Latest news with #BGC
Iraq Business
an hour ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
Basra Gas Company to Boost LPG Output
By John Lee. The Ministry of Oil plans to increase the production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the Basra Gas Company (BGC) to more than 8,000 tonnes per day in the coming years. Speaking at the LPG Forum organised by the BGC, Izzat Saber Ismail, Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs, said that this effort is part of the Ministry's gas sector development strategy, which aligns with government programmes and directives from Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani. Current LPG production at BGC stands at 6,000 tonnes per day. The Ministry has increased associated gas investment to over 70 percent, up from 53 percent in the first year of the current government. The Ministry, in collaboration with international companies, has implemented several gas investment projects in Basra, Maysan, Dhi Qar, the central oilfields, and Kirkuk. These projects aim to eliminate gas flaring and thermal emissions between 2028 and 2030, in line with Iraq's commitment to the 2016 Paris Agreement. Ismail emphasised the economic significance of LPG as a major revenue source and a key contributor to diversifying Iraq's national income. He also reiterated the Ministry's commitment to developing the gas sector based on sound technical and economic foundations. (Source: Ministry of Oil)
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Cristina Mancini Is Rewriting The Future Of Tech And Who Gets To Code It
If we don't teach the next generation to build the tools of tomorrow, they'll be left behind. This is a reality that Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code (BGC) has spent her career preparing for. The skills that once guaranteed job security are quickly becoming outdated. As technology moves at a lightning speed, entire industries are being redefined, decisions are automated and what it means to be ready for the future of work now raises more questions than answers. The one thing that is most clear is that being tech savvy is no longer optional. And it means more than just knowing how to code. Today's learners must understand cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the ethical frameworks shaping the tools that increasingly power our lives and livelihoods. And the stakes couldn't be higher. According to reports from PwC, McKinsey, and the World Economic Forum, AI is expected to fundamentally transform the global workforce by 2050. A rapid evolution that will displace jobs and demand new skills across every sector. In the midst of this technological revolution, those who can harness it will lead. Everyone else risks watching a world that's being reprogrammed without them. But access to that kind of preparation is far from equal. And as AI tools automate workflows, screen job candidates and power hiring portals that can disqualify candidates based on their gender, age or name, the question isn't just what the tools can do, but who they serve and who has been historically left out. These same systems are already shaping outcomes in ways that reinforce long-standing inequities. Often without the input of the communities most affected. In healthcare, for example, AI is being used in skin cancer detection, yet studies show that dermatologists are less likely to recommend biopsies for malignant skin cancers on patients with darker skin. While in the financial sector, AI bias is widening the economic opportunity gap with nearly 80% of Black mortgage applicants being denied. Mancini is one of the voices leading both the conversation and the work to ensure the future of technology is driven by groundbreaking innovation and greater inclusion. She is building real-world solutions to reverse the effects of a tech landscape designed, deployed and governed by those who do not represent everyone. With less than 1% of Silicon Valley tech leadership held by Latina women and even less of these roles held by Black women, entire demographics are missing from the rooms where these technologies are developed. BGC is on a mission to increase these numbers by equipping young people to see themselves not just as participants but as innovators. As a national leader in tech education, the organization has equipped over 40,000 students in STEAM fields through programs that blend technical skills with creative exploration and critical thinking. From AI and advanced computing to gaming, digital music, and immersive storytelling, BGC's project-based approach is designed to meet learners where they are. Whether through nationwide summer camps or Code Along Jr., a free video-based coding academy on YouTube created in partnership with the globally streamed GoldieBlox series. Participants have the opportunity to workshop real-world solutions to issues that matter most to them and their communities, like a mental health for social justice app developed by a 15 year old learner from New Jersey. With culturally responsive programs for youth and career acceleration pathways for adults 18+, BGC is not just closing the opportunity gap, it's building a pipeline of talent ready to lead the future of tech. 'I want people to know that tech is for everyone, and it doesn't matter how old you are or where you are in life,' Mancini said. 