Latest news with #SEDA
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SEDA Experts Announces Expansion into the Australian Expert Witness Market
SEDA Experts LLC, a leading US-based financial expert witness firm specializing in complex economic, financial, and accounting disputes, is pleased to announce its expansion into Australia. The move is part of the firm's strategic plan to extend its global reach and increase its capacity to deliver top-tier litigation support. New York, NY, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SEDA Experts LLC, a leading US-based financial expert witness firm specializing in complex economic, financial, and accounting disputes, is pleased to announce its expansion into Australia. The move is part of the firm's strategic plan to extend its global reach and increase its capacity to deliver top-tier litigation support. Since its inception, SEDA Experts has become a recognized leader in providing sophisticated financial expertise in the U.S and Europe, assisting top law firms and corporations in intricate and high-stakes litigation disputes. The firm's team provides objective, credible, and authoritative expert opinions that make a significant impact in complex litigation. With its expansion, the company aims to provide the same high level of service to its clients in Australia. "SEDA's expansion to Australia will provide clients in the region with unparalleled access to a diverse team of professionals with deep expertise in various financial sectors. We are glad to increase our commitment to Australian clients, whom we are already serving locally and across the globe," said Peter Selman, Managing Partner and Chairman of SEDA Experts. In anticipation of the Australian market's unique requirements, SEDA Experts has recruited Simon Thackray, former Senior Equities Analyst at Jefferies and Citibank, Mark McKendry – former group treasurer at Auswide and senior bond trader at JPMorgan, Quantitative Finance expert Rubin Rajendram; and Tim Davies, former Director of FX Structuring at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Lloyds Bank. The team will be led locally by John Feeney, an Australia-based former banker. 'The expansion of SEDA into the Australian jurisdiction will bring a broad range of skilled witnesses across many financial products and sectors. We have many Australian experts who can be complemented by the international reach of SEDA. This will bring a local focus with a global reach,' said Mr. Feeney. About SEDA Experts LLC SEDA is a leading expert witness firm specializing in financial services. We support international law firms by offering the highest level of expertise across the financial industry and providing access to the most influential financial services industry leaders. We provide superior independent advice, data analytics, valuation, and elite expert reports and testimony services to law firms, regulators, and leading financial institutions. CONTACT: Name: Damiano Colnago Email: dcolnago@ Job Title: Managing Partner
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Go solar, DPM Fadillah tells local councils for cheaper, cleaner electricity
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 25 — The government is opening opportunities for all parties, especially local authorities, to adopt Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) systems as part of efforts to transition towards clean energy. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that by installing Solar PV systems at their premises, these entities can save on electricity consumption, generate new renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), cited the example of the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) initiative, which installed Solar PV systems at the MBKT Tower's parking area and rooftop. 'The Solar PV system at MBKT is the largest installed on a building owned by a local authority under the Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0) programme, under the NEM GoMEN category, approved by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia on Dec 16, 2021. 'It has been operational since Jan 2, 2024, and is estimated to generate 1,147 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green electricity annually, resulting in estimated electricity bill savings of 11 per cent or over RM200,000 per year,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after inspecting the Solar PV installation at the MBKT Tower today during the PETRA Squad East Zone Roadshow, a two-day event held in Kelantan and Terengganu that began yesterday. Fadillah also said the PETRA Squad tour continued to the Large-Scale Solar (LSS) Coara Marang plant to observe its operation firsthand, which is part of the government's initiative under the LSS3 programme. 'The energy capacity generated by this plant is estimated to supply electricity to more than 10,000 households daily and is among the most advanced solar plants in terms of technology and efficiency. 'Besides helping to reduce carbon emissions, the LSS Coara Marang project also serves as a model for disaster-resilient solar plant design suitable for development in flood-prone areas, thereby strengthening the resilience of the country's energy sector,' he said. Fadillah said the roadshow concluded with a visit to the biogas power plant operated by Concord Biotech Sdn Bhd in Kemaman. He said the development of the biogas power plant involved an investment of RM21 million, including the installation of two biogas engines with a total capacity of 2.404 megawatts (MW), using biogas derived from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The plant commenced commercial operation on March 12, 2022, with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia approving the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) quota on Feb 18, 2019. 'As of March 31, 2025, the power plant has generated 29,158 MWh of electricity, equivalent to avoiding 22,568 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions,' he said. — Bernama
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
BIMP-EAGA Business Council backs biogas development in Banggi Island
Dr Raymond (right) during his visit to one of the Biogas projects in Johor. KOTA KINABALU (May 2): The BIMP-EAGA Business Council, under the leadership of chairman Dr Raymond Alfred, recently announced its full support for the development of biogas energy infrastructure on Banggi Island, as a strategic step toward achieving sustainable energy security and inclusive economic growth in the region. 'With the growing maturity of oil palm cultivation on Banggi Island (including Kudat and Kota Marudu) and the abundance of biomass waste such as POME and EFB, we see a unique opportunity to transform Banggi Island into a model for rural renewable energy and agro-industrial development. I hope to work on this project with Dato Verdon Bahanda, the member of parliament of Kudat,' said Alfred. Initial estimates show that Banggi Island has the potential to produce over 1.5 GWh of renewable electricity annually through the conversion of palm oil mill effluent and other biomass by-products into biogas. This could power hundreds of rural households and small businesses while significantly reducing dependence on costly diesel-based electricity. 'This initiative aligns with the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025, particularly in promoting green infrastructure, local value chains, and sustainable livelihoods,' Alfred added. 'It is also a critical enabler for Banggi's long-term aspiration to be elevated to full district status, with energy self-sufficiency serving as a cornerstone of local governance and development.' The Business Council has called for: • A joint feasibility study involving state agencies, palm oil stakeholders, and renewable energy experts. • Public–private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure investment. • Enhanced support from national bodies such as SEDA, MPOB and the Sabah Energy Commission.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Private credit and tomorrow's wealth: Earning returns while powering South Africa's growth
