Author: King

OBN Digital, the marketing powerhouse behind OBN Capital under Matteus Ribeiro and Davi Oliveira, expands to aviation amid a $41B market surge.

Brazil, 14th Mar 2026 – OBN Digital, the marketing powerhouse behind financial giant OBN Capital, is expanding into private aviation. The move comes just as the sector prepares for a forecasted $41 billion market surge by 2030.

The private aviation industry is entering a period of unprecedented transformation. With global market valuations projected to climb from $29.87 billion in 2025 to $31.9 billion this year, the sector is becoming an increasingly attractive arena for cross-industry diversification. Yet, the real story isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about who is entering the space and how they are changing the rules of engagement.

Leading that charge is OBN Capital, which has officially announced the expansion of its marketing arm, OBN Digital, into the private aviation sector. The move signals a strategic pivot for the brand, leveraging its financial expertise to capture high-net-worth clients in the skies, while simultaneously reshaping the infrastructure of executive travel in Latin America.

The Strategy Behind the Skies

At the helm of this expansion is CEO Matteus Ribeiro, who has been instrumental in steering OBN Capital’s growth across multiple asset classes. Under his leadership, the firm has consistently identified convergence points between finance and lifestyle. According to Ribeiro, the decision to enter aviation was driven by data highlighting the convergence of luxury travel and corporate mobility.

“Marketing in the financial sector has always been about selling trust and exclusivity,” said Ribeiro. “OBN Digital is applying those same principles to private aviation. We aren’t just moving aircraft. We are moving the lifestyle and business needs of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Our clients expect the same level of precision from their travel as they do from their investment portfolios.”

Leading the charge on the ground, or rather, in the air, is Davi Oliveira, who has been appointed as the General Governor of the Marketing Division for the new aviation venture. Oliveira’s mandate is to bridge the gap between traditional finance marketing and the experiential nature of private flight.

“Private flyers aren’t just passengers. They are investors in time efficiency,” Oliveira explained. “Our marketing approach will treat every charter not as a transaction, but as a touchpoint in a broader financial relationship. Whether it’s a fractional ownership campaign or a luxury empty-leg promotion, we are telling the story of access. We are curating an experience that begins the moment a client considers a trip and continues long after they’ve landed.”

Oliveira’s team is already developing integrated campaigns that target C-suite executives and family offices, emphasizing the value of “dead time” recovery. These are the hours saved by avoiding commercial travel that can be reinvested into business or family.

A New Hub at Catarina Aeroporto Executivo

A cornerstone of this expansion is OBN Capital’s deepening relationship with Catarina Aeroporto Executivo. Located in São Roque, just 45 minutes outside São Paulo, Catarina is Brazil’s first international airport dedicated exclusively to executive aviation. Operated by luxury developer JHSF, the facility operates 24 hours a day and features a runway longer than São Paulo’s Congonhas. It is capable of handling large-cabin global jets like the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global 7500.

But Catarina is more than just a runway. It is a luxury ecosystem. Situated within the sprawling Fazenda Boa Vista development, the airport offers passengers immediate access to high-end hotels, golf courses, and exclusive residential communities. This synergy between travel and destination makes it an ideal hub for the modern private flyer.

OBN Capital has played a pivotal role in transforming the airport into an international gateway. Sources confirm that the firm has acted as a strategic facilitator, bringing foreign big private chartering companies to own their own hangars at the airport. This strategy effectively creates a “fly-in” ecosystem where international operators can establish a physical base in Brazil’s wealthiest market without navigating complex local logistics alone.

This infrastructure play is critical. As commercial congestion at Guarulhos and Congonhas pushes private traffic outward, Catarina is positioning itself as the premier alternative. With private aviation traffic in Brazil expected to grow by over 5 percent annually, having dedicated hangar space is no longer a luxury. It is a competitive necessity. By helping international giants secure their own facilities, OBN Capital is effectively future-proofing their access to the Latin American market.

The Convergence of Marketing and Finance

The aviation industry is seeing a seismic shift in customer behavior. Established corporate clients are becoming more cost-conscious, while new entrants, particularly from high-growth fintech, crypto, and tech sectors, are exploring charter solutions for the first time. These new demographics don’t just want a seat on a plane. They want brand alignment, sustainability options, and seamless digital booking experiences.

This is where OBN Digital’s expertise becomes invaluable. By integrating private aviation into its portfolio, OBN Digital can now offer financial clients a seamless transition from wealth management to wealth lifestyle. Imagine a hedge fund manager reviewing their quarterly performance with OBN Capital while their OBN Digital coordinated private jet, operated by a partner like VistaJet, waits on the tarmac at Catarina. The journey becomes an extension of the boardroom.

“We are seeing a blurring of lines between corporate travel and personal luxury,” added Oliveira. “A client might fly commercially for business but privately for a family vacation. Our job is to capture that entire spectrum and provide solutions that feel bespoke, not transactional.”

The Bigger Picture: An Ecosystem in the Making

The expansion reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the luxury travel space. Just as Wheels Up has integrated global charter solutions and strategic partnerships to create a seamless customer journey, OBN Digital is building an ecosystem where finance meets flight. But OBN’s approach is distinct. Rather than owning aircraft, they are owning the relationship. By controlling the marketing and client acquisition for international operators based at Catarina, they become the gatekeepers of an exclusive audience.

