Fintech PR
The Toronto-Dominion Bank Receives Regulatory Approval for Normal Course Issuer Bid
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) (TSX: TD) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) have approved TD’s previously announced normal course issuer bid. As previously announced, TD intends to terminate its existing normal course issuer bid and launch a new normal course issuer bid to repurchase for cancellation up to 30 million of its common shares. The new normal course issuer bid will commence on December 24, 2019 and end on December 23, 2020, such earlier date as TD may determine or such earlier date as TD may complete its purchases pursuant to the notice of intention filed with the TSX.
The maximum number of shares that may be repurchased for cancellation under the bid represents approximately 1.7% of the 1,812,651,730 common shares issued and outstanding as at November 30, 2019. Under the rules of the TSX, TD is entitled to repurchase, during each trading day, up to 804,012 common shares (excluding purchases made pursuant to the block purchase exception), being 25% of the average daily trading volume of 3,216,047 common shares during the six calendar months prior to the commencement of the bid.
Repurchases will be made through the facilities of the TSX as well as through other designated exchanges and alternative trading systems in Canada in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. The price paid for such repurchased shares will be the market price of such shares at the time of acquisition or such other price as may be permitted by the TSX. All repurchased shares will be cancelled.
The number of shares and timing of the repurchases under this bid will be determined by TD. Prior to commencing purchases under the bid, TD intends to establish an automatic share purchase plan under which its broker, TD Securities, will repurchase TD shares pursuant to the normal course issuer bid within a defined set of criteria.
TD’s existing normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 20 million of its common shares commenced on June 18, 2019 and was scheduled to terminate on June 17, 2020, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. TD has repurchased all 20 million of its common shares under its existing normal course issuer bid, at an average price of $75.35 per share for a total amount of $1.5 billion. TD’s existing normal course issuer bid will be terminated at the close of business on December 23, 2019 and the 20 million common shares repurchased for cancellation under that bid will be deducted from the maximum number of shares that may be repurchased by TD under a normal course issuer bid pursuant to the rules of the TSX. The maximum number of shares that may be repurchased under the new bid, when aggregated with the 20 million common shares repurchased under the existing bid, represents approximately 2.8% of TD’s common shares issued and outstanding as at November 30, 2019.
As at October 31, 2019, the Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios were 12.1%, 13.5% and 16.3%, respectively.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
From time to time, the Bank (as defined in this document) makes written and/or oral forward-looking statements, including in this document, in other filings with Canadian regulators or the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in other communications. In addition, representatives of the Bank may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. All such statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements made in this document, the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“2019 MD&A”) in the Bank’s 2019 Annual Report under the heading “Economic Summary and Outlook”, for the Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking segments under headings “Business Outlook and Focus for 2020”, and for the Corporate segment, “Focus for 2020”, and in other statements regarding the Bank’s objectives and priorities for 2020 and beyond and strategies to achieve them, the regulatory environment in which the Bank operates, and the Bank’s anticipated financial performance. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “goal”, “target”, “may”, and “could”.
By their very nature, these forward-looking statements require the Bank to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, general and specific. Especially in light of the uncertainty related to the physical, financial, economic, political, and regulatory environments, such risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond the Bank’s control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict – may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could cause, individually or in the aggregate, such differences include: credit, market (including equity, commodity, foreign exchange, interest rate, and credit spreads), liquidity, operational (including technology and infrastructure), model, reputational, insurance, strategic, regulatory, legal, environmental, capital adequacy, and other risks. Examples of such risk factors include the general business and economic conditions in the regions in which the Bank operates; geopolitical risk; the ability of the Bank to execute on long-term strategies and shorter-term key strategic priorities, including the successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions, business retention plans, and strategic plans; the ability of the Bank to attract, develop, and retain key executives; disruptions in or attacks (including cyber-attacks) on the Bank’s information technology, internet, network access or other voice or data communications systems or services; fraud or other criminal activity to which the Bank is exposed; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to the Bank or its affiliates, including relating to the care and control of information; the impact of new and changes to, or application of, current laws and regulations, including without limitation tax laws, capital guidelines and liquidity regulatory guidance and the bank recapitalization “bail-in” regime; exposure related to significant litigation and regulatory matters; increased competition from incumbents and non-traditional competitors, including Fintech and big technology competitors; changes to the Bank’s credit ratings; changes in currency and interest rates (including the possibility of negative interest rates); increased funding costs and market volatility due to market illiquidity and competition for funding; Interbank Offered Rate (IBOR) transition risk; critical accounting estimates and changes to accounting standards, policies, and methods used by the Bank; existing and potential international debt crises; environmental and social risk; and the occurrence of natural and unnatural catastrophic events and claims resulting from such events. The Bank cautions that the preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible risk factors and other factors could also adversely affect the Bank’s results. For more detailed information, please refer to the “Risk Factors and Management” section of the 2019 MD&A, as may be updated in subsequently filed quarterly reports to shareholders and news releases (as applicable) related to any events or transactions discussed under the headings “Significant and Subsequent Events, and Pending Transactions” in the relevant MD&A, which applicable releases may be found on www.td.com. All such factors should be considered carefully, as well as other uncertainties and potential events, and the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements, when making decisions with respect to the Bank and the Bank cautions readers not to place undue reliance on the Bank’s forward-looking statements.
