News published on Globe Banner in January 2025

News from January 2025


Côte d'Ivoire strengthens economic resilience while tackling climate change

Côte d’Ivoire has demonstrated significant economic resilience over the past decade, with GDP growth averaging 6.4 percent and inflation around 2.2 percent.


Barclays report shows slowing growth in UK rent and mortgage spending

Rent and mortgage spending in the UK saw a modest increase of 1.8% year-on-year in December, marking the slowest growth since August 2024, according to Barclays Property Insights.


BlackRock Foundation funds research on first-time low-income investors

The BlackRock Foundation and Commonwealth have launched a new research initiative called "The Investor Diaries" to explore the experiences of first-time investors who entered the U.S. retail capital markets since 2020.


UK introduces new entry requirements for US travelers starting January 2025

Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.


U.S. Embassy offers interview waiver for young children and seniors

The U.S. Embassy has announced an Interview Waiver (IW) program for specific visa applicants, targeting two distinct age groups: those under 14 years old and those over 80.


Siemens Mobility earns top marks in EU sustainability reporting

Siemens Mobility has once again achieved top scores in sustainability reporting under the EU Taxonomy.


Ethiopian women find economic empowerment through urban safety net project

A group of women and girls are actively participating in a handicraft training program at the General Wingate Technical and Vocational Education and Training center.


Visa renewal by mail available under certain conditions

The process for renewing visas by mail has been outlined for temporary visitors and crewmembers.


Report highlights barriers to Armenia's tech adoption

The adoption of digital technology by firms in Armenia has been evaluated in a report based on the Armenia ICT Survey conducted in 2023.


US Embassy announces online property auction from January 14 to January 21

The United States Embassy is set to conduct an online property auction starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, and concluding at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.


ING reports progress on €2 billion share buyback programme

ING has reported progress on its €2.0 billion share buyback programme, which was initially announced on October 31, 2024.


Applied Digital secures up to $5 billion funding from Macquarie

Macquarie Asset Management has announced a significant partnership with Applied Digital Corporation to provide up to $5 billion in funding for the company's high-performance computing (HPC) initiatives.


Financial regulators address impact of California wildfires on banks

On January 14, 2025, several financial regulatory agencies issued a statement addressing the impact of the California wildfires and straight-line winds on financial institutions.


Apollo partners with Standard Chartered for $3B global infrastructure financing

Apollo and Standard Chartered have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering financing for global infrastructure, clean transition, and renewable energy projects.


World Bank unveils new 10-year partnership framework for Pakistan

The World Bank Group's Boards of Executive Directors have approved a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan, aiming to promote inclusive and sustainable development.


Program launched for South Caucasus science and tech innovators

A new program has been announced for science and technology innovators in the South Caucasus region.


Sun Life U.S. earns top workplace recognition in Kansas City

Sun Life U.S. has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Kansas City by the Kansas City Business Journal and Energage, an employee survey company.


U.S., partners launch initiative for responsibly sourced cobalt in Democratic Republic of Congo

The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has initiated a partnership to advance the "Professionalizing the Artisanal Copper-Cobalt Supply Chain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo" activity.


Bybit halts India service following string of suspensions in other markets

Bybit announced a temporary suspension of its services in India starting January 12, 2025, due to regulatory challenges.


FDIC vice chair: Agency's approach to digital assets 'has stifled innovation'

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Vice Chairman Travis Hill said that the FDIC's approach to the digital assets industry has impeded innovation in the United States.