For Matteus Ribeiro and Davi Oliveira, the message is clear. In the new economy, how a client travels is just as important as how they invest. With a foothold at Catarina Aeroporto Executivo and a pipeline of international hangar tenants, OBN Digital is not just entering the aviation market. It is helping to build its infrastructure for the next decade. As the private aviation sector continues its ascent, OBN Capital is positioning itself not merely as a participant, but as an architect of the industry’s future.

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Country:Brazil

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Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Readers should conduct their own research or consult a professional before making decisions based on the information provided.

OBN Capital is a hedge fund based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Established following the 2021 rebranding from KPS Capital, the firm manages a diversified portfolio across multiple asset classes, including securities, bonds, cryptocurrency, luxury real estate, and infrastructure. Investments are focused on sectors such as renewable energy, fintech, global infrastructure, and prestige hospitality, with operations extending to Latin America, Europe, and other regions. Matteus Ribeiro serves as CEO and majority shareholder.

Brazil, 10th Mar 2026 – OBN Capital, a hedge fund, today outlined its strategic investment priorities across several industries and announced details of its operational expansion in Sao Paulo.

The firm focuses on a diversified portfolio that includes securities, bonds, cryptocurrency, luxury real estate, and infrastructure investments, with an emphasis on opportunities in Latin America and Europe. In the renewable energy sector, OBN Capital directs investments toward projects involving solar, wind, and hydroelectric power generation, as well as energy storage solutions and grid modernization initiatives. These investments are structured to support long-term infrastructure development in regions with growing demand for sustainable energy sources. The firm evaluates opportunities based on regulatory environments, technological feasibility, and market demand, aiming to allocate resources to projects that align with global energy transition trends without overexposure to volatile subsectors.

In fintech, OBN Capital invests in platforms and technologies related to digital payments, blockchain applications, lending solutions, and financial inclusion tools. The firm prioritizes investments in established fintech infrastructures that facilitate cross-border transactions and improve access to financial services in underserved markets. Investment decisions in this area incorporate assessments of cybersecurity measures, regulatory compliance, and scalability, with a focus on integrating these technologies into broader economic systems in Latin America and Europe.

Global infrastructure represents another key area for OBN Capital, where investments target transportation networks, logistics facilities, and urban development projects. The firm participates in funding for roads, ports, airports, and telecommunications infrastructure, evaluating opportunities based on economic impact, public-private partnership structures, and long-term revenue potential. These investments are designed to contribute to regional connectivity and economic growth, with careful consideration of environmental and social governance factors in project selection.

Prestige hospitality assets form part of the firm’s investment strategy, including high-end hotels, resorts, and related real estate developments. OBN Capital assesses these opportunities through analysis of location, market positioning, and operational efficiency, directing resources toward properties that serve international tourism and business travel sectors. The approach emphasizes asset management practices that maintain value over time, incorporating data on occupancy rates, revenue per available room, and regional economic indicators.

Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), OBN Capital adopts a strategic approach that emphasizes caution and risk mitigation. The firm has scaled back commitments to AI-related infrastructure and projects, particularly in areas identified as high-risk due to potential instability, regulatory uncertainties, and market saturation. This includes reductions in exposure to AI-driven ventures in the 30-50% range for certain categories, redirecting resources toward more stable sectors such as those mentioned above. The strategy involves ongoing evaluations of AI technologies’ integration into existing portfolios, prioritizing diversification to limit downsides while monitoring developments in AI applications that could complement other investment areas without introducing excessive volatility. This measured stance reflects the firm’s broader commitment to disciplined risk management across all sectors, ensuring that investments align with long-term stability objectives rather than short-term trends in emerging technologies.

The firm was rebranded in 2021 following a management buyout of KPS Capital. Since the rebranding, OBN Capital has maintained assets under management across its diversified portfolio. Matteus Ribeiro has served as CEO and majority shareholder since that time.

As part of its expansion, OBN Capital has established its headquarters in Sao Paulo at Edifício Morumbi, a 3,000-square-meter space. The firm has relocated employees from Europe to Brazil to support operations in the region. Internship programs have been introduced for Portuguese- and English-speaking candidates interested in finance roles. These programs provide training in areas such as market analysis and operational procedures.

A junior analyst development program is integrated into the Sao Paulo operations, covering fundamental analysis, macroeconomic modeling, and real estate deal structuring. Participants engage in structured coursework and practical assignments related to portfolio evaluation and sector-specific research. The program is open to early-career professionals and includes modules on data analysis tools and investment valuation techniques.

OBN Digital, the firm’s media and marketing division, provides services to clients in the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. The division offers digital marketing solutions, including targeted advertising campaigns and network marketing strategies tailored to e-commerce brands and other sectors. Recent initiatives include product lines focused on musical artists and large e-commerce entities, emphasizing content creation, audience engagement, and performance metrics tracking.

Looking forward, OBN Capital continues to identify renewable energy, fintech, global infrastructure, and prestige hospitality assets as priority sectors. The firm plans to expand its geographic diversification, including into Asia, through investments in enterprise software, logistics, and related platforms. Operational plans include increasing the number of clients served by OBN Digital and enhancing employee training programs to support growth in these areas.

