Latest news with #SamuelHertz
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
Bahrain News Gazette
06-03-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
EBC Financial Group Launches Second Million Dollar Trading Challenge with USD $1 Million Prize
EBC Financial Group announces the return of its Million Dollar Trading Challenge, offering a $1 million prize and a VIP experience at FC Barcelona First MDTC winner receives trophy and $200,000 prize at awards ceremony A triumphant moment as the $200,000 cash prize winner is presented with the championship trophy at the previous MDTC Awards Ceremony. Samuel Hertz signing at the MDTC 2023 Awards Ceremony Samuel Hertz, Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group, signs the MDTC 2023 Awards Ceremony backdrop, celebrating a landmark moment in trading excellence. MDTC II Champions to Be Honored at FC Barcelona Museum MDTC II champions will be honored at the prestigious FC Barcelona Museum, marking a new milestone for skill-based trading competitions. Samuel Hertz speaking at the MDTC 2023 Awards Ceremony Samuel Hertz, Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group, delivers a keynote speech at the MDTC 2023 Awards Ceremony, celebrating trading excellence. LONDON, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC), a global leader in financial brokerage, announces the return of its flagship Million Dollar Trading Challenge (MDTC) for its second edition, one of the world's largest and a global benchmark for skill-based trading competitions, as industry demand for structured, transparent trading opportunities continues to grow. The 2025 edition of MDTC comes at a time when traders are seeking greater accountability and access to proven strategies amid increasingly volatile markets. From 1 March to 30 May 2025, thousands of traders worldwide will compete for a $1 million trading account in a challenge that integrates real-time strategy sharing and zero-fee copy trading, setting a new standard for competitive trading. For the first time, top traders will be invited to an exclusive awards ceremony at the FC Barcelona Museum (Barça Immersive Tour), marking a historic moment as a global trading event is recognised within one of football's most prestigious institutions. The partnership reflects a growing convergence between financial markets and elite sports, reinforcing trading as a profession that demands the same level of skill, precision, and discipline as world-class athletics. The inaugural MDTC in 2023 set multiple industry benchmarks, with 324 traders achieving profitable accounts and the top 10 traders recording an average return of 3,472.91%. The champion delivered an extraordinary 11,630.98% return in just 30 days, demonstrating the potential of skill-driven trading in a competitive environment. This year, MDTC II takes it further—allowing traders to access professional-grade trading signals and instantly replicate top-performing strategies for free via copy trading. By combining competition with real-time strategy sharing and zero-fee copy trading, EBC is setting a new standard for transparency and accessibility in trading. Real-Time Copy Trading: Automatically Replicate Top Traders' Strategies The rise of retail trading has transformed financial markets, yet many traders struggle to access transparent, structured learning environments that allow them to develop real skills. MDTC II is designed to bridge this gap—giving traders a unique opportunity to refine their strategies by actively engaging with top-performing traders through real-time copy trading. Unlike traditional contests that reward high-risk speculation, MDTC II introduces an open, strategy-sharing ecosystem where traders can analyse, track, and instantly replicate the trades of leading participants at no cost. This levels the playing field, allowing both novice and experienced traders to benefit from collective insights while maintaining individual control over their trades. 'When you're a growing company, you aim to create an event that truly reflects your values and passion—MDTC is ours. We are here to be a light in the industry, proving that traders can succeed; traders can be successful at trading, it requires education and grit, and it's not just for the 1%. That's the real beauty of MDTC—every participant must show their trading history, show the world what they are doing. Anyone can log in and take a look, and you can see for yourself what the winners are trading. 'At EBC, we don't measure this (or any activity) by the number of signups or deposits we get—we measure it by the conversations we create. With this second iteration, we're introducing more trading tools and enhanced features, another key aspect we're all really proud of, because at EBC, 'perfect' is never enough,' said Samuel Hertz, Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group. $1 Million Prize and A Once-in-a-Lifetime FC Barcelona VIP Experience At the heart of MDTC II is one of the industry's largest prizes—a $1 million trading account—designed to reward skill, discipline, and strategy execution. Rather than a one-time cash payout, the grand prize provides a unique opportunity for the winner to manage significant capital while retaining 100% of their profits, with a maximum allowable loss of $200,000. Alternatively, the winner can choose a $200,000 cash prize. MDTC II is structured into two categories to ensure accessibility and fair competition. The Rising Stars category is open to traders with a minimum balance of $500, ranked by profit rate, providing an opportunity for those looking to refine their skills in a structured environment. For more experienced traders, the Dream Squad category is designed for participants with balances between $10,000 and $200,000, ranked by net profit. This category recognises traders who can navigate market conditions effectively while managing larger capital. Beyond financial rewards, top traders will gain industry recognition and a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the FC Barcelona Museum. In an exclusive awards ceremony, winners will be celebrated at the home of one of the world's greatest multi-sports clubs—bridging the gap between trading and elite performance in professional sports. 'For EBC Financial Group, the Million Dollar Trading Challenge is a fantastic way for new and seasoned traders to be involved in a real-time event. It allows clients to see traders of all levels to engage with live market conditions, see real-time the trades executed by all entrants, and gives emerging traders the change to follow and learn from those with more experience, in a way that suits their trading style. 'This opportunity to watch, learn, and develop in a fully transparent environment is invaluable, and an excellent way to encourage new traders to understand what strategy works, when, and why. The trades that do not work are as much as lesson as those that do,' said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd. Maximising Opportunities through Community Management and Cutting-Edge Trading Platforms To further encourage community participation, MDTC II introduces an enhanced Referral Program, offering participants up to $300 per successful referral, with no cap on the number of referrals. This initiative encourages greater community participation, allowing traders to expand their network while benefiting from the competition. With a focus on driving innovation in the financial markets, MDTC II expands trading opportunities by integrating Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on US stocks into the competition for the first time. US stocks account for over 65% of global market capitalisation, making them among the most liquid and dynamic assets across industries. This addition allows participants to access some of the world's most influential companies, providing new opportunities to navigate volatile and fast-moving markets. The competition takes place on industry-leading MT4 and MT5 platforms, enabling participants to trade Forex, Commodities, Indices, and US Stock CFDs with advanced charting tools, automated strategies, and real-time execution. By combining diverse asset classes, cutting-edge technology, and expanded market access, MDTC II continues to redefine the landscape of competitive trading. Refining the Contest Experience: MDTC 2023's Legacy The first Million Dollar Trading Challenge in 2023 saw strong participation, with traders executing 431,827 trades and generating a total profit of $1,096,718.57. The event highlighted the growing interest in structured trading competitions and the role of copy trading in improving accessibility for traders at different experience levels. Community engagement was a key aspect of the challenge, with many participants leveraging copy trading features to track and replicate successful strategies. The results underscored the potential for shared market insights to shape trading outcomes. With MDTC II, the competition continues to evolve, incorporating past insights while maintaining a focus on transparency, strategy development, and trader engagement. For more information and to be part of the journey that reshapes what's possible in financial markets, 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). 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 the world's largest grassroots campaign, 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. Chyna Elvina Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM) [email protected] Douglas Chew Global Public Relations Lead [email protected] Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
