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  • Investment Migration enters the Sustainable Finance Mainstream, Global Citizen Solutions Research finds

    London, June 25: Global Citizen Solutions (“GCS”), a leading residency and citizenship planning advisory firm, today publishes new research examining investment migration through the lens of sustainable finance. The briefing, Sustainable Citizenship: Investment Migration as an Impact-Investing Asset Class, traces how 22 citizenship and residency programs have evolved from capital-based fiscal instruments into purpose-driven mechanisms aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the EU sustainable finance taxonomy.

    Of the 22 programs examined, approximately half carry some form of sustainability framing. The analysis identifies Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as the most advanced globally, with Caribbean programs including Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda representing the strongest regional concentration of sustainability-framed investment migration. For many of these economies, citizenship-by-investment revenue covers climate adaptation needs that multilateral finance has consistently failed to meet. Climate adaptation costs for SIDS reach USD 5.1 billion per year, while actual multilateral adaptation finance covers less than a third of that figure. CBI revenue has become a parallel channel for the same developmental outcomes the SDG framework was built to deliver.

    Dominica records CBI inflows at 33% of GDP in 2022 and 26.9% in 2023, directly supporting public investment in disaster reconstruction, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a geothermal energy transition. St. Kitts and Nevis shows the fiscal deficit widening to -11% of GDP following a decline in CBI revenue, illustrating the same relationship from the opposite direction. For small-island economies, investment migration is a fiscal capacity necessity, not discretionary income.

    The research also identifies an alignment between the Caribbean and Europe, despite operating through entirely different mechanisms. Caribbean programs work through sovereign statute: St. Kitts and Nevis has legislated seven sustainability pillars directly into its contribution mechanism. As Joe Rice, Head of Citizenship Programs at Global Citizen Solutions, observes: “The framing is shifting from we want your capital to we want your contribution. The next generation of programs will be purpose-driven, with measurable outcomes attached to the contribution itself.” In Europe, programs work through EU-wide financial regulation. For example, Portugal’s fund route operates within the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) perimeter, bringing investment migration into direct contact with the regulatory architecture governing sustainable finance. Vera Avidano, product specialist at Global Citizen Solutions, notes: “Even though the fund investment route remains the most popular choice, we are seeing a growing interest in the cultural donation route as well.”

    Investor demand is accelerating this structural shift. Morgan Stanley’s 2025 Sustainable Signals survey found that 99% of Gen Z and 97% of Millennial investors expressed interest in sustainable investing. A Standard Chartered Private Bank survey of HNW and affluent investors across Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE, and the UK found that 84% were open to shifting funds from philanthropy to sustainable investing. In the United States, the US SIF Foundation’s 2025/2026 Trends Report placed total US sustainable investment assets at $6.6 trillion, with 46% of surveyed institutions expecting to increase their impact investing activities over the next three years. As investment migration programs continue to evolve their fund-based routes, this demand profile strengthens the commercial rationale for sustainability-framed qualification structures.

    Impact investing has emerged as a significant segment of global finance, enabling investors to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), more than 3,900 organizations managed an estimated US$1.57 trillion in impact investing assets worldwide in 2024, reflecting a 21% compound annual growth rate since 2019 (GIIN, 2024). The sector is driven by increasing investor interest in addressing challenges such as climate change, affordable housing, healthcare, education, and sustainable infrastructure while achieving competitive financial performance. 

    The briefing situates sustainability framing within a longer history. Panama’s Reforestation Visa, operating under Law 24 of 1992, has required capital to be deployed in government-approved tropical reforestation projects for over thirty years, predating the ESG label entirely. At the other end of the timeline, Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act, launched at COP29 in November 2024, was the first citizenship program designed and marketed from inception as a climate-finance instrument. São Tomé and Príncipe’s National Transformation Fund, launched in August 2025, is the newest entrant to the sustainability-framed cluster. New Zealand extends this pattern to the Anglosphere through administrative pre-approval of climate-impact funds.

    The transition, however, remains uneven. Gulf, North American, and most MENA programs carry no sustainability framing. The United States Gold Card, designed explicitly as a revenue tool for the federal government rather than as an investment in any specific national priority, it has no requirement that the money go toward a defined project or outcome — and no mechanism to verify that it does. Structured as a purely economic and deficit-reduction instrument, it falls at the opposite end of the spectrum from fund-based, sustainability-framed programs: it carries no sustainability framing, no traceable developmental mandate, and no alignment with recognized impact-investing frameworks.

