WASHINGTON, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On April 22, 2024, EB5 Capital, along with Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national EB-5 trade association serving the majority of active Regional Centers, and ten other Regional Centers, filed a lawsuit against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The lawsuit, Civitas Capital Group et al. vs. USCIS et al., was filed in the District Court for the Northern District of Texas and challenges the “Final Rule” issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that concerns government filing fees for EB-5 related petitions.
The Final Rule issued by DHS on January 31, 2024, which went into effect on April 1, 2024, revised USCIS’ filing fees for all petitions and applications adjudicated by the agency. Civitas Capital Group et al. vs. USCIS et al. argues that the fee increases for EB-5 related petitions in this Final Rule are far greater both in dollar amounts and in percentage increase compared to any of the other increases in filing fees announced in this rule. “It is essential that USCIS abide by the rule of law in promulgating regulations. Its ongoing failure to do so diminishes the impact and integrity of the EB-5 Program,” commented Lulu Gordon, General Counsel for EB5 Capital. The lawsuit argues that the new fee structure violates several federal laws, including the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), as well as internal guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
“These increased fees are unreasonable and will burden our current and future investors,” said Ishaan Khanna, EB5 Capital’s Director of Business Development. Ishaan Khanna’s non-profit organization, The American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA), which advocates for EB-5 investors’ rights, previously filed a similar lawsuit against USCIS in March.
For more information, a copy Civitas Capital Group et al. vs. USCIS et al. is available here.
About EB5 Capital
EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors with opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital’s distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 75 countries. As one of the oldest and most active Regional Center operators in the country, the firm has raised over $1 billion of foreign capital across approximately 40 EB-5 projects. 100% of our investors’ funds are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance prior to their deployment into our projects. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.
LONDON, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, today announced the creation of the World’s First Quantum-Safe, 1.89 Tb IPsec products collaborating with Intel.
Arqit and Intel have joined forces for out-of-the-box post-quantum cryptography solutions using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform (SKA-Platform) running on Intel Xeon Scalable processors. Combining Intel technologies with Arqit’s SKA-Platform achieves high-performance IPsec encryption, protecting against quantum attacks without compromising speed.
To find our more, join the Intel and Arqit webinar on 30th April 2024 REGISTER
David Williams, Arqit Founder, Chairman and CEO said:
“Our collaboration with Intel delivers the groundbreaking introduction of the world’s inaugural quantum-safe, 1.89 Tb IPsec solution. Cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated, including the imminent advent of quantum computing, enterprises seek robust defences. Our joint effort with Intel provides off-the-shelf products that not only harden networks but also make them quantum-safe whilst adhering to core standards like RFC 8784.”
Notes to Editors
Arqit representatives will be attending RSA (6-9 May 2024) and will be available for interview. www.rsaconference.com/usa.
Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.
About Arqit
Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit) supplies a unique encryption software service which makes the communications links of any networked device, cloud machine or data at rest secure against both current and future forms of attack on encryption – even from a quantum computer. Compatible with NSA CSfC Components and meeting the demands of NSA CSfC Symmetric Key Management Requirements Annexe 1.2. and RFC 8784, Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform uses a lightweight software agent that allows end point devices to create encryption keys locally in partnership with any number of other devices. The keys are computationally secure and facilitate Zero Trust Network Access. It can create limitless volumes of keys with any group size and refresh rate and can regulate the secure entrance and exit of a device in a group. The agent is lightweight and will thus run on the smallest of end point devices. The product sits within a growing portfolio of granted patents. It also works in a standards compliant manner which does not oblige customers to make a disruptive rip and replace of their technology. Arqit is winner of two GSMA Global Mobile Awards, The Best Mobile Security Solution and The CTO Choice Award for Outstanding Mobile Technology, at Mobile World Congress 2024, recognised for groundbreaking innovation at the 2023 Institution of Engineering and Technology Awards and winner of the National Cyber Awards’ Innovation in Cyber Award and the Cyber Security Awards’ Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award. Arqit is ISO 27001 Standard certified. www.arqit.uk
This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Arqit’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Arqit’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Arqit to predict these events or how they may affect it. Except as required by law, Arqit does not have any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Arqit’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: (i) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Arqit, (ii) the ability to maintain the listing of Arqit’s securities on a national securities exchange, (iii) changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which Arqit operates, variations in operating performance across competitors and changes in laws and regulations affecting Arqit’s business, (iv) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realise additional opportunities, (v) the potential inability of Arqit to successfully deliver its operational technology, (vi) the risk of interruption or failure of Arqit’s information technology and communications system, (vii) the enforceability of Arqit’s intellectual property, and (viii) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Arqit’s annual report on Form 20-F (the “Form 20-F”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 21 November 2023 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. While the list of factors discussed above and in the Form 20-F and other SEC filings are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realisation of forward-looking statements.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – Sahm, the all-in-one trading app licensed by the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority (CMA), is excited to announce its largest promotional campaign to date. Users who open an account during the event will receive lifelong commission-free trading for the Saudi Market and claim free Snapchat shares upon depositing a specified amount.
