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News from 2023


Okse co-founder: Binance data shows ‘vote of confidence’ in new CEO

Elja Boom, co-founder of cryptocurrency wallet provider Okse, recently stated that the financial data from Binance indicates a sustained level of user confidence in the exchange. This comes after Binance reached a settlement with the U.S. government last month. According to Boom, Binance continues to be the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally in terms of visible on-chain assets.


EU due diligence could leave companies between a rock and a hard place

Decisive political negotiations on the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive are set to commence, with EU co-legislators aiming to finalize a deal on the Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer expressed concerns about the current state of affairs, stating, "We are still far from the workable and clear rules which EU businesses need to properly apply due diligence across their value chains, leaving companies between a rock and a hard place."Beyrer highlighted the potential repercussions of the...


Security alert issued for large gatherings in Bratislava city center

Various events in Bratislava have prompted a security alert from the U.S. Department of State, warning U.S. citizens to exercise caution from December 11th to 14th, 2023.


Citi spearheads strategic investment in Colombian fintech Supra

Citi has revealed its participation in a strategic investment round for Supra, a fintech firm based in Colombia. Supra is known for offering cross-border payments and treasury solutions specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that are involved in import and export activities.


UK Competition and Markets Authority opens investigation into Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) disclosed on Dec. 8 that it would be probing the partnership between a software company and an AI firm, which they believe has created a merger under the Enterprise Act of 2002. The authority will also examine how this situation might impact competition in UK markets for goods or services.


BusinessEurope Reacts to Political Deal on EU AI Act

BusinessEurope Reacts to Political Deal on EU AI ActDec 11, 2023In response to the historical political deal reached by EU co-legislators on the AI Act, Director General of BusinessEurope Markus J. Beyrer expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on companies and AI investments in Europe. Beyrer stated, "The potential lack of legal certainty is a concern for companies and may hamper AI investments in Europe, hurting our global competitiveness."Beyrer further commented on the necessity of a comprehensive rulebook on AI, acknowledging the positive step taken...


World Trade Organization, UN Food and Agriculture Organization sign Memorandum of Understanding at COP28

During the COP28, representatives from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) signed an agreement to cooperate on food, agriculture, and climate-related issues.The memorandum outlines a plan of action for future initiatives in these critical areas.


EIG names new senior advisor and chair of the Middle East and North African (MENA) division

Abdulaziz Al-Gudaimi has been appointed as the new Senior Advisor and Chairman of EIG's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division. In this capacity, he will advise EIG on investment strategy and continued growth.


World Bank and Asian Development Bank collaborate on Nepal's hydropower sector sustainability

The World Bank recently announced a significant collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for an initial five-year period. The partnership is aimed at bolstering Nepal's hydropower sector, with particular focus on the proposed Upper Arun and Dudh Koshi hydropower projects.


Meat producer JBS among companies pledging to reduce emissions in the food industry at COP28

JBS, a prominent player in the food production industry, has joined numerous other companies in making a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This pledge was made at the UN Climate Summit during COP28. The company was not alone in this endeavor as several governments also expressed their intent to prioritize food and agriculture in their efforts to cut down emissions, according to a report from Food Drive.


World Trade Organization announces new steel standards principles at COP28 opening

During the opening of COP28 in Dubai, Jean-Marie Paugam, the Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), gave his endorsement to new steel standards principles. This initiative has been backed by 42 organizations and industry leaders. "There would be a follow-up to this in the COP29 event," Paugam stated.


Binance Charity Tech Scholarship recipient: 'Crypto is life-changing'

Angela, a beneficiary of the Binance Charity Tech Scholarship, shared her experience with cryptocurrency in a video posted on X. After participating in the Scholars Program, she secured employment with a financial technology (fintech) company. The Scholars Program is an initiative of the philanthropic wing of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.


Binance CEO: After DOJ settlement, 'new partners are now approaching us'

Richard Teng, the recently appointed CEO of Binance, expressed optimism about the company's future during an X Spaces event on Dec. 1. He indicated that new organizations are showing interest in partnering with Binance following its resolution with the U.S. government. Binance, which is the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, shared Teng’s comments in a post on its website dated Dec. 4.


County-level GDP changes highlight economic diversity across US regions

Real gross domestic product (GDP) figures for 2022 have been released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), showing increases in 1,780 counties, decreases in 1,296 counties, and no change in 38 counties.


U.S. Embassy invites alumni proposals for AEIF 2024 funding opportunity

The U.S. Embassy Bratislava Public Affairs Section (PAS) has announced an open competition for past participants of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs to submit applications for the 2024 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF...


US supports EU stance on Slovak legal reforms

The United States has expressed agreement with the European Commission regarding the proposed reforms to Slovakia's special prosecutor’s office.


Citizens Holding Group voluntarily leaves NASDAQ

Citizens Holding Company revealed last week its decision to voluntarily deregister their common stock and delist from the NASDAQ Global Market. The holding company operates a single bank, headquartered in Philadelphia, Mississippi.


BusinessEurope Reacts to EU Co-legislators' Deal on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

BusinessEurope Reacts to EU Co-legislators' Deal on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products RegulationDec 5 2023Commenting on the political agreement reached last night by EU co-legislators on the proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer expressed his views on the matter. Beyrer stated, "We welcome the deal on the ecodesign proposal, but concerns remain about the feasibility of information requirements."Beyrer further elaborated on the potential impact of the ecodesign regulation, stating, "The...


Citi partners with Traydstream for enhanced document services

Citi, a multinational investment bank, has announced its collaboration with Traydstream, an innovative trade documentation solutions provider. This partnership seeks to provide clients with superior and automated processing of trade documents.


Leading crypto exchange participates in Hong Kong Police Force's crime course

Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, recently collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) Commercial Crime Bureau's (CCB) for a Commercial Crime Advanced Course. This engagement was carried out from November 29 to December 1 at the Hong Kong Police Headquarters.