business and finance USD/CAD at 1.4, highest since 2020 By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:36:55 GMT The Bank of Canada looks likely to keep on cutting rates faster than the Federal Reserve. This is one factor in the strength of USD/CAD. I hope the yen bulls are taking note ;-) This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance Investment bank bullish on Fed rate cuts; inflation concerns linger By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:16:56 GMT UBS remain upbeat on further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts to come. Analysts at the bank acknowledge heightened concerns about inflation in the market, and also trimmed market pricing for cuts ahead.Ahead of Wednesday's CPI report (Forexlive Americas FX news wrap 13 Nov: US CPI comes out as expected. USD continues rise) UBS points:Economic data signals a stronger-than-expected economy. Concerns about inflation remainMarket expectations lean towards a slower pace of Fed rate cutsFed officials view the current rate as restrictive but are balancing employment and inflation goals. A major inflation surprise would be required to shift policy outlooks.The Fed is likely to continue rate cuts, with a potential 25 basis point cut in December and further easing expected in 2025.And, the data result was not enough to dissuade analysts at UBS from expecting further cuts from the FOMC ahead, referring to the in line CPI print not changing the underlying fundamentals and economy narrative. ***The latest from FedWatch shows a solid expectation for a 25bp cut on December 18: This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance USD/JPY above 155 - Citi wary of intervention risk By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:43:56 GMT Citi analysts suggest that while the USD/JPY may briefly surpass ¥155, any sustained rally in the dollar against the yen could be capped by potential intervention from the Japanese government and anticipated rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.USD/JPY breach of ¥155, Citi notes that the Bank of Japan may have a stronger incentive to raise rates to 0.5% in its upcoming December meeting to counterbalance yen weakness.Despite current dollar strength, Citi maintains a bearish outlook for the USD/JPY in the longer term, suggesting limited upside for the pair heading into next year. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance RBA Bullock says rates are restrictive enough, staying there until confident on inflation By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:22:28 GMT Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Bullockbond markets pretty well behaved globallybond markets reflecting increasing government debtthink we are restrictive enough, will stay there until confident on inflationMore:recent inflation had both supply- and deand-sdie componentsaim is to lower inflationprices not going back to pre-covid level, that would be deflation and not going to have that This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance PBOC is expected to set the USD/CNY reference rate at 7.2326 – Reuters estimate By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:19:06 GMT People's Bank of China USD/CNY reference rate is due around 0115 GMT.The People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank, is responsible for setting the daily midpoint of the yuan (also known as renminbi or RMB). The PBOC follows a managed floating exchange rate system that allows the value of the yuan to fluctuate within a certain range, called a "band," around a central reference rate, or "midpoint." It's currently at +/- 2%. How the process works:Daily midpoint setting: Each morning, the PBOC sets a midpoint for the yuan against a basket of currencies, primarily the US dollar. The central bank takes into account factors such as market supply and demand, economic indicators, and international currency market fluctuations. The midpoint serves as a reference point for that day's trading.The trading band: The PBOC allows the yuan to move within a specified range around the midpoint. The trading band is set at +/- 2%, meaning the yuan could appreciate or depreciate by a maximum of 2% from the midpoint during a single trading day. This range is subject to change by the PBOC based on economic conditions and policy objectives.Intervention: If the yuan's value approaches the limit of the trading band or experiences excessive volatility, the PBOC may intervene in the foreign exchange market by buying or selling the yuan to stabilize its value. This helps maintain a controlled and gradual adjustment of the currency's value.Yesterday the People's Bank of China propped up the yuan at this setting:PBoC promised stronger damping to support CNY, and that's what are seeingI suspect we'll see similar support for the yuan again today. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance USD/JPY ticking higher, above 155.70 By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:52:27 GMT USD/JPY is extending its gains. So far no intervention type comments out of Japan - rapid, speculative, excess volatility .... blah, blah, blah. Nope, nothing. Yet at least. I thought we would haves seen some open mouths by now. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance PBOC sets USD/ CNY reference rate for today at 7.1966 (vs. estimate at 7.2326) By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 01:15:33 GMT The People's Bank of China set the onshore yuan (CNY) reference rate for the trading session ahead.USD/CNY is the onshore yuan. Its permitted to trade plus or minus 2% from this daily reference rate.CNH is the offshore yuan. USD /CNH has no restrictions on its trading range.A significantly stronger or weaker rate than expected is typically considered a signal from the PBOC.Previous close was 7.2330In open market operations (OMOs): PBOC injects 328bn yuan via 7-day RR, sets rate at 1.5% 19bn yuan mature today net injection is 309bn yuan This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance GBP traders heads up - Bank of England Governor Bailey is speaking late Thursday By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 01:54:01 GMT 2100 GMT / 1600 US Eastern time on Thursday, November 14, 2024:Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey will deliver a speech at the Annual Financial and Professional Services Dinner, Mansion HouseWe last heard from Bailey a week ago:BOE governor Bailey: I will not specify what gradual means for rate cutsBOE governor Bailey: We do not have a specific equilibrium level of interest rate in mindBOE governor Bailey: We still need to see services inflation to come down more broadly This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance Federal Reserve Chair Powell is speaking on Thursday By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:15:01 GMT Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivers a speech on his economic outlook, followed by a question and answer session.Powell participates in "Global Perspectives" conversation before event hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber, World Affairs Council of DFW and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas@ 2000 GMT / 1500 US Eastern time While the Fed seems committed to a December rate cut not all signs in the CPI data on Wednesday were encouraging. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance European Central Bank President Lagarde and VP de Guindos speaking Thursday, Schnabel too By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:39:02 GMT 0830 GMT / 0330 US Eastern time - Remarks by European Central Bank's vice president Luis de Guindos at 31 Encuentro del Sector Financiero organised by ABC and Deloitte in Madrid, Spain1830 GMT / 1330 US Eastern time - Participation by ECB Board member Isabel Schnabel in policy panel "Reassessing Policy Tools for Current and Future Challenges" at 25th Jacques Polak Annual Research Conference "Rethinking the Policy Toolkit in a Turbulent Global Economy" in Washington, DC1900 GMT / 1400 Remarks by ECB President Christine Lagarde at Choiseul Sovereignty Awards 2024 ceremonyI posted yesterday on the prospect of deeper than expected ECB rate cuts yet to come:ECB Interest Rate Forecast: Deutsche Bank's 7 reasons for projecting a lower terminal rateMeanwhile, EUR is struggling near a one-year low: This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance People's Bank of China has more work to do to support the yuan By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:52:03 GMT Justin had the news from the People's Bank of China here on Monday:PBOC governor will maintain yuan exchange rate at a reasonable, balanced levelAnd on Wednesday we saw the Bank trying to support CNY at the reference rate setting:PBoC promised stronger damping to support CNY, and that's what are seeingAnd again today:PBOC sets USD/ CNY reference rate for today at 7.1966 (vs. estimate at 7.2326)Offshore yuan may have seen the memo but its not paying it much heed:The PBoC supported the CNY through the last bout of USD/CNY super-strength. They'll be doing the same again this time around, wary of capital outflow if they let the yuan drift too much lower. They'll be hoping US inflation doesn't take off higher and the Fed pauses ... or reverses. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Mann is speaking again on Thursday By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 03:33:50 GMT Mann spoke Wednesday:BOE's Mann: I describe myself as an 'activist' rather than a 'gradualist' on ratesBOE's Mann: Inflation has definitely not been vanquishedMann was the sole dissent at the previous BoE meeting, voting to keep the Bank rate on hold. Speaking again at 1300 GMT / 0800 US Eastern time:at the Society of Professional Economists Annual ConferenceAlso on the speaker circuit is Governor Bailey:GBP traders heads up - Bank of England Governor Bailey is speaking late Thursday This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance Australian jobs report recap - "remains in relatively solid health" By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 03:48:20 GMT The data is here from earlier:Australian October unemployment rate 4.1% (vs. 4.1% expected)AUD/USD little changed after the October employment report showed a steady jobless rate(ps. AUD/USD has slid a little since this post, broadly stronger USD the culprit)Westpac with the recap, in brief:Australian labour market remains in relatively solid healthemployment growth slowing broadly in line with population growth average hours holding steadyfew signs that labour demand is capitulating to an extent that warrants concernlabour market conditions remain somewhat tight ... this is not translating to stronger wage inflation pressures On balance, today’s update will see the RBA continue to remain focused on the dynamics around underlying inflation.***Speaking of the RBA, we heard from Bullock earlier, not dovish:RBA Bullock says rates are restrictive enough, staying there until confident on inflation***AUD/USD update: This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance New York Fed's Williams speaking Thursday - Kugler, Barkin also (Powell too!) By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:12:07 GMT Times below are GBT / US Eastern time:1400 / 0900 Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin speaks on the economy in fireside chat before the Real Estate Roundtable1500 / 1000 Federal Reserve Board Governor Adriana Kugler speaks on "Central Bank Independence and Economic Outlook" before the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Association (LACEA) and the Latin American Chapter of the Econometric Society 2024 Meeting2000 / 1500 Powell, as already noted2115 / 1615 Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams speaks before the "Intermediating Impact: Making Missing Markets" event hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New YorkAs head of the NY Fed Williams is vice chair of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and has a permanent vote at the table. . This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Uchida comments - not on economy, monetary policy, or yen! By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:59:08 GMT Non policy-related comments. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance ECB's de Guindos: All indicators on core inflation pointing to right direction By www.forexlive.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 08:36:00 GMT Inflation has come down quite a lotRecent data on prices are heading towards our 2% goalIf inflation converges towards our goal, then monetary policy will respond accordinglyThis just reaffirms their current stance and market pricing for a rate cut in December. The question now is, how much will the ECB move by? The odds of a 25 bps rate cut are at ~63% with the remainder pinned to a 50 bps move instead. This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com. Full Article Central Banks
business and finance BDO Executive is Winner of CPA.com's 2017 Innovative Practitioner Award By www.cpa.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:00:00 +0000 CPAs from SC&H and Cherry Bekaert LLP Named Runners-Up NEW YORK (Sept. 7, 2017) – BDO executive Kelly Johnson, CPA, is the winner of CPA.com’s 2017 Innovative Practitioner Award, which recognizes innovation in process, services or technology implementation in public accounting firms. Johnson, BDO’s national leader of business services and outsourcing, led the development of BDODrive, a cloud-based, integrated solution for financial management, accounting services and business intelligence. The platform provides real-time, streamlined accounting information via dashboards for clients, operational efficiencies and access to the Top 10 accounting firm’s specialized expertise for businesses. While CPA.com administers the voting process online, winners of the Innovative Practitioner Award are chosen by their peers. “The tangible growth in client accounting services that’s been documented in research by the AICPA and CPA.com is due to the kind of fully realized offerings being developed by BDO and others,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com. “Kelly is a deserving standard-bearer for our Innovative Practitioner Award, and I want to thank all our finalists in the competition who are helping drive innovation in the profession. It was a strong field this year.” Johnson will be recognized as the award winner at the 2017 Digital CPA Conference, which she will be invited to attend as a guest. The event will be held Dec. 4-6, 2017, at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco. Among the finalist group, two other runners-up were recognized for their innovative work. They are: First Runner Up Michael Lynch, CPA, principal of SC&H Group’s CFO Advisory Services practice, developed an outsourced accounting practice focused in part on emerging life science and software-as-a-service companies. He uses technology to automate workflow and transactional processing, and acts as a trusted advisor for management on business development, financial leadership and strategy. Second Runner-Up Jonathan Kraftchick, CPA, managing director, Cherry Bekaert LLP, developed training programs to educate auditors on coming changes in artificial intelligence and machine learning and how these innovations might impact the profession. Within his firm, he is also involved with two beta projects with vendors to improve data analytics and machine learning in audit applications. To read more about these practitioners, please visit the award page. More information about the Digital CPA Conference can be found at digitalcpa.com. About CPA.com CPA.com offers a growing list of products and services for practice management, client advisory services and professional development. The company has established itself as a thought leader on cloud technology and has been a driving force around the reemergence of virtual CFO/controller services by firms. The RIVIO Clearinghouse, a joint venture between CPA.com and Confirmation.com, is an online financial document clearinghouse that enables private businesses to exchange key financial information with lenders and investors. CPA.com is a majority-owned subsidiary of the American Institute of CPAs, the world’s largest member body representing the accounting profession. For more information, visit CPA.com. CPA.comSep 7th, 2017Press Releases Full Article
business and finance Two CPA.com Staffers Named to CPA Practice Advisor's 'Top 20 Under 40 Superstars' List By www.cpa.com Published On :: Fri, 08 Sep 2017 13:46:13 +0000 NEW YORK (Sept. 8, 2017) – Two CPA.com staffers have been named to CPA Practice Advisor’s Top 20 Under 40 Superstars list, which the trade publication said is composed of “young leaders helping advance the profession through their roles in technology, education, consulting and firm development.” Representing CPA.com on the list are Samantha Mansfield, the company’s director of professional development and community, and Kalil Merhib, director of sales. Mansfield is a driving force behind the Digital CPA Conference and the curriculum and training it offers to firms, including the recently launched Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS) certificate and CPA.com’s popular CAAS workshops. Merhib’s key responsibilities include rollout of the RIVIO Clearinghouse, a private company financial information hub jointly developed by CPA.com and Confirmation.com, and working with firms across the country in building effective strategies for outsourced accounting practices. “This year’s 40 Under 40 and 20 Under 40 honorees are visibly and incrementally changing the accounting profession through their exemplary leadership, their innovative thinking, their collaborative efforts guaranteed to provide unity to the profession across the generations, and their community outreach which extends the visibility of the profession outside the workplace” Gail Perry, CPA Practice Advisor’s editor-in-chief, wrote in an article announcing the winners. “It’s a great honor for CPA.com to have two employees on this list,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com. “We’re grateful to see validation of our staff’s hard work in helping CPA firms embrace change and thrive.” The full list of winners can be found on CPA Practice Advisor’s website. About CPA.com CPA.com offers a growing list of products and services for practice management, client advisory services and professional development. The company has established itself as a thought leader on cloud technology and has been a driving force around the reemergence of virtual CFO/controller services by firms. The RIVIO Clearinghouse, a joint venture between CPA.com and Confirmation.com, is an online financial document clearinghouse that enables private businesses to exchange key financial information with lenders and investors. CPA.com is a subsidiary of the American Institute of CPAs, the world’s largest member body representing the CPA profession. For more information, visit CPA.com. CPA.comSep 8th, 2017Press Releases Full Article
business and finance Productivity Enablement: Simplifying the Most Challenging Parts of Your Job and Becoming Future-Ready By www.cpa.com Published On :: Mon, 16 Oct 2017 14:17:01 +0000 With 12 words, Seth Godin has captured one of the biggest, most frustrating and difficult-to-overcome challenges of our time: “We’re so busy doing our jobs, we can’t get any work done.” Until a clear return on investment is defined, many leaders fall back on the status quo, thinking we can dig ourselves out from the avalanche of busy-ness if we just work a little harder. But there are two problems with that line of thinking: We’ll never have less work to do. The problem isn’t what we’re doing; it’s how we’re doing it. Instead of worrying about the ROI, we should focus on the RONI—the risk of not investing. Today, that risk is huge. Our competitors are working to become future ready. If we don’t, we risk irrelevance at best…and extinction at worst. Mike Sabbatis, CEO of XCM™, discusses how new productivity enablement and workflow solutions can help leadership teams work smarter, not harder—and increase their resource capacity to focus on strategies that prepare them for the future and deliver higher business performance. In this webinar, you will learn: How connecting your people and processes through technology can result in higher productivity Techniques to create a work environment that is structured to attract and retain the best talent Benefits of capturing the Who, What, When, Where & Why of your business practices NOTE: This on-demand webinar does not offer CPE credit. View WebinarYour browser does not support iframes, but you can use the following link. LinkShow Secondary Body: 11. Pardot Form URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-11/6gyx2. Pardot Form Handler URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9gm43. Pardot URL Parameters: ?Latest_Download=https://www.cpa.com/7C080C7D3312973455A06CD24323790C&Campaign_URL=https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9gm4&WebFormCampaign-XCM=Download Webinar Recording&Lead_WebForm_Source=XCM&Record_Type_ID=FS Sales&Send_Email=true&Dont_Route_to_Sales=TRUE Full Article
business and finance AICPA and Wall Street Blockchain Alliance Announce Collaboration By www.cpa.com Published On :: Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:05:58 +0000 Associations Plan Joint Effort to Advance Blockchain Technology for Accounting Profession NEW YORK (Oct. 23, 2017) – The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Wall Street Blockchain Alliance (WSBA), a leading nonprofit trade association promoting the comprehensive adoption of blockchain technology across global markets, today announced plans to work together to define the impact of blockchain technology for the accounting profession and advance the interests of both the public and profession in this area. As part of this collaboration, the AICPA – through its technology arm, CPA.com – will administer the WSBA’s working group on tax and accounting, a focal point for advocacy and education on blockchain adoption within the profession. Other existing WSBA working groups include research and innovation, legal, and technology and product. The working group model is designed to provide a forum for experts to share information, guide advocacy and technical efforts and create broader educational opportunities—such as webcasts, roundtables and other content—to address issues arising from the adoption of blockchain, distributed ledgers and smart contract technologies. “The accounting profession is built on confirmation and verification, and that’s what blockchain is all about,” said AICPA President and CEO Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA. “This technology can have a profound impact on accounting and finance going forward, and it’s important we make sure that its adoption proceeds in a way that’s in the best interest of the public and our financial markets. Our working relationship with the WSBA, combined with our expanded global reach through the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, will help further that goal.” The collaboration was announced at the fall meeting of the AICPA’s governing Council in San Antonio, Tex. “The WSBA is very pleased to be collaborating with the AICPA and CPA.com to guide the evolution of the global accounting profession in a future with blockchain technology,” said Ron Quaranta, chairman of the WSBA. “We look forward to working together to advance the world of accountancy and its use of blockchain, as accountants become integral participants in the adoption of this innovative technology for global markets.” As a first step in collaboration, the AICPA will be part of an accounting-related panel at the WSBA’s Blockchain for Wall Street education day on Nov. 14, 2017. “Blockchain is one of several innovations that are reshaping the accounting profession,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com, one of the participants in the upcoming panel. “Our role with the WSBA working group is to guide and speed the use of blockchain technology as it applies to the core areas of an accounting practice.” About the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance The Wall Street Blockchain Alliance (WSBA) is an industry leading 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association created for financial market professionals, by financial market professionals. Its mission is to guide and promote comprehensive adoption of blockchain and distributed ledger technology across global financial markets. For information about the WSBA, including membership, visit www.wsba.co or email to info@wsba.co. About the American Institute of CPAs The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with more than 418,000 members in 143 countries, and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting. The AICPA sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, builds the pipeline of future talent and drives professional competency development to advance the vitality, relevance and quality of the profession. The AICPA maintains offices in New York, Washington, DC, Durham, NC, and Ewing, NJ. Media representatives are invited to visit the AICPA Press Center at www.aicpa.org/press. About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) is the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to power opportunity, trust and prosperity for people, businesses and economies worldwide. It represents 650,000 members and students in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues. With broad reach, rigor and resources, the Association advances the reputation, employability and quality of CPAs, CGMAs and accounting and finance professionals globally. CPA.comOct 23rd, 2017Press Releases Full Article
business and finance Bill.com and CPA.com Expand Accountant Partner Program By www.cpa.com Published On :: Mon, 04 Dec 2017 05:00:00 +0000 Bill.com and CPA.com have expanded their Accountant Partner Program. The program offers services, resources and technology to help accounting firms solve bill payment challenges for their clients. The program has been updated to offer services tailored to the needs of large firms. Enhancements include dedicated Bill.com implementers for client portfolios, educational and training resources, and Bill.com accountant-specific features. The upgrades come in response to a 2017 Bill Payment Trends Survey from Bill.com and CPA.com, which found 77 percent of large accounting firms wish their clients would eliminate paper checks, 75 percent recommend their clients pay their bills online, yet only 25 percent require clients to use a specific solution for digital bill payment. According to Bill.com, this disconnect illustrates an opportunity for client accounting services to be more efficient and demonstrate more value to clients. The Bill.com Accountant Partner Program now offers: ● Dedicated Bill.com implementation consulting and support for client adoption, including implementers experienced with bill payment in large accounting firms; and ● New features for the Bill.com Accountant Console, a portal that helps firms manage client bill payments. Firms can add and remove staff from multiple clients at once, assign customer roles and permissions, and create reports on billing and system access. These additions join existing educational resources Bill.com already offers to small and midsize accounting firms. “The enhanced Accountant Partner Program allows greater collaboration between Bill.com, CPA.com, and accounting firms at every stage of client accounting services,” said Michael Cerami, CPA.com’s vice president of strategic alliances and business development, in a statement. “Whether a firm is targeting prospective or existing clients, the program delivers the tools and resources necessary for firm-wide adoption of digital bill payments.” The Accountant Partner Program is available for all Bill.com clients. To learn more, visit https://www.bill.com/for-accountants/. https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/billcom-and-cpacom-expands-accountant-partner-programAccounting TodayDec 4th, 2017Media Coverage Full Article
business and finance Harnessing the Power of Trust: The Future of Client Communications for Your Retirement Plan By www.cpa.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:50:29 +0000 Join Warren Cormier, CEO and co-founder of Boston Research Technologies for an exciting presentation that will highlight advances in the science of communications, focusing on how we can better connect with defined contribution plan participants and clients through trust-based communications, intuitive decision making and Enhanced Active Choice. DownloadYour browser does not support iframes, but you can use the following link. LinkShow Secondary Body: 11. Pardot Form URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-11/6gyx2. Pardot Form Handler URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9gg63. Pardot URL Parameters: ?Latest_Download=https://www.cpa.com/24FF58740170656676C71F675DCC6022&Campaign_URL=https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9gg6&Lead_WebForm_Source=Paychex&Record_Type_ID=FS Sales&Send_Email=true&Dont_Route_to_Sales=TRUE Full Article
business and finance How Much Should I Save for Retirement? By www.cpa.com Published On :: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 21:16:36 +0000 Determining how much to save for retirement is challenging, given the high uncertainty about income, portfolio returns, and spending needs many years into the future. Given this uncertainty, and the high heterogeneity of earning potential and spending needs, what works well on average does not work well for everyone. A one-size-fits-all solution is unlikely to work. Our free webinar has Dr. Marlena Lee discussing the different retirement strategies to help you and your firm reach your retirement goals. In this presentation Dr. Lee will help examine: Target income replacement rates Saving more as income grows The importance of starting early and saving consistently DownloadYour browser does not support iframes, but you can use the following link. LinkShow Secondary Body: 11. Pardot Form URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-11/6gyx2. Pardot Form Handler URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9ggd3. Pardot URL Parameters: ?Latest_Download=https://www.cpa.com/B1A31E01759933CABF66BBF96D2D3839&Campaign_URL=https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9ggd&Lead_WebForm_Source=Paychex&Record_Type_ID=FS Sales&Send_Email=true&Dont_Route_to_Sales=TRUE Full Article
business and finance Top Challenges Facing Firms Performing PCR Services By www.cpa.com Published On :: Fri, 25 Jan 2019 16:54:39 +0000 https://www.cpa.com/system/files/cpa/infographics/top-challenges-facing-firms-performing-pcr-services-onpoint-cpacom_0.pdf Full Article
business and finance Get Smart With B2B International Payments By www.cpa.com Published On :: Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:49:51 +0000 https://www.cpa.com/system/files/cpa/infographics/bdcinternationalpayments_infographic.pdf Full Article