Sahm launches massive promotional campaign in KSA.
Sahm is powered by Sahm Capital Financial Company (formerly known as VCFC), which operates in activities related to dealing, custody, and advisory services in securities, under the license granted by the CMA, number (22251-25) issued on October 19, 2022. The app simplifies trading for investors of all skill levels, seamlessly integrating Saudi and U.S. shares, real-time data, robust analysis, various education courses and breaking news. In addition to the lifelong commission-free trading of Saudi stock, users who deposit SAR 5,000 will receive free Snap Inc. shares worth approximately $50. Furthermore, users who open an account during the event will also receive free real-time U.S. quotes for one year. Since its launch in December 2023, Sahm app has quickly become one of the most popular stock trading platforms in KSA, ranking in the Top 3 financial apps in both the App Store and Google Play. Sahm app distinguishes itself as the first app in KSA to offer one-click quick switching between Saudi and U.S. stock accounts in real time for both trading and currency conversion. Additionally, the app enables users to create Conditional Orders, a sophisticated and powerful trading tool previously only available on professional trading desks. To take advantage of this limited-time offer, visit https://www.sahmcapital.com/activitiesr/pre-activity-new?urlType=1&activityId=74&_scnl=1110844&lang=en-US and open an account to claim rewards.
About Sahm Capital:
Registered in Riyadh, Sahm Capital (formerly known as VCFC) is a joint venture company of Valuable Capital Group Ltd and eWTP Arabia Capital. In October 2023, Sahm Capital received final approval from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to conduct Dealing, Advising, and Custody services in KSA, making it the first international online brokerage firm to provide online brokerage services in KSA. The company is also a registered member of the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul, as well as its affiliates, the Securities Depository Center Company (Edaa) and the Securities Clearing Center Company (Muqassa). For more information about Sahm, please visit: https://www.sahmcapital.com/
LUX Launches ‘Getting Ready’ Campaign to Inspire Ex-offenders to Re-embrace Beauty and Re-enter Society with Confidence
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – LUX, the global beauty brand by Unilever, is proud to launch its new female empowerment campaign, ‘Getting Ready’ today. Through this campaign, LUX, has designed a programme to help women ex-offenders to re-embrace beauty to re-enter society with confidence and dignity. Driven by the belief that Beauty can be a powerful source of strength and by its commitment to promote inclusivity, LUX hopes to empower women ex-offenders to face challenges ahead with strength.Beauty is not just about how the world sees women, it also defines how women see the world. Aligning with this belief, LUX stands as an avid advocate for women to leverage beauty as a source of strength. Yet, women offenders are completely stripped of their femininity and beauty along with their freedom. Nobody needs to harness strength from beauty more than the women ex-offenders who have just been released. This is why LUX and VML Singapore have embarked on the ‘Getting Ready’ project to help women ex-offenders restore their sense of self-worth and identity to better assimilate back into society.
‘Getting Ready’ extends beyond helping women ex-offenders rediscover their beauty. It is a movement challenging social expectations and stereotypes surrounding this marginalised female community.
