MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

Source: deVere Group

June 9 2026 – Investors are treating the IPOs of OpenAI, Anthropic and SpaceX as part of the same AI boom. They shouldn't.

This is the warning from the CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organisations, as OpenAI filed confidentially for a US initial public offering, days after rival Anthropic took the same step, and as investor demand for SpaceX's blockbuster listing reportedly runs at roughly double the shares on offer.

It comes following a remarkable week on Wall Street that signals a new phase in the artificial intelligence race.

OpenAI, Anthropic and SpaceX are all seeking access to public capital markets as competition intensifies and the cost of building the future rises sharply.

It's reported that OpenAI could seek a valuation of up to $1 trillion, while Anthropic's latest funding round valued it at $965 billion, and SpaceX is targeting a record-breaking valuation of around $1.75 trillion.

Nigel Green of deVere Group says: “Too many investors are looking at OpenAI, Anthropic and SpaceX and seeing one trade. I believe that's a mistake.

“These are three fundamentally different businesses with three very different paths to creating shareholder value.”

He continues: “OpenAI is the biggest name in AI. It introduced AI to hundreds of millions of people, and built one of the most recognised brands in tech.

“But being the most famous company and being the best investment are not necessarily the same thing.”

The ChatGPT creator reported more than 900 million weekly active users earlier this year and around 50 million consumer subscribers.

Revenue has accelerated dramatically, yet the company has also indicated profitability is unlikely before the end of the decade as it continues investing heavily in infrastructure and model development.

“OpenAI helped create a market where many users expect powerful AI tools to be free or close to free,” explains the deVere CEO.

“It's a remarkable achievement from a product perspective. It can be a much harder starting point from a monetisation perspective.”

He adds: “Public markets are going to ask tougher questions than private investors have asked.

“User growth and brand recognition is impressive. Neither automatically translates into margins that justify a valuation measured in hundreds of billions or even a trillion dollars.”

By contrast, he believes Anthropic may offer investors a different proposition.

“Anthropic has spent less time chasing public attention and more time building relationships with enterprises.

Business customers behave differently from consumers. They sign larger contracts, they're often less price-sensitive and they tend to stay longer once systems become embedded in operations.”

Anthropic's latest funding round valued the company at $965 billion, up sharply from earlier valuations, and it has become one of the leading providers of AI systems to large organisations.

“Enterprise adoption is where some of the most durable revenues in AI could emerge.

“For those investors looking beyond headlines, that deserves attention.”

SpaceX, meanwhile, occupies an entirely different category.

The Elon Musk-led company is aiming to raise approximately $86 billion in what would be the largest IPO in history, with reported demand already exceeding supply by around two-to-one.

“On conventional valuation metrics, plenty of investors will argue SpaceX looks expensive,” affirms Nigel Green.

“The challenge with that argument is that markets have spent two decades underestimating Elon Musk.”

He continues: “SpaceX is not simply a launch company. It's a satellite communications business, a space infrastructure business and, increasingly, part of the broader AI ecosystem.

“Investors buying SpaceX are buying execution, ambition and optionality. They are buying into Musk's vision that many previously dismissed and later regretted dismissing.

“There's an argument to be made that they know there's little chance it's worth the valuation, but they have to buy Musk's dream because you can't really bet against him.”

Nigel Green concludes: “OpenAI is a bet on turning extraordinary consumer adoption into profits. 

“Anthropic is a bet on enterprise AI becoming embedded across business.

“SpaceX is a bet on Elon Musk continuing to achieve what critics say cannot be done.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Rabat, Morocco – 9 June 2026 – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) has unveiled a new brand identity, including a new logo, marking a significant milestone in its transition into a fully-fledged Multilateral Development Bank focused on accelerating housing and urban development across Africa and symbolizing a new chapter in the institution's evolution and expanded mandate

The new logo was unveiled during the Bank's 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Rabat, Morocco – which was presided over by Morocco's Minister of Economy and Finance Ms. Nadia Fettah.

“Rebranding means more than a name change. It is about transforming the institution's operational framework and expanding its role as a development bank. This transition makes the institution more agile and impactful across the entire housing value chain,” said Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank.

Over the years, ShafDB has pursued a strategic transformation agenda aimed at broadening its financing portfolio to address the growing demand for affordable housing and sustainable urban development across the continent. With a membership of 44 African countries, the Bank continues to respond to Africa's pressing housing challenges through innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships.

