-looking statements in this press release, or made during the earnings call, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. These statements include statements regarding our strategy, future financial condition, future operations, future cash flow, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives of management and expected market growth, product developments and their potential impact and our stock-based compensation estimates and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as 'may,' 'will,' 'shall,' 'should,' 'expects,' 'plans,' 'anticipates,' 'could,' 'intends,' 'target,' 'projects,' 'contemplates,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'predicts,' 'potential,' 'goal,' 'ambition,' 'objective,' 'seeks,' 'outlook,' or 'continue' or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the impact on inflation on us and our members; our borrowing costs, which have and may continue to increase as a result of increases in interest rates; our expectations regarding our financial performance and future operating performance; our ability to attract and retain members, expand usage of our platform, sell subscriptions to our platform and convert individuals and organizations into paying customers; the timing and success of new features, integrations, capabilities and enhancements by us, or by competitors to their products, or any other changes in the competitive landscape of our market; the amount and timing of operating expenses that we may incur to maintain and expand our business and operations to remain competitive; the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and investments to meet our liquidity needs; our ability to make required payments under and to comply with the various requirements of our current and future indebtedness; our cash flows, the prevailing stock prices, general economic and market conditions and other considerations that could affect the specific timing, price and size of repurchases under our stock repurchase program or our ability to fund any stock repurchases; geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Israel, Gaza and surrounding areas; our ability to effectively manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the size of our addressable markets, market share and market trends; anticipated trends, developments and challenges in our industry, business and the highly competitive markets in which we operate; any adverse impact on our business operations as a result of using artificial intelligence or other machine learning technologies in our services; our expectations regarding our income tax liabilities and the adequacy of our reserves; our ability to effectively manage our growth and expand our infrastructure and maintain our corporate culture; our ability to identify, recruit and retain skilled personnel, including key members of senior management; the safety, affordability and convenience of our platform and our offerings; our ability to successfully defend litigation brought against us; our ability to successfully identify, manage and integrate any existing and potential acquisitions of businesses, talent, technologies or intellectual property; general economic conditions in either domestic or international markets, including geopolitical uncertainty and instability, and their effects on software spending; our ability to protect against security incidents, technical difficulties, or interruptions to our platform; our ability to maintain, protect and enhance our intellectual property; the impact of tariffs and global trade disruptions on us, our customers and our vendors, including the impact on inflation, supply chains and consumer sentiment; and other risks discussed in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Article content Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 Net loss $ (3,169 ) $ (3,781 ) Net loss margin (9 )% (11 )% Add: Provision for income taxes 2,006 1,034 Other (income) expenses, net (324 ) 954 Depreciation and amortization 1,943 1,383 Stock-based compensation expense 7,990 7,524 Adjusted EBITDA $ 8,446 $ 7,114 Adjusted EBITDA margin 23 % 21 % Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Medscape
08-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Breaking the Silence: Europe Unites Against Alcohol Harm
AMSTERDAM — Today, the EU launched a new coalition of health organizations and experts to advocate for the reduction of alcohol-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths here at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2025. The European Health Alliance on Alcohol aims to reduce alcohol's impact on health, raise public awareness, and advocate for the implementation of effective policies that save lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) European Region has the heaviest alcohol consumption of all regions in the world, causing a significant reduction in life expectancy, especially among men. Approximately 800,000 lives are lost each year to alcohol. It is also a leading risk factor for disability, a major cause of more than 200 chronic diseases, and a factor in many injuries and mental health disorders. Despite this, cultural and societal narratives around alcohol use are at odds with the clinical evidence, fueling alcohol-related harm. A roundtable event organized yesterday at the congress convened clinicians, policymakers, and a patient with alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) to challenge some of society's most pervasive narratives about alcohol use and reveal the deeply entrenched ways it shapes health and society. 