News from January 2024


Leading crypto exchange Binance announces collaboration with Women in Technology Association

Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the establishment of the Binance Women in Technology Academy. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Woman in Technology Association (Wtech) and aims to enhance financial literacy and equip women with the necessary tools to thrive in the crypto and Web3 sectors.


Michelle Gass takes on president and chief executive officer roles at Levi Strauss & Co.

The appointment of a new CEO for Levi Strauss & Co. was announced following the retirement of Chip Bergh. The newly appointed CEO, Gass, had previously served as president of the company.


AXA Health enters reinsurance agreement with NextGen i.i.

AXA PPP healthcare Limited (AXA Health) has entered into a strategic reinsurance agreement with NextGen i.i. The partnership aims to introduce international private medical insurance (IPMI) products to the market, with AXA Health providing reinsurance. Essentially, AXA Health will assume the financial risk as NextGen i.i. launches these new IPMI offerings.


International Monetary Fund announces new director for the Office of Internal Audit

Ashlene van der Colff has been named as the new director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Office of Internal Audit. She is set to replace Nancy Onyango on March 4, 2024.


Believe Co Partners announces new CEO

Simon is set to join the team at its New York City office starting Tuesday, Feb. 20. As CEO, he will be leading a team of over 300 employees across the United States.


Binance Chief Compliance Officer Noah Perlman: 'The crypto ecosystem is becoming safer year on year'

Noah Perlman, the Chief Compliance Officer of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, underscored recent statistics from Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics firm. The data reveals a decline in the percentage of crypto transactions associated with illicit activities.


Curtis Packaging Corporation, H.O. Persiehl announce strategic partnership

The American and German packaging companies, with a combined 350 years of expertise, are set to merge. The partnership is expected to bring together the traditions of family business, creativity, innovation, and environmental stewardship. The merger aims to elevate luxury packaging with a focus on environmentally friendly and high-quality products.


Rio Tinto announces development of Australia’s largest solar power project

The mining corporation has entered into an agreement to procure electricity from the Upper Calliope Solar Farm for its operations near Gladstone. The solar farm will be constructed and managed by European Energy, once the project receives approval.


Portugal contributes Eur 50,000 to WTO fisheries funding

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Portugal pledged EUR 50,000 to support the implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies for developing members and least-developed country (LDC) members. The contribution was presented by Ambassador Rui Macieira to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.


BEFIT Tax Package: Business Community Urges Caution and Global Alignment

25 January 2024 - BusinessEurope has published a new position paper on the European Commission’s BEFIT proposal, with BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer emphasizing the importance of global alignment in tax reform. Beyrer stated, "European businesses support the Commission’s overall objectives of strengthening the Single Market by simplifying the tax landscape and reducing tax compliance costs for businesses." However, he also pointed out that "for the BEFIT reform to be effective, it must align fully with global tax rules."In light of the complexities of...


Louise Gregory joins Grace Cathedral as chief development officer

Louise Gregory, as the newly appointed chief development officer, will collaborate with Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, dean of Grace Cathedral, and the board of trustees to assist the Cathedral and its teams in achieving their budgetary needs and objectives. Grace Cathedral, which has served as a place for prayer and connection for 175 years, is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the United States.


Rio Tinto CEO speaks out on plane crash that killed 6

A tragic plane crash in Canada's Northwest Territories took the lives of six individuals earlier this week. Mining corporation Rio Tinto confirmed that four of the deceased were employees en route to a company diamond mine when the disaster occurred.


BusinessEurope Expresses Concerns Over European Works Council Directive Revision

BusinessEurope has expressed serious concerns about the proposed revision of the European Works Council Directive published by the European Commission. In a statement, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted several key issues with the proposed changes.Beyrer stated, "The Commission’s proposal to include agreements made before 1996 or between 2009-2011 in the Directive will damage many well-functioning European Works Councils. The renewal procedures in these agreements, allowing for mutually beneficial adaptations, should be respected."He also...


BusinessEurope Director Welcomes EU Economic Security Proposals for Clarity and Debate

BusinessEurope Director, Markus J. Beyrer, has welcomed the European Commission's proposals on economic security, stating that "Today’s EU economic security package brings much-needed clarity to the Commission Strategy announced in June 2023." Beyrer emphasized the importance of a more European approach on export controls and inbound Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening, highlighting the significance of coordinated implementation to mitigate security-related risks and safeguard the single market.Beyrer also expressed approval for the gradual approach to outbound...


Coinbase partners with Yellow Card to expand stablecoin access in Africa

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has announced a partnership with Yellow Card, a prominent African stablecoin exchange, to broaden access to USD Coin (USDC).


Boeing appoints independent investigator for quality review

Boeing, grappling with a series of issues with its airplanes, has appointed a special advisor to oversee an assessment of the company’s quality management system for commercial airplanes. The chosen individual is retired Navy veteran Admiral Kirkland H. Donald, who will be advising Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun.


World Trade Organization members endorse Timor-Leste's WTO accession package

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to approve the accession package for Timor-Leste’s membership, marking a significant step for one of the WTO's least developed countries. A formal decision on this matter is anticipated in the coming month.


Binance, Gulf Innova launch Thai crypto exchange

Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the commencement of its full operations in Thailand. This move is made in collaboration with Gulf Innova Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development. The joint venture will function under the name Binance TH by Gulf Binance or simply Binance TH.


IMF approves US$100 million and concludes 2023 consultation with The Gambia

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that its executive board has approved a 36-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), totalling SDR 74.64 million (approximately US$100 million). Concurrently, the board concluded the 2023 Article IV consultation with The Gambia.


Israel Ministry of Health approves Aleph Foods’ cultivated beef steaks

Aleph Foods, a pioneering firm in the cultivated meat industry, has received approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH) as indicated by the 'No Questions' letter issued this week. This marks the first instance of non-chicken cultivated meat being approved and also signifies the first such approval in the Middle East.