The firm’s approach to all investments incorporates regular reviews of market conditions, risk assessments, and compliance with applicable regulations. This framework ensures that portfolio decisions are based on data-driven analysis and align with the firm’s operational goals.

About OBN Capital

OBN Capital is a hedge fund based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Established following the 2021 rebranding from KPS Capital, the firm manages a diversified portfolio across multiple asset classes, including securities, bonds, cryptocurrency, luxury real estate, and infrastructure. Investments are focused on sectors such as renewable energy, fintech, global infrastructure, and prestige hospitality, with operations extending to Latin America, Europe, and other regions. Matteus Ribeiro serves as CEO and majority shareholder.

For more information, contact: press@obncapital.net

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Contact Person: Lucas Kroshav

Website: https://obncapital.net

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +16467979955

Country:Brazil

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Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All information is based on current operations and publicly available details as of the date of publication.

With 500 volunteers active across the country, the initiative combines community outreach, athlete participation and a broader Scientology-supported prevention framework centred on education and responsibility

Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 5th Mar 2026 — A drug-prevention campaign underway in Italy has distributed more than one million informational booklets in the past month, according to organisers, as approximately 500 volunteers continue outreach activities aimed at helping young people and families better understand the risks associated with drug use.

The initiative, carried out under the title La Verita sulla Droga (“The Truth About Drugs”), is part of the educational work of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international prevention programme supported for many years by members of the Church of Scientology and by Scientology-sponsored social betterment networks. In Italy, the current phase of the campaign has also been supported within the wider prevention efforts encouraged by the European Office of the Church of Scientology, helping reinforce visibility and coordination for a large-scale public education effort.

Organisers describe the campaign as a direct response to what they see as one of the central social and public health challenges affecting younger generations. Rather than focusing only on the consequences of addiction after the fact, the campaign’s stated approach is prevention through information: providing factual, accessible educational materials so that young people can understand the effects of commonly used drugs before being pressured to experiment with them.

“The fight against drugs is one of the great challenges of our time,” said Simonetta Sanmartin, the Italian coordinator of the initiative. “Only a collective commitment, supported by solid and responsible education, can stop the expansion of drug trafficking and help build a healthier and more informed society. For this reason, we decided to mobilise a large number of volunteers to allow for broad distribution of The Truth About Drugs in key areas across the Italian peninsula, and we are proud to announce that more than one million booklets have already been provided in just the last month.”

The current Italian campaign has expanded beyond volunteer street distribution alone. Organisers report that more than 100 athletes linked to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have joined the Honour Roll of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, while more than 5,000 local merchants and shopkeepers are helping circulate the materials through their stores and public-facing businesses.

This has given the campaign a notably broad civic dimension, combining volunteer action, commercial participation and public visibility. In practical terms, organisers say this allows prevention information to reach people not only in schools or formal settings, but also in the daily spaces where families, adolescents and communities interact.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is known internationally for producing drug education materials designed to explain the physical, mental and social impact of substance abuse in direct and understandable language. In Italy, the La Verita sulla Droga campaign currently uses a package of prevention resources that goes well beyond a single booklet series. According to the organisers, these materials include 14 different informational booklets, 16 public service announcements, a 100-minute documentary focused on 11 of the most commonly used drugs, and a teacher’s guide designed to help educators address the issue in a structured classroom setting.

The programme’s organisers say these resources are intended to support prevention through consistent, fact-based education. They also state that the proportion of young people who complete prevention education programmes of this kind and then decide not to use drugs is increasing, which they cite as an encouraging sign for continued investment in early awareness rather than reactive intervention.

Within the broader Scientology framework, anti-drug education is presented as part of a wider social betterment approach that includes community responsibility, prevention, ethical living and public awareness. The Church of Scientology has long supported secular humanitarian campaigns in areas such as drug prevention, human rights education and moral education, and Drug-Free World is one of the best-known of those initiatives.

That framework is rooted in the social philosophy of L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, who consistently argued that communities become stronger when individuals are equipped with truthful information, personal responsibility and practical tools to avoid destructive influences. In this context, drug prevention is not treated as an isolated campaign, but as part of a broader effort to strengthen families, protect youth and improve social conditions through education.

For that reason, the Church of Scientology’s involvement in the campaign is not limited to endorsement. Scientology churches, missions, affiliated groups and members have helped make the materials of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World available free of charge, so that educators, parents, volunteers and community groups can use them in prevention work without financial barriers. In Italy, that support has helped enable mass distribution and the broader logistical effort now underway.

The Italian campaign therefore sits within a wider network of Scientology-supported social initiatives that seek to address problems before they become more difficult and costly for society. Organisers say this preventive model is particularly important at a time when drug abuse continues to affect not only individual health, but also family stability, educational outcomes and the wider social environment.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, said the initiative reflects a broader European principle of shared civic responsibility. “Across Europe, prevention works best when it is grounded in truthful information, community participation and a real sense of responsibility toward the next generation,” Arjona said. “Programmes like this one show how families, educators, volunteers and civil society can work together to protect young people, reinforce public health and uphold the values of dignity, responsibility and human rights that are central to European democratic life.”

