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Dinner with H.E. Mariana Plaza: A Glimpse into Argentina–UK Bilateral Relations

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On Tuesday, 25 November, members of the Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council (CFCC) gathered in the Attlee Room at the House of Lords for a dinner with Her Excellency Mariana Plaza, Ambassador of Argentina to the United Kingdom. The Ambassador was warmly welcomed by Baroness Meyer, Chairman of the CFCC.

Her Excellency Mariana Plaza brings an extensive diplomatic career, having held senior roles including Chief of Cabinet for the Deputy Foreign Secretary and the Under-secretariat for International Economic Negotiations, with a particular focus on MERCOSUR. Her professional experience spans three continents, with postings to the Argentine Mission in Montevideo and the Embassy in Kenya. From 2019, she served as Head of the Political Section, and from 2020 as Deputy Head of Mission in London, before assuming her role as Argentine Ambassador in 2024.

Guests enjoyed dinner before Baroness Hooper welcomed attendees, the Ambassador, and her husband, Minister Gonzalo Ortiz de Zárate. Baroness Hooper provided a brief outline of the Ambassador’s career, describing her as “a breath of fresh air”.

whatsapp image 2025 12 18 at 6.54.23 pm Dinner with H.E. Mariana Plaza: A Glimpse into Argentina–UK Bilateral Relations

In her address, Her Excellency spoke about the long-standing relationship between Argentina and the United Kingdom, highlighting historical connections through trade, immigration, culture, and education. She noted that 2024 marks 200 years since the first bilateral agreement between the two countries.

The Ambassador reflected on Argentina’s independence 216 years ago and the subsequent waves of immigration from across the United Kingdom. She referenced early Scottish settlers who arrived aboard the ship Symmetry, as well as Welsh communities who settled in Patagonia in the 1860s, where the Welsh language continues to be spoken today.

She also discussed Argentina’s economic development, particularly its role as a major food provider until the 1930s, and the contributions of UK immigrants to sectors such as banking, finance, communications, and shipping. Among these historical ties, she noted that Buenos Aires was once home to the only Harrods store outside London.

Addressing more recent history, Her Excellency acknowledged the South Atlantic conflict of the 1980s and noted that while diplomatic relations were re-established in the 1990s, both countries have maintained dialogue and communication despite differing national positions.

The Ambassador described Argentina as a unique country with so much potential. The eighth largest in the world, “it is going from strength to strength under President Javier Milei”. Change has come through Argentina’s young people. The President spoke to them and to many others, encouraging a new spirit, bringing about a changing attitude. The Ambassador mentioned the Ley Bases a bill passed in Congress described as a framework for the freedom of the Argentine people. She mentioned the three main pillars that the Ley Bases rests on, which are the deregulation of the state, promoting investments, and decreasing the weight of the state in the economy. Along with the Government’s policies, it helped to create a stable macroeconomic environment and rebuild Argentina’s credibility. The President continues to have massive support throughout the country.

Following the address, Baroness Hooper thanked the Ambassador for her work in keeping Argentina on the agenda of the UK Government and opened the floor for questions.

In closing, Her Excellency shared that among the values she would take back from the United Kingdom were its traditions, which she believes contribute to institutional stability and the strengthening of the rule of law.

Among those present were Ms Rebeca Riofrio, Dr Trevor Lee, Mrs Marilyn Clark, Mr Elvijs Plugis, Mr Graham Old, Ms Julia Kernick, Mrs Rosamund Blomfield-Smith, Ms Sue Whitting, Mr Lee Morton, Mr Chris Vary, Ms Belinda Donovan, Mrs Sarah O’Connell and Ms Anna Richmond, along with other guests.

https://www.cfcconline.org.uk/

https://sigulp.com/

Photos by: Guy Lucas

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A Father’s Words to His Sons Become a Larger Conversation About Strength, Presence, and Legacy

New York City, New York (NY)Robert J. DeVito’s A Dad’s Guide to a Life Well Lived explores the choices that help us become people our loved ones can count on.

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Robert J. DeVito’s A Dad’s Guide to a Life Well Lived explores the choices that help us become people our loved ones can count on.

What began as a father’s legacy document for his sons grew into a book for people seeking guidance they never received, and those determined to offer something meaningful to the next generation.

In A Dad’s Guide to a Life Well Lived: Real Lessons on Strength, Pain, and the Choices That Build a Man, Robert J. DeVito explores how the way we live becomes part of what we leave behind.

1 10 A Father’s Words to His Sons Become a Larger Conversation About Strength, Presence, and Legacy

DeVito began writing to preserve the lessons and conversations he wanted his boys to carry into adulthood. He envisioned something they could return to as their circumstances changed and their questions became harder.

As the book’s purpose expanded beyond his family, one question remained at its heart: What will the people we love learn from the way we live?