'This is an incredible moment in time where you can opt in and affect change at great scale, so there's no wrong answer to how you start. Just start.' Mancini, a former executive at Salesforce and 20th Century Fox, stepped into the role of CEO at BGC in late 2023 and unveiled an ambitious new vision. The organization's strategic priorities under her leadership are to advance workforce development and help one million girls of color enter the tech industry by 2040. 'Leading this organization is a great honor. It is my life's work. For years, I poured myself into this mission alongside my previous roles, because I believed in it deeply,' said Mancini. Throughout her career, she's been recognized for her ability to translate complex ideas into emotionally resonant stories that reshape how people see themselves and the world around them. Now, as CEO, she's bringing that same intentionality to tech equity. By using intentional storytelling as a tool to shift narratives, expand access, and reimagine who belongs in the future of innovation. Family Roots That Transcended Borders Born in Los Angeles to an Italian father and a Jamaican mother, Mancini was raised at the intersection of cultures, languages, and identities. Her journey took her from California to Italy at the age of five, and then back to the U.S. at thirteen. Her formative years spent as a 'third culture kid' provided real-world lessons on how to adapt, blend in, and stand out all at once. It was through books that she first discovered the power of storytelling, and through her family that she learned how to build and lead. Her father, an engineer who spoke five languages and started multiple businesses, modeled a curious, entrepreneurial spirit. Her mother, a celebrated dancer overseas, eventually settled down to raise the family, but brought that same creativity and determination into her own business ventures. 'I was always taking things apart that I didn't understand,' Mancini said. 'I'd just sit on my dad's lap and ask, 'Why? Why? Why?' because I really wanted to know.' Whether it was dismantling her beloved Barbie doll to figure out how the hair worked or rebuilding her entire Barbie condo from scratch, Mancini was driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to understand how things worked. Equal parts imaginative and analytical, Mancini's mindset shaped her path as a storyteller, a strategist, and now, as a CEO focused on reimagining who gets to be the architects of the technology that serves everyone. Listen For The Answers From an early age, Mancini's curiosity about people became one of her most valuable leadership tools. Growing up across countries and cultures taught her how to listen deeply. First, to adapt, and later, to lead. Today, that same instinct helps her understand the real challenges people face in navigating technology. Listening and putting humans at the center of innovation is what will lead to a world that's more equitable and intuitive. Her approach to career growth has mirrored that mindset. 'My career has been built by finding the white space, like the spaces where there's opportunity,' she explained. 'This job existed before me, but the last five jobs I had didn't. They were created for me. You do that by paying attention, by looking for opportunities to do different things.' For her, meaningful innovation starts by inviting real people, not personas, into the conversation. 'A lot of people say they're bringing the customer into the boardroom, but what they're really bringing is a version of the customer that works for their narrative,' she said. 'It's not a real person. Real people will tell you the truth. And sometimes, it might hurt your feelings, but it helps you build something better.' It's this kind of leadership that defines Mancini's vision for the future of tech. One where innovation doesn't just move fast, but moves forward because it includes everyone. Rewiring Mindsets For The Future Stepping into the role of CEO at BGC marked a meaningful career pivot for Mancini, who had already built an award-winning reputation leading at global giants like Salesforce and 20th Century Fox. But after years of witnessing the gaps in representation and access, she saw a chance to do more than lead but to transform from the inside out. Through BGC, Mancini ensures learners in the pipeline are equipped not just with skills, but for what's ahead in a fast-evolving tech landscape. 'It's becoming an epidemic, the lack of Black girls in tech,' she said. 'And I'm worried that with all the conversations happening now, we're going to fall off a cliff at a time when we need to be running toward these technologies. We need to see ourselves in these roles - not just as technologists, but as leaders so we can drive the change that needs to happen. Whether you're Black, Brown, a woman or older, all these voices must be reflected in the technologies that affect every part of our lives.' For Mancini, access is only the beginning. Real success lies in activation. 'It's about making sure that no matter your age, you see yourself in tech,' she explained. 'It can't just be about young girls. It's also people my age, younger, older. We all need to be in tech. None of us should get left behind in this time where there's technology out there that is affecting all of us and all industries. Plus, it's right at our fingertips.' Mancini's quick to emphasize that progress begins by shaking off the fear of getting it wrong. That's exactly what BGC's curriculum and community aim to dismantle. It's not about pushing everyone into coding. Whether someone aspires to be marketers, investors, educators, or policymakers, it's about equipping all learners with a baseline understanding of the technologies shaping every industry. Fluency in tech is no longer optional. Technology Built By Us, For Everyone While more technology is being created by people from historically excluded groups, truly inclusive innovation remains rare. When tech is built by us, it's often built for us. Which is progress, but it's not yet transformational. 'Real change happens when we build technologies that are by us and for everyone. That's how we gain access to more data and more dollars to create more spaces and more leaders.' She also warns against centralizing control—whether in platforms, institutions, or individual voices. No single platform should be the keeper of all change or dictate what our futures look like. In particular, she's concerned about how we talk about AI. 'People treat AI like it's this magical, sentient being, but it's still just data in, data out. And if you're not part of the data set, you're not considered.' We need to be thoughtful about what we're feeding it, and who we're excluding. As BGC continues to empower young learners, Mancini also challenges how we define success. Especially for girls of color growing up in the social media age. 'Someone might feel like they've made it because they have a million followers, or 10 million. And they might be making $100,000 or even a million dollars,' she said. 'But some of the content we're expected to put out in order to get those followers is not always sustainable.' Mancini encourages learners to imagine something bigger. To consider redefining their ceiling of success so that they talk about ownership and building platforms that scale to a billion dollars. There aren't enough women having those conversations and there definitely aren't enough women making billions in tech. That's what I'd love to see more of.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HOOD vs. BGC: Which Fintech Brokerage Stock Has More Upside?
Robinhood Markets HOOD and BGC Group BGC operate in the financial services space. HOOD targets retail investors through its mass-market trading platform, while BGC caters to institutional clients with brokerage and financial technology the stock markets witnessing massive volatility and client activity, HOOD and BGC are expected to benefit from increased trading activities. As such, investors are bullish on both. Over the past six months, shares of HOOD have soared 74.4%, while BGC Group is up 5.1%. Further, the industry has jumped 6.4% in the same time frame. HOOD & BGC Six-Month Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research So, the question arises: which fintech brokerage stock, Robinhood or BGC Group, offers greater upside in the evolving trading market? Let's break down their fundamentals, financial performance, growth prospects and more before making any decision. Robinhood became extremely popular among younger generations in early 2021, riding on the meme stock wave. Nonetheless, since its IPO in July 2021, a lot has happened on the business front. It has evolved from a brokerage firm primarily trading in digital assets to a more mature and diversified entity, striving to become a one-stop shop for building generational wealth. In this context, HOOD has launched several initiatives to attract more clients and strengthen its market share. Some notable ones are Robinhood Legend (desktop trading platform) aimed at retail investors seeking more advanced trading tools; Robinhood Strategies, Robinhood Banking and Robinhood Cortex to boost the wealth management offerings; the prediction markets hub; and a credit card to expand in the consumer finance space. Also, Robinhood is expanding via acquisitions, which are helping it to launch new businesses and complement existing ones. In June, the company acquired Bitstamp, a globally recognized cryptocurrency exchange, which will significantly enhance its crypto offerings. In May, it announced an agreement to buy WonderFi Technologies Inc., which will help deepen its presence in the Canadian digital asset market. In February 2025, it completed the buyout of TradePMR, a custodial and portfolio management platform specializing in services for Registered Investment in July 2024, Robinhood acquired Pluto Capital Inc. With the integration of Pluto's advanced capabilities, the company has revolutionized the investment experience for its users. These initiatives align with Robinhood's ambition to become a global player as it looks to expand its presence beyond the Americas and Europe into the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, these efforts reflect HOOD's ambition to become a global full-spectrum financial services provider. HOOD Sales Estimates Image Source: Zacks Investment Research BGC Group is a global financial services firm specializing in brokerage and financial technology. It offers voice/hybrid and fully electronic brokerage services. The company's proprietary Fenics platform powers its electronic trading operations, enabling faster, more efficient transactions. The platform provides trading solutions, market data and analytics to institutional