The campaign remains active across Italy, with organisers indicating that distribution efforts are continuing in multiple cities. The objective, they say, is to maintain the pace of outreach achieved in recent weeks while extending the reach of prevention education to more schools, businesses, families and local communities.

Campaign materials can also be consulted online through the Italian project website, where the booklets and other educational resources are made available as part of the broader prevention effort.

The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the European continent. Scientology Europe reports a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by the national and international provisions of Freedom of Religion or belief.

Media Contact

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

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Email: Send Email

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City: Brussels

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Puerto Rico Opens First Caribbean Ideal Church of Scientology with facilities to contribute to social betterment

Brussels, Belgium, 26th Feb 2026 – A massive Sunday crowd convenes to honor the latest addition to the lively center of San Juan—a new Church of Scientology, located along Juan Ponce de Leon Avenue, among the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

New facility in downtown San Juan highlights interfaith cooperation, community programmes and humanitarian outreach as dignitaries mark a milestone for the island’s religious landscape

BRUSSELS / SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — 24 February 2026 — The Church of Scientology inaugurated its new Ideal Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico on Sunday, 22 February 2026, with a public Grand Opening celebration in downtown San Juan. It is the first Ideal Org in the Caribbean and a new community hub intended to support religious services alongside local social initiatives.

The new church is located along Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon in the Santurce area—an artery among San Juan’s busiest thoroughfares—and at 1208 Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon, San Juan, PR 00907.

As published by Scientology Today, the Grand Opening brought together parishioners, guests and local representatives for a ribbon-cutting and tours of the church’s facilities, including public-facing information areas and spaces intended for introductory services and community engagement.

[Mr. David Miscavige with (from left): Ms. Zorimar Betancourt, President, San Juan Violence Prevention and Support Network; Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, San Juan Faith-Based Coordinator and Advisor to the City Mayor; Ms. Mery Dacosta, President, Human Rights Coalition, Puerto Rico; and Lt. Hector Ayala, Director, Police Athletic League, Puerto Rico Police Bureau.]

A public celebration with civic and interfaith participants

In remarks cited by the Church, Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, addressed the crowd and linked the opening to the island’s identity and civic pride: “Who can deny the magnetism of these waters surrounding your Isle of Enchantment,” “An island that moves to its own rhythm, an island that generates its own current—for the true power of Puerto Rico is her people. And just like your beloved coquí, you are unmistakable, you are indomitable, you are impossible to silence. And here stands the living proof: your new Ideal Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico!”

Local speakers highlighted collaboration between faith communities and public institutions. Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, San Juan’s Faith-Based Coordinator and an advisor to the city mayor, emphasized the building’s intended role for shared community aims: “Today we are gaining more than just a building, because here is a place where our communities can come and reach their full potential… With this new Church of Scientology now opening to the community, we are going to make Puerto Rico a model of interfaith and government partnership everywhere.”

Next guest speaker, Lt. Hector Ayala, a Puerto Rico Police Bureau veteran and Director of the Police Athletic League, referred to drug-prevention education and cooperation with Drug-Free World materials. 22 officers earned educator kits as Drug-Free World lecturers—presented as part of a prevention-through-information approach.

Facilities described as designed for both religious and community use

The San Juan report outlines the features typical of an “Ideal Org” in Scientology, describing such churches as facilities aimed at supporting the delivery of religious services for Scientologists and also function as a meeting ground for cooperative initiatives in the wider community.

Among the areas described is a Public Information Center offering “more than 1,000 films” introducing the beliefs and practices of Scientology, the life and legacy of founder L. Ron Hubbard, and Church-supported humanitarian and community outreach programmes. The site narrative also references spaces for introductory courses and seminars, evening and weekend services that provide an overview of Dianetics and Scientology principles and their application in daily life.

In keeping with the tradition described by the Church for its churches worldwide, the building includes an Office of L. Ron Hubbard, presented as a symbolic reminder of the Church’s alignment with Mr Hubbard’s writings and ideals.

Historical references connecting Puerto Rico and L. Ron Hubbard

The Church links the Puerto Rico opening to historical references regarding L. Ron Hubbard’s time on the island. It states that Mr Hubbard led what it describes as the first complete mineral survey of Puerto Rico under US jurisdiction in 1932–1933, a survey that served as a reference for decades. The Puerto Rico House of Representatives later recognized Mr Hubbard’s work, calling it “commendable and meritorious” and “serving the best interests” of Puerto Rico.

As read in the official website of the church Mr Hubbard worked with the Red Cross in hurricane relief before the survey began and conducted ethnological research on the island’s rural jíbaro culture during that period, presenting these as elements of humanitarian interest alongside scientific work.

A milestone in a broader international pattern, including Europe

The Puerto Rico opening is part of a broader pattern of Ideal Churches openings internationally. The Church lists major cities where Ideal Organizations have opened, including multiple European locations such as Brussels, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Basel, Madrid and others.

From a European perspective, that international footprint has often been described by Scientology representatives as a practical, community-facing complement to civic and human-rights frameworks—especially where education, prevention and volunteering contribute to social resilience.

Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, recently framed that approach in the context of civic responsibility and the daily practice of shared values: “Europe’s values become real when they are understood and practised in daily life… [people] are better equipped to act responsibly, resolve disputes lawfully, and protect dignity and freedom—both for themselves and for others.”