Through candid reflection and practical guidance, the book connects fatherhood, relationships, money, discipline, and purpose to three central themes: strength, presence, and legacy.

Strength means facing difficult truths and carrying responsibility without losing compassion. Presence means listening, making time, and staying engaged when a conversation becomes uncomfortable. Legacy takes shape in everyday actions: how we treat people, respond to pain, and show up when someone needs us.

For parents and grandparents, these lessons reach beyond the advice they give. They invite reflection on the example children see, the conversations adults make time for, and whether their choices reflect the values they hope to pass down.

For readers who grew up without that guidance, the book offers a starting point for deciding how they want to live and what they want to pass on.

Written by DeVito and edited by Kelsey Sackmann, MS, RD, the guide speaks to sons seeking direction, fathers hoping to share useful lessons, and readers considering their relationships and responsibilities. Its personal foundation gives that broader conversation a clear purpose: to keep becoming someone the people you love can count on.

About the Author

Robert J. DeVito is the author of A Dad’s Guide to a Life Well Lived. Drawing on lessons from his own life, he writes about fatherhood, responsibility, relationships, and what one generation passes to the next.

The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5K8JBGH
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dads-guide-to-a-life-well-lived-rd-kelsey-sackmann/1148991951?ean=9798274211178

For review copies, interview requests, or additional information, please contact:

Media Contact Details
Robert J. DeVito
BrightKey PR
Email: Send Email
Phone: 6466400262

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LiquidAcre Selects Uphold to Power Digital Asset Infrastructure and Future Tokenized Real Estate Offerings

San Francisco, CAUphold provides a platform allowing investors to buy, sell and hold tokenized digital assets, backed by real estate LiquidAcre opts for Uphold thanks to its experience in serving millions of users, compliance-first approach and rapid time to market LiquidAcre, a financial technology company building a platform designed to expand access to real-world assets and digital […]

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  • Uphold provides a platform allowing investors to buy, sell and hold tokenized digital assets, backed by real estate
  • LiquidAcre opts for Uphold thanks to its experience in serving millions of users, compliance-first approach and rapid time to market

Launch Liquid Acre kilm uphold 1200x720 1 1024x614 1 LiquidAcre Selects Uphold to Power Digital Asset Infrastructure and Future Tokenized Real Estate Offerings

LiquidAcre, a financial technology company building a platform designed to expand access to real-world assets and digital financial services, has selected Uphold (the infrastructure provider for on-chain finance) to power trading, custody, KYC, among other services to fulfill part of the infrastructure for tokenized real estate.

LiquidAcre’s platform is designed to modernize how individuals access, understand, and manage real-world and digital assets. The first phase of the ecosystem introduces the LiquidAcre Wallet, a secure digital gateway designed to provide users with access to digital assets and financial tools through a simple, intuitive experience with user-friendly on and off ramping.

The second phase is expected to introduce the LiquidAcre Marketplace, where eligible users will be able to discover and participate in tokenized basic RWAs, and real estate opportunities. LiquidAcre is currently developing the legal, regulatory, and technology framework for this phase, with digital securities and tokenization services expected to be provided through appropriately regulated third-party alliances.

Wes Watkins, LiquidAcre’s CEO and Co-Founder, states “LiquidAcre’s vision is to bring real estate and land participation on-chain in a compliant, transparent, and user-friendly way. Real estate represents one of the world’s largest asset classes, yet access and liquidity remain significant challenges. We believe blockchain technology and regulated digital structures have the potential to create more efficient ways for people to participate in real-world assets. We are delighted to work with Uphold in building the financial infrastructure that supports that vision, and to benefit from their long experience in delivering licensed digital asset services to millions of users.”

Simon McLoughlin, Uphold CEO, commented: “Tokenized Real World Assets (RWAs) open up new ways for investors to trade a range of asset classes. It’s the rebuilding of financial markets on blockchain rails, with all the benefits that entails in terms of speed, convenience, transparency, access and consumer choice. We anticipate that all traditional asset classes will be tokenized in the next five years. And we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of that transition by supporting LiquidAcre in their drive to deliver more accessible tokenized real estate to the masses.” 

As the LiquidAcre ecosystem develops, the platform is also intended to create new opportunities for property developers and asset managers by supporting more efficient digital structures for offerings tied to property income, long-term development projects, and asset appreciation, subject to the applicable regulatory requirements and the involvement of appropriately regulated alliances.

Under the deal, Uphold will provide the platform which will allow investors to onboard, fund accounts, move money, trade digital assets, and hold tokenized digital assets. 

Uphold’s enterprise platform-as-a-service delivers a comprehensive set of processes and workflows – incorporating compliance and KYC measures – that will facilitate operations such as digital asset custody, fiat and stablecoin funