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Pair of Rejected Bids Show Mining Giants Can’t Easily Acquire Critical Battery Metals Assets
USA News Group Commentary
VANCOUVER, BC, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — USA News Group – Already in 2023 there have been two multibillion-dollar takeover bids rejected that would’ve involved critical battery metals assets. The first to go down was Liontown Resources turning down a US$3.6 billion offer from Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB), followed by Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) (TSX:TECK-A) (TSX:TECK-B) rejecting a US$23.2 billion merger proposal from Glencore plc (OTC:GLNCY). Meanwhile, mining giant Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is rumored to be on the prowl for more lithium assets after already buying a lithium mine for $825 million in Argentina, in the same province (Salta) as Lithium South Development Corporation’s (TSXV:LIS) (OTC:LISMF) Hombre Muerto North Lithium project (HMN Li Project).
At this latter project, Lithium South Development Corporation (TSXV:LIS) (OTC:LISMF) recently completed the final drill hole of a resource expansion program, designed to expand upon the HMN Li Project’s maiden resource of 0.57 MT Li2CO3 equivalent (M+I) from 2019.
“We are pleased to have completed the 2022-2023 resource expansion program at the HMN Li Project,” said Lithium South’s President and CEO, Adrian F. C. Hobkirk. “We look forward to full results and the delineation of a new lithium resource.”
Throughout this 2023 resource program to date, Lithium South has received excellent lithium values from all holes completed to date. These included an average of samples of 663 mg/L Li, with a range of 320-752 mg/L Li, and ranging from 569 mg/L Li to 708 mg/L Li in another drill hole. The latest results also include nine packer samples collected between 24 and 189 meters, with a density range of 1.215 to 1.218 g/mL and a conductivity range of 196.3 to 209.5 mS/cm.
So far there’s been significant progress made on the HMN Li, as Lithium South completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in April 2019, expanded drilling efforts, and joined up with multiple experts in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, to potentially increase the profitability of the project.
However, the original 2019 PEA assessment was based only the project’s original 383-hectares of claims (Tramo), whereas now the project covers 5,687 hectares spread across 9 mining concessions. Now the goal of Lithium South’s current expansion program is to not only increase the resource size, but also move closer towards a full Feasibility Study. The Project is already surrounded by two leading lithium producers, Livent and POSCO, which acquired the property from Galaxy Resources (now Allkem) for US$280 million.
With regards to testing the potential of DLE, Lithium South has provided three 2,000-liter bulk samples of high-quality HMN Li brine for testing by its three strategic partners: China’s Chemphys Chengdu, Argentina’s Eon Minerals, and California-based Lilac Solutions.
Located in the same Salta Province of Argentina, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) completed its acquisition of the Rincon lithium project for $825 million back in May 2022.
“Rincon strengthens our battery materials business and positions Rio Tinto to meet the double-digit growth in demand for lithium over the next decade, at a time when supply is constrained,” said Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto. “We will be working with local communities, the Province of Salta and the Government of Argentina as we develop this project to the highest ESG standards.”
To optimise the process and recoveries, Rio Tinto continued to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from raw brine from the existing pilot plant operating at site. Early construction activities have progressed on phase one camp facilities with rooms for 250 persons completed, while airstrip permits were received and contractors mobilised.
Detailed studies for the full scale operation have advanced, and Rio Tinto‘s exploration campaign progressed to further understand Rincon’s basin and brine reservoir. The plan is to have the starter plant serve as a pilot for a much larger, 50,000-tonne/year plant there. As well, Rio Tinto has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ford Motor Company for delivery of lithium carbonate from the Rincon salar.
Lithium giant Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) currently sources its lithium production from several locations worldwide. However, Albemarle’s largest source of lithium production is from its operations in Chile, where it extracts lithium from the Salar de Atacama, one of the world’s largest and richest lithium brine deposits. While also having lithium production facilities in the USA, Australia, and China, it was recently rebuffed in an attempt to secure more lithium through the now-rejected US$3.7 billion takeover bid of Liontown Resources and its Kathleen Valley project slated for first production in mid-2024, located in Western Australia.