“Our success will not ultimately be measured by strategies adopted, policies approved, or meetings held. It will be measured by homes financed, cities improved, jobs created, and lives transformed. The reform phase of the institution must now become the delivery phase,” said H.E. Lionel Zinsou, Chairman of Shelter Afrique Development Bank.

The Bank's transition into a Multilateral Development Bank positions it alongside Africa's leading development finance institutions and strengthens its capacity to mobilize capital for transformative projects. ShafDB aims to play a leading role in addressing Africa's estimated housing deficit of more than 53 million units, which requires approximately US$1.3 trillion in financing.

“Our vision for the next five years and beyond is to lead the transformation of Africa's housing sector and urban infrastructure while creating jobs and improving livelihoods across the continent,” added Hann.

The rebranding comes at a time when African multilateral development institutions are forging stronger alliances to mobilize capital and drive sustainable development impact. The new brand identity reflects ShafDB's renewed ambition and commitment to financing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban growth.

The unveiling also aligns with the theme of the 45th AGM, “The Future of Cities: Financing Inclusive, Green, and Resilient Urban Development,” which has brought together leading voices in housing, finance, infrastructure, and urban development to advance solutions for Africa's rapidly urbanizing future.

As Africa seeks to shape its own development trajectory, Shelter Afrique Development Bank remains committed to mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and delivering innovative financing solutions that support the continent's housing and urban development aspirations.

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has formally welcomed its new Minister, Honourable Daniel Waneoroa, Thursday, last week (4th June 2026, with assured support and a commitment to drive the ministry’s key priorities and policies forward under the new government.

Minister Waneoroa, assumed the helm of Rural Development and the ministerial portfolio following his swearing-in last month, before the Governor-General, under the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT).

Hon. Minister Waneoroa is not new to the ministry, having served as Minister for the Ministry since May last year under the then GNUT government until the recent change of government.

During the introductory and welcome ceremony, Permanent Secretary John Niroa Misite’e acknowledged Hon. Waneoroa for accepting the responsibility of leading the ministry.

PS Misite’e stated “the management and staff of MRD are pleased to have you back as the Minister for this Ministry and under the new Government.”

PS Misite’e reaffirmed that the ministry is ready to provide the necessary support to Minister Waneoroa in advancing the policy areas of the MRD under the new government and ensure services are delivered to our rural communities across Solomon Islands.

Meanwhile, Hon. Minister Waneoroa expressed his appreciation to PS Misite’e, the senior management, and staff for the warm welcome extended to him.

Hon. Waneoroa said he is pleased to re-join MRD as Minister and to be part of a young and vibrant team that continues to deliver services to our rural people and support development initiatives across communities in the country.

He added that he looks forward to working closely with everyone to achieve the best outcomes for our rural communities through the ministry’s plans and key priorities for this year and beyond.

The Minister also reaffirmed his political commitment to driving the ministry’s important policies and development initiatives for the benefit of every citizen of Solomon Islands.

“MRD is a small ministry but with a significant footprint, delivering direct services to our rural people, and I am happy to join the ministry to help our country develop in our rural communities,” he said.

He reminds the staff that, while we continue to discharge our responsibilities, we must always keep in mind that we are serving our people and our nation. “Our people's and our nation's interests must be our priority.”

The Minister also thanked PS Misite’e for his leadership in guiding the Ministry in its reform processes over the past two years.

He further stated that, as the Minister for the Ministry, he is devoted to supporting the ministry’s ongoing legislative reforms and the implementation of the new CDF legislation for better governance of rural initiatives in Solomon Islands.

Honourable Minister Waneoroa is the current MP for North Malaita Constituency.

Prior to his successful election to Parliament in the 2024 national election, Waneoroa, a university graduate, worked as a Planning Specialist for the Ministry of Provincial Government based in Auki, Malaita Province.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping trade processes across Asia and the Pacific. However, despite growing interest, most economies have yet to deploy the technology at scale, according to a new study by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Report 2026: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Trade Facilitation finds that AI implementation in trade facilitation stands below 15% among economies surveyed, with levels ranging from 1% to 40% across subregions.

AI is increasingly being used in customs and logistics systems across the region, including automated verification of shipping documents, machine learning tools to identify high-risk cargo and image analysis technologies used in border inspections. These applications can help reduce delays, improve compliance and strengthen supply chain resilience as economies face growing trade pressures and more complex regulations.

“The rapid development of AI and machine learning now signals yet another transformation, offering new opportunities to enhance efficiency, compliance, supply chain resilience and digital connectivity,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.  

