Fintech PR

Zambia External Bondholder Steering Committee Statement regarding OCC stance on Comparability of Treatment

Published

1 year ago

November 20, 2023

LONDON, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Zambia External Bondholder Steering Committee (“the Committee”) is very disappointed and deeply concerned with recent developments with regard to implementing an agreement with the Government of Zambia (the “Government”) on a restructuring of Zambia’s (i) US$750,000,000 5.375 per cent. Notes due 2022, (ii) US$1,000,000,000 8.500 per cent. Notes due 2024 and (iii) US$1,250,000,000 8.970 per cent. Amortising Notes due 2027.

The Committee and the Government announced on Thursday, 26 October that an agreement-in-principle (“AIP”) on restructuring terms had been reached after many months of collaborative, but also very challenging, discussions. The proposed agreement provided the Government with significant cash flow and debt stock relief to support a restoration of macro-economic and debt sustainability. Notably both Zambia and the Committee agreed that the AIP was compatible with the targets and parameters of the Debt Sustainability Analysis embedded in the approved International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) program and the Comparability of Treatment principle as agreed with its Official Creditor Committee (the “OCC”), as confirmed in the Government’s press statement of 26 October.

Following the announcement of the AIP, the IMF requested certain adjustments to the AIP to ensure the fullest possible compatibility with the IMF targets and parameters. The Committee re-engaged in negotiations and revisited the agreed AIP to ensure full IMF support. The Government confirmed that the revised AIP (the “Revised AIP”) published by the Government earlier today is compatible with the IMF program parameters and debt sustainability targets.

In light of the additional concessions made in the Revised AIP, the Committee has been deeply disappointed to learn that at a meeting on 17 November, the OCC concluded that the Revised Proposal still does not meet its interpretation of the Comparability of Treatment criteria.

The Committee’s Revised AIP provides for more debt relief on an NPV basis than that of the OCC (in addition to providing significant upfront debt forgiveness, while no principal debt reduction is forthcoming from the OCC), ensuring that this would more than meet any reasonable interpretation of Comparability of Treatment. In particular, as set out in the Appendix, the Revised AIP exceeds the net present value effort provided by the OCC by a small margin in the “base case” and a significant margin in the “upside case”, using the OCC’s own methodology.

We understand that the OCC Co-chairs indicated that they view the Revised AIP as not being comparable with the memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) agreed between the OCC and the Government, despite: (i) the IMF’s position that the revised proposal meets IMF program parameters and DSA targets; and (ii) the fact that the Government views the Revised AIP (as it did the original AIP) as comparable with the OCC’s concessions under the MOU. The MOU is not a public document. The Committee notes that it has been frustrated by this and the current process which requires reliance on the OCC’s assessment of comparability in circumstances where a lack of transparency prohibits discussion or independent assessment of comparability by bondholders. Further, we understand that there was no consensus amongst the OCC members as to what would be required from bondholders to comply with their interpretation of the Comparability of Treatment principle. In any event, in taking the position it has, the OCC is demanding debt relief from commercial creditors that is materially higher than either the Government or the IMF deem necessary to restore debt sustainability. In doing so it is creating very clear inter-creditor equity issues and is going far beyond the OCC’s envisaged role under the Common Framework in verifying Comparability of Treatment. This is inconsistent with the Common Framework.

This is an extraordinary position to take and will have significant adverse consequences, most immediately for Zambia. It will also completely undermine the already diminishing credibility of the Common Framework. No bondholder will accept official bilateral creditors seeking to re-negotiate the terms of the restructuring agreement they reach with a sovereign debtor in circumstances where the IMF has confirmed that an agreement already meets its own requirements for restoring debt sustainability. It is not for official bilateral creditors to dictate debt terms to other creditors in circumstances where the Government has confirmed Comparability of Treatment.

Given the fiduciary duty they owe their clients, the Committee cannot possibly consider or countenance providing more debt relief than is necessary to restore debt sustainability as defined by the IMF.

The Revised AIP had been finely calibrated to meet the IMF program, and the Government’s own, annual constraints. This requires implementation in 2023. The regrettable additional delays resulting from the position taken by the OCC now make it very challenging to resolve the situation in a sufficiently timely manner to allow for an agreement with bondholders to be implemented within the required timeframe.

The Committee continues to stand ready and willing to implement the Revised AIP, supported by the Government and the IMF, if a way can be found to obtain OCC support or otherwise proceed with the debt restructuring Zambia so urgently needs.

Members of the Committee include the following asset managers (acting either directly or on behalf of funds or other accounts they manage): Amia Capital LLP; Amundi (UK) Limited; RBC BlueBay Asset Management; Farallon Capital Management, LLC; Greylock Capital Management, LLC.