Material economic assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained in this document are set out in the 2019 MD&A under the headings “Economic Summary and Outlook”, for the Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking segments, “Business Outlook and Focus for 2020”, and for the Corporate segment, “Focus for 2020”, each as may be updated in subsequently filed quarterly reports to shareholders.
Any forward-looking statements contained in this document represent the views of management only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting the Bank’s shareholders and analysts in understanding the Bank’s financial position, objectives and priorities and anticipated financial performance as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Bank does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on its behalf, except as required under applicable securities legislation.
SOURCE TD Bank Group
LAGOS, Nigeria, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global financial landscape is at a crossroads. While digital financial services have brought convenience and accessibility, they have also introduced new challenges—ranging from regulatory uncertainty to inefficiencies in cross-border transactions to fraud risks, while still limiting affordability for many due to high costs. A groundbreaking whitepaper, Regulated Blockchain: Infrastructure for regulated DeFi: Foundation for a golden age in finance, authored by fintech visionary Obi Emetarom, presents a transformative framework that addresses these issues and paves the way for a Regulated Internet of Value—a blockchain-powered financial ecosystem that seamlessly integrates innovation with compliance.
Traditional finance (TradFi) remains encumbered by high costs, cumbersome processes, and regulatory complexity. According to the World Bank, global remittance fees averaged 6.2% in 2023, significantly above the 3% target set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making transactions expensive for millions worldwide. Meanwhile, crypto-based decentralized finance (DeFi) has struggled with trust, adoption, and oversight. In 2023 alone, crypto-related hacks and fraud accounted for over $1.8 billion in losses, according to Chainalysis, underscoring the need for a more secure and regulated approach.
The whitepaper argues that Regulated Blockchain Infrastructure is the missing link, providing a secure, efficient, and transparent foundation that combines the best of both worlds. Regulated Blockchain is a new way of using blockchain technology to democratize financial services innovation while enforcing clear rules set by financial regulators and enabling real-time oversight. It combines the security and speed of blockchain with the oversight needed to guarantee compliance, prevent fraud and ensure trust. Unlike cryptocurrencies that operate outside government control, Regulated Blockchain allows banks, fintech companies, and payment providers to use blockchain for faster, cheaper, and safer transactions— all with necessary compliance and regulatory oversight. This means people and businesses can spend, save and invest money more effectively, banks can deliver their offerings more efficiently, and regulators can prevent illegal activities, all while making financial services more accessible to everyone. By embedding regulatory protocols directly into blockchain technology, financial institutions, fintech companies, and regulators can unlock frictionless financial services, automated compliance, and unprecedented levels of transparency.
“This whitepaper is a call to action for policymakers, financial institutions, and innovators,” said Obi Emetarom, the paper’s author and the CEO and co-founder of Zone. “The world cannot afford to operate on outdated financial models. Regulated Blockchain Infrastructure offers a clear path toward a future where financial services are secure, inclusive, and universally impactful. This is not just about improving efficiency—it’s about reshaping global finance to work for everyone, everywhere.”
The whitepaper outlines how Regulated Blockchain Infrastructure can accelerate economic growth, maximize financial inclusion, and improve regulatory efficiency. For central banks and regulators, it provides a framework for seamless oversight and risk mitigation while supporting innovation. For fintech firms, it presents a structured pathway for adopting blockchain technology without regulatory friction. For investors and global financial institutions, it creates a transparent and secure environment that enhances capital allocation and investment opportunities.
At the same time, the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), now being piloted in over 130 countries according to the Atlantic Council, signals growing institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial solutions. The Regulated Blockchain builds on this momentum by integrating programmable compliance, self-custody of assets, and automated financial products to redefine how value is exchanged, stored, and managed globally. Obi’s ultimate vision is for multiple Regulated Blockchains to interconnect and jointly function as a Regulated Internet of Value that will power the fully digital and automated economy of the future
With the accelerating pace of technological change, the time to rethink the foundation of the global economy is now. As policy makers, regulators, financial institution leaders, and technology innovators work together to shape the future of financial services, this Regulated Blockchain whitepaper provides a roadmap to a more efficient, inclusive and impactful financial ecosystem.
Full whitepaper is available here.
About Obi Emetarom
Obi Emetarom is a visionary fintech entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Zone, Africa’s fastest growing payment infrastructure company. With over two decades of experience in driving financial technology innovation, Obi has been at the forefront of building transformative solutions that bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems. From pioneering Africa’s first Banking SaaS platform to launching the continent’s first regulated blockchain network for payments, his work has reshaped the financial services industry.
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LONDON, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited (“Elliott,” or “we”), which advises funds that together have an economic interest of close to 5% in RWE AG (“RWE” or “the Company”), today issued the following statement:
“We welcome RWE’s decision to reduce its 2025-2030 investment programme by €10 billion, or 25%, while also implementing stricter investment criteria, raising return targets, and accelerating its farmdown strategy. These measures represent an important first step towards more disciplined capital allocation. However, we share the market’s disappointment with the lack of clarity regarding the Company’s commitment to enhance shareholder returns. Given the announced capex reduction and RWE’s persistent undervaluation, we believe there is a compelling opportunity to significantly increase and accelerate the ongoing share buyback programme. We look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue with the Company.”