business and finance Charting Your Sales & Use Tax Business Model By www.cpa.com Published On :: Fri, 19 Apr 2019 19:30:31 +0000 The sales tax landscape has dramatically changed since the Supreme Court overturned Quill in June 2018. Almost all states have responded by updating their remote seller nexus rules over the past year. With these changes, comes an opportunity to support clients that need help navigating these changes. Many firms are expanding their sales and use tax services, but like most other practice areas, developing a business model and plan is critical for success. Join us for a webinar as we explore different business models that firms have established to provide sales and use tax services. We will take a look at the types of services firms are offering to help clients comply with changing sales and use tax laws. During the webinar we will discuss how to: Identify a business model that works best for your firm Determine the services your firm can offer Find opportunities for internal firm collaboration Leverage automation to provide services This on-demand webinar does not offer CPE credit. View WebinarYour browser does not support iframes, but you can use the following link. LinkShow Secondary Body: 11. Pardot Form URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-11/6gyx2. Pardot Form Handler URL: https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9ghv3. Pardot URL Parameters: ?Latest_Download=https://www.cpa.com/1990632&Campaign_URL=https://marketing.cpa.com/l/701003/2019-07-19/9ghv&Lead_WebForm_Source=Vertex&Record_Type_ID=FS Sales&Send_Email=true&Dont_Route_to_Sales=FALSE Full Article
business and finance Facility Condition Assessments Prove Valuable as Workplaces Change By www.facilitiesnet.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 CST Full Article
business and finance Provision of Conducting a Survey on the Well-being and Security of Women in South East Europe, Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 13 Jul 2016 07:49:03 +0000 Secretariat RFP/SEC/10/2016 Request for Proposal (RFP) balazs.fule@osce.org Wed, 2016-07-13 (All day) 23 September 2016 Western Europe and North America The main objective of this OSCE project is to create evidence including in the context of conflict/crisis to be used in the long term for improved programming and policy-making. The contractor will be expected to undertake all aspects of work relating to the survey and additional qualitative research, including: • pre-test/pilot study of the new conflict module; • development of country/area specific research tools; • qualitative key expert interviews and focus group discussions; • interviewer selection (female interviewers only); • interviewer training; • random selection of respondents; • questionnaire finalisation and translation of fieldwork and interviewer training materials; • all fieldwork/data collection; • data entry and processing; • data analysis and drafting several thematic and regional reports. The data will be collected through the use of structured, quantitative survey interviews and additional key expert interviews and focus group discussions. The survey interviews will be carried out face-to-face in each country/area by female interviewers who have completed in-depth, in-person training dedicated to the topic of the survey. The interviews will be conducted using a standardised questionnaire already developed. Part of the contract will be testing revisions on this questionnaire and finalizing it. The required net sample size is a minimum of 1500 women per country/area using a strict random (probability) sample. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring the quality, consistency and timeliness of work carried out in each country/area selected to take part in the study. The consistency of the methods and procedures applied in the various countries/areas and strict compliance with the detailed methodology of the survey needs to be ensured by the Contractor. The foreseen total duration of the assignment is 15 months.Related StoriesImplementation of the Project “Promoting awareness-raising tools on combating sexual exploitation through internet (social theatre) (2016)”Provision of Printing and related Services for the OSCEProvision of IT Security Consulting Services on IT Information Security Incident Response Full Article Secretariat Western Europe and North America Request for Proposal (RFP) One-off purchase
business and finance Request for pre-qualification: Life-Cycle Support and Technical Consultative Services for the Integrated Notification Application (INA) Software By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Mon, 01 Aug 2016 11:52:02 +0000 Secretariat RFPQ/SEC/17/2016 Invitation for Prequalification (IFP) yury.golovkov@osce.org Mon, 2016-08-01 (All day) 28 August 2016 Attachments: RFPQ/SEC/17/2016 - INA Software For more details please see attached the Request for pre-qualification. Related StoriesLife-Cycle Support and Technical Consultative Services for the OSCE Integrated Notification Application (INA) SoftwareRequest for pre-qualification in relation to the planned tender for the provision of Life-Cycle Support and Technical Consultative Services for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) Integrated NotSelection of Microsoft-designated Large Account Reseller (LAR) for provision of Microsoft Software and Related Services Full Article Secretariat Invitation for Prequalification (IFP) 5 years
business and finance Request for Information (RFI): Enterprise Risk Management Software By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:04:55 +0000 Secretariat Enterprise Risk Management Software Request for Information (RFI) yury.golovkov@osce.org Thu, 2016-08-04 (All day) 28 August 2016 Attachments: Request for Information (RFI): Enterprise Risk Management Software Background The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an international non-profit organization with its Secretariat in Vienna, Austria; detailed information about the work of the OSCE and its presence is available at www.osce.org Risk Management at the OSCE The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) provides services in the area of finance, budget, information and communication technology, procurement and assets management, as well as in maintaining the system of internal control and a supporting risk-based approach to management decision-making that facilitates achieving OSCE´s objectives. This is achieved through proactive identification, evaluation and control of major, security and operational risks across the OSCE. In 2008, the OSCE implemented a web-based Enterprise Risk Management software that supports the collection of risks across the OSCE and reporting on them. At present, the OSCE is satisfied with the current software solution but interested to learn about alternative products, their technical capabilities, and related pricing information. Requirements In view of the above, the OSCE is interested to receive feedback from the market on the following requirements: 1. Product name; 2. Service options - cloud based vs. on premises; 3. Functional capabilities including: • Multiple browser; • Enable the OSCE to manage risk in a structured way and assist with embedding the ownership, management, review and reporting of risks to stakeholders; • Provide full mapping of risks, controls, ownership, risk status, control status; • Access real-time interactive dashboards and reporting tools allowing to get to the data that is needed promptly for further analysis and/or decision-making; • Customize reports and their format; • Customize naming of the fields to be consistent with the OSCE naming convention; • Operate two sets of naming for the fields to allow for differing terminology for security and operational risks; • Create drop-down lists with standardized sets of risks and controls; • Register cross-cutting risks; • Possibility to include audit recommendations, tracking, compliance and other business functions. Possibility to cross-link the data (e.g. audit recommendations to the new controls proposed). 4. Technical requirements; 5. Data migration from existing platform to a new solution; 4. Availability of technical support function and related cost. If initial support is provided for free, please specify the timeframe; 5. Possibility of data exchange (integration) with Oracle ERP; 6. Demo access; 7. Success stories (e.g., implementation and usage in the international organizations and agencies e.g., UN, World Bank, etc.; 8. Pricing and licensing information. The feedback on the above requirements is required by the OSCE to evaluate the quality of current system and support the decision making process toward new system. Request for Information procedure Interested Vendors wishing to participate in the pre-qualification process are requested to submit relevant pre-qualification documentation by email to Yury Golovkov at yury.golovkov@osce.org by 28 August 2016 22:00HRS CET. All responses will be rated against the mandatory requirements and pre-qualification criteria. At the end of the evaluation process, Vendor will be notified where its response rated as acceptable or not. OSCE Disclaimer The OSCE reserves the right to accept or reject any pre-qualification documentation, and to annul or to suspend the pre-qualification and subsequent tender process and reject all solicitations at any time and without reason prior to the date of Contract Award, without thereby incurring any liability or responsibility to affected participants of this pre-qualification or tender process. END.Related StoriesRequest for Information (RFI): Enterprise Risk Management Software Full Article Secretariat Request for Information (RFI) 5 years
business and finance Provision of mobile voice and data services to the OSCE centre in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:48:53 +0000 OSCE Centre in Bishkek RFP/KYR/04/2016 Request for Proposal (RFP) Karolina.Semina@osce.org jirgalbek.jumashev@osce.org Fri, 2016-07-01 (All day) 22 August 2016 Attachments: Clarification Note no. 1 Clarification Note no. 2 mobile voice and data services to the OSCE centre in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Related StoriesProvision of conference services for the OSCE events at 3 star venues on the Northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, KRProvision of conference services for the OSCE events at the 4 or 3+ star venues on the Northern shore of Issyk-Kul lakeProvision of IT Security Consulting Services on IT Information Security Incident Response Full Article OSCE Centre in Bishkek Request for Proposal (RFP) 3 years
business and finance Written translation of a book from Russian into English By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:04:46 +0000 A company will be tasked to provide a written translation of a book “Live on the basis of high spirituality and the rule of law, generate loyalty to the Motherland and the people, a sense of fairness, honesty and high culture of communication” from Russian into English language (approximately 600 pages). OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan RFQ UZB 015_2016 Request for Quotation (RFQ) oleg.zaichenko@osce.org Tue, 2016-07-26 (All day) 16 August 2016 Related StoriesSupply of Mobile phone forensic equipment and training on their useSupply and delivery conference equipment for PCUzConducting sociological survey and provision of analytical report Full Article OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Request for Quotation (RFQ) One-off purchase