The Creditor Committee is being advised by Newstate Partners and Weil Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP Questions can be directed to:

Spencer Jones, Newstate Partners LLP, +44 20 3077 4916 or [email protected]
Annie Emery, Newstate Partners LLP, +44 20 3077 4915 or [email protected]
Andrew Wilkinson, Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP, +44 20 7903 1068 or [email protected]

For media enquiries:

Greenbrook, +44 20 7952 2000, [email protected]

Appendix

Debt Relief Indicator	Weak Case		Medium Case
Debt Relief Indicator	OCC Advertisement	Bondholders	OCC	Bondholders
Nominal haircut¹	0 %	16 %	0 %	16 %
Duration extension	12 years Advertisement	8 years	6 years	6 years
Contribution to the financing of the programme (2023-2025)	95 %	80 %	95 % Advertisement	80 %
Overall Debt Relief (PV/PV @5%)²	39 %	41 %	13 %	18 %
*Overall Debt Relief (PV/PV @5%) (including consent fee)*	39 % Advertisement	40 %	13 %	17 %

¹ Nominal haircut calculated on contractual claims.
² OCC methodology comparing the PV of post-restructured debt to pre-restructured debt, evaluated at 5% discount rate. If debt relief is shown to one decimal place the difference in the medium case rounds up to 6%, 5% including consent fee.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zambia-external-bondholder-steering-committee-statement-regarding-occ-stance-on-comparability-of-treatment-301993346.html

Fintech PR

Matrixdock Integrates XAUm Gold Token with Binance Wallet to Advance Financial Equality

Published

1 hour ago

December 30, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

matrixdock-integrates-xaum-gold-token-with-binance-wallet-to-advance-financial-equality

SINGAPORE, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Matrixdock, Asia’s real-world asset (RWA) tokenization leader, announces the integration of its flagship gold token, XAUm, with Binance Wallet, one of the world’s leading digital asset wallets. This development builds on previous integrations with centralized exchange Web3 wallets like OKX and crypto wallets like MetaMask, reinforcing Matrixdock’s commitment to making gold investments more secure, efficient, and accessible for hundreds of millions of global users.

At the core of this integration is XAUm, a token fully backed by London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)- accredited gold bars with a minimum fineness of 99.99%. Each XAUm token represents one troy ounce of gold. These gold reserves are securely stored in Brink’s vaults in Hong Kong and Singapore, offering token holders the option to redeem XAUm for physical gold.

Purpose-built for Web3 compatibility and the multi-chain ecosystem, XAUm seamlessly blends blockchain innovation with user-centric design. Its robust proof-of-reserve transparency, efficient multi-chain reserve management, and enhanced interoperability inspire trust and elevate gold from a static asset to a dynamic, multifunctional financial instrument in the digital economy.

This integration with Binance Wallet builds on previous developments within Binance’s ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges and lending platforms. The goal is to make XAUm a benchmark for modern gold investments, providing an efficient and trusted solution that redefines asset efficiency and financial equality.

Binance Wallet enhances this vision by offering a secure and intuitive entry point to Web3. Users can manage digital assets, perform cross-chain token swaps, and earn yields effortlessly. With a simple setup process via the Binance app, the wallet eliminates the need for seed phrases or private keys, furthermore, it utilizes Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology to enhance secure transactions.

Through this integration, individuals worldwide are able to buy, own, and trade gold conveniently with a mobile device. By leveraging Web3 technology and the multi-chain ecosystem, Matrixdock and Binance Wallet set a new standard for modern gold investments, driving financial equality and innovation.

About Matrixdock

Founded in February 2023 by Matrixport, Matrixdock is Asia’s RWA leader that modernizes financial instruments through advanced tokenization technology. As the first in Asia to introduce a tokenized short-term treasury bill product, STBT, earned the Ecosystem Excellence TADS Award in 2023 for Trading & Liquidity Solutions. In 2024, it launched a one-of-a-kind Tokenized Gold token, XAUm, modernizing traditional gold investment into a dynamic, multifunctional digital asset.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587828/XAUm_Gold_token_matrixdock_binance_wallet.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/matrixdock-integrates-xaum-gold-token-with-binance-wallet-to-advance-financial-equality-302340189.html

Fintech PR

FXGiants Launches Partner Programs to Boost Forex Trading Success

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — FXGiants, a prominent brokerage firm, has opened a new chapter for individuals eyeing opportunities in forex trading. The company has launched new, easy-to-join partnership programs, offering valuable earning opportunities to market participants. Combining effortless integration with substantial revenue potential, these initiatives will arm partners with everything they need to explore today’s forex landscape.