The ‘Getting Ready’ programme comprises four modules to help women ex-offenders unlock their confidence and build their personal brand as they start their second life. The modules cover tools to overcome negative thought patterns; hard skills to tackle career goals and employment; improving social skills and communication; and image building, with establishing a beauty routine and finding their own style playing a big part in helping the women look good and feel good. In addition, LUX will be equipping these women with hair and beauty essentials to encourage personal grooming. Proper grooming through the act of enjoying a refreshing shower and soaking in the fragrance is the simplest form of self-care women can indulge in to foster their sense of self-worth. Though seemingly mundane, the act of dedicating time to clean and rejuvenate oneself helps women to forge self-love and boost confidence in their own beauty.
The first batch of women who underwent the ‘Getting Ready’ programme had their experience documented in a film which traced their journey of self-discovery and uplifting change. With this documentary, LUX hopes to reach a wider audience and spread awareness about the struggles and stigma these women ex-offenders face on a day-to-day basis, and the support they need to better reintegrate into society.
“Many women ex-offenders struggle with re-entering society and starting afresh as they have lost sight of their sense of self-worth and are unable to live life with dignity. This is in addition to having to deal with the uncertainties shrouding their new life,” said Severine Vauleon, Global Brand Vice President LUX “With Getting Ready, we would like to give these women a chance to properly live their life beyond the label. By helping them cultivate a positive relationship with their individual beauty and self-image, we hope that these women can find themselves and their footing in society again.”
“’Getting Ready’ is not just about helping women ex-offenders regain self-respect; it’s also about initiating discourse about the plight these women face and how we can all involve ourselves in changing unforgiving societal perception.” Hinoti Joshi, Global Managing Partner, VML Singapore, who spearheaded the campaign, commented.
‘Getting Ready’ is a campaign transcending social boundaries and re-instilling hope in women. The impact of this campaign extends far beyond transforming the lives of ex-offenders, but also sparks conversations about providing support to the marginalised female communities out there. Join LUX in its movement to uplift and celebrate the beauty and strength of women everywhere with ‘Getting Ready’.
LUX has been celebrating beauty and femininity since 1925. We understand that beauty is a woman’s armour, her source of strength. It is hers to express, unapologetically. We will continue to help women everywhere fight casual sexism at home, in the workplace and in wider society.
يلخص التقرير إلى موضوعين رئيسيين يعززان مستقبل مكانة المملكة في مشهد رأس المال الخاص: الموضوع الأول هو تعزيز حكومة المملكة ومستثمريها وشركاتها للشراكات مع مدراء الصناديق من أجل توفير المزيد من المعارف وتطوير البنى التحتية والاستثمارات المشتركة في الدولة. ويرى مدراء الصناديق أن المملكة أصبحت الآن أكثر من مجرد موقع لجمع رأس مال المستثمرين. الموضوع الثاني هو إقبال المملكة على الاستثمارات الداخلية من خلال الأسواق الخاصة،
والتي تواصل النمو مع ريادة الأعمال الداخلية والفرص الاستثمارية.
الدور الجديد لرأس المال الخاص ومدراء الصناديق في المملكة
يحقق مشروع رؤية المملكة 2030 التي تقوده الحكومة هدف زيادة التنويع الاقتصادي والاجتماعي والثقافي في الوقت الذي تنتقل فيه المملكة لحقبة ما بعد “ذروة النفط”. وتمثل الأسواق الخاصة عنصرًا رئيسيًا لهذا الانتقال.
وعلى مدار ما يربو على 30 عامًا، أثبتت المملكة أنها واحدة من الوجهات الأكثر موثوقية لجمع رأس المال الخاص. لكن في عام 2024، ستعزز المملكة هذه العلاقة التاريخية مع مدراء الصناديق من خلال توطيد التعاون معهم بالتركيز على نشر رأس المال محليًا لتعزيز المشاريع الاقتصادية، ما يساهم في إنجاز المملكة لطموحات رؤية 2030.
لقد أدرك مدراء الصناديق أهمية استغلال مسار النمو الذي تشهده المملكة خلال السنوات الأخيرة. ففي الفترة بين 2018 ويناير 2024، تظهر بيانات Preqin أن عدد مدراء الصناديق في المملكة شهد زيادة بمعدل 213% أي ارتفع من 47 إلى 147 مدير صندوق.