Applied to the Puerto Rico milestone, Arjona added that community institutions—religious and civil alike—tend to be most effective when they are transparent, open to dialogue, and focused on practical initiatives that strengthen dignity, responsibility, and cooperation across differences—principles that align with long-standing European priorities around civic participation and human rights.

The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the European continent. “There is a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least all the 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard” said Ivan Arjona.

Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by the national and international provisions of Freedom of Religion or belief.

Media Contact

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org

Email: Send Email

Address:Boulevard de Waterloo 103

City: Brussels

State: Brussels

Country:Belgium

Release id:41980

Lead Contributor Cody Burgat reflects on sustained platform development and editorial consistency

United States, 20th Feb 2026 – FinanceAndMarkets.com has reported continued operational growth across its independent digital publishing platform as it expands informational coverage within the business and financial media space.

The platform stated that steady editorial activity and disciplined publishing practices have contributed to measurable development in its content footprint. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, the company has prioritized structured deployment and internal workflow refinement.

According to FinanceAndMarkets.com, maintaining consistency in publication cadence and editorial formatting remains central to its long-term strategy. The platform continues to evaluate internal processes to ensure alignment across its market, economic, and business coverage sections.

“Sustainable development is built through consistency,” said Cody Burgat, founder of FinanceAndMarkets.com. “We’ve focused on refining our operational structure so that growth occurs within a stable framework.”

The company reiterated that it functions solely as an informational digital media platform and does not provide investment advice, trading services, or predictive financial commentary.

As the platform advances its editorial footprint, FinanceAndMarkets.com plans to continue strengthening internal standards and publishing discipline across its digital infrastructure.

About FinanceAndMarkets.com

FinanceAndMarkets.com is an independent financial information platform delivering organized editorial content related to business, markets, and economic developments.

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Online initiative explains EU values, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights with official sources, scenarios and a self-check quiz

BRUSSELS, Belgium — 19 February 2026 — The European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights has launched “Europe’s Values, Your Rights”, a new online educational guide designed for young adults and written in plain language. The initiative brings together the European Union’s foundational values under Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with links throughout to official EU and Council of Europe materials.

The guide is built around a practical civic-literacy goal: helping readers understand not only what a right is, but also where that right sits in Europe’s institutional architecture and which body is competent in different situations. A recurring source of public confusion—the difference between the European Union and the Council of Europe—is addressed early, including a simplified map of who does what and when the Charter applies versus when the Convention and Strasbourg case-law become relevant.

At the core of “Europe’s Values, Your Rights” is an explanation of the six EU values—human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights—presented with brief examples intended to help young adults recognise how values appear in everyday life: at work, in education, online, and in civic participation. The site anchors these explanations in primary texts, linking users to official documents rather than commentary.

A major section introduces the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as a legally binding text, with a practical explanation of how it binds EU institutions and also Member States when they implement EU law. The guide directs readers to authoritative clarification such as the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) overview of the Charter’s field of application and provides a structured pathway through the Charter’s themes—dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens’ rights and justice—aimed at non-specialist readers.

In parallel, the guide outlines the purpose and scope of the European Convention on Human Rights, describing it as a Council of Europe treaty supervised by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. It notes, in general terms, the principle that applicants normally turn to domestic remedies first and then assess Strasbourg admissibility in line with the Court’s official guidance. The site underlines that it is an educational resource and not legal advice, and refers readers to official instructions and qualified support where appropriate.

Designed for mobile reading habits, the initiative includes a short learning layer: a six-question self-check quiz that tests basic competence and applicability (for example, when the Charter is binding), and a “civic toolkit” that points to established European participation channels and public-information mechanisms such as the European Citizens’ Initiative, the European Parliament petitions portal, and the Commission’s Have Your Say consultations, alongside youth programmes including Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

Brussels, the EU capital: a long-running human-rights presence

The European Office notes that it has maintained a human-rights presence in Brussels—the capital of the European Union—since 1990, evolving in different forms over time. According to the Office, this work has served as a focal point for programmes intended to inform the public about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and how its principles can support a humane and peaceful society grounded in respect for each individual.

That institutional focus is also described in the Office’s statutes. In the wording provided within its internal governance documents, the organisation defines itself as a religious association operating within European legal and human-rights frameworks. The statutes, approved and recorded at the Registry of Religious Entities of the Ministry of Presidency and Justice of the EU meber state Spain, state:

“Article 1.- An entity of organizational nature is constituted […] as a religious association abiding by article 16 of the Constitution, Organic Law 7/1980 of 5 July, on Religious Freedom, article 2.2.(c) of the Royal Decree 594/2015 of July 3rd, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, under the name EUROPEAN OFFICE OF THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND HUMAN RIGHTS, vested with legal personality and full legal capacity, which shall be governed by the aforementioned regulations, the provisions set forth herein, and other applicable laws. Its territorial scope is national and European, and it shall act as an entity of reference for the entire European territory. It shall operate as a purely religious non-profit organisation, which shall be responsible for carrying out its own activities and act as a representative for the various Churches in Europe before national and supranational public and private institutions, fostering that which is set forth in article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and pursuant to article 2.2 of the Organic Law on Religious Freedom, joining to the European values of Human Dignity, Freedom, Democracy, Equality/Equity, the Rule of Law and Human Rights […]”

The same statutory framing links the Office’s work to the structured dialogue foreseen under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which provides for open, transparent and regular dialogue between EU institutions and churches, religious associations, and philosophical and non-confessional organisations.