business and finance Selection of Microsoft-designated Large Account Reseller (LAR) for provision of Microsoft Software and Related Services By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 07:46:36 +0000 Secretariat ITB/SEC/18/2016 Invitation to Bid (ITB) khawla.farah@osce.org Thu, 2016-07-14 (All day) 11 August 2016 Attachments: Clarification Note 1 dated 26 July 2016 Related StoriesProvision of Printing and related Services for the OSCEProvision of transportation services for OSCE Mission to SerbiaProvision of Conducting a Survey on the Well-being and Security of Women in South East Europe, Eastern Europe, Turkey and the South Caucasus Full Article Secretariat Invitation to Bid (ITB) 5 years
business and finance OSCE supports workshop on irregular migration management and readmission practices in Kazakhstan By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:23:38 +0000 244991 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Astana An OSCE Programme Office in Astana-supported workshop on international best practices in irregular migration management and readmission procedures for 10 Internal Affairs Ministry and National Security Committee officials started on 6 June 2016 in Astana. The three-day event was organized by the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Latvia’s State Border Guard. It focused on national legislation and best international practices in dealing with vulnerable groups of migrants passing through borders. An Office-supported legal analysis of readmission policies was presented along with a draft bylaw to participants who brainstormed ways to further develop the legal and institutional framework. Participants also engaged in an in-depth discussion on readmission as well as countering trafficking of human beings. As a result of the discussions, the participants developed a set of recommendations on amendments to relevant national legislation in line with international best practices. The workshop is a part of the OSCE Programme Office’s activities related to enhancing the host country’s border security and efficient labour migration management practices. Related StoriesOSCE concludes series of training seminars on implementing the National Preventive Mechanism in KazakhstanOSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of KazakhstanOSCE supports water co-operation in southern Kazakhstan Full Article OSCE Programme Office in Astana Border management Central Asia News
business and finance One year course in border security and management for senior leadership starts at the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:51:19 +0000 DUSHANBE, 8 June 2016 – A one-year learning course on Border Security and Management for Senior Leadership (BSMSL) was launched with an introductory meeting that took place in Dushanbe from 6-8 June. The course was designed and developed by the OSCE Border Management Staff College and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), and aims to enhance the knowledge, competencies and leadership potential of mid- to senior-level professionals working in the area of border security and management. Twenty-four participants from Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Jordan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Tajikistan, Tunisia and Ukraine will participate in the course, providing a comprehensive insight into the contemporary security environment, leadership and management competencies as well as mechanisms to prevent and combat existing and emerging security threats and challenges. The course programme is divided in three modules that involve participants in fact-finding, analyzing, decision-making, and management activities. Its format provides an opportunity to draw from various international best practices and expertise, putting emphasis on co-operation between operational and academic approaches and encouraging peer-learning. Each module is presented through a variety of training and learning methods, including e-learning, face-to-face study, follow-on discussions and follow-up activities, group exercises, and study visits. “Borders exist to unite people and not to divide them. This course is one of the college’s long-term initiatives aiming to promote and implement the concept of open but secure borders. With the knowledge obtained here participants will not only be able to enhance their professional skills but also be capable to develop and provide analysis and recommendations to improve capacities and the situation at borders,” said Ambassador Marcel Pesko, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, while addressing the BSMSL participants. Andrus Oovel, Head of the DCAF Border Security Programme added: “This course is a combination of social, political and security science, covering a wide range of academic disciplines on global governance and security, humanities, law, criminal justice and studies which include leadership and management for strategic and operational planning in managing migration, border security, and trade facilitation.” Related StoriesOSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop on verifying the authenticity of security documentsOSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police AcademyOSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims Full Article OSCE Office in Tajikistan Border management Central Asia Press release
business and finance OSCE and UNECE join forces in promoting trade facilitation in Central Asia By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 15 Jun 2016 08:19:51 +0000 DUSHANBE, 15 June 2016 – A three-day regional trade facilitation and border management workshop gathering senior trade and customs officials from UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) countries Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan concluded today at the Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe. The workshop was co-organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Trade Division. “This workshop enabled participants to exchange national experiences and explore the scope for closer co-operation at the regional level. Trade facilitation is a key condition for the economic development of Central Asia,” said Martin Rossmann, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Office in Tajikistan The practice-oriented and interactive workshop combined expert presentations, roundtable discussions and group work. It aimed at equipping participants with an array of tools and approaches needed for the simplification and harmonization of procedures for international trade. Roel Janssens, Economic Adviser at the OSCE Secretariat said: “Landlocked developing countries, in this region, and elsewhere, face higher trade transaction costs due to complexities of multimodal transportation and the multiple border-crossings, transit arrangements and documentation requirements involved. The challenge for countries along Euro-Asian trade corridors is to turn this geographical challenge into an opportunity.” Particular attention was paid to implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in the region; the establishment of National Trade Facilitation Committees; and the development of a roadmap for implementing comprehensive trade facilitation reforms. All of this in support of governments’ efforts to reduce delays at border-crossings and speed up customs clearance, transit, import, and export procedures. Participants also learnt about the development of Authorised Economic Operator programmes and tools aimed at improving inter-agency cooperation both domestically and internationally. Mario Apostolov, Regional Adviser at the UNECE said: “Trade facilitation is not just a matter of one agency but can only be successful when adopting a ‘whole of government’ approach where customs and border authorities, trade and transport ministries as well as private sector and other relevant actors coordinate their tasks, conduct joint controls and exchange documents and data.” On the second day of the workshop, the participants paid a study visit to the Tursunzade border crossing-point between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Related StoriesWinners of OSCE design contest challenge violent extremism with creative cartoonsOSCE organizes field study in sustainable energy for the OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries.Concluding Meeting of the 24th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum Full Article Secretariat OSCE Office in Tajikistan Border management Economic activities Press release
business and finance Border guards trained on document security at regional OSCE event in Kazakhstan By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:24:52 +0000 ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 22 June 2016 – An OSCE-supported train-the-trainer regional course on document security for some 20 border guards from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan began today in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The three-day event is organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA). Experts from Latvia and Slovakia will share best practices in international document security, including the identification of falsified travel documents, document control, the use of paper and polymer substrates in document security, conventional printing techniques, photo protection, secondary verification, and profiling techniques to identify potential criminals during the border crossing check-up procedure. The participants will also have an opportunity to work with genuine and falsified travel documents from different countries in order to utilize the new methods learned in the course. “In order to protect a country’s borders, it is crucial to know what verification methods are used in all travel documents and the common features of forged documents,” said Colin McCullough, Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “This is best done through consistent familiarization on relevant technology and regular exchange of information and experience with other relevant authorities,” Gunta Laganovska, a trainer at the seminar and Chief of the Expert Service, Central Department of the State Border Service for the Republic of Latvia, said: “International co-operation between border services is a crucial part of a system to prevent illegal migration. The exchange of information and experience in identifying forged documents enables the growth of the professionalism of all participants in this seminar. The train-the-trainers approach allows for the possibility to transfer new skills to a large number of border guards where they work.” The seminar is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to promote the OSCE border security concept and counter transnational crime in the host country. Related StoriesOSCE promotes Central Asian Leadership Program for young environmental leadersSeminar for defence lawyers on new approaches and techniques of legal defenceOSCE Programme Office trains notaries and advocates on countering money laundering and financing of terrorism Full Article OSCE Programme Office in Astana Border management Central Asia Press release
