The Insidious False History of Gladiator IIFINAP Founder and CEO Dr. Kutila Pinto recently participated at the 40th ASOCIO Summit in Tokyo. At the summit, FINAP was awarded the prestigious ‘Outstanding Tech Organisation’ title—a recognition that marks the company’s transformation from a promising Sri Lankan start-up to a rising global leader in financial technology. In this interview Dr. Pinto shared insights about FINAP’s remarkable journey, the values driving the organisation, and its vision for the future. Below is an in-depth discussion on how FINAP is redefining financial technology and empowering communities both locally and internationally. A: This recognition is a monumental milestone for FINAP. It reflects the hard work of our team, the relevance of our solutions, and our commitment to empowering communities through innovative financial technology. Being acknowledged on such a global platform reaffirms that our mission and values resonate beyond Sri Lanka and inspire us to push further boundaries. A: FINAP’s early days were challenging but deeply formative. In Sri Lanka, the lack of innovation capital and limited fluidity in capital markets made securing funding particularly difficult. Despite external capital availability, I chose to inject my own capital and bootstrap the company to ensure its early survival. These constraints pushed us to innovate and operate efficiently. By refining our ideas and focusing on solving practical financial challenges for underserved communities, we built a resilient and adaptable foundation. Those early lessons continue to guide FINAP’s growth today. A: My career in banking and finance spans over two decades. I started as a banking assistant at Seylan Bank. I have worked in many markets; Asia, Middle East, Australasia and the Pacific. Towards the end of my career at banking, I served as general manager for Westpac Bank in the Solomon Islands and later as Director of Retail for Westpac Pacific, overseeing operations across the region. These roles gave me hands-on experience in understanding how financial systems work in diverse and often underserved markets. They highlighted the importance of tailoring solutions to meet local needs, which became a guiding principle for FINAP. A: Indeed, I was 36 years old when I established a fully-fledged commercial bank in the Solomon Islands. It was one of the most fulfilling achievements of my career. It was a challenging endeavour, involving regulatory complexities and building trust within the community. The experience taught me the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility and the power of financial systems to uplift communities. The political and the regulatory leadership of the country were very appreciative of my achievement. I am proud of my achievements and to do so as a Sri Lankan. It’s a mindset I carried forward into FINAP’s mission. A: Our journey involved constant adaptation and a relentless focus on innovation. One key breakthrough was the development of the Connected-Software-Solution-Application-Concept (CSSAC), a framework that underpins our flagship products like CIXOR, FirstMicro, ECORU, and MULA. By staying attuned to market feedback, we created solutions that are scalable and adaptable, meeting the needs of financial institutions and the communities they serve. A: CSSAC is a concept I developed during my DBA studies at UCAM, Spain. It stems from my thesis, “A Study of Infusion of Technology to Microfinance Operators to Achieve Sustainability and Technology-driven Value Chain Architecture for Efficiency and Outreach: The Case of Sri Lanka. “CSSAC provides a simplified yet powerful interface that connects borrowers and lenders, improving accessibility and efficiency. This framework forms the backbone of FINAP’s platforms, ensuring they remain intuitive, scalable, and impactful. A: Our platforms are designed to make financial services accessible to micro-entrepreneurs and small-scale producers, offering them tools to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods. We work closely with microfinance institutions and nano-lenders to ensure they can provide credit and other financial services in a sustainable, user-friendly way. This approach empowers individuals while driving economic growth from the ground up. A: Solutions like FirstMicro and CIXOR enhance the operational capabilities of microfinance providers by offering real-time data access, mobile-first transaction systems, and scalability. These tools allow institutions to serve more clients efficiently while improving the borrower experience. Using FINAP’s solutions, micro and small borrowers gain access to lending opportunities that leverage their business cash flow as a foundation for creditworthiness. This empowers them to borrow with confidence and reinvest in their businesses, creating opportunities for growth and sustainability. Ultimately, our platforms help build a robust microfinance ecosystem models where small financial operators and borrowers can thrive, driving economic inclusion and community empowerment. A: The future of FINAP lies in deepening our dual focus on financial technology and software services, driving innovation and impact across both domains. On the financial technology front, we are laser-focused on scaling our flagship products, FirstMicro and CIXOR, to new markets. These platforms have already proven to be transformative in fostering financial inclusion and efficiency for microfinance institutions and nano-lenders. By expanding their reach, we aim to position FINAP as a global leader in fintech, empowering underserved communities worldwide. Importantly, we remain committed to championing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty, by enabling grassroots entrepreneurs and micro-producers to access fair and sustainable financial solutions. At the same time, we’re scaling up our software services operations. This channel enables FINAP to deliver custom software solutions across industries, enhancing efficiency and innovation for businesses globally. As part of our growth strategy, we’re planning a targeted expansion into selected European markets, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. These countries represent dynamic opportunities for us to showcase Sri Lankan expertise on a global stage while delivering value to international clients. Through these two operational channels, we aim to continue excelling as a Sri Lankan success story, a company that not only uplifts local and regional communities but also contributes to the prosperity of neighbouring countries in South Asia and beyond. Our mission is to ensure that FINAP’s technology solutions not only address immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for long-term economic empowerment and innovation. Looking ahead, we envision FINAP as a global brand synonymous with technology-driven empowerment and resilience, leading with purpose and delivering solutions that truly make a difference. This vision is rooted in our belief that technology can be a force for good, and with it, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future. A: I’m driven by the belief that technology has the power to transform lives. Seeing how our solutions help individuals and businesses overcome financial barriers inspires me daily. At FINAP, our goal is to make financial systems work for everyone, especially those at the grassroots level. This mission fuels my passion and guides our journey forward. FINAP’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose. From its humble beginnings to earning global recognition, it stands as a testament to how technology and vision can create meaningful impact. A: Entrepreneurship is a journey that requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. My first piece of advice is to focus on solving real-world problems. If your solution creates genuine value, it will naturally attract customers and support. Be prepared for challenges—financial, operational, and even personal. Build a network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and perspective. In the tech space, staying agile is crucial; listen to market feedback and be willing to pivot when necessary. I would also emphasise the importance of financial discipline. Many startups falter because they lack a clear understanding of how to manage resources effectively. Whether you’re bootstrapping or raising external capital, every dollar should work towards achieving your vision. Finally, embrace the long-term mindset. Success in entrepreneurship rarely happens overnight. Stay committed to your goals, and remember that the lessons learned from failures are often the foundation of future success. As Richard Branson once said, “Business opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.” Keep moving forward, and don’t let setbacks define your journey.