How the initiative frames Scientology’s ongoing contribution to European values

A dedicated section of the guide (“How Scientology communities contribute”) places the launch within a broader description of Scientology-linked community programmes across Europe that are presented as practical, day-to-day support for the same principles set out in Article 2 TEU. In the guide’s approach, “values” are treated less as abstract declarations and more as measurable civic habits—education, prevention and volunteering—that can reinforce human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law and human rights in local communities.

Within that framework, the guide links to programme areas described as active across Europe, including human-rights education, drug-prevention education, and community assistance through the Volunteer Ministers, alongside other social-betterment and rehabilitation initiatives referenced via Scientology Europe. The guide’s narrative connects these strands to a civic premise: rights protections are strongest when people understand them and communities invest in prevention and responsibility, reducing the conditions in which exploitation, discrimination and social exclusion develop.

Scientology and its founder L. Ron Hubbard are referenced in the initiative as the origin and inspiration for this long-running humanitarian approach, in which educational and social programmes are presented as complementary community-level efforts alongside institutional protections. The guide’s structure reflects that positioning: it begins with Europe’s legal frameworks and institutional roles, then situates community action—education, prevention and volunteering—within that wider European context.

Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, said: “Europe’s values become real when they are understood and practised in daily life. If young adults can clearly distinguish what the EU Charter does, what the European Convention does, and which institution is competent, they are better equipped to act responsibly, resolve disputes lawfully, and protect dignity and freedom—both for themselves and for others.”

Facilities supporting dialogue and community initiatives

The European Office also notes that it has developed facilities in many European cities—citing Madrid and Brussels, alongside other capitals—to plan and coordinate initiatives intended to benefit communities in Europe and beyond. In that context, the Office states that its conference and meeting rooms are made available for seminars, round tables and related events held by human-rights and community-betterment organisations, consistent with the Office’s stated focus on dialogue and education.

The Brussels office is described as open to the public in line with the general practice of Scientology churches and related facilities, with public-facing information and educational materials accessible to visitors during posted opening times.

The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the European continent. Scientology Europe reports a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by the national and international provisions of Freedom of Religion or belief.

Media Contact

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org

Email: Send Email

Address:Boulevard de Waterloo 103

City: Brussels

State: Brussels

Country:Belgium

Release id:41666

The BTCD Foundation has announced the upcoming deployment of its proprietary Layer 1 blockchain infrastructure. This development marks the introduction of a new technical framework designed to support decentralized applications and secure digital transactions. The Foundation has confirmed that the Public Testnet is scheduled to open for user participation on February 15, 2026.

Technical Architecture and Infrastructure

The BTCD platform is engineered as an independent Layer 1 blockchain, distinct from token-based projects that rely on existing third-party networks. The core infrastructure utilizes a hybrid consensus mechanism combining Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) and Proof of Stake (PoS) protocols.

This architectural design is intended to address common scalability challenges in blockchain technology. The technical specifications indicate a capacity for high-volume throughput, with initial testing targeting transaction speeds of over 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) while maintaining sub-second finality. The system is built to operate autonomously, providing a decentralized foundation for developers and users.

Testnet Deployment and Minting Mechanism

Beginning February 15, 2026, the BTCD Foundation will initiate the Public Testnet phase. This phase allows users to interact with the network’s minting protocol to test system stability and performance.

The minting process follows a programmed algorithmic schedule designed to test the network’s long-term sustainability over a projected 25-year timeline. The protocol includes technical halving events scheduled every 2.5 years to regulate the issuance rate of digital assets on the network.

Transition to Mainnet

The Testnet phase is a precursor to the official Mainnet launch, which is currently scheduled for May 15, 2026. The Foundation has outlined a technical migration plan wherein digital assets minted during the Testnet phase will be recognized on the Mainnet system upon its activation.

Ecosystem Development Roadmap

Following the Mainnet launch, the BTCD Foundation plans to deploy a suite of decentralized applications (dApps) integrated directly into the Layer 1 core. The technical roadmap outlines the phased release of nine specific utilities, including:

• Nexora: A decentralized communication protocol.
• Guardian DEX: A decentralized exchange interface.

• WealthBook: A social networking platform integrated with blockchain identity verification.

  Future updates scheduled for later in 2026 involve the integration of automated trading algorithms and asset management utilities.

About BTCD Foundation

The BTCD Foundation is a technology organization focused on the development of Layer 1 blockchain solutions. It aims to build a scalable, secure, and decentralized infrastructure to support the next generation of digital applications.

Testnet Access: http://btcd.foundation

Community Hub: https://t.me/btcdfoundation1

Media Contact

Organization: BTCD FOUNDATION

Contact Person: Mr. Alex – CEO

Website: https://btcd.foundation

Email: Send Email

Country:Panama

Release id:41440

Commitment to organized financial information delivery is now an emphasis, according to Lead Contributor Cody Burgat

United States, 18th Feb 2026 – FinanceAndMarkets.com has introduced a content structuring initiative designed to enhance clarity and consistency across its financial information platform.

