Latest news with #advisoryservices
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Beltone Holding reports EGP6.3 billion in operating revenues for first half
Beltone Holding has announced its H1 2025 results, with operating revenues more than doubling to reach a record EGP6.3 billion. Net profit after tax and minority interest for the same period reached EGP1.3 billion, a 60% YoY increase. The total Group outstanding portfolio reached EGP34.8 billion, a 109% YoY growth. Consolidated operating revenue reached EGP6.3 billion, growing 115% YoY. Net profit after tax & minority interest exceeded EGP1.3 billion, representing a 60% YoY growth. The Group's total outstanding portfolio reported EGP34.8 billion at the end of 1H2025, growing 109% YoY. The investment bank platform reported EGP1.1 billion in revenues, growing a remarkable 137% YoY. Revenues were driven by a surge in advisory services and a continued expansion of securities brokerage operations. Investment banking reported revenues of EGP582 million in 1H2025, a 597% YoY increase. The performance was driven by a surge in advisory services, which currently include a full array of equity, debt, and credit advisory. The securities brokerage saw its operating revenue grow 41% YoY to EGP474 million in 1H2025, driven by higher commissions and solid growth in its client base. Beltone maintained its leadership as Egypt's largest non-bank affiliated asset manager, with Assets Under Management standing at EGP 27.3 billion. Its non-bank financial institutions platform delivered solid results, with operating revenue reaching EGP5.0 billion, climbing 111% YoY. Leasing and factoring generated EGP2.4 billion in revenues in 1H2025, a 107% YoY Increase. The outstanding portfolio stood at EGP14.5 billion, a 78% YoY increase. Mortgage finance generated revenues of EGP955 million in 1H2025, a YoY increase of 106%. The company also concluded 1H2025 with an outstanding portfolio of EGP7.3 billion, a 121% YoY increase. SMEs: Revenues of EGP212 million, having launched in the third quarter of 2024. Beltone SMEs' outstanding portfolio reached EGP1.4 billion at the end of 1H2025. Cash microfinance reported revenues of EGP400 million – a 181% YoY growth. The Company's outstanding portfolio grew 227% YoY to reach EGP1.4 billion. The venture capital arm executed six new transactions between equity investments and venture debt financing in 1H2025. The company's equity portfolio market value continued its stellar performance growing almost 220% since inception. Dalia Khorshid, Group CEO and Managing Director, commented: 'Our first-half results are a direct reflection of our team's dedication and robust operational execution, which delivered exceptional, triple-digit growth in operating revenues and a significant increase in net profits. This outstanding performance was powered by the synergistic momentum of our core platforms, strong fundamentals, and our strategic and digital expansion. Both our Investment Bank and NBFIs platforms delivered formidable top and bottom-line growth, underscoring our ability to generate substantial value across diverse market segments. Beltone's solid performance drivers, and the continued focus on our growth strategy will set the future foundation for delivering sustainable shareholder value.'
Fast Company
6 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Exclusive: Visa announces new cybersecurity protections in the wake of rising scams
Cyberattacks are on the rise, and artificial intelligence is making it easier for bad actors to scam individuals and businesses alike. In response, Visa is launching a new initiative that offers businesses tailored data to better combat cybercrime. Today, August 6, Visa unveils its new Cybersecurity Advisory Practice, providing customers and businesses with access to advanced tools designed to protect against the growing threat of cybercrime. Over the past year, the digital payments giant says it has invested billions in cybersecurity infrastructure and enhanced its global payments network by deploying generative AI to detect and block fraud. With its latest initiative, Visa plans to share those capabilities directly with clients to address mounting concerns around information security in the AI era. The new practice will leverage Visa's internal fraud-fighting insights and adapt them to meet the specific needs of each business. Utilizing AI and drawing from a team of 2,000 consultants, data scientists, and product experts, Visa aims to help clients defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Visa's Cybersecurity Advisory Practice emerged from what Carl Rutstein, the company's global head of advisory services, describes as a clear need from clients for 'deeper, more proactive support' amid a rapidly evolving threat landscape. As online commerce grows, so does cybercrime. 'There has been a nearly 300% increase in internet fraud just over the last few years,' he tells Fast Company, prompting businesses to seek new ways to 'proactively identify, evaluate, and obviously mitigate emerging cyber threats.' According to cybersecurity and compliance firm VikingCloud, cybercrime could cost businesses as much as $10.5 trillion by year's end, and up to $15.63 trillion by 2029. The FBI reported that in 2024 the top three internet crimes were phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches. Cybercriminals are increasingly turning to AI, using it to crack passwords, manipulate or poison data, and create deepfakes. Rutstein says fraud has escalated as bad actors adopt AI to exploit the financial system. Visa, he notes, blocked $14 million in presumed fraud in 2024—a 30% increase over 2023. The Cybersecurity Advisory Practice is intended to build on Visa's current 'payment ecosystem,' offering services such as dark web threat detection, vulnerability testing, enumeration defense, employee training, and cybersecurity maturity assessments. Other digital payments providers are also responding to the growing threat. Just last month, Mastercard announced its Security Solutions Program, which includes financial investments in startups that are developing cybersecurity and fraud prevention technologies. Much like Mastercard's strategy of investing in next-gen security, Visa says its approach focuses on advising businesses of all sizes directly, emphasizing a proactive, rather than reactive, stance. 'We built it to just help our clients,' Rutstein said. 'We do exactly what you would expect an advisory firm connected to a network to be doing, and therefore these are resources and capabilities that are available.'