    “The programs we analyzed fall into two almost equal groups: those structured around sustainability and measurable development outcomes, and those designed purely as fiscal instruments. That divide is the defining feature of the sector right now,” said Liana Simonyan, Researcher at GCS’ research arm, the Global Intelligence Unit.

  • FPSB Releases New Practice Guidance Note on the Use of AI in Financial Planning

    DENVER, COLO – 24 June 2026 – Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the nonprofit, standards-setting body for the global financial planning profession and owner of the international CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification program, is pleased to announce the release of its new Practice Guidance Note: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Planning, designed to help financial planning professionals use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly while meeting their ethical and professional obligations.

    FPSB Releases New Practice Guidance Note on the Use of AI in Financial Planning

    As AI adoption accelerates across the financial planning profession, the guidance provides practical direction on how financial planners can use AI to support efficiency, insight and client service while reinforcing the importance of professional judgment, human oversight, transparency and confidentiality.

    The guidance note comes as FPSB’s 2025 global research on the Impact of AI on Financial Planning found that two in three financial planners report their firms are using AI or planning to do so in the next 12 months. The research, based on responses from more than 6,200 financial planners across 24 territories, also found that 78% believe AI will help them better serve clients, while 60% say it will enhance the quality of financial advice.

    “AI is reshaping the practice of financial planning, but trust, professional judgment and accountability remain essential,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “This new practice guidance note is designed to help financial planners embrace the benefits of AI while reinforcing that they remain responsible for the advice and recommendations they provide to clients.”

    The guidance note was developed to help financial planning practitioners better understand their professional and ethical obligations, as set out in FPSB’s Global Financial Planning Standards, when using AI across the financial planning process, including in client communication, data gathering, and research. It also highlights key areas requiring special care, such as privacy, cybersecurity, and the accuracy and reliability of outputs. FPSB’s guidance stresses that AI should support — not replace — professional expertise and critical thinking.

    “As technology evolves, FPSB’s global standards continue to guide the level of practice expected of financial planning professionals,” said FPSB Chief Professionalism Officer Paul Grimes, CFP. “This guidance note helps financial planners understand how their professional and ethical obligations evolve as AI becomes part of professional practice.” 

    According to FPSB’s research on AI, financial planners are already using AI in practical ways, including client communications (41%), client data collection (33%) and client risk profiling (30%), as well as operational functions such as marketing (35%) and client onboarding (34%). At the same time, planners identified data privacy and cybersecurity (47%) and the accuracy and reliability of AI outputs (42%) among their top concerns.

    The development of the practice guidance note was led by FPSB’s Professional Standards Committee in consultation with FPSB’s network of organizations, representing more than 236,000 CFP professionals across the world.

    “AI can enhance how financial planners serve clients, but it must be used with care, transparency and professional oversight,” said FPSB Professional Standards Committee Chairperson Darren McShane. “FPSB’s new guidance note helps financial planners understand how to use AI responsibly while keeping professional judgment and client interests at the center.”

  • AI-Embedded Cellular Module Adoption Loses Momentum in Q1 2026 as Surging Memory Prices Impact the Market

    Buenos Aires, Seoul, Beijing, Berlin, Fort Collins, Hong Kong, London, New Delhi, Taipei, Tokyo, June 25: The cellular IoT module market is starting to look a little different. For years, most of the module innovation came from connectivity upgrades from 2G to 4G, then to NB-IoT to Cat 1 bis, and now 5G and RedCap. But that is beginning to change. Today, intelligence is becoming just as important as connectivity, but the path is proving less linear than many expected.

    According to Counterpoint Research’s latest Cellular IoT AI Module & Chipset Tracker, AI-embedded cellular IoT modules contributed 6% of total cellular IoT module shipments in Q1 2026. While AI remains one of the most discussed topics across the IoT ecosystem, adoption lost momentum during the quarter for cellular AI modules. After growing 19% YoY in 2025, AI-embedded module shipments declined nearly 17% YoY in Q1 2026.