The initiative focuses on refining internal topic segmentation, headline alignment, and editorial categorization standards. According to the company, these adjustments are part of a broader commitment to maintaining a structured digital publishing environment for readers navigating business and market-related subjects.

The platform indicated that as digital financial content continues to expand across the internet, maintaining clear topic boundaries and editorial coherence is increasingly important. The updated structuring framework seeks to reinforce uniform formatting practices and content flow across all sections of the site.

“Structured presentation plays an important role in how information is received,” said Cody Burgat, founder of FinanceAndMarkets.com. “Our objective is to maintain consistency and clarity across the platform while preserving a clean editorial format.”

The company noted that the initiative does not change the platform’s role as an informational publishing resource. FinanceAndMarkets.com does not offer financial advisory services, investment recommendations, or trading instruction.

By focusing on internal organization and editorial alignment, the platform continues to position itself as a structured digital media property within the broader financial information space.

About FinanceAndMarkets.com

FinanceAndMarkets.com is an independent digital media platform delivering structured editorial content covering business, markets, and economic developments.

Media Contact

Organization: FinanceAndMarkets

Contact Person: Cody Burgat

Website: https://financeandmarkets.com/

Email: Send Email

Country:United States

Release id:41557

Moscow, Russia – AnBonus, an AI-powered social commerce platform, has initiated its first regional pilot in Russia, with operations based in Moscow. The platform is tailored to local cultural and consumer patterns, reflecting the company’s focus on localized digital engagement.

Moscow, Russia，February 17th – AnBonus, an AI-powered social commerce platform, has initiated its first regional pilot in Russia, with operations based in Moscow. The platform is tailored to local cultural and consumer patterns, reflecting the company’s focus on localized digital engagement.

The initiative includes support for local teams through training and resources, aiming to strengthen operational capabilities and ensure steady project development. The pilot will also provide insights to inform potential broader market expansion.

By combining artificial intelligence with social commerce, AnBonus seeks to explore new approaches to digital interaction in the Russian market.

Media Contact

Organization: ООО “АБОУНЫ”

Contact Person: Anmi

Website: https://www.anbonus.com/

Email: Send Email

Country:Russia

Release id:41520

From February 10 to February 18, the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau will organize delegations to eight countries—the United States, Mexico, Greece, Finland, Australia, Malaysia, Belarus, and Russia.

Spring Begins in the East, Joy Shared Worldwide — 2026 “Galloping into Prosperity” Overseas Happy Chinese New Year to Open a New Chapter in Civilizational Exchange
Beijing,February 16th.From February 10 to February 18, the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau will organize delegations to eight countries—the United States, Mexico, Greece, Finland, Australia, Malaysia, Belarus, and Russia—to host the “Galloping into Prosperity” Happy Chinese New Year cultural exchange activities. The events will integrate a variety of activities, including traditional temple fairs, the “Hello, Beijing” photo exhibition, intangible cultural heritage experiences, cultural and tourism promotion conferences, and zodiac-themed flash mob performances. These initiatives aim to promote the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year and showcase Beijing’s rich cultural and tourism resources. It is expected to attract over a million overseas participants to celebrate the Chinese New Year together.

Zodiac Culture · Contemporary Innovation—The 2026 Bingwu Year of the Horse Zodiac-Themed Flash Mob Conveys Auspicious Meanings

The year 2026 marks the Chinese lunar Bingwu Year of the Horse. In New York City, USA, and Mexico City, Mexico, Zodiac-themed flash mob activities will appear as “unexpected encounters,” with the “Zodiac Horse” making surprise appearances at various landmarks and public spaces. This dynamic and modern approach will introduce Chinese zodiac culture to local communities in a vibrant and engaging way.

“Global Auspicious Zodiac Design Exhibition” Makes a Splendid Debut at United Nations Headquarters in New York

On February 2, the “Global Auspicious Zodiac Design Exhibition” opened at the United Nations Headquarters, showcasing outstanding creative achievements from the twelve-year history of the Global Zodiac Design Competition. On February 11, the Year of the Horse Zodiac Window Display will be unveiled at the Empire State Building in New York. Through the theme of “Two Horses Advancing Together,” the exhibition is expected to convey the auspicious symbolism of prosperity and blessings to an estimated audience of one million visitors. During the event, the book “The Zodiac Culture of China” will also be donated to several universities and cultural institutions in the United States, fostering cultural exchange at both academic and public education levels.

Celebrating Together, Friendship Forever—Sister Cities Open a New Chapter of Friendship
Beijing has long-established sister-city relationships with New York City in the United States, Mexico City in Mexico, Minsk in Belarus, and Moscow in Russia. Choosing these sister cities as the primary venues for the “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations reflects both a heartfelt retrospective of these enduring friendships and a forward-looking vision for the future.
In 2026, Beijing and Helsinki, Finland, will mark the 20th anniversary of their sister-city relationship, coinciding with the 20th consecutive edition of the “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations in Finland. A delegation from Beijing will host a Chinese New Year temple fair in Helsinki, which is expected to attract over 30,000 participants. The event will also extend into local schools, offering immersive experiences such as Peking Opera and traditional music performances, allowing Finnish youth to engage with Chinese culture up close.