New Political Decisions Pose Challenges for Foreign and Local InvestorsTips for Safe Winter Driving
World News | Significant Milestones in Life and Career of Jimmy CarterElon Musk backs Germany's far-right party ahead of upcoming elections
HIBERNIAN 3 ABERDEEN 3: Gray's men salvage a point at the death as Aberdeen are denied victory in dramatic finale
GSA Capital Partners LLP acquired a new position in The Southern Company ( NYSE:SO – Free Report ) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 3,345 shares of the utilities provider’s stock, valued at approximately $302,000. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its position in shares of Southern by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 32,249 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $2,908,000 after buying an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. Entropy Technologies LP purchased a new position in shares of Southern during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $674,000. Apollon Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Southern by 15.5% during the 3rd quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 56,667 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $5,110,000 after buying an additional 7,588 shares in the last quarter. United Capital Management of KS Inc. lifted its position in shares of Southern by 11.7% during the 3rd quarter. United Capital Management of KS Inc. now owns 5,597 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $505,000 after buying an additional 588 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Beam Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Southern during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $941,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.10% of the company’s stock. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO James Y. Kerr II sold 30,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.64, for a total transaction of $2,689,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 145,088 shares in the company, valued at $13,005,688.32. This trade represents a 17.13 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, EVP Bryan D. Anderson sold 6,565 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.54, for a total value of $587,830.10. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 44,467 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,981,575.18. This trade represents a 12.86 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Corporate insiders own 0.18% of the company’s stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Read Our Latest Research Report on SO Southern Stock Down 0.6 % Shares of SO opened at $87.60 on Friday. The Southern Company has a 52-week low of $65.80 and a 52-week high of $94.45. The company has a market capitalization of $95.98 billion, a PE ratio of 20.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 0.52. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $89.73 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $84.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66. Southern ( NYSE:SO – Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.10. Southern had a return on equity of 12.78% and a net margin of 17.87%. The business had revenue of $7.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.14 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.42 EPS. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that The Southern Company will post 4.04 EPS for the current year. Southern Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 6th. Investors of record on Monday, November 18th will be given a dividend of $0.72 per share. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.29%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 18th. Southern’s payout ratio is 66.98%. Southern Company Profile ( Free Report ) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company ( NYSE:SO – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
FAIRMONT, W.Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- MVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: MVBF) (“MVB Financial,” “MVB,” or the “Company”) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share, maintaining the dividend declared in the previous quarter for shareholders of record as of December 1, 2024, payable on December 15, 2024. This is the fourth quarterly dividend for 2024. “We are pleased to continue to add value for our shareholders and encouraged by the adaptability of Team MVB and the resilience of our business model,” said Larry F. Mazza, Chief Executive Officer, MVB Financial. “MVB’s foundational strength remains intact, evidenced by stable asset quality, an enhanced capital base and growth in tangible book value per share. We are increasingly well-positioned for future growth and improved profitability.” About MVB Financial Corp. MVB Financial Corp., the holding company of MVB Bank, Inc., is publicly traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market® under the ticker “MVBF.” Nasdaq is a leading global provider of trading, clearing, exchange technology, listing, information and public company services. Through its subsidiary, MVB Bank, Inc., and the Bank's subsidiaries, the Company provides banking services to Fintech clients throughout the United States. For more information about MVB, please visit http://ir.mvbbanking.com . Forward-Looking Statements MVB Financial has made forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in this press release that are intended to be covered by the protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “continues,” or the negative of those terms or similar expressions. Note that many factors could affect the future financial results of the Company and its subsidiaries, both individually and collectively, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon any forward-looking statements. Those factors include but are not limited to: market, economic, operational, liquidity, and credit risk; changes in market interest rates; impacts related to or resulting from recent bank failures and volatility; inability to achieve anticipated synergies and successfully integrate recent mergers and acquisitions; inability to successfully execute business plans, including strategies related to investments in Fintech companies; competition; the pace of recovery following the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business and financial condition; changes in economic, business, and political conditions; changes in demand for loan products and deposit flow; operational risks and risk management failures; and government regulation and supervision. Additional factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update, revise, or correct any forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121464014/en/ CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT Amy Baker VP, Corporate Communications and Marketing MVB Bank abaker@mvbbanking.com (844) 682-2265INVESTOR RELATIONS Marcie Lipscomb mlipscomb@mvbbanking.com (844) 682-2265 KEYWORD: WEST VIRGINIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: MVB Financial Corp. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121464014/enGSA Capital Partners LLP Invests $292,000 in LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN)
NoneElon Musk at SpaceX launch: if he played League of Legends, it would damage the space programOusted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus
Vietnam Retail Market to Expand by USD 226.4 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Rising Demand for Convenience Foods, AI Driving Market Transformation - TechnavioJonah Goldberg: What if most Americans aren't bitterly divided?