business and finance Border management and security discussed at OSCE Centre in Bishkek-supported discussion and ‘Barrier 2016’ simulation exercise By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 08 Jul 2016 11:32:54 +0000 BISHKEK, 8 July 2016 – As part of the first phase of the two-day military Command-Staff Exercise ‘Barrier 2016’, representatives of the State Border Service (SBS), local authorities and civil society of Osh region focused on border security and management problems during a roundtable discussion and video-conference supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. The discussions, held at the SBS headquarters, aimed to promote co-operation between the military, law enforcement agencies and civil society and improve the existing mechanisms of co-ordination. Participants were able to directly ask border management-related questions to the deputies of Jogorku Kenesh (the parliament), government officials and SBS representatives. Head of the SBS Colonel Abdikarim Alimbaev detailed the complex measures taken by the Service to strengthen the Kyrgyz-Uzbek and Kyrgyz-Tajik border areas, such as improving the infrastructure of border units and setting additional border barriers and posts. “Through improved relations with neighbouring countries, the strengthening of border security and management will ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State and in this way safeguard peace and stability in the specific border areas and in the broader Central Asian region,” he said. Daniele Rumolo, acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek highlighted the crucial significance of border security for Kyrgyzstan: “Effective counter-efforts to the current challenges remain the most relevant strategic priority for continuous co-operation and also an important aspect of OSCE activities in the framework of transnational threats. The OSCE Centre in Bishkek greatly values its engagement and interaction with the Kyrgyz Government and the SBS, and expresses its readiness to further develop the co-operation in this field.” Vice Prime-Minister on border issues Jenish Razakov stressed the importance of co-operation between security and law enforcement agencies and local governments, stating that in their absence it would be impossible to resolve border crises. He also noted that in the past two years such joint exercises to enhance the combat readiness of units have demonstrated positive results. On 8 July, following the roundtable discussion and video-conference in Bishkek, the practical phase of the ‘Barrier 2016’ simulation exercise took place in Osh with the participation of the Special Forces Unit, the SBS, Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Command-Staff Exercise ‘Barrier 2016’ was held jointly by the SBS and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek as part of the Centre’s project to enhance the ability of the Kyrgyz Government to engage in regional co-operation on border security and management. Related StoriesTo mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports public awareness raising campaignOSCE Centre in Bishkek supports summer school on topical issues of police reformOSCE Centre in Bishkek trains defence lawyers and prosecutors on right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention Full Article OSCE Centre in Bishkek Border management Central Asia Press release
business and finance OSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop on verifying the authenticity of security documents By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:51:59 +0000 DUSHANBE, 15 July 2016 – Twenty-four mid-rank officers from the Tajik Border Troops, the State Committee on National Security and Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs today completed a week-long OSCE workshop in Dushanbe on verifying the authenticity of security documents. The workshop examined how documents are falsified, how passport booklets are constructed and produced, the processes behind producing paper for such documents, security features as well as the methods for verifying passports. Participants also improved their knowledge of technical devices and modern methods for verifying document authenticity, the types of light sources used during the verification, and in working with documents with plastic pages. The workshop was delivered by two experts from Belarus. “The Office in Tajikistan continues supporting the capacity building of Tajik border and security agencies, including in the areas of contemporary approaches to identifying forged travel documents and in inter-agency co-ordination and co-operation in this area,” said Vyacheslav Abramets, Border Management Adviser at the OSCE Office. “The workshop was organized as part of this year’s activities by the OSCE Office and within the framework of the successful implementation of the Tajik National Border Management Strategy.” The workshop follows the June 2016 handover by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan of a video-spectral comparator with informational-reference system, a spectral fluorescent microscope, compact devices for express authenticity verification, a spectral luminescent magnifier and a desktop computer set, to the Border Troops. The equipment was installed at the border checkpoint in the newly-constructed terminal of Dushanbe International Airport to enable the advanced authenticity verification of passports. Related StoriesOSCE trains Tajikistan’s relevant agencies on combating the illicit cultural property trade and smuggling of historical artefactsOSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police AcademyOSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims Full Article OSCE Office in Tajikistan Border management Central Asia Press release
business and finance OSCE trains Tajikistan’s relevant agencies on combating the illicit cultural property trade and smuggling of historical artefacts By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:58:11 +0000 DUSHANBE, 15 July 2016 – Combating the illicit trade in cultural property and the smuggling of historical artifacts was the focus of a week-long workshop organized by the OSCE for representatives of Tajik Border Troops, Customs Service, State Committee of National Security, the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Internal Affairs, in Dushanbe from 11 to 15 July 2016. The workshop, organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Office in Tajikistan in co-operation with the OSCE Border Management Staff College, examined the trafficking of cultural property and smuggling of historical artefacts as an emerging trend for funding organized crime and terrorist organizations. The workshop also highlighted the roles of the responsible agencies in addressing the problem. “Being the first workshop of its kind organized by the OSCE, we were shown that this is not only an issue of cultural protection but that it has become a serious transnational security issue as well, said Ambassador Markus Mueller, Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan. “As such, and bearing in mind its complexity, this problem can be tackled efficiently only by increasing the knowledge of the officers from different government agencies as well as through promoting co-operation among them." During the workshop, participants heard from experts at the OSCE, INTERPOL, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Greek National Police’s Department Against the Smuggling of Antiquities, the UNESCO Office in Afghanistan and the Afghan Customs Service. They shared their experiences on cross-border co-operation in identifying the trafficking of cultural property cases and financial investigations into the smuggling of historical artefacts. Related StoriesOSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop on verifying the authenticity of security documentsOSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police AcademyOSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims Full Article OSCE Office in Tajikistan Border management Central Asia Press release
business and finance OSCE States explore role for the Organization regarding migration and refugee flows By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 20 Jul 2016 16:17:29 +0000 VIENNA, 20 July 2016 – Possible roles for the OSCE in the context of the migration and refugee flows across the OSCE area were discussed today at a special meeting of the Permanent Council in Vienna. The meeting was a milestone in the process launched in March 2016 by Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship. In a series of seven meetings and following an inclusive approach, an Informal Working Group took stock of the migration-related activities of the OSCE and developed proposals for future engagement. The Working Groups was chaired by Swiss Ambassador to the OSCE Claude Wild and open to all participating States, Partners for-Cooperation and OSCE executive structures as well as a number of international organizations and NGOs. Presenting results of this ambitious preparatory process Wild said in today’s Permanent Council: “While the current situation is generally referred to as ‘the refugee and migration crisis’, it is in fact a crisis of international migration governance. Comprehensive governance is needed to deal responsibly with the phenomenon of migration and refugee flows. This includes addressing issues of protection, combating crime, border management, successful integration as well as solidarity and partnerships.” Wild highlighted that the OSCE is uniquely positioned and equipped to use its political convening power and technical expertise to create formal and informal networks. “In such networks national experts and decision makers can exchange best practices in all specific issues that have to be addressed to design and implement responsible national policies on migration and refugee