    The slowdown was mainly due to rising memory prices, which have increased the bill of materials for many AI-enabled products. Unlike basic connectivity modules, AI-capable and AI-enabled modules typically require larger memory configurations to support local AI processing and computing workloads. As memory costs increased throughout the supply chain, several enterprise deployments were delayed, particularly in cost-sensitive segments.

    AI-embedded Cellular Module Shipments Share by AI Capability, Q1 2026

    AI-Embedded Cellular Module Adoption Loses Momentum in Q1 2026 as Surging Memory Prices Impact the Market

    Source: Counterpoint AI Module & Chipset Tracker & Forecast, Q1 2026 

    Commenting on the market scenario, Senior Analyst Tina Lu said “We are starting to see two different AI adoption paths in modules. One is the Modem AI modules where intelligence is directly embedded into modems (for example Qualcomm X72, X75, X80, X85 or Mediatek T830, T930) to handle tasks like optimization of connectivity, network selection and power efficiency, the second is application-centric AI where modules integrate CPUs, GPUs and dedicated NPUs to run AI processing locally.”

    Lu added, “The different cost structure and component dependencies affected the growth and adoption of these two approaches. Modem AI, which is not dependent on memory and does not perform application processing, registered a growth of 8% YoY, whereas AI-capable and AI-enabled modules which mainly perform on-device edge AI and are dependent on higher memory configuration required to do processing tasks, declined 22% YoY and 11% YoY respectively, due to rising memory costs.”

    Commenting on the drivers & outlook, Director of IoT Practice Mohit Agrawal said “Smart retail, rugged handhelds and industrial are the major adopters of AI-enabled modules whereas for AI-capable modules POS is driving the contribution. Modem AI growth is being single-handedly driven by router-CPE application as operators look to optimize network performance, improve power efficiency and deliver a better user experience in enterprise deployments and 5G FWA.”

    Agrawal added, “Due to these memory price increases, AI-embedded cellular modules witnessed double-digit ASP growth as module players were forced to raise prices, eventually affecting demand across applications due to hardware costs. The recent slowdown does not change the direction of the market. AI adoption is still at an early stage across IoT applications. With ongoing traction in smart cameras, surveillance, retail, automotive, and industrial robotics, we expect AI penetration in cellular modules to reach 25% by 2030. Over time, AI will move beyond a few niche applications and become a standard feature, helping connected devices become smarter rather than simply remain connected.”

    AI Category Definitions:

    AI-Capable Modules: Modules integrating CPUs and GPUs that can support basic AI processing and lightweight inference, but without a dedicated AI accelerator. An example is the Fibocom SC226 module, which is powered by an ARM Cortex A53 quad-core processor, and includes a built-in Adreno 702 GPU.

    AI-Enabled Modules: Modules integrating dedicated AI hardware such as NPUs, TPUs or AI engines to support advanced AI workloads and local inference. For example, the Meig SLM925 module, based on the QCM6125 SoC.

    Modem AI Modules: Modules based on modem platforms with embedded AI capabilities focused on connectivity optimization, including network performance, power efficiency, positioning and signal management, rather than application-level AI processing.

     

  • Gold, Silver Trade Volatile as Fed Rate Uncertainty Weighs on Sentiment

    New Delhi, June 25: Gold and silver prices witnessed volatile trading in global and domestic markets amid growing uncertainty over the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook, according to market analysts.

    Precious metals experienced fluctuations as investors reacted to mixed signals from the U.S. economy and evolving expectations around future rate cuts. Strength in the U.S. dollar at times weighed on bullion prices, while safe-haven demand provided intermittent support.

    Analysts said that gold and silver continue to respond sharply to macroeconomic cues, particularly inflation trends, bond yields, and central bank commentary. Expectations of prolonged higher interest rates have limited upside momentum in bullion markets.

    In the domestic market, traders reported range-bound movement with heightened volatility as global cues influenced sentiment. Investors remained cautious, awaiting clearer signals from the Federal Reserve regarding its monetary policy trajectory.

    Despite short-term fluctuations, experts believe that gold retains its appeal as a safe-haven asset amid global economic uncertainty, while silver continues to see demand driven by both industrial usage and investment interest.

    Market participants are expected to closely monitor upcoming U.S. economic data and central bank statements for further direction in precious metal prices.

    The outlook for bullion remains sensitive to interest rate expectations, inflation trends, and broader global financial stability.

