Latest news with #LIA
Business Wire
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Lightning Step Ranks No. 1100 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Inc. Magazine, the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today announced that Lightning Step has earned its listing in the annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The Inc. 5000 provides a data-driven snapshot of the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment, its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Past honorees include Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia. Lightning Step joins the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, proving that innovation and impact go hand in hand. Share 'This milestone isn't just about numbers, it's about the impact we're making in behavioral healthcare,' said Brent Michael, CEO of Lightning Step. 'We're growing fast because we solve real problems. Our AI-driven, all-in-one EMR, CRM, and RCM platform helps treatment centers streamline operations so they can focus on what matters most: patient care.' This year's Inc. 5000 companies achieved impressive growth despite facing economic headwinds; including rising inflation, workforce challenges, and ongoing market volatility. Among the top 500, the median revenue growth over three years reached 1,552%, and together, these businesses contributed more than 48,000 new jobs to the U.S. economy. For the full list, company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, visit: 'Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company's tenacity and clarity of vision,' says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. 'These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn't just weather the storm; they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.' Lightning Step has quickly become the trusted platform for behavioral health organizations across the country. Lightning Step ranked No. 25 in the Houston metro area and No. 126 in Texas. Within the software industry, it placed No. 116. This year, the company launched LIA, an AI-powered assistant for treatment centers; expanded its enterprise product suite; and significantly increased its client base, solidifying its position as an innovation tech leader transforming behavioral healthcare. About Lightning Step Lightning Step, founded by former treatment center owners, operators, and clinicians, provides a comprehensive CRM, EMR, and RCM platform purpose-built for behavioral health and addiction treatment facilities. Guided by our vision, 'Elevating care, together,' we empower behavioral health professionals to help people on their healing journeys. As a fully integrated solution for managing the complete lifecycle of patient care, Lightning Step streamlines interdepartmental workflows, enhances operational efficiency, and improves clinical outcomes. Learn more at
Libya Review
4 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya's NOC & LIA Discuss Projects to Boost State Revenues
Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) Chairman Masoud Suleiman met Thursday in Tripoli with Ali Mahmoud Hassan, Chairman and CEO of the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA), to discuss strengthening and expanding joint energy projects aimed at boosting oil production and maximizing economic returns. The meeting focused on several key ventures jointly managed by the NOC and LIA, including the Gulf of Sirte project, the Ghadames Basin project, and the Hamada Al-Hamra project. These developments are considered crucial to Libya's strategy for increasing crude output, attracting investment, and boosting revenues from its most vital economic sector. Both leaders emphasized that deeper coordination between the energy and investment sectors is essential for unlocking the country's full resource potential. The NOC brings operational expertise and technical capacity, while the LIA, as Libya's sovereign wealth fund, offers the financial power and investment networks needed to support large-scale projects. By combining their capabilities, the two institutions aim to accelerate timelines, overcome funding challenges, and ensure the optimal exploitation of national resources. The discussions come as Libya works to modernize its oil infrastructure, upgrade production facilities, and position itself competitively in global markets. Higher output would not only strengthen Libya's fiscal position but also help stabilize the economy, which has been strained by years of political division and underinvestment in critical infrastructure. The NOC reiterated that boosting production is a key national priority, with plans to steadily increase capacity toward the long-term goal of two million barrels per day. The LIA reaffirmed its commitment to channeling investment into projects that deliver both strong returns and sustainable economic benefits. The meeting ended with an agreement to set up joint technical and financial teams to track project progress, address operational hurdles, and align efforts with Libya's broader development goals. Tags: gasLIAlibyanocOil Productionrevenues
Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Salaries on the rise for financial advisors due to shortfall in skills
Demand for experienced financial planning advisors in soaring, with very attractive careers available to those with the relevant skills. Joanne Keane, the CEO of LIA, an organisation for the education and development of finance professionals, says that industry surveys point to the likelihood of future shortfalls in skilled and experienced financial experts across a range of disciplines. One clear implication of this is that those with the requisite skills, already keenly sought after, will be in even greater demand in the coming years. As a result, salaries for these skilled individuals will also very likely be on the rise. LIA is the association for the education and development of financial professionals (advisors and planners) across Ireland. Basically, LIA equips its members with the qualifications, knowledge, and ongoing development to 'excel in a changing financial landscape' — offering accredited qualifications that enhance knowledge, competency, and career progression. In this Q&A interview, Joanne Keane outlines some of the main trends within the financial planning and advice sectors. She also explains why embedding financial literacy from schools and onwards, and why giving consumers a greater understanding of financial matters would be hugely beneficial to the Irish economy. What are the current career trends in financial planning in Ireland? The financial planning profession continues to experience sustained demand, with firms across Ireland seeking qualified advisers who can provide holistic, client-centred guidance. Roles in retirement planning, protection, and long-term investment advice are particularly in demand as we know there is going to be a shortfall of suitably qualified individuals in the coming years. Increasingly, employers are placing a premium on advisers who combine