The Kathleen Valley project is among the world’s largest and highest-grade hard rock lithium deposits. Much like Rio Tinto, Liontown has also signed a supply agreement with Ford Motor Company.
The rejection by Liontown didn’t end Albemarle‘s takeover attempts. In fact, Albemarle began canvassing Liontown’s shareholders, all while refusing to budge from its rejected $2.50 per share bid, which came at a 63% premium to the previously undisturbed price.
Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) (TSX:TECK-A) (TSX:TECK-B) rejected a lot more than Liontown did, when it turned down a US$23.2-billion merger proposal from Glencore plc (OTC:GLNCY) (OTC:GLCNF). It’s believed that Teck is unlikely to accept an improved proposal from Glencore due to the “significant value leakage” from merging with the large public coal company and the “elevated” regulatory risks involved. There’s also a patriotic aspect in play, as Teck is Canadian focused, while Glencore is Swiss-based.
“There’s more to all of this than what the share price would be in the offer because I think that Teck is a national champion for Canada,” said Patricia Mohr, an economist and former vice-president at the Bank of Nova Scotia. “There are benefits for the Canadian mining industry associated with this. I think it would, personally, be a pity if we lost another of our major international players in the mining industry.”
Late in 2022, Glencore had expressed its intent to add lithium to the suite of metals that it trades, citing the raw material’s hot demand. Glencore doesn’t own lithium mines but produces copper, nickel and cobalt, other raw materials that it terms “commodities of the future,” as they are needed to manufacture batteries, electric cars and renewable infrastructure that will help the world transition to a greener economy.
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The regulation of instant payments is becoming increasingly important as both banks and corporate treasurers seek to leverage faster, more efficient payment solutions. This article provides an overview of instant payments regulation, highlighting the key considerations and implications for banks and corporate treasurers.
What Are Instant Payments?
Instant payments refer to electronic payments that are processed in real-time or near real-time, enabling the transfer of funds between accounts within seconds. These payments can be initiated and completed at any time, providing convenience and efficiency for both individuals and businesses.
Key Characteristics:
- Speed: Funds are transferred almost instantly, reducing the time taken for payment settlement.
- Availability: Instant payments can be made 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
- Irrevocability: Once initiated, instant payments cannot be reversed, ensuring finality of the transaction.
Regulatory Landscape
The regulation of instant payments varies across different jurisdictions, with a focus on ensuring security, efficiency, and interoperability of payment systems.
Key Regulations:
- EU Regulation on Instant Payments: The EU has implemented specific regulations to promote the adoption of instant payments, ensuring that payment service providers offer these services to customers.
- PSD2: The Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) in the EU includes provisions that support the development and regulation of instant payments.
- Local Regulations: Various countries have their own regulations and guidelines to govern instant payments, focusing on aspects such as fraud prevention, consumer protection, and technical standards.
Implications for Banks
Banks play a critical role in the provision of instant payments and must navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and provide seamless services to customers.
Key Considerations for Banks:
- Compliance: Banks must comply with relevant regulations and guidelines to offer instant payment services. This includes adhering to technical standards and implementing robust security measures.
- Infrastructure: Investing in the necessary infrastructure to support real-time payment processing and ensure system reliability and availability.
- Customer Education: Educating customers about the benefits and features of instant payments, as well as any potential risks associated with their use.
Implications for Corporate Treasurers
Corporate treasurers can benefit significantly from the adoption of instant payments, which can enhance cash flow management and improve operational efficiency.
Key Considerations for Corporate Treasurers:
- Cash Flow Management: Instant payments can improve cash flow management by reducing the time taken for payment settlement and providing real-time visibility into account balances.
- Operational Efficiency: Faster payment processing can streamline business operations, reducing administrative burdens and improving supplier relationships.
- Risk Management: Corporate treasurers must be aware of the irrevocability of instant payments and implement appropriate controls to prevent fraudulent transactions.
Benefits of Instant Payments
The adoption of instant payments offers several benefits for both banks and corporate treasurers, driving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.
Key Benefits:
- Convenience: Instant payments provide a convenient and efficient way to transfer funds, reducing the reliance on traditional payment methods.