About Elliott
Elliott Investment Management L.P. (together with its affiliates, “Elliott”) manages approximately $72.7 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1977, it is one of the oldest funds under continuous management. The Elliott funds’ investors include pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, funds-of-funds, high net worth individuals and families, and employees of the firm. Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited is an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management L.P.
Media Contacts
London
Alice Best
Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited
T: +44 203 009 1715
abest@elliottadvisors.co.uk
Frankfurt
Thomas Katzensteiner
Charles Barker
T: +49 69 79 40 90 25
Thomas.Katzensteiner@charlesbarker.de
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elliott-statement-on-rwe-ag-302408674.html
Fintech PR
Abler Nordic, Livelihoods Funds, Musim Mas, and Temasek Foundation Launch Blended Finance Initiative on Sustainable Oil Palm to Combat Deforestation and Aim to Support at least 400 Smallholders
SINGAPORE, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Impact fund manager Abler Nordic has partnered with Temasek Foundation, a Singapore-based philanthropic organisation that drives impact programmes in Asia, together with sustainable palm oil producer Musim Mas, and Livelihoods Funds to launch the Sustainable Oil Palm Replanting in Indonesia (SOPRI) project. The pilot initiative facilitates access to financing and resources for smallholders to sustainably replant oil palms, increasing their income while preventing forest encroachment.
In Indonesia, smallholders cultivate over 40% of the country’s oil palm land but face a significant challenge: aging oil palms that reduce yields, making replanting an urgent and costly necessity. Without access to affordable financing, some smallholders may expand into rainforest areas, accelerating deforestation and climate change.
The SOPRI project is a key component of Abler Nordic’s broader Climate Smart Fund—launched in the pilot phase with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment—combining public, philanthropic, and private capital to create deforestation-free value chains and support smallholder resilience projects. Temasek Foundation strengthens this blended finance model by setting aside catalytic capital to guarantee and derisk loans to smallholders for the SOPRI project, thereby reducing financing costs for smallholders and de-risking private investment.
In its first phase, the SOPRI project will support 400 smallholders across 400 hectares in Sumatra, offering long-term replanting loans, financial literacy training, sustainability certification, land title support, and participatory village planning to promote responsible land use. In return, smallholders commit to avoiding forest encroachment, monitored through satellite and on-the-ground checks.
The project is designed to demonstrate that sustainable replanting is both financially viable and scalable, with future phases aiming to reach over 20,000 smallholders.
The Climate Smart Fund will act as the lead organisation, managing financial operations and coordinating implementation with local partners such as Koltiva and Bank Amar. Musim Mas is providing technical support to help smallholders achieve sustainable palm oil certification and access markets, while Livelihoods Funds brings expertise in training and certification to help farmers transition to sustainable practices.
Beyond replanting, the project is also exploring climate-resilient agroforestry models, integrating oil palms with shade trees and cash crops to improve soil health, regulate microclimates, and support smallholders in adapting to climate change.
Abler Nordic now aims to expand the broader Climate Smart Fund from the initial USD 10 million fund to 40 million USD in its first close, using a mix of investor capital, guarantees, and grants to scale concrete and sustainable climate action.
Arthur Sletteberg, Managing Director of Abler Nordic, said: “Building long-term relationships with local smallholders, communities and partners is at the heart of our work. What we’re doing is complex and unprecedented in many ways, but the results so far demonstrate that we have the right model and risk mitigation to expand the Climate Smart Fund and create long-term, meaningful change for both smallholder farmers and the climate.”
Sébastien de Royer, Senior Project Manager – Southeast Asiaof Livelihoods Ventures, said: “At Livelihoods Ventures, we believe in long-term solutions that address challenges at their root. Through this partnership, we aim to empower smallholders with the technical support and advisory needed to transition to sustainable and resilient farming systems.”
Mr Rob Nicholls, General Manager of Projects and Partnerships, Musim Mas, said: “This initiative is not just about financial support; it is about empowering smallholders with the knowledge and resources they need to implement sustainable practices. We believe that through collaboration and commitment, we can create a positive impact on both the environment and the communities involved in palm oil production.”
Ms Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability of Temasek Foundation, said: “This pilot initiative will be a game-changer. By unlocking financing with catalytic capital, smallholders can replant sustainably without bearing huge financial risks. Temasek Foundation is committed in collectively building this Public-Private-Philanthropic partnership with Abler Nordic, Livelihoods Funds and Musim Mas in Nature-based Solutions. We are not only driving positive environmental impact, but also paving the way for scalable and meaningful long-term solutions.“
Media contact:
Devane Sharma,
Corporate Communications Department
Email: media@musimmas.com
Phone: (65) 6576 6500
Media Enquiries: (65) 9012 1582 (WhatsApp Calls only)
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2646998/Abler_Nordic__Landscape.jpg
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