'This isn't about judgement,' said David Barrett, internal communications and multimedia manager at the WHO, Copenhagen, Denmark, who chaired the event. 'It's about cutting past all of the noise; all of the myths.' Margarida Santos, MD Carina Ferreira-Borges, PhD The discussion featured a cross-sectoral panel including Margarida Santos, MD, general practitioner, Portugal; Hazel Martin, patient with ARLD and BBC journalist, Glasgow, Scotland; Aleksander Krag , MD, PhD, professor and department chair, department of gastroenterology and hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark and secretary general of EASL; Riina Sikkut, member of the Estonian Parliament; and Carina Ferreira-Borges, PhD, regional advisor on alcohol, illicit drugs, and prison health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. 'I Was the Story' Sharing her experience, Martin reflected on her dual role as reporter and subject of the BBC Panorama episode Binge Drinking and Me . Hazel Martin, BBC journalist 'It's never the goal of a journalist to be the story,' said Martin, speaking candidly about her diagnosis of ARLD at the age of 31 and reflecting on how deeply alcohol is embedded in everyday life. 'I didn't feel like I was drinking any differently than the people around me. And yet I received a diagnosis of fibrosis; alcohol-related liver damage. That was a huge shock.' Martin described the dissonance between what is perceived as normal drinking habits and the clinical reality, with her diagnosis surprising her but also prompting questions about societal understanding of drinking behavior. 'Why are so many people unaware they are at risk? There's this public health message of 'Spread your drinking across the week. Know your units.' But no one really knows what that means,' she said. 'Binge drinking is defined as six drinks in one session [for a female]. That's about two large glasses of wine. Yet so few people recognize when they're doing it,' she explained, adding that so many people she spoke with after making the show were shocked. Santos, who works in the Portuguese primary care system, said that common misperceptions of alcohol use present one of the biggest barriers to reducing harm, and that people often harbor a narrow stereotype of who alcohol harms. 'People think alcohol disorder is only about someone from a low socioeconomic background who drinks daily and visibly gets drunk. But often it's more subtle—and just as harmful.' She admits it can be difficult to discuss alcohol consumption with patients. 'They may say 'a glass with meals' or 'a beer here and there,' without recognizing it may already cross risky thresholds.' More worrying, she stressed, was the communication gap. 'We [health professionals] talk in terms of units and liver damage, but what the public wants to know is if it 'increases my breast cancer probability' and 'how does this impact me?' They don't realize that it makes your work harder or impacts fertility.' Stigma remains a major issue too, she pointed out. 'There's 'sober shaming' at weddings and parties that pressures people into drinking. People ask, 'Why aren't you drinking? Are you pregnant?' That's a cultural issue and it needs to change.' Industry Promotion and Societal Disconnect Santos also sounded the alarm over industry influence in policymaking, pointing out that, in Portugal, major alcohol companies have had direct contact with the health ministry. 'We need to stop normalizing this,' she said. Podcasts and influencers on social media, largely used by teenagers, are also sponsored by the alcohol industry, but no action is taken against this. Santos has her own podcast. 'I find this so upsetting because it would be unthinkable for a person or a podcast to be sponsored by a tobacco company. No one does anything about it. I think it's very cultural.' WHO public health expert, Carina Ferreira-Borges, reflected that people's choices are not made in a vacuum but are shaped by environments saturated with marketing and a culture that infiltrates to the point where clear societal principles become lost. 'It's absurd that profit-driven industries go to schools to teach children how to drink and there is an acceptance that this is okay. How do all of these systems encourage harm while claiming to promote so-called choice?' Santos concurred and called for a reframing of public health communication and investment in health communication strategies that match the scale and savvy of the alcohol industry's campaigns. Debunking the Alcohol Myths: Red Wine Is (Not) Healthy! Turning to systems propagating misinformation that fuel alcohol-related harm as opposed to individual blame, Karg reflected on the persistent myth that moderate alcohol consumption, especially red wine, offers cardiovascular benefits. 'I think it has been a myth that's been around a lot and it's also one that the alcohol industry loves to say. If you look at hundreds of diseases in large datasets, there might be some [outliers] popping up that support this, but the reality is that the more you drink, the higher your risk is, and we need to be careful, because they [the industry] are twisting it,' said Karg, emphasizing the clear dose-response relationship between alcohol use and mortality. The experts called for sharper, more relatable health communication together with robust policies that prioritize public wellbeing over profit. The newly launched European Health Alliance on Alcohol will be highlighting the often-overlooked impacts of alcohol on heart disease, suicide, sleep, and mental health. It aims to strengthen the influence of healthcare professionals on alcohol policy at local, national, and European levels.