- Cost Savings: Faster payment processing can reduce the costs associated with payment settlement and reconciliation.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Offering instant payment services can enhance the customer experience, providing greater flexibility and speed in financial transactions.
Challenges and Future Trends
While instant payments offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges that banks and corporate treasurers must address to fully leverage these services.
Key Challenges:
- Security Risks: Ensuring the security of instant payments is critical, particularly given the speed and irrevocability of transactions.
- Interoperability: Achieving interoperability between different payment systems and networks is essential for the widespread adoption of instant payments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations can be challenging.
Future Trends:
- Increased Adoption: The adoption of instant payments is expected to continue growing, driven by regulatory support and customer demand.
- Technological Advancements: Advances in technology, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, are likely to further enhance the capabilities and security of instant payments.
- Global Standardization: Efforts to develop global standards for instant payments will promote interoperability and facilitate cross-border transactions.
Conclusion
The regulation of instant payments is crucial for ensuring the security, efficiency, and interoperability of payment systems. Banks and corporate treasurers must navigate the regulatory landscape and invest in the necessary infrastructure to provide seamless and secure instant payment services. As the adoption of instant payments continues to grow, it offers significant benefits for enhancing cash flow management, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience.
Source of the news: The Paypers
The post Instant Payments Regulation: Overview for Banks and Corporate Treasurers appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Regulators have issued a joint warning highlighting the risks associated with partnerships between banks and fintech companies. This warning underscores the need for careful management of these relationships to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate potential risks.
Overview of the Joint Warning
The joint warning, issued by a coalition of financial regulators, emphasizes the importance of robust risk management practices when banks partner with fintech companies. These partnerships, while beneficial in driving innovation and enhancing customer services, also introduce new risks that must be addressed.
Key Points of the Warning:
- Regulatory Compliance: Banks must ensure that fintech partners comply with all relevant regulations and standards.
- Risk Management: Robust risk management frameworks must be in place to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with fintech partnerships.
- Data Security: Ensuring the security and privacy of customer data is paramount, particularly given the increasing prevalence of cyber threats.
- Operational Resilience: Banks must ensure that fintech partnerships do not compromise their operational resilience and ability to deliver critical services.
Benefits of Bank-Fintech Partnerships
Despite the risks, partnerships between banks and fintech companies offer significant benefits, driving innovation and enhancing the customer experience.
Key Benefits:
- Innovation: Fintech companies bring innovative technologies and solutions that can enhance banking services and products.
- Customer Experience: Partnerships with fintechs can improve the customer experience by offering faster, more efficient, and personalized services.
- Cost Efficiency: Fintech solutions can help banks reduce costs and improve operational efficiency through automation and digitalization.
Risks Associated with Bank-Fintech Partnerships
The joint warning highlights several risks associated with bank-fintech partnerships that must be carefully managed.
Key Risks:
- Regulatory Risk: Ensuring compliance with complex and evolving regulatory requirements is a significant challenge.
- Cybersecurity Risk: Fintech partnerships can introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities, making it essential to implement robust security measures.
- Operational Risk: The integration of fintech solutions into banking operations can pose operational risks, particularly if not managed effectively.
- Reputational Risk: Any issues or failures in fintech partnerships can damage the bank’s reputation and customer trust.
Strategies for Managing Risks
To mitigate the risks associated with fintech partnerships, banks must adopt comprehensive risk management strategies and ensure rigorous oversight.
Key Strategies:
- Due Diligence: Conducting thorough due diligence on fintech partners to assess their regulatory compliance, security practices, and financial stability.
- Contractual Safeguards: Including robust contractual safeguards in partnership agreements to outline responsibilities, expectations, and compliance requirements.
- Continuous Monitoring: Implementing continuous monitoring and assessment of fintech partnerships to identify and address emerging risks.
- Collaboration with Regulators:: Engaging with regulators to ensure that partnerships comply with regulatory requirements and to stay informed of any changes in the regulatory landscape.
The Role of Technology
Technology plays a crucial role in managing the risks associated with bank-fintech partnerships, offering tools and solutions that enhance oversight and compliance.