Arabian Business
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE Golden Visa: VFS Global announces major India and Bangladesh update
UAE Golden Visas could be a step closer for people in India and Bangladesh after new application services were launched in each country. Residents of India and Bangladesh now have easier access to expert advisory services for the UAE Golden Visa, as VFS Global's Education, Trade and Migration (ETM) Services, in partnership with the Rayad Group, launches dedicated immigration support. The initiative allows eligible individuals—including business owners, professionals, scientists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and influencers—to apply for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa under a government nomination category, without the need to invest in real estate or set up a company. UAE Golden Visa boost Successful applicants can also sponsor their spouse, children (including adult dependents), parents, and household staff to live in the UAE. The service is accessible online via VFS Global's platform, or through dedicated helplines: India: +91-22-62018483 Bangladesh: +880 1739 861116 This marks the first rollout from the newly established Centres of Excellence in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Dhaka. These centres combine generative AI technology with legal and immigration expertise to streamline the Golden Visa application journey and ensure regulatory compliance. Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, said: 'We believe there is strong demand for immigration advisory services, particularly for the UAE Golden Visa. In line with our customer-first policy we are delighted to roll out this solution that empowers applicants to get sound understanding of the immigration process and take informed decisions'. The UAE Golden Visa continues to gain popularity among global talent and high-net-worth individuals due to its tax advantages, long-term residency, political stability, world-class healthcare and education, and vibrant business environment. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, said: 'The United Arab Emirates' unique combination of economic stability, favourable tax policies, and luxurious living standards positions it as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking new opportunities and an elevated quality of life.' UAE Golden Visa benefits The Golden Visa is a key pillar of the UAE's strategy to attract global talent and long-term investment. Under the program: No minimum real estate investment is required for nominated applicants 10-year renewable residency is granted Full family sponsorship rights are included Holders can enjoy the United Arab Emirates' tax-free environment, including zero per cent capital gains tax and no personal income tax
Times of Oman
06-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
World Bank opens office in Oman, to help in realising 2040 goals
Muscat: The World Bank Group, in coordination with the Sultanate of Oman, has opened its permanent office in Muscat to provide advisory services and monitor projects financed by the bank and its private sector affiliates. By hosting the office, the Sultanate of Oman seeks to obtain various services from the World Bank Group and its affiliated organisations that support economic growth, social, urban, commercial, and private sector development, and other sectors it seeks to develop in accordance with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
B. Riley divests advisory services arm to TorQuest
B. Riley Financial (BRF) has offloaded its advisory services unit to funds managed by TorQuest Partners, a Canadian private equity firm, for $117.8m. The advisory services arm comprises GlassRatner Advisory & Capital Group (operating as B. Riley Advisory Services) and B. Riley Farber Advisory. The Los Angeles-based financial services firm acquired GlassRatner in August 2018. It anticipates to record a gain of around $66m from the latest deal in its second-quarter financial results. GlassRatner specialises in a range of professional and advisory services, including bankruptcy and restructuring, forensic accounting, litigation support, construction engineering consulting, transaction support, executive search services, and compliance, risk, and resilience consulting. GlassRatner CEO Ian Ratner said: 'Growing GlassRatner in close partnership with Bryant, Tom, and the entire BRF team, has been an incredible journey. 'We've built a leading platform providing bankruptcy and restructuring services, forensic accounting and litigation support, and other specialty advisory solutions.' GlassRatner collaborates with law firms, lenders, private equity sponsors, and various companies to address complex business issues, including major acquisitions or divestitures, fraud investigations, corporate litigation, and business crises or bankruptcies. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GlassRatner has around 200 employees across offices in the US, Canada, and Mexico. BRF chairman and co-CEO Bryant Riley said: 'BRF's primary focus moving forward is to return to its historic roots by investing in BRS, our middle-market investment bank, and its complimentary business, B. Riley Wealth Management. 'Divesting GlassRatner will provide additional capital to support growth initiatives and strengthen our capital structure. Maximising shareholder value through ongoing reinvestment in our business remains a critical priority.' BRF, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, offers solutions in investment banking, institutional brokerage, private wealth and investment management, financial consulting, corporate restructuring, appraisal and valuation, as well as auction and liquidation services. In November 2024, BRF agreed to sell a portion of its wealth management business to Stifel Financial, a US-based firm. "B. Riley divests advisory services arm to TorQuest" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