Bahrain News Gazette
28-04-2025
- Health
- Bahrain News Gazette
EBC Financial Group Deepens Commitment to United to Beat Malaria with Renewed Global Partnership and First-Ever 5K Run Sponsorship
From strategic partnership to global employee action, EBC joins the global movement to end malaria for good Leadership trio unites for global health at the 2025 United to Beat Malaria Leadership Summit David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd.; Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations; and Margaret McDonnell, Executive Director of United to Beat Malaria, join forces at the Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., reaffirming EBC's commitment. United to Beat Malaria Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. Advocates at the United to Beat Malaria Annual Leadership Summit convene at the Capitol Hill in coming together to drive dialogue, innovation, and leadership for a better future. Samuel Hertz at the 2025 United to Beat Malaria Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group, joins global advocates at the 2025 United to Beat Malaria Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., reaffirming EBC's sponsorship of the Move Against Malaria 5K. WASHINGTON, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the world marks World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme 'Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,' EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renewing its global partnership with the United Nations Foundation's United to Beat Malaria campaign. Now entering its second year of collaboration, EBC is scaling up its impact through increased corporate sponsorship, cross-border employee mobilisation to raise awareness, and direct investment in frontline health tools that save lives. From a shared belief that no child should die from a mosquito bite, EBC is transforming its role from ally to active advocate—supporting both the global systems that drive malaria eradication and the grassroots initiatives that protect the world's most vulnerable communities. As part of this commitment, EBC is stepping up as a first-time corporate sponsor of the Move Against Malaria 5K 2025 event, mobilising many in a global movement to raise awareness for one of the world's deadliest—yet entirely preventable—diseases. 'In 2024, we stood in solidarity. In 2025, we stand in action,' said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd. 'This campaign is now embedded into our leadership strategy and employee culture. This is not a moment, it's a movement.' EBC's Commitment to Global Health Equity is a Shared Mission To mark this renewed partnership, Barrett sat down with Margaret McDonnell, Executive Director of United to Beat Malaria , for a candid 40-minute fireside chat. Their conversation explored the urgent need for global solidarity, the personal and professional impact of the campaign, and why EBC has chosen to walk alongside this cause—literally and figuratively. 'The first year for me was a complete revelation in terms of how advocacy for this mission worked—not only in America but globally,' said Barrett. 'This year, it was different. The politics have shifted, and the challenges have changed. But if anything, that makes this mission even more important.' As a global financial institution with operations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia—regions disproportionately affected by malaria—EBC views this fight as both urgent and deeply personal. 'We have offices in Africa, Latin America, and Asia where malaria is a very real, on-ground problem. Supporting this campaign is a natural progression, resonating with our people and the communities we work in,' Barrett said. 'At the beginning, it was something of interest. But the more you learn about the lives this movement has saved, the more you realise you've got to keep going.' McDonnell echoed the importance of having private sector allies like EBC on board, praising the company's commitment to both the summit and the broader mission. 'We appreciate that a company like EBC—though not in public health—recognises the impact of malaria on your workforce, clients, and communities,' said McDonnell. 'Malaria isn't just a health issue. It's an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a strategic global issue.' Barrett also emphasised the ripple effect of even small funding disruptions: 'If you break that chain, the progress and investment just unravel. These initiatives require macro thinking. If we keep looking only at the next quarter, we risk losing decades of momentum,' he added. Raising Voices at the 2025 United to Beat Malaria Annual Leadership Summit In March 2025, Barrett and EBC's APAC Director of Operations, Samuel Hertz, joined over 120 passionate advocates at the United to Beat Malaria Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.—a three-day gathering of Champions, policymakers, scientists, students, and private sector leaders united by a common goal: ending malaria for good. The summit culminated in direct advocacy on Capitol Hill, where Barrett and Hertz met with members of Congress to push for full funding of the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the UN's malaria-related programs. EBC stood with a network of global partners, amplifying the message that stable investment and strategic collaboration are essential to driving continued progress, alongside Beat Malaria Champions, a highlight of the summit. 'What stood out most was the passion of the Champions,' said Barrett. 