In today's uncertain global economic environment, traditional pillars of investment such as stocks, bonds, and real estate have grown increasingly volatile. Rising interest rates, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical uncertainty are all contributing to a sense of instability in global markets – leaving everyday investors wondering where to turn for stable, inflation-beating returns. This evolving landscape has prompted a growing number of South African investors to consider private credit – a segment of the financial market where capital is lent directly to businesses outside of traditional banking institutions. Specifically, private credit aimed at growth-stage, mid-sized local businesses is gaining popularity. These funds not only offer the potential for consistent returns, but also provide a way for investors to play a direct role in powering South Africa's economic development. Why focus on mid-sized, growth-stage businesses? Businesses valued between R5m and R60m form the backbone of the South African economy, contributing over 30% to GDP and employing more than 60% of the workforce (SEDA, 2022). However, despite their vital role, these businesses face systemic barriers to accessing capital – including limited collateral, informal governance structures, and inconsistent cash flows. As a result, they are often underserved by traditional banks, which tend to prioritise large, low-risk borrowers. This is where private credit stands out as a compelling investment opportunity. These funds are uniquely positioned to provide flexible, tailored financing solutions that meet the evolving needs of growing companies. In doing so, they open the door for investors to access a high-demand segment of the market that is often overlooked by traditional lenders. The advantages are significant. Mid-sized businesses are typically willing to pay a premium for quick and adaptable funding, resulting in yields that often outpace inflation. With fewer competitors operating in this space, fund managers can negotiate favourable terms and apply more robust risk management strategies. Beyond strong financial returns, private credit investments can drive measurable impact – supporting job creation, regional economic development, and the expansion of local supply chains. South Africa's SME funding gap: A strategic opportunity Despite their importance, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa face a funding shortfall estimated at R590bn (SEDA, 2025). Many of these businesses are profitable and resilient, but they require growth-focused funding to reach their potential. Private credit funds are increasingly stepping in to bridge the financing gap, offering agile and personalised solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses. These funds can provide working capital to address short-term cash flow challenges, asset-backed lending secured against machinery, vehicles, or receivables, and expansion capital to support product development, operational scaling, or entry into new markets. This positions private credit as a bridge – connecting capital to businesses that are underserved yet essential to real economic growth. What this means for the everyday investor Private credit was once the domain of institutional investors, but that's no longer the case. With the evolution of structured investment vehicles, retail investors now have access to this once-exclusive asset class. It offers several compelling benefits for investors seeking stability and predictability. One of the key advantages is the steady, fixed income it provides – typically through monthly or quarterly interest payments – which offers more consistency than traditional equities or unit trusts. Additionally, private credit tends to have a lower correlation with public markets, as returns are tied to loan repayments rather than stock performance, making it more resilient in times of market volatility. Beyond financial returns, private credit can also serve as a meaningful ESG-aligned investment. By supporting local businesses, investors can contribute to social development, inclusive economic growth, and environmental innovation. Many leading funds also provide transparent impact reporting, offering clear metrics that allow investors to track the tangible outcomes of their capital – ensuring both financial performance and purpose-driven value. What to look for in a private credit investment Not all funds are created equal, and investors should carefully evaluate each opportunity to ensure alignment with their financial goals and risk appetite. A key consideration is the fund's due diligence process – strong funds will have robust credit assessment procedures in place to evaluate potential borrowers. Equally important is the experience of the management team; a seasoned fund manager with a deep understanding of the South African business environment can make more informed investment decisions and navigate market complexities effectively. Risk mitigation strategies are another critical factor. Investors should look for funds that prioritise secured lending structures, ideally backed by physical collateral or personal guarantees, to protect capital. Additionally, understanding the fund's liquidity terms is essential – know the lock-in period and any exit conditions to ensure the investment remains aligned with your financial flexibility and evolving needs. Investing in real-world impact Unlike abstract financial instruments, private credit allows you to align your portfolio with real-world outcomes. For South Africans looking to diversify their investments while contributing to inclusive economic growth, this approach combines purpose with performance. Investing in private credit offers the opportunity to access stable, above-inflation returns while diversifying away from traditional markets. It also enables investors to support the growth of high-impact, job-creating businesses, contributing to broader economic development. What next? As volatility persists across global markets, the shift toward private market investing continues to accelerate. Aluma Capital offers access to a carefully selected range of private credit and private equity products – many of which include capital protection and fixed annual returns above a 10% hurdle, with typical investment terms over five years. Our strategies are designed to help investors protect their capital during uncertain times, achieve consistent and predictable returns, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of a resilient South African economy. To learn more about our private market investment opportunities, including flexible access to funds supporting real businesses, visit our Private Equity page or speak with one of our trusted financial advisors at