  • India’s Real Estate Sector Sees Strong Dollar 4.3 Billion Institutional Inflows in H1 2026

    New Delhi, June 25: India’s real estate market has attracted institutional investments worth $4.3 billion in the first half (H1) of 2026, reflecting strong investor confidence and sustained growth momentum in the sector.

    According to industry data, the inflows were driven by robust demand across key segments, including commercial office spaces, residential developments, warehousing, and logistics infrastructure. The trend highlights India’s continued position as a preferred destination for global and domestic institutional investors.

    Experts noted that stable economic fundamentals, improved regulatory frameworks, and growing urbanisation have contributed to increased investor participation in the real estate sector. The rise in demand for quality office spaces and expansion of e-commerce-driven logistics networks have also supported investment activity.

    Analysts said the strong inflows indicate long-term confidence in India’s growth story, with both foreign and domestic investors actively participating in large-scale projects and development platforms.

    The residential segment also witnessed steady interest, supported by improving affordability conditions and rising demand in major metropolitan regions. Meanwhile, the warehousing and industrial segments continued to benefit from supply chain expansion and infrastructure development initiatives.

    Market observers believe that sustained institutional investments will further strengthen India’s real estate ecosystem, improve project execution, and enhance overall market stability in the coming years.

    With $4.3 billion already invested in H1 2026, the sector is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, supported by policy stability and increasing demand across asset classes.

  • EAM Jaishankar Calls for Cooperative Global Order at South Korea Forum

     June 25: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has called for enhanced global cooperation to address shared challenges and promote a more balanced and inclusive international order, while invoking India’s ancient philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) at the Jeju Forum in South Korea.

    Speaking at the forum, the External Affairs Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration among nations in addressing pressing global issues such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and technological transformation. He highlighted that no country can effectively tackle these challenges in isolation.

    Dr. Jaishankar underscored India’s consistent advocacy for a rules-based, multipolar world order that reflects contemporary global realities and ensures equitable opportunities for all nations. He noted that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect remain essential pillars for global stability and progress.

    Invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he reiterated India’s belief in shared responsibility and collective action in addressing global concerns, stressing that the world must move towards greater unity and understanding in an increasingly interconnected environment.

    He also highlighted India’s growing role in global affairs and its commitment to working with partner countries to strengthen multilateral institutions and promote sustainable development.

    The address was well received by participants at the forum, which brought together policymakers, diplomats, and experts to discuss key global challenges and opportunities for cooperation.

    Officials said India’s engagement at the Jeju Forum reflects its continued efforts to contribute constructively to global dialogue and reinforce partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

  • Nitin Gadkari Reviews Highway Safety, Orders Urgent Monsoon Action Plan

    New Delhi, June 25: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed officials to strengthen monsoon preparedness measures across the National Highway network to ensure smooth traffic movement and minimise weather-related disruptions.

    During a review meeting, the Minister instructed highway authorities and implementing agencies to take proactive steps to address issues such as waterlogging, landslides, damaged road stretches, and weak drainage systems, which typically worsen during the monsoon season.

    Officials have been asked to conduct urgent inspections of vulnerable highway stretches and identify accident-prone or flood-prone areas for immediate corrective action. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring proper maintenance of drainage systems to prevent accumulation of rainwater on roads.

    The Minister directed that repair work on damaged sections should be completed on priority and that emergency response teams be kept on standby to deal with unforeseen situations during heavy rainfall.

    He also stressed the importance of coordination between National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), state agencies, and local administration to ensure quick resolution of road blockages and restore connectivity at the earliest in case of disruptions.

    Gadkari further instructed officials to deploy adequate machinery and manpower in sensitive zones and ensure real-time monitoring of traffic conditions through control rooms.

    The Ministry stated that these measures are aimed at improving commuter safety, reducing travel delays, and maintaining uninterrupted connectivity across key highway corridors during the monsoon period.

    Officials said that continuous monitoring and timely intervention will be crucial to managing weather-related challenges effectively in the coming weeks.

  • India Launches AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 for Travellers from Ebola-Affected Countries

    New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a digital health declaration system for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, to strengthen public health screening and border preparedness.

    The upgraded platform will require travellers from identified high-risk countries to submit health and travel details online before arrival in India. This will help authorities assess risk in advance and streamline screening at airports.