'From students to scientists, their energy is contagious. They're not just learning—they're leading. And that gives me hope that a healthier, more just world is truly possible.' Hertz added, 'Being able to walk into the halls of Congress alongside these dedicated Champions—people who are educating communities, building coalitions, and pushing policy forward—was a powerful reminder that advocacy works. EBC was proud to represent the private sector in this movement, and even prouder to walk beside the changemakers driving it.' More Than a Run: EBC Rallies a Worldwide Workforce to Move Against Malaria EBC is once again joining the global Move Against Malari a 5K —a virtual challenge running from April 25 to May 10 that invites participants around the world to walk, run, cycle, or move in any way to support malaria prevention efforts. While EBC actively participated in the campaign last year, 2025 marks the company's first year as an official corporate sponsor, highlighting its deepened commitment to both advocacy and action. This step forward reflects EBC's evolving role in supporting frontline initiatives and raising awareness, with more than 200 EBC employees across the UK, Asia, Africa, and Latin America pledging to take part—mobilising teams, engaging their communities—and helping to raise vital funds. Fuelling Frontline Impact through Purposeful Investment EBC is directing its investment toward life-saving malaria interventions, including insecticide-treated bed nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and antimalarial treatments. These contributions will be directed toward frontline health programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean regions that bear the highest burden of malaria worldwide. 'This partnership goes beyond corporate philanthropy, it reflects a shared mission to protect the world's most vulnerable populations,' said McDonnell. Aligned with its broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, EBC continues to explore deeper collaborations with UN-affiliated organisations and global health partners to maximise its impact in the developing world. 'As a global financial institution, we recognise that sustainable growth is inseparable from global well-being,' added Hertz. 'In the fight against malaria, we are not only donors—we are advocates, allies, and catalysts for change.' In 2024 alone, United to Beat Malaria helped protect over 1.67 million people from malaria across vulnerable communities worldwide—an achievement made possible through the collective support of partners like EBC Financial Group. Registrations and donations are available via . These efforts spanned five high-risk African nations—DR Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Uganda—and supported malaria elimination programs across 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries, where vulnerable populations continue to face daily risks due to limited healthcare access, displacement, and ongoing conflict. Yet the fight is far from over. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s World Malaria Report 2024 , malaria sickened an estimated 263 million people and claimed more than 597,000 lives—most of them children under the age of five. These are lives we can save—with continued global action, private sector leadership, and unwavering support from the international community. Together, with the United to Beat Malaria campaign, EBC is proud to stand at the forefront of a global movement to end malaria for good. For more information about EBC Financial Group's CSR initiatives, please visit . About EBC Financial Group Founded in London's esteemed financial district, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. With offices in key financial hubs—including London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and emerging markets in Latin America, Asia, and Africa—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access a wide range of global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, shares, and indices. Recognised with multiple awards, EBC is committed to upholding ethical standards and these subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC). At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves. As the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, EBC provides specialised services across Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Through its partnership with the UN Foundation and United to Beat Malaria, the company contributes to global health initiatives. EBC also supports the 'What Economists Really Do' public engagement series by Oxford University's Department of Economics, helping to demystify economics and its application to major societal challenges, fostering greater public understanding and dialogue. About UN Foundation's United to Beat Malaria For over 25 years, the UN Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity's greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more at . The UN Foundation's United to Beat Malaria campaign brings together key and diverse partners and supporters to take urgent action to end malaria and create a healthier, more equitable world. Since 2006, United to Beat Malaria has worked to equip and mobilize citizens across the U.S. and around the world to raise awareness, funds and voices. The campaign works with partners in endemic countries to channel life-saving resources to protect the most marginalized and vulnerable populations. By championing increased leadership, political will and resources from the U.S. and beyond, as well as more holistic, innovative tools and strategies, we can be the generation that ends malaria once and for all. Learn more at . Media Contact: Savitha Ravindran Global Public Relations Manager [email protected] Chyna Elvina Global Public Relations Manager [email protected] Michelle Siow Brand Director [email protected] Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9439922
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EBC Financial Group Deepens Commitment to United to Beat Malaria with Renewed Global Partnership and First-Ever 5K Run Sponsorship