She added that this transformation is particularly significant as the current global trade landscape faces growing challenges, including geopolitical tensions, increasing regulatory and compliance requirements related to climate risks and sustainability, as well as a persistent digital divide across economies.

Shortages in AI-related skills remain the biggest barrier to wider adoption, followed by high infrastructure costs, fragmented data systems and regulatory uncertainty. While many economies have expanded digital trade systems, gaps remain in data integration, interoperability and operational readiness.

“It is critical to support developing economies in strengthening digital infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, interoperable systems and digital skills to harness the benefits of AI-enabled trade facilitation,” said Fatima Yasmin, Vice-President for Sectors and Themes, Asian Development Bank.

East Asia leads the region in AI readiness across operational deployment, governance frameworks and data quality, while Pacific economies continue to face the largest implementation challenges.

Launched at the Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum, the report calls for stronger investment in AI-related skills, integrated digital infrastructure and governance frameworks to support secure and efficient digital trade. It also highlights the importance of regional cooperation and cross-border interoperability as trade systems become increasingly data-driven.

For more information: https://www.unescap.org/kp/2026/asia-pacific-trade-facilitation-report-2026-harnessing-artificial-intelligence-trade

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its member States and associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.

HONOLULU (June 8, 2026) – The East-West Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaimee Neel as Deputy Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP).

Jaimee joins PIDP at a pivotal moment for the region. As the Center builds on the momentum from the Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity Summit and looks ahead to the Pacific Islands Forum, she will help advance the program’s effort to strengthen regional partnerships, support Pacific-led priorities, and foster dialogue on the issues shaping the region's future.

Born in Kahuku, Hawaiʻi, Jaimee is proud of her Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, and Scottish heritage. She brings more than 20 years of experience in international affairs, diplomacy, education, and strategic partnership development. A former US diplomat, she has served in leadership roles across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and South America, building partnerships among governments, universities, civil society organizations, and local communities to advance diplomacy, education, governance, and cross-cultural understanding.

“We are delighted to welcome Jaimee to PIDP,” said Henry Puna, Interim Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program and former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. “She brings extensive international experience, strong regional relationships, and a deep commitment to public service. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue strengthening PIDP’s role as a Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific (CROP) agency supporting Pacific-led priorities and regional cooperation.”

Prior to joining the East-West Center, Jaimee served in senior diplomatic assignments in China, Greece, Kenya, Egypt, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Her work has spanned international relations, religious freedom, public diplomacy, governance, and educational exchange. A former public-school teacher, she has dedicated her career to fostering understanding and cooperation across cultures and communities.

“Jaimee's appointment reflects our commitment to serving as a trusted strategic convener for dialogue and partnership across the region,” said East-West Center President Celeste Connors. “Her extensive diplomatic experience, deep ties to Hawaiʻi, and understanding of the region will be a tremendous asset as we continue to bring together leaders and institutions to address shared economic security challenges and opportunities.”

Jaimee holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University and a master's degree from Harvard University. Her graduate research focused on a Hawaiian immigrant community in Utah from 1889 to 1917, which included several of her own ancestors. She speaks Mandarin and is currently pursuing a PhD in Global and International Education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

“As someone whose roots are firmly grounded in Hawaiʻi and whose career has spanned the globe, Jaimee brings a perspective that reflects the East-West Center’s unique role in the world,” said Governor John D. Waiheʻe III, Chair of the East-West Center Board of Governors. “We are pleased to welcome her to the Center and confident she will make important contributions to its mission and future.”

Jaimee's appointment strengthens PIDP's ability to convene stakeholders and advance practical solutions to the opportunities and challenges facing the Pacific. As regional priorities continue to evolve, PIDP remains committed to supporting partnerships that underpin regional cooperation and helping translate dialogue into meaningful action.

The EAST-WEST CENTER promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the US Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options.

09 JUNE 2026 – Jarle Roth has been elected as new chair of the board of directors of Equinor ASA.

The corporate assembly of Equinor ASA has on 8 June 2026 elected Jarle Roth as new chair of the board of directors of Equinor ASA.

The corporate assembly re-elected Anne Drinkwater as deputy chair and Finn Bjørn Ruyter, Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, Mikael Karlsson, Fernanda Lopes Larsen and Dawn Summers were re-elected as members of the board of directors of Equinor ASA. The current chair of the board, Jon Erik Reinhardsen, will resign from the board of directors.

The shareholder representatives of the board of directors of Equinor ASA are elected with effect from 1 July 2026 and until the ordinary election to the board of directors in June 2027.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

June 5 2026 – The Federal Reserve will likely cut US interest rates in December but leave them on hold this month following today's hot US jobs report, predicts the CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.