Christopher Oates, a spokesperson for FXGiants elaborated on this development: “Our partner programs are designed to fuel growth for partners by removing unnecessary hurdles. From smooth onboarding to competitive rewards and strong support systems, we aim to provide everything needed for success. Our mission is to help individuals and companies scale their operations, boost their earnings, and tap into new opportunities with confidence.”

Programs Designed for Unique Ambitions

Recognizing that goals differ from partner to partner, FXGiants has shaped three dedicated programs built for varied ambitions. Firstly, the Introducing Brokers (IBs) plan allows users to bring new clients to FXGiants and, in turn, earn competitive commissions. Adding excitement, the IB Monthly Reward Plan offers cash incentives of up to $1,000, determined by client trading activity and volumes.

Secondly, the Affiliate Program is a haven for marketing-focused individuals as it offers forex trading tracking tools and an extensive suite of professional promotional content. Affiliates can easily evaluate their campaigns’ performance and receive earnings based on qualified referrals. Lastly, the White Label Solution is suitable for businesses seeking a fully branded, standalone trading experience. FXGiants delivers a customizable platform that allows businesses to retain control over client offerings.

“At FXGiants, our objective remains straightforward – to give our partners unparalleled possibilities in the forex trading market,” Oates added. “Joining our programs is quick and easy. Interested parties can register on our website or reach out via email to get started. We are committed to building a path for long-term success, one step at a time.”

About FXGiants

FXGiants is an FCA/BMA-regulated broker that gives access to over 300 trading instruments to its clients. Features such as tight spreads, VPS hosting, and Live and ECN/STP accounts, underline its commitment to traders’ convenience and security. With the reliable MT4 platform and PMAM software, FXGiants also ensures swift executions and an intuitive trading environment for beginners and seasoned traders alike. Moreover, around-the-clock, multilingual assistance adds yet another layer of dependability, fostering a confident and efficient forex trading experience.

All trading involves risk. It is possible to lose all of your capital. This offer is made by Notesco Int Limited, registered in Anguilla. FXGiants is a trade name of Notesco Int Limited; a company incorporated in Anguilla with registration number A000001800 and registered address The Valley, AI2640, Cosely Drive, 1338, AI.

https://www.fxgiants.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fxgiants-launches-partner-programs-to-boost-forex-trading-success-302338959.html

Fintech PR

Bybit and SOLV Protocol Team Up for Explosive bbSOL Maxi Rewards

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

bybit-and-solv-protocol-team-up-for-explosive-bbsol-maxi-rewards

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, today announced a thrilling new campaign in collaboration with SOLV Protocol: the bbSOL Maxi Rewards. This exciting event offers users the chance to win a share of 1,300,000 SOLV tokens via airdrop by staking their SOL.

From December 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM UTC to January 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM UTC, users who stake at least 0.5 SOL to obtain bbSOL through their Bybit Web3 Seed Phrase Wallet on the Bybit Web3 Earn platform are eligible to participate in the campaign and win exciting SOLV rewards.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SOLV Protocol for this exciting campaign,” said Emily Bao, Head of Web3 and Spot at Bybit. “The bbSOL Maxi Rewards presents a fantastic opportunity for users to maximize their SOL holdings and earn substantial rewards. We encourage everyone to participate and experience the power of Bybit Web3.”

How to Participate:

Visit the Airdrop Arcade: Head over to the dedicated “bbSOL X SOLV Campaign Page” (Airdrop Arcade).
Connect Your Wallet: Connect your Bybit Web3 Seed Phrase Wallet and complete the required tasks.
Stake Your SOL: Stake a minimum of 0.5 SOL to obtain bbSOL through Bybit Web3 Earn. The more you stake, the higher your potential rewards in the Ultimate Rewards Pool.

The top 100 stakers with the highest SOL stakes will receive their SOLV rewards directly to their Bybit Web3 Seed Phrase Wallet’s ETH address within three weeks of the event’s conclusion.

To participate, users must deposit SOL and obtain bbSOL on the Bybit Web3 Earn platform using their Bybit Web3 Seed Phrase Wallet. Only new SOL deposits made during the event period are eligible for rewards.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitWeb3

About Bybit Web3

Bybit Web3 is redefining openness in the decentralized world, creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. We are committed to welcoming builders, creators, and partners in the blockchain space, extending an invitation to both crypto enthusiasts and the curious, with a community of over 130 million wallet addresses across over 30 major ecosystem partners, and counting.

Bybit Web3 provides a comprehensive suite of Web3 products designed to make accessing, swapping, collecting and growing Web3 assets as open and simple as possible. Our wallets, marketplaces and platforms are all backed by the security and expertise that define Bybit as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, trusted by over 60 million users globally.

Join the revolution now and open the door to your Web3 future with Bybit.

For more details about Bybit Web3, please visit Bybit Web3.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media