    Officials said the system is designed to improve early detection of potential health risks, support faster response measures, and enhance contact tracing if required. It is part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen surveillance against infectious diseases.

    AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 is an upgraded version of the earlier system used during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes improved data tracking and integration features for better monitoring of international arrivals.

    Passengers from Ebola-affected countries will need to complete the mandatory online form before travel. Airport health teams will conduct additional screening based on risk assessment protocols.

    Health authorities said the initiative aims to balance public safety with smooth passenger movement while ensuring strict monitoring of arrivals from affected regions.

    The government stated that the platform reflects its continued focus on preparedness, early warning systems, and safeguarding public health at international entry points.

  • New Peer-Reviewed Study Published Ahead of World Vitiligo Day Demonstrates Improved Outcomes When GliSODin® Is Combined With Targeted Phototherapy

    Research Published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine Shows Significant Improvements in Repigmentation and Quality of Life for Patients With Localized Vitiligo

    PARIS, France, June 25: New clinical research published in the peer-reviewed journal Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine demonstrates that combining oral gliadin-protected superoxide dismutase (GP-SOD), the patented antioxidant technology behind GliSODin®, with targeted phototherapy significantly improves outcomes for patients with localized vitiligo compared to phototherapy alone.

    The study, Combination of Oral Gliadin-Protected Superoxide Dismutase With Targeted Phototherapy in Vitiligo: A Prospective, Comparative, Randomized, Single-Blinded Study, was conducted by an international team of researchers led by Pr. Giovanni Leone of the Photodermatology and Vitiligo Treatment Center at Israelite Hospital in Rome, Italy, in collaboration with researchers from Nice University Hospital and Université Côte d’Azur in France, including renowned vitiligo expert Pr. Thierry Passeron.

    Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the loss of skin pigment, affecting millions of people worldwide. Increasingly, researchers have identified oxidative stress as an important factor in the disease process, prompting interest in therapies that support the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.

    The six-month randomized study evaluated 40 adults with localized non-segmental vitiligo. All participants received targeted excimer lamp phototherapy, while half also received oral GP-SOD. Researchers found that patients receiving the combination treatment experienced significantly greater repigmentation compared to those receiving phototherapy alone. In addition, patients receiving GP-SOD reported significantly greater improvements in quality of life. The treatment was also well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

    “These findings reinforce the growing body of evidence supporting the role of oxidative stress in vitiligo and suggest that addressing this pathway may help improve patient outcomes when combined with established treatment approaches, in particular the combination with phototherapy has been shown to be one of the best approaches to stabilize vitiligo and increase the pigmentation response,” said Pr. Giovanni Leone.

    These findings add to a growing body of clinical research supporting the role of GP-SOD as an adjunct to phototherapy in vitiligo treatment. Previous research published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology demonstrated improved repigmentation outcomes when oral GP-SOD was combined with NB-UVB phototherapy. This latest study is among the first to specifically evaluate its use alongside targeted phototherapy for localized vitiligo. Researchers concluded that combining GP-SOD with UVB phototherapy resulted in significant improvements in repigmentation, quality of life, and overall treatment outcomes while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

    “At GliSODin, our mission has always been to support the body’s natural ability to defend itself against oxidative stress,” said François Vix, CEO of GliSODin. “We are encouraged to see continued independent clinical research exploring the role of GP-SOD in conditions where oxidative stress is believed to play a key role.”

    The publication arrives just ahead of World Vitiligo Day on June 25, an annual global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, advancing research, and supporting individuals living with vitiligo.

  • Arunachal Flash Floods: Four Missing, Assam on Alert Over Downstream Impact

    Guwahati/Itanagar, June 25: At least four people are missing after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

    Search and rescue operations are currently underway to trace the missing persons. Several areas have also reported damage due to rising water levels and sudden flooding.

    In neighbouring Assam, authorities have issued a high alert as a precautionary measure due to the possible downstream impact of the floods. Disaster response teams have been placed on standby in vulnerable districts.

    Officials said river water levels are being closely monitored, and people in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain cautious and follow safety instructions.

    Local administrations in both states are coordinating closely to manage the evolving situation and ensure timely response if conditions worsen.

    The situation remains under continuous watch as rainfall continues in parts of the region.