The analysis from Nigel Green comes as US nonfarm payrolls surged by 172,000 in May, more than double expectations and one of the strongest monthly jobs gains of the year. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%.

Financial markets moved rapidly to reprice the outlook. According to CME FedWatch, US interest-rate futures lifted the probability of a December rate cut to 63% from 48% before the release, while expectations of any June move effectively disappeared.

Nigel Green says: “Markets have spent months searching for a reason for the Federal Reserve to cut rates. Today's jobs report gave policymakers a reason not to do so.

“One report does not make policy, but a report of this magnitude changes probabilities. And markets have recognised that immediately.

“The repricing after the release tells the story. Investors moved rapidly away from expectations of a near-term cut because the economic data simply does not support it.”

Investors have consistently underestimated the strength of the US economy and overestimated the urgency for lower rates.

“The market has repeatedly priced a rate-cutting cycle that the economic data has failed to justify.

“Employment remains strong. Consumer spending remains resilient. Growth continues to outperform forecasts. Every time investors become convinced the economy is slowing sharply, the data seems to point somewhere else.”

The CEO argues that today's figures strengthen the Fed's ability to remain patient as it continues its battle against inflation.

“A labour market creating 172,000 jobs while unemployment remains at 4.3% does not force policymakers into action. It gives them room to wait, assess incoming inflation data and avoid moving prematurely.”

Bond markets reflected that reality immediately, with Treasury yields moving higher as traders pushed expectations for easing further into the future.

The US dollar also strengthened as investors reassessed the likely path of monetary policy.

“In my view, the biggest risk to markets is no longer that the economy suddenly weakens, it's that investors continue underestimating the economy's resilience and continue expecting rate cuts that the data does not yet justify.”

Nigel Green says the jobs report marks another setback for those expecting an aggressive easing cycle.

“Markets are finally beginning to accept a reality that has been building for months.

“The Fed seems to be winning its inflation fight without breaking the labour market.”

Nigel Green concludes: “December remains the most likely window for the next rate cut.

“Markets have spent too long asking how quickly rates can come down.

 “Following this report, the more important question is how long the US economy can continue performing this strongly while rates remain where they are.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Rabat – June 5, 2026 – Morocco will host the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Shelter Afrique Development Bank. The annual meetings scheduled to take place from 09–11 June 2026 at Sofitel Jardin des Roses in Rabat, will feature an Annual Symposium, a Ministerial Roundtable, the Bank's statutory meetings, field visits and a series of business and investment engagements focused on housing finance, climate-resilient infrastructure, and urban transformation.

Convened under the theme, “The Future of Cities: Financing Inclusive, Green, and Resilient Urban Development,” the high-level gathering is expected to bring together housing and finance ministers, policymakers, investors, development finance institutions, urban planners, and private sector stakeholders from across Africa to deliberate on strategies for accelerating sustainable urban development and affordable housing delivery across the continent.

Speaking ahead of the event, Shelter Afrique Development Bank Managing Director Thierno Habib Hann said the AGM comes at a critical moment for African cities as governments and development partners seek innovative financing solutions to address rapid urbanization, housing deficits, and climate challenges.

“This year's AGM provides a strategic platform for African leaders and stakeholders to rethink the future of cities and strengthen partnerships that will drive inclusive, and resilient urban development across the continent,” he said.

Ms. Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, Morocco's Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy, welcomed the upcoming hosting of the event, noting that it reflects the country's commitment to advancing sustainable urban development and strengthening continental cooperation on housing and city planning.

“As a country we aim to use the platform to share our experience in urban transformation while deepening partnerships that support affordable and climate-resilient housing across Africa,” she said.

The AGM is expected to attract delegates from the Bank's 44 member states, alongside representatives from multilateral institutions, development partners, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

Morocco's hosting of the meeting underscores the country's growing role in advancing sustainable housing and urban development initiatives in Africa, while also reinforcing Shelter Afrique Development Bank's commitment to fostering regional collaboration and investment in transformative urban projects.

For further information and registration, please visit https://www.agm.shelterafrique.org/

Notes

About Shelter Afrique Development Bank:

Established in 1981 in Lusaka, Zambia and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is a Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing sustainable housing, urban development and related infrastructure. It operates through a shareholding of 44 African governments and two institutional shareholders: The African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).

The institution finances housing and related infrastructure across the value chain, both on the demand and supply sides, through its four (4) business lines: Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).

 https://www.shelterafrique.org/en/home