technical qualifications with strong interpersonal skills such as client communication, empathy, and behavioural coaching. With a talent shortage in key areas, companies face competition to recruit and retain skilled professionals. This has led to higher pay packages, especially for advisers who invest in continuous upskilling. Starting salaries for qualified professionals typically range from €50,000 to €60,000, with senior roles in certain specialist practices reaching up to €250,000 per annum. How is the financial advice profession evolving, and what qualifications do advisers need today? The profession is becoming increasingly specialised and advice-driven. In a world saturated with financial products and online noise, it's harder than ever for consumers to make informed choices without expert support. Financial advice is built on trust, and advisers today are expected to combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills. Their role is not only to guide clients through complex financial decisions, especially in volatile conditions, but also to help them avoid costly mistakes. Central Bank of Ireland-approved qualifications like the QFA remain essential, but advisers are increasingly pursuing specialist credentials in areas such as pensions, investment management, risk management, and behavioural finance. Many QFAs are now enhancing their knowledge and skills through our Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, leading to the globally recognised Certified Financial Planner designation. Flexible learning models such as micro credentials and stackable short courses are also growing in popularity, allowing advisers to tailor their development to meet the needs of their clients. Continuous learning is no longer optional; it's becoming a core part of staying relevant in a fast-evolving, advice-driven landscape. What are the biggest financial literacy challenges facing Irish consumers, and what can be done to support better education? The latest LIA research highlights some stark realities: nearly half of adults in Ireland say they are unprepared for their financial future, and over 80% report that financial stress affects their mental health. Pension coverage among younger adults and middle-income earners remains low, and many struggle with basic budgeting and long-term planning. To address this, we need to embed financial literacy earlier, starting in schools, and expand access to simple, practical, and relatable resources. LIA is playing its part through programmes like Smart Money Habits, which deliver financial wellbeing training through sports partnerships with the GPA, Rugby Players Ireland, Sport Ireland and others. We believe in meeting people where they are and tailoring education to their life stage and priorities. What impact are economic changes (e.g. inflation, interest rates, or budget decisions) having on consumer attitudes toward financial planning? We've seen a shift in consumer attitudes over the past 12–18 months. The impact of inflation and recent economic volatility has heightened awareness of the need for financial planning but also made it harder for many to take action. Despite some easing in interest rates, the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on households, and many people still feel they can't afford to save or invest. Our research shows that many people are worried, but they don't always know where to start. That's where trusted financial advisers can play a transformational role—bringing clarity, offering reassurance, and helping people take small steps that build confidence. Our goal is to continue to highlight the importance of seeking financial advice, with the aim of increasing the number of consumers engaging in the process, resulting in better financial and mental outcomes for them and their loved ones and closing the gap in financial literacy and planning across the population.
Libya Herald
09-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Herald
LIA organises investment forum in London with participation of international banks, asset managers and investment funds
The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) announced last Sunday (6 July) that it had organised an investment forum in London last Thursday (3 July), in the presence of a group of representatives of international banks, asset managers and investment funds. The LIA reported that the forum witnessed the participation of reputable financial institutions: Bank of New York (BNY), J.P. Morgan, Euroclear, Qatar National Bank (QNB), Jefferies Bank, and Marks Financial Services (Marex). A number of asset managers and investment funds also participated: Western Asset, Notz Stucki, Weverton, Sculptor, Carlyle Group and Federated Hermes. During the forum, the LIA gave a detailed presentation on its financial investment portfolio, and reviewed its vision and future plan for employing its assets, within the framework of Security Council Resolution No. 2769 of 2025, which aims to achieve the optimal use of cash balances and enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of frozen assets. The LIA said this forum comes as part of its efforts to strengthen its international partnerships and explore new investment opportunities that contribute to supporting the Libyan economy and achieve long-term financial sustainability.
Libya Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Observer
LIA showcases its asset deployment plan and international partnership strategy in London
The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) held an investment forum in London to present its vision and future plan for deploying its assets, strengthening international partnerships, and exploring new investment opportunities that contribute to supporting the Libyan economy and achieving long-term financial sustainability. The forum was held last Thursday with the participation of representatives from international banks, asset managers, and investment funds. LIA delivered a detailed presentation on its financial investment portfolio, in line with the UN Security Council resolution that permits it to invest its assets, according to a statement published on the Authority's Facebook page on Monday. Participating institutions included Bank of New York, JPMorgan, Euroclear, Qatar National Bank, Jefferies, as well as the financial services companies Marks, Western Asset, Notz Stucki, Waverton, Sculptor, Carlyle, and Federated Hermes. In January, the UN Security Council issued Resolution 2769 for the year 2025, allowing the LIA to invest its frozen cash reserves in low-risk time deposits with international financial institutions, while keeping the principal and returns frozen. It also permitted the reinvestment of accumulated cash held by investment fund managers, under the same freezing conditions. The Libyan Investment Authority holds assets valued at $39.5 billion, divided into three investment portfolios: time deposits representing 57.5% of the total portfolio, equities at 23.49%, and investment funds at 19.01%. Tags: Libyan Investment Authority