clients. Following the 2023 spin-off of its commercial real estate arm, Newmark, BGC Group has sharpened its focus on its capital markets and fintech operations. This shift toward technology-driven services allows the company to enhance margins and reduce dependence on traditional, labor-intensive models. In April, BGC Group acquired OTC Global Holdings, LP, one of the fastest-growing energy and commodities brokerage firms. This, along with the buyout of Sage Energy Partners, LP, an energy and environmental brokerage firm, last year, represents an advancement in the company's growth strategy, solidifying the Energy, Commodities and Shipping (ECS) business as the largest asset class within BGC. These acquisitions are expected to contribute more than $450 million in annual revenues and have positioned the company as a major player in the energy Group is well-positioned to capitalize on growing environmental and energy transition trends and will keep benefiting from consistent global demand for oil, the single largest source of energy. As such, the company's top-line growth is anticipated to be impressive. Over the last five years (ended 2024), the company's revenues recorded a CAGR of 1.5%. Other than the above-mentioned buyouts, BGC Group acquired ContiCap, Open Energy Group and Trident in 2023. These deals positioned the company as one of the leading global brokerage firms and bolstered its market share. BGC Sales Estimates Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for HOOD's 2025 earnings has remained unchanged, while for 2026, it has been revised upward. The earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 imply 12.8% and 21.3% growth, respectively. Earnings Estimates for HOOD Image Source: Zacks Investment Research On the contrary, analysts are bearish on BGC Group's prospects. The earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised lower over the past two months. The consensus mark for BGC's 2025 and 2026 earnings suggests a 19.2% and 18.2% rise for 2025 and 2026, respectively. Earnings Estimates for BGC Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Valuation-wise, HOOD is currently trading at the 12-month trailing price-to-tangible book (P/TB) of 8.74X. The BGC stock, on the other hand, is currently trading at the 12-month trailing P/TB of 12.53X. HOOD & BGC P/TB Ratio Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Thus, HOOD is inexpensive compared with BGC Group. BGC Group's return on equity (ROE) of 46.98% is way higher than HOOD's 15.42%. This reflects BGC's efficient use of shareholder funds in generating profits. ROE Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Robinhood and BGC Group represent two distinct approaches within the fintech and brokerage space. HOOD is aggressively expanding its retail-focused ecosystem through innovation, acquisitions and global reach, positioning itself as a next-generation financial services platform. In contrast, BGC is reinforcing its dominance in institutional markets, especially in energy and commodities, leveraging its advanced trading technologies and strategic BGC boasts higher returns on equity and a more stable institutional client base, HOOD is trading at a more attractive valuation and shows stronger earnings momentum. Further, Robinhood's innovation-driven model offers a better upside in today's evolving brokerage BGC Group carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), while HOOD has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BGC Group, Inc. (BGC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India's AI market set to triple to $17 billion by 2027: Boston Consulting Group
India's artificial intelligence market was set to triple to $17 billion by 2027, Emerging as one of the fastest-growing AI economies globally, said Boston Consulting Group on Wednesday (June 11, 2025). Also, India's domestic AI market is currently backed by an ecosystem comprising over 600,000 AI professionals and is expected to more than double to 1.25 million by 2027, it said. Interestingly, India accounts for 16% of the global AI talent pool, second only to the United States, as per BGC. According to the study, public digital infrastructure including Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC, combined with rising enterprise investment, has created fertile ground for scalable AI innovation. Key enablers to this include: Data Scale with over 700M internet users, Infrastructure growth, and a surge of AI Start-ups with over 2000 launched in the past 3 years. It further said AI was no longer confined to pilots and proof-of-concepts—it was redefining how Indian businesses compete and scale. The report, titled India's AI Leap: BCG Perspective on Emerging Challengers highlighted how AI was driving not only operational efficiency, but also market expansion, faster decision-making, and innovation-led growth. 'AI is no longer an option but a business necessity. Indian companies are using it to leapfrog traditional growth curves and compete confidently on the global stage,'' said Mandeep Kohli, Managing Director and Partner, BCG India. While the hurdle rate for successful deployment was high, the rewards were even higher, and the results speak for themselves. ''What separates the leaders is not just the tech, but how they manage change, build talent, and embed AI into the fabric of their organization,' added Mr. Kohli.