Key Technologies:
- RegTech Solutions: Regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions can automate compliance processes, ensuring that fintech partnerships adhere to regulatory requirements.
- Cybersecurity Tools: Advanced cybersecurity tools and solutions can enhance the security of fintech partnerships, protecting against cyber threats.
- Risk Management Platforms: Integrated risk management platforms can provide real-time visibility into partnership risks and support proactive risk mitigation.
Conclusion
The joint warning issued by regulators highlights the need for careful management of bank-fintech partnerships to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate potential risks. While these partnerships offer significant benefits, including innovation and enhanced customer experience, they also introduce new risks that must be addressed through robust risk management strategies. By leveraging technology and engaging with regulators, banks can effectively manage these risks and capitalize on the opportunities presented by fintech partnerships.
Source of the news: American Banker
The post Regulators Issue Joint Warning on Bank-Fintech Risks appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Nasdaq Inc. has reported earnings that exceeded analysts’ expectations, driven by a surge in fintech sales. This strong performance underscores the growing importance of fintech solutions in driving financial market innovation and growth.
Overview of Nasdaq’s Financial Performance
Nasdaq’s latest earnings report reveals impressive financial performance, with profits surpassing estimates due to robust growth in its fintech segment.
Key Financial Highlights:
- Revenue Growth: Nasdaq reported a significant increase in revenue, primarily driven by its fintech sales.
- Earnings Beat: The company’s earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analysts’ expectations, highlighting its strong financial performance.
- Fintech Segment: The fintech segment emerged as a key growth driver, contributing significantly to the overall revenue increase.
The Role of Fintech in Nasdaq’s Growth
Nasdaq’s fintech solutions have played a pivotal role in its recent financial success, offering innovative technologies that enhance market operations and customer services.
Key Fintech Solutions:
- Market Technology: Nasdaq’s market technology solutions provide advanced trading, clearing, and market surveillance capabilities to financial institutions and exchanges.
- Data and Analytics: The company’s data and analytics solutions offer valuable insights and support informed decision-making for market participants.
- Corporate Solutions: Nasdaq’s corporate solutions include governance, risk management, and compliance tools that help companies navigate complex regulatory environments.
Factors Driving Fintech Sales Growth
Several factors have contributed to the surge in Nasdaq’s fintech sales, reflecting broader trends in the financial technology sector.
Key Drivers:
- Digital Transformation: The ongoing digital transformation in the financial industry has increased demand for advanced fintech solutions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Growing regulatory requirements have driven demand for compliance and risk management solutions.
- Market Volatility: Increased market volatility has highlighted the need for robust trading and market surveillance technologies.
Strategic Initiatives
Nasdaq has undertaken several strategic initiatives to capitalize on the growing demand for fintech solutions and drive long-term growth.
Strategic Focus Areas:
- Innovation: Continuously investing in innovation to develop cutting-edge fintech solutions that address the evolving needs of the financial industry.
- Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with other technology providers and financial institutions to enhance its product offerings and expand market reach.
- Global Expansion: Expanding its presence in key markets around the world to capture new growth opportunities and serve a broader client base.
Future Prospects
Nasdaq’s strong financial performance and strategic initiatives position the company for continued growth in the fintech sector. The company plans to leverage its technological capabilities and market expertise to drive further innovation and expand its fintech offerings.
Growth Opportunities:
- Product Development: Developing new fintech products and features to meet emerging market needs and regulatory requirements.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Exploring potential mergers and acquisitions to enhance its technology portfolio and market position.
- Customer Engagement: Enhancing customer engagement through personalized solutions and services that address specific client needs.
Conclusion
Nasdaq’s impressive financial performance, driven by a surge in fintech sales, underscores the growing importance of fintech solutions in the financial market. The company’s strategic focus on innovation, partnerships, and global expansion positions it for continued growth and success. As Nasdaq continues to leverage its fintech capabilities, it is well-positioned to drive financial market innovation and deliver value to its clients and shareholders.
Source of the news: Reuters
The post Nasdaq Profit Beats Estimates as Fintech Sales Soar appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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