In Greece, Beijing and Athens mark the 21st anniversary of their sister-city ties, as well as the 10th consecutive year of the “Happy Chinese New Year” event held in Greece. For the first time, in collaboration with the Athens municipal government, a “Happy Chinese New Year” temple fair will be held at the City Hall Square, and a high-quality Chinese cultural performance will be staged at the Piraeus Municipal Theatre. The festive spirit of the Chinese New Year will radiate along the Aegean coast, adding a heartwarming chapter to the friendship between the two nations.

Square Temple Fairs: Public Celebrations – Iconic Landmarks Around the World Transform into New Year Cultural Festivals

This year’s overseas “Happy Chinese New Year” events have gained remarkable popularity, bringing celebrations to prominent squares, parks, commercial districts, and landmark buildings across multiple countries, allowing local communities to immerse themselves in Chinese New Year traditions up close.
Large-scale New Year temple fairs will be held at locations such as Kamppi Square in Helsinki, Athens City Hall Square, Sydney’s Chinese Garden of Friendship, TRX Square in Kuala Lumpur, and Manezhnaya Square in Moscow. These events will integrate cultural performances, intangible cultural heritage workshops, culinary experiences, and interactive traditional activities, featuring joint performances by Chinese and international artists to create an open, joyful, and participatory public cultural space.

Renowned Artists and Troupes · Intangible Cultural Heritage Craftsmanship—High-Quality Cultural Performances Enhance Cultural Identity

This year’s event brings together numerous outstanding artists and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage at the provincial level and above. The cultural performances integrate diverse art forms such as folk music, dance, martial arts, and acrobatics, showcasing the charm of Chinese culture through high-quality presentations. In Kuala Lumpur and Sydney, several National First-Class Performers and national-level athletes will deliver spectacular performances. In Belarus and Russia, Chinese and international artists will jointly present renowned Chinese and foreign pieces, including “Jasmine Flower” and “Veselukha” (The Merry Moment), creating a harmonious cultural exchange.

At the “Happy Chinese New Year” event, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) experience workshops and masterclasses will be set up, allowing audiences to listen to stories of ICH and participate in hands-on creation. Through interactions with ICH inheritors and practical experiences, participants will deepen their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. In Sydney, Australia, ICH inheritors will demonstrate Cao-style kite making, paper cutting, and sugar figure crafting amidst the scenic landscape of the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Cultural Tourism Promotion · A Two-Way Journey—Comprehensive Promotion of Beijing’s Inbound Tourism

Beijing is actively leveraging the overseas “Happy Chinese New Year” platform to fully promote China’s inbound tourism. Activities such as the “Hello, Beijing” photo exhibition, B2B promotion sessions and seminars, and direct C-end consultations are being held in succession. Local KOLs are invited to share their experiences of traveling and living in Beijing, highlighting the city’s cultural tourism resources and entry facilitation policies. Efforts are also underway to promote the “Beijing Gifts” initiative in Russia, vigorously advocate for the direct Beijing-Helsinki flight, and explore collaboration opportunities with relevant enterprises to help Beijing’s cultural tourism products expand into overseas markets.
In cities like Mexico City and Moscow, B2B seminars targeting tourism enterprises will be organized. Representatives from over twenty key tourism companies will engage in practical dialogues focusing on route development, service alignment, and market demands. Additionally, dedicated B2B matchmaking sessions for Beijing’s cultural tourism promotion will be held in New York, Kuala Lumpur, Helsinki, Athens, and other cities, actively building cooperation platforms for local tourism businesses. Meanwhile, cultural tourism booths will be set up at public events in various countries, distributing multilingual promotional materials to bridge the “last mile” of overseas marketing.

In Finland, Finnish vlogger Rebekka has been invited to serve as an ambassador to enhance communication effectiveness from the perspective of local Finnish citizens, precisely reaching key stakeholders in the local tourism industry. A major announcement will be made at the event: China Southern Airlines will launch a new direct flight from Beijing to Helsinki, covering multiple seasons and long holidays. The service is set to commence on March 29, further fueling the enthusiasm of Finns for traveling to Beijing.
In Malaysia, an innovative promotion model combining “culture + tourism + technology” will dazzle Kuala Lumpur. The “Kaka Digital Camera” will allow audiences to virtually check in at Beijing landmarks, while the globally acclaimed Jiqing Zodiac Design Competition’s collaborative trendy toy, WAKUKU, will engage visitors through interactive activities. This lighthearted and fashionable approach aims to spark overseas interest in traveling to Beijing.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, Beijing’s splendor is set to bloom. During the 2026 Spring Festival, a series of cultural exchange activities—using “Chinese New Year” as a cultural bridge and “Beijing Stories” as an emotional link—will kick off. Let us look forward to this spectacular Spring Festival celebration transcending borders and shining on the world stage across eight countries!

Media Contact

Organization: Beijing Overseas Cutural Exchange Center

Contact Person: Chang Hongjiu

Website: https://www.bocec.cn/Index/article/id/1280

Email: Send Email

Country:China

Release id:41519