الإقبال على الاستثمار الداخلي: حقوق الملكية الخاصة وصفقات رأس المال الجريء
وفي معرض تعليقه على هذه المناسبة، يقول ديفيد دوكينز، المؤلف الرئيسي للتقرير لدى Preqin: “تسعى المملكة العربية السعودية في عام 2024 بشكل متزايد إلى استخدام رأس المال الخاص لدعم فئة رواد الأعمال الناشئة في الدولة من أجل الاستعداد للحياة بعد عصر النفط. وفي سبيل المساعدة على بناء الأعمال المحلية وإيجاد فرص العمل للشباب، يسعى المستثمرون في المنطقة إلى التعاون مع مدراء المشاريع لنقل المعارف وتطوير البنية التحتية والاستثمار المشترك”.
بنهاية عام 2023، انغلقت الفجوة بشكل شبه تام بين عدد صفقات حقوق الملكية الخاصة وصفقات رأس المال الجريء التي أكملها المستثمرون السعوديون محليًا، مقارنة بالمستثمرين بالخارج. تم عقد 118 صفقة في المملكة و119 صفقة في الخارج، خلال عام 2023. وبالمقارنة، عقدت المملكة 100 صفقة حقوق ملكية خاصة ورأس مال جريء محليًا و151 صفقة بالخارج خلال عام 2022.
لقد أثبتت المملكة أنها نجم ساطع خلال “شتاء” رأس المال الجريء في الفترة من 2020 إلى 2023 حين تباطأت الصفقات على مستوى العالم. بلغت القيمة الإجمالية لصفقات رأس المال الجريء في المملكة 1.02 مليار دولار أمريكي في عام 2023، مرتفعة من 794 مليون دولار أمريكي في عام 2022.
تشمل الاستنتاجات الرئيسية الإضافية لتقريرنهوض رأس المال الخاص في المملكة العربية السعودية: دليل منطقة Preqin:
الاستثمارات المشتركة لرأس المال الجريء: تم عقد 47 صفقة رأسمال جريء بين مدراء الصناديق غير السعوديين والمستثمرين السعوديين في الفترة من 2018 إلى 2023. وقد تمت ثلاثة أرباع الصفقات تقريبًا، أي 34 صفقة من بين 47 صفقة في الفترة بين 2021 و2023، مما يبرز زخم هذا الاتجاه في عام 2024 وما بعده.
صفقات رأس المال الجريء البارزة: لقد أصبحت منصة تمارا المتخصصة في المدفوعات البنكية والتسوق، أول شركة مليارية متخصصة في التقنيات المالية بعد تأمين حصولها على 340 مليون دولار أمريكي في جولة تمويل حقوق ملكية من الفئة C في ديسمبر 2023.
عدد مدراء رأس المال الخاص الذين يركزون على السعودية: بنهاية عام 2021، كان هناك 131 مدير نشط يركز على نشر رأس المال في المملكة. وبحلول يناير 2024، بلغ عدد المدراء 276 مديراً، بما يمثل زيادة بنسبة 111% على مدار الفترة.
إذا كنت ترغب الحصول على مزيد من المعلومات أو إذا كنت تود التحدث إلى مؤلف التقرير، يرجى الاتصال بدون بولز على dawn.bowles@preqin.com.
نبذة عن Preqin
تُمكّن شركةPreqin، المتخصصة في الأصول البديلة“Home of Alternatives”، المهنيين الماليين الذين يستثمرون أو يكرسون أنفسهم للأصول البديلة، من خلال بيانات ورؤى أساسية لاتخاذ قرارات مستنيرة. وهي توفر الدعم لهم خلال دورة الحياة الكاملة للاستثمارات من خلال معلومات هامة وحلول تحليلية رائدة. لقد حققت الشركة الريادة في مجال الأساليب الدقيقة لجمع بيانات الخاصة على مدار 20 عامًا، بما يعمل على تمكين أكثر من 200,000 مهني على مستوى العالم لتبسيط طريقة جمعهم لرأس المال والحصول على الصفقات والاستثمارات وفهم الأداء ومداومة الاطلاع على المستجدات. لمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى زيارة www.preqin.com.