flows,” he said. Chairperson of the Permanent Council and German Ambassador to the OSCE, Eberhard Pohl, thanked the Swiss OSCE Ambassador and his team for their committed work. “There was a clear common understanding among all OSCE States today that migration and refugee flows figure high on the OSCE agenda in line with its comprehensive approach to security,” Pohl said. “Given the scale and transnational character of this issue, it is clear that no single country can cope with the challenge of current migration and refugee flows alone. It has to be addressed in a co-operative manner, in a spirit of shared responsibility. We will continue to support OSCE activities in this field and work to further develop the contribution of the OSCE.” The OSCE Permanent Council is one of the main regular decision-making bodies of the Organization bringing together representatives of all 57 OSCE participating States and the 11 Partners for Co-operation. Related StoriesAzerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister addresses OSCE, calls for work toward peaceful settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to be advancedUrgent steps needed towards full respect for ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, says OSCE Chairmanship Special Representative and Chief MonitorOSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier, in Moldova, calls for swift and full implementation of confidence-building measures Full Article Chairmanship Permanent Council Border management Combating human trafficking Economic activities Human rights Policing Tolerance and non-discrimination Press release
business and finance Assembly’s work on migration presented to OSCE ambassadors by Ad Hoc Committee Chair Lombardi at special Permanent Council By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 20 Jul 2016 17:01:42 +0000 VIENNA, 20 July 2016 – Presenting the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s work concerning the refugee and migrant crisis at a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today, Swiss parliamentarian Filippo Lombardi laid out the Assembly’s plan of action going forward, which includes monitoring the situation on the ground and developing policy recommendations for the OSCE and its participating States. The meeting was convened by the OSCE German Chairmanship to present and discuss the report by Amb. Claude Wild, Chair of the OSCE Informal Working Group Focusing on the Issue of Migration and Refugee Flows. The participants discussed in particular the importance of improving global migration governance and how the OSCE can lend its contribution to promoting regional implementation of a global migration governance architecture. Lombardi noted that the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, which he chairs, has been active in three main areas, including by organizing field visits, strengthening co-operation with the OSCE and other international actors, and promoting discussions on the migration crisis within the OSCE PA. “The migration and refugee crisis remains high on the agenda of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly as highlighted by the importance accorded to this issue in the Tbilisi Declaration adopted at the OSCE PA Annual Session on 5 July,” Lombardi said. “Indeed, the various aspects of this complex issue are addressed in the resolutions of all three general committees as well as in a number of supplementary resolutions” adopted in Tbilisi, he added. Stressing the need for better communication strategies between governments and the public, Lombardi said that while media plays a fundamental role in shaping public opinion on migration, “political forces bear an equally important responsibility. “Governments, diplomats and parliamentarians must join forces to tackle the root causes of migration,” he said. Lombardi further highlighted a recent field visit to camps in Calais and Dunkirk, the Parliamentary Assembly’s contribution to the 27 June meeting of the Informal Working Group, which was addressed by five OSCE parliamentarians, and noted that the PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration met officially for the first timeduring the OSCE PA Annual Session in Tbilisi on 3 July. In June, the OSCE PA’s then-human rights and humanitarian committee chair, Portuguese parliamentarian Isabel Santos, joined a delegation of the OSCE’s Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, for a visit to Lampedusa, Italy, to an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea, and to a refugee reception centre in Catania. Migration will also occupy a prominent position in the discussions of the OSCE PA Autumn Meeting to be held in Skopje from 29 September to 2 October, Lombardi pointed out. Other than Lombardi’s presentation, today’s special meeting of the Permanent Council included a comprehensive report by Amb. Wild, who noted that addressing the migration crisis requires a multidimensional response based on protection, combating crime, border management, successful integration, and solidarity and partnerships. The OSCE has a number of comparative advantages when addressing migration and refugee flows and is thus uniquely positioned to address this crisis, he emphasized. Lombardi welcomed the priorities of the OSCE’s Informal Working Group and stressed that members of the PA’s Ad Hoc Committee have agreed to keep in mind the principles identified by this body in carrying out its work. The Permanent Council and the Ministerial Council are the primary decision-making bodies of the OSCE. To learn more about the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s work in the field of migration, please click here. A video interview conducted with Ad Hoc Committee Chair Filippo Lombardi is available on the OSCE PA’sYouTube channel. Related StoriesChristine Muttonen of Austria elected OSCE PA President, Vice-Presidents and Committee Officers also electedOSCE parliamentarians in Tbilisi adopt wide-ranging Declaration on human rights, security and the environmentOSCE parliamentarians consider resolutions on security, economic and environmental concerns and human rights Full Article Parliamentary Assembly Border management Combating human trafficking Economic activities Good governance Human rights Tolerance and non-discrimination Press release
business and finance Tajik Border Troops Officers complete OSCE patrol leadership course By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 05 Aug 2016 06:49:09 +0000 DUSHANBE, 5 August 2016 – Twenty officers of the Tajik Border Troops, ranked between warrant officer and major, mainly coming from border detachments on the Afghan and Tajik border, successfully completed a four-week course today on patrolling and leadership at the Gissar Training Centre in Dushanbe. The course, organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, focused on enhancing participants’ knowledge of conducting observation missions using topographical maps, satellite imagery and other tools. They also learned about reporting and analysis, repelling methods, communications and tactical movement. Uniforms and common tactical equipment were given to each participant. Separate medical lessons were delivered by trainers from the United States Embassy in Tajikistan. The sessions on gender mainstreaming and demining awareness were delivered by experts of the OSCE Office. Two officers of the Tajik Border Troops, who previously passed the course, also supported the OSCE in delivering the lessons. OSCE Office in Tajikistan Counter-terrorism and Police issues Adviser Wolfgang Nikolaus, congratulated the officers on completing the course and said: “The OSCE continues supporting efforts to enhance the capacity of Tajik Border Troops Staff by providing such high-quality training courses." The course is the eighth to be held under the third phase of the Patrol Programming and Leadership Project. The Project aims to increase the capacities of Tajik border staff in detection and interdiction of illegal cross-border movements. Related StoriesOSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop on verifying the authenticity of security documentsOSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police AcademyOSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims Full Article OSCE Office in Tajikistan Border management Central Asia Press release
business and finance OSCE Mission to Skopje organises workshop on hate crime for police managers By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:57:52 +0000 Ioanna Lachana, OSCE Mission to Skopje Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje The OSCE Mission to Skopje organized a workshop on 23 June 2016 for 35 police managers from the Sector of Internal Affairs on identification, prevention and investigation of hate crimes. The aim of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of police officers to identify hate crimes and provide responses in line with democratic policing principles and international human rights standards. This workshop complemented other previous and ongoing activities of the Mission in this area which are implemented in co-operation with national authorities. The event was the first in a series of eight workshops which will be held in each sector for internal affairs in the country.Related StoriesOSCE Mission to Skopje organizes two-day workshop on multi-ethnic policingOSCE Mission to Skopje organizes workshop for national Police Union on countering gender-based discriminationOSCE Mission to Skopje supports roundtable discussion on the role of women in creating safer communities Full Article OSCE Mission to Skopje Policing South-Eastern Europe News
business and finance OSCE Mission, police to discuss how to help prevent violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 12:34:40 +0000 PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 27 June 2016 – The OSCE Mission together with the Kosovo Police will hold a two-day conference on preventing violent extremism and radicalization, starting tomorrow in Prishtinë/Priština. The conference will gather representatives of law enforcement agencies, religious communities, civil society, academia and media, and will explore a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the threats of violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo. Participants will also elaborate on measures taken so far to prevent violent extremism and radicalization, as well as the challenges they face. Major Fatos Makolli, Director of the Directorate against Terrorism of the Kosovo Police, and Naim Hoxha, Organized Crime Advisor at the OSCE Mission, will deliver opening remarks. Media representatives are invited to attend the opening of the conference on Tuesday, 28 June 2016, at the Hotel Sirius in Prishtinë/Priština, starting at 09:30 hrs. Related StoriesOSCE Mission assesses implementation of new Criminal Procedure Code of KosovoMini-Olympic Games 2016OSCE Mission-organized Junior Basketball Tournament Full Article OSCE Mission in Kosovo Policing South-Eastern Europe Media advisory