From strategic partnership to global employee action, EBC joins the global movement to end malaria for good WASHINGTON, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the world marks World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme 'Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,' EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renewing its global partnership with the United Nations Foundation's United to Beat Malaria campaign. Now entering its second year of collaboration, EBC is scaling up its impact through increased corporate sponsorship, cross-border employee mobilisation to raise awareness, and direct investment in frontline health tools that save lives. From a shared belief that no child should die from a mosquito bite, EBC is transforming its role from ally to active advocate—supporting both the global systems that drive malaria eradication and the grassroots initiatives that protect the world's most vulnerable communities. As part of this commitment, EBC is stepping up as a first-time corporate sponsor of the Move Against Malaria 5K 2025 event, mobilising many in a global movement to raise awareness for one of the world's deadliest—yet entirely preventable—diseases. 'In 2024, we stood in solidarity. In 2025, we stand in action,' said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd. 'This campaign is now embedded into our leadership strategy and employee culture. This is not a moment, it's a movement.' EBC's Commitment to Global Health Equity is a Shared MissionTo mark this renewed partnership, Barrett sat down with Margaret McDonnell, Executive Director of United to Beat Malaria, for a candid 40-minute fireside chat. Their conversation explored the urgent need for global solidarity, the personal and professional impact of the campaign, and why EBC has chosen to walk alongside this cause—literally and figuratively. 'The first year for me was a complete revelation in terms of how advocacy for this mission worked—not only in America but globally,' said Barrett. 'This year, it was different. The politics have shifted, and the challenges have changed. But if anything, that makes this mission even more important.' As a global financial institution with operations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia—regions disproportionately affected by malaria—EBC views this fight as both urgent and deeply personal. 'We have offices in Africa, Latin America, and Asia where malaria is a very real, on-ground problem. Supporting this campaign is a natural progression, resonating with our people and the communities we work in,' Barrett said. 'At the beginning, it was something of interest. But the more you learn about the lives this movement has saved, the more you realise you've got to keep going.' McDonnell echoed the importance of having private sector allies like EBC on board, praising the company's commitment to both the summit and the broader mission. 'We appreciate that a company like EBC—though not in public health—recognises the impact of malaria on your workforce, clients, and communities,' said McDonnell. 'Malaria isn't just a health issue. It's an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a strategic global issue.' Barrett also emphasised the ripple effect of even small funding disruptions: 'If you break that chain, the progress and investment just unravel. These initiatives require macro thinking. If we keep looking only at the next quarter, we risk losing decades of momentum,' he added. Raising Voices at the 2025 Annual Leadership SummitIn March 2025, Barrett and EBC's APAC Director of Operations, Samuel Hertz, joined over 120 passionate advocates at the United to Beat Malaria Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.—a three-day gathering of Champions, policymakers, scientists, students, and private sector leaders united by a common goal: ending malaria for good. The summit culminated in direct advocacy on Capitol Hill, where Barrett and Hertz met with members of Congress to push for full funding of the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the UN's malaria-related programs. EBC stood with a network of global partners, amplifying the message that stable investment and strategic collaboration are essential to driving continued progress, alongside Beat Malaria Champions, a highlight of the summit. 'What stood out most was the passion of the Champions,' said Barrett. 'From students to scientists, their energy is contagious. They're not just learning—they're leading. And that gives me hope that a healthier, more just world is truly possible.' Hertz added, 'Being able to walk into the halls of Congress alongside these dedicated Champions—people who are educating communities, building coalitions, and pushing policy forward—was a powerful reminder that advocacy works. EBC was proud to represent the private sector in this movement, and even prouder to walk beside the changemakers driving it.' More Than a Run: EBC Rallies a Worldwide Workforce to Move Against MalariaEBC is once again joining the global Move Against Malaria 5K—a virtual challenge running from April 25 to May 10 that invites participants around the world to walk, run, cycle, or move in any way to support malaria prevention efforts. While EBC actively participated in the campaign last year, 2025 marks the company's first year as an official corporate sponsor, highlighting its deepened commitment to both advocacy and action. This step forward reflects EBC's evolving role in supporting frontline initiatives and raising awareness, with more than 200 EBC employees across the UK, Asia, Africa, and Latin America pledging to take part—mobilising teams, engaging their communities—and helping to raise vital funds. Fuelling Frontline Impact through Purposeful InvestmentEBC is directing its investment toward life-saving malaria interventions, including insecticide-treated bed nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and antimalarial treatments. These contributions will be directed toward frontline health programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean regions that bear the highest burden of malaria worldwide. 