Head of the Azm Alliance, Engineer Muthanna Al-Samarrai, received Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and his accompanying delegation, today, Sunday, at his headquarters in Baghdad.
The Alliance statement stated that during the meeting, many important issues related to the current situation in Iraq were discussed, and the importance of moving forward with the process of electing a new speaker for the House of Representatives, as an important and fundamental step towards enhancing political stability, and the necessity of making joint efforts to ensure the implementation of this process in a transparent and democratic manner that reflects the will of the Iraqi people.
They also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government, and maintaining coordination in order to resolve the outstanding files, and the necessity of supporting the efforts of the Iraqi government in its steps to implement the go
vernment program and the terms of the political agreement .
The Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, received at his residence today, Sunday, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of a number of members of the House of Representatives.
The meeting discussed the latest developments in the political scene and a number of important local files, where it was agreed to maintain dialogue and understanding with all national forces to enhance stability in the country, work to settle the outstanding issues between the center and the region in accordance with the constitution and the law, and stress the importance of supporting and assisting the government in implementing its program, in addition to discussing regional developments and their repercussions on the Iraqi arena.
Head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, discussed with the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, the latest developments in the political and security situation in the country.
His office said in a statement, ‘Al-Maliki received Barzani and his accompanying delegation in his office today.’
He added, “During the meeting, developments in the political and security situation in the country were discussed, and the course of the political process, the challenges that the region is going through, and Iraq’s positions towards them were reviewed.”
Nouri al-Maliki stressed the importance of political forces communicating with the aim of coordinating positions and overcoming all challenges facing the political process, denouncing the recent attack that targeted the Kormor gas field, saying: We completely reject any speck of Iraqi soil being targeted by any other country.
He pointed out that there is a solid will to find ways out and solutions to all issues or problems existing between t
he federal government and the Kurdistan region, especially with regard to salaries, the budget of the Kurdistan region, and the resumption of oil exports.
He added, “Regarding the regional elections, the head of the State of Law coalition indicated that there is a committee formed to discuss this issue with the Kurdistan region.”
For his part, Barzani affirmed the Kurdistan region’s readiness to resolve its differences with Baghdad through dialogue and understanding and on the basis of the constitution, most notably the files and disputes related to the living and service conditions of citizens, praising Nouri al-Maliki’s positions in support of finding solutions that end the controversial issues between Baghdad and Erbil.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani received, at his residence in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today, Sunday, the CEO of Vertical Future, which specializes in agricultural technology and vertical farming, Jimmy Burrows, on the sidelines of his participation in the World Economic Forum.
Al-Sudani expressed his desire to cooperate with the international company and transfer technology in the agricultural sector to Iraq, which faces the challenges of climate change and suffers from a large water scarcity that has caused an increase desertification in its areas. He indicated that agriculture constitutes a priority in the government program, and the government has taken several measures and steps to develop the agricultural sector and entering of modern methods in agriculture and irrigation, in addition to supporting farmers and the private sector concerned with agriculture, which represents one of the pillars of the Iraqi economy.
For his part, the CEO of Vertical Future expressed his readiness to be present
in Iraq, and to cooperate in the field of supporting Iraqi agriculture with modern technology, and to exploit the areas of land available for agriculture and increase its production.
An informed source confirmed that the failure to form a new local government in Diyala will reflect negatively on service and social performance.
The source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that the political debates and leaving the crisis of forming a government in Diyala without solutions will have a negative impact on the citizen, in addition to disrupting the service projects that the governorate needs.
He added that leaving the political crisis in Diyala without solutions does not serve the political parties, and a road map must be developed that gives reassurance to all components of the importance of forming a government and prioritizing the interest of the citizen over personal interests, stressing that resolving the issue of forming a local government in Diyala will remain suspended until the selection of a speaker for the House of Representatives is decided after the map of alliances, agreements and gains becomes clear.
) running on Intel Xeon Scalable 