business and finance OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes workshop for national Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:58:08 +0000 Ioanna Lachana, OSCE Mission to Skopje Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje The OSCE Mission to Skopje on 28 June 2016 launched a two-day workshop for 22 members of the Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination with the aim of advancing the position of women in police services and increasing gender sensitivity among police officers. The workshop focused on areas of gender-based discrimination in employment, education, health and family, explaining what gender inequality is and how it is addressed in international and domestic legislation and in practice. Participants will learn how to identify harassment and sexual harassment as forms of discrimination, as well as workplace bullying. The legal protection, prevention and measures against such bullying will be illustrated through real cases. This workshop is part of the Mission’s programme to support the democratization of the Police and is in line with the Mission’s efforts to encourage gender equality in all segments of society.Related StoriesOSCE Mission to Skopje organizes two-day workshop on multi-ethnic policingOSCE Mission to Skopje organises workshop on hate crime for police managersOSCE Mission to Skopje supports roundtable discussion on the role of women in creating safer communities Full Article OSCE Mission to Skopje Gender equality Policing South-Eastern Europe News
business and finance OSCE Office in Tajikistan publishes manual on countering domestic violence By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:21:04 +0000 DUSHANBE, 29 June 2016 – Copies of the new Manual on Countering Domestic Violence, published by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, were presented today to the Interior Ministry for further distribution among police inspectors dealing with cases related to this crime. The Manual aims at increasing the professional skills of Tajik law enforcement agencies and is primarily designed for police inspectors who work to promote the implementation of the law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence. The law was adopted in 2013. “Countering domestic violence is an important part of work carried out by the law enforcement on a daily basis, and the Manual equips the police inspectors with necessary tools to deal with both victims of domestic violence and the perpetrators,” said Ali Bobonazarzoda, National Co-ordinator on Police Reform under the Interior Ministry of Tajikistan. Viorelia Rusu, the OSCE Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer, said: “Importantly, the Manual also includes aspects of referral and building local partnerships in effective protection of violence survivors.” By exploring the phenomenon of domestic violence through understanding the psychology of offenders and victims, as well as challenging stereotypes and examining aspects of gender equality, the Manual identifies the concrete role for police personnel in countering this negative social phenomenon. It also outlines the roles of police inspectors by taking a multidisciplinary and holistic approach of support and protection for the victims through close co-operation with civil society and community leaders. The Manual also provides guidance on how to work with both victims and offenders in order to prevent and address cases of domestic violence. The publication is a part of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s activities to implement its Gender Strategy for 2016-2018, which supplements the OSCE’s wider 2004 Gender Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality. The electronic version of the Manual in the Tajik and Russian languages is available online at: http://www.osce.org/tajikistan/248201.Related StoriesTajik Ministry of Internal Affairs officials complete OSCE-organized training course on effective intervention in domestic violence casesOSCE Office in Tajikistan supports regional training courses on rights of persons in police custodyOSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop for law enforcement agencies and civil society Full Article OSCE Office in Tajikistan Gender equality Policing Central Asia Press release
business and finance OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports newly established working group on police reform By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 01 Jul 2016 15:10:59 +0000 Ilona Asyrankulova The Kyrgyz Government, in co-ordination with the Parliament and the Public Council of the Interior Ministry, on 30 June 2016 issued, as a result of the advocacy efforts of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, a decree authorizing the establishment of a working group on police reform. The working group, chaired by the Head of the Department on Defence, Law Enforcement and Emergency, Sagynbaev Damir, under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Office, includes members of the Parliament, Heads of Ministries, relevant State agencies, the Defence Council, as well as representatives of international organizations, including the OSCE Centre and civil society. The first meeting of the working group is expected to take place on 12 July 2016. Through the continuous support of the OSCE Centre’s programme on Police matters, the Forum of Parliamentarian Women successfully advocated for the establishment of the working group with the aim of strengthening parliamentary control over the police reform. “The OSCE Centre in Bishkek welcomes the initiative of the Government to engage in a reform of the police as a starting point for a comprehensive security sector reform,” said Pavel Khalashnyuk, Acting Head of Police Affairs of OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “The OSCE will continue assisting Kyrgyz authorities in their efforts through expert and methodological assistance, information sharing, analysis of best practice, and technical support.” The OSCE Centre, as part of its police reform project, provided Kyrgyz authorities with international expertise on issues related to police reform and the development of relevant legislation and mechanisms to ensure that this significant effort is carried out in compliance with international standards and OSCE commitments.Related StoriesOSCE Centre in Bishkek supports workshop on crime prevention through partnerships between police, civil organizations and the publicOSCE Centre in Bishkek supports summer school on topical issues of police reformOSCE Centre in Bishkek enhances police investigators’ skills in crime investigation techniques Full Article OSCE Centre in Bishkek Policing Central Asia News
business and finance OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports workshop on crime prevention through partnerships between police, civil organizations and the public By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Fri, 08 Jul 2016 11:42:09 +0000 Ilona Asyrankulova Fifty-two representatives of Local Crime Prevention Centres (LCPCs) in Kyrgyztsan, including members of the courts of Aksakals (local elders), women and youth councils completed a two-day workshop supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on 7July 2016 in Osh, with the aim of enhancing interactions between the police, civil organizations and the public. Participants improved their practical skills on analyzing security situations and applying problem-solving methods, and in strengthening effective communication with the police and other stakeholders. LCPC members learned about the development and implementation of crime prevention projects and programmes. Participants also revised the normative-legal documents that regulate LCPCs and crime prevention activities. “Preserving public order and preventing crime is the shared responsibility of the police, local self-government bodies, and local communities,” said Pavel Khalashnyuk, acting Head of Police Affairs at the OSCE Centre. “This training course seeks to strengthen this collective, consultative approach and the LCPCs’ capacity to foster community engagement in crime prevention and to strengthen the effectiveness of the partnership with police in addressing community security concerns.” The workshop was conducted at the Community Policing Training Centre by a local expert and trainers from the Main Directorate for Public Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and of the Ministry’s Academy.Related StoriesOSCE Centre in Bishkek supports newly established working group on police reformOSCE Centre in Bishkek supports summer school on topical issues of police reformOSCE Centre in Bishkek enhances police investigators’ skills in crime investigation techniques Full Article OSCE Centre in Bishkek Policing Central Asia News
business and finance OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes two-day workshop on multi-ethnic policing By feeds.osce.org Published On :: Tue, 12 Jul 2016 12:37:09 +0000 Ioanna Lachana, OSCE Mission to Skopje Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje The OSCE Mission to Skopje, in co-operation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, organized a two-day workshop in Ohrid on policing in a multi-ethnic society on 11 and 12 July 2016. Some forty police officers of different ethnicities working in Ohrid and Bitola police stations attended the event and exchanged information and experiences related to multi-ethnic policing. The workshop also served as a platform for generating ideas on future measures to foster effective functioning of ethnically mixed police units and ensure the acceptance and equal treatment of police officers coming from smaller communities. The workshop is one of the ways the Mission is supporting efforts to strengthen police capacities and build trust across multi-ethnic communities. Related StoriesOSCE Mission to Skopje organizes workshop for national Police Union on countering gender-based discriminationOSCE Mission to Skopje organises workshop on hate crime for police managersOSCE Mission to Skopje supports roundtable discussion on the role of women in creating safer communities Full Article OSCE Mission to Skopje Policing South-Eastern Europe News