'This partnership goes beyond corporate philanthropy, it reflects a shared mission to protect the world's most vulnerable populations,' said McDonnell. Aligned with its broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, EBC continues to explore deeper collaborations with UN-affiliated organisations and global health partners to maximise its impact in the developing world. 'As a global financial institution, we recognise that sustainable growth is inseparable from global well-being,' added Hertz. 'In the fight against malaria, we are not only donors—we are advocates, allies, and catalysts for change.' In 2024 alone, United to Beat Malaria helped protect over 1.67 million people from malaria across vulnerable communities worldwide—an achievement made possible through the collective support of partners like EBC Financial Group. Registrations and donations are available via These efforts spanned five high-risk African nations—DR Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Uganda—and supported malaria elimination programs across 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries, where vulnerable populations continue to face daily risks due to limited healthcare access, displacement, and ongoing conflict. Yet the fight is far from over. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s World Malaria Report 2024, malaria sickened an estimated 263 million people and claimed more than 597,000 lives—most of them children under the age of five. These are lives we can save—with continued global action, private sector leadership, and unwavering support from the international community. Together, with the United to Beat Malaria campaign, EBC is proud to stand at the forefront of a global movement to end malaria for good. For more information about EBC Financial Group's CSR initiatives, please visit About EBC Financial Group Founded in London's esteemed financial district, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. With offices in key financial hubs—including London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and emerging markets in Latin America, Asia, and Africa—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access a wide range of global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, shares, and indices. Recognised with multiple awards, EBC is committed to upholding ethical standards and these subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC). At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves. As the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, EBC provides specialised services across Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Through its partnership with the UN Foundation and United to Beat Malaria, the company contributes to global health initiatives. EBC also supports the 'What Economists Really Do' public engagement series by Oxford University's Department of Economics, helping to demystify economics and its application to major societal challenges, fostering greater public understanding and dialogue. About UN Foundation's United to Beat Malaria For over 25 years, the UN Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity's greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more at The UN Foundation's United to Beat Malaria campaign brings together key and diverse partners and supporters to take urgent action to end malaria and create a healthier, more equitable world. Since 2006, United to Beat Malaria has worked to equip and mobilize citizens across the U.S. and around the world to raise awareness, funds and voices. The campaign works with partners in endemic countries to channel life-saving resources to protect the most marginalized and vulnerable populations. By championing increased leadership, political will and resources from the U.S. and beyond, as well as more holistic, innovative tools and strategies, we can be the generation that ends malaria once and for all. Learn more at Media Contact:Savitha RavindranGlobal Public Relations Manager Chyna ElvinaGlobal Public Relations Manager Michelle SiowBrand Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Fox Sports
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox Sports
'One Shining Moment' returns: A look at latest edition following Florida's win
The ball was tipped, Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr. was a shooting star and Florida had its "One Shining Moment" on Monday night, winning the national championship over Houston in a 65-63 thriller. As the Gators continued the longstanding tradition of cutting down the nets, another national championship game moment carried on. The latest edition of "One Shining Moment" was played shortly after Monday's title game, with a montage celebrating the 2025 NCAA Tournament from the opening First Four matchup all the way through the final buzzer. Now, let's take a look at this year's "One Shining Moment." This marks the 38th consecutive tournament that has used "One Shining Moment" following the national championship game. David Barrett created the song in 1986, writing down lyrics for the song while watching Larry Bird highlights. Barrett offered the song to CBS Sports, who initially planned to play it after its broadcast of the Super Bowl in January 1987. Due to time constraints, CBS Sports wasn't able to air "One Shining Moment" during Super Bowl XXI. After shelving the song for a couple of months, CBS Sports premiered it following Indiana's victory over Syracuse in the 1987 national championship game. An instant classic was born that night, creating a moment that all sports fans now anticipate each April. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