Independent Singapore
05-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Philippine tech firm sanctioned by U.S. over $200 million romance scam network
MANILA: Punitive action has been taken by the United States against a Philippine technology corporation located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for purportedly playing a vital role in an expansive global online deception scheme called 'pig butchering.' According to a recent SCMP report, Funnull Technology Inc., together with Chinese national Liu Lizhi, was targeted by the U.S. Treasury Department for allegedly supplying the digital set-up used to host more than 332,000 domains associated with bogus cryptocurrency investment sites. 'Pig butchering' scams exposed in global operation According to U.S. representatives, these fake platforms victimised defenceless persons by engaging in illusory online relationships before coercing them into spending money on fake crypto arrangements. Victims lose an average of more than US$150,000, with total losses going beyond US$200 million. 'This is a ruthless, calculated form of exploitation,' said Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department. 'We will go after those who misuse virtual currencies and internet services to perpetrate fraud and other crimes.' See also Opponents of coup in Myanmar call for more large-scale protests Tech infrastructure used to evade detection The FBI, which has been probing into Funnull and tracking its movements since January, disclosed that the firm bought bulk IP addresses from key cloud providers and sold them back to defrauders. These were utilised to host con websites and escape exposure by hastily spinning domains and IP addresses. Funnull also received widespread media coverage and in cybersecurity circles after obtaining a JavaScript library extensively used by developers. Soon after, experts at Silent Push and Sansec cautioned that sites using Polyfill code were rerouting users to hostile domains hosted on Funnull's network. The U.S. Treasury noted that Funnull is associated with the common crypto scam websites reported to the FBI and had a 'critical enabling role' in their rampant spread. Liu Lizhi, purportedly one of the overseers of the manoeuvre, controlled inside documents that proved Funnull workers were assigned to distribute domains for use in phishing, fake investment schemes, and gambling activities. Calls for local investigation amid regulatory gaps Funnull, listed with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission in 2021, has its operations from the 14th floor of the Net Cube Centre in BGC, a government-designated 'cyberpark' giving tax inducements. This has triggered fear among tech regulators and transparency activists. 'This operation was likely based out of a shared or co-working space, which makes it easier to stay under the radar,' said Dominic Ligot of and Data Ethics PH. 'Scam operations often choose prestigious business locations to project legitimacy.' Ligot and other specialists have complained about the absence of strong regulatory implementation in the Philippines, inferring that weak monitoring, exploitation, with a nominal inspection permit sham businesses to thrive. A high-ranking industry insider, speaking incognito, suspected that some government bureaucrats may have been enticed to favour Funnull's business licenses. The source called for the conduct of a thorough inquiry into public officials who approved the firm's registration and operating certificate. See also Police arrest man involved in hotel booking scam Presently, neither the Philippine government nor the city of Taguig has issued statements in response to the U.S. sanctions. The FBI has advised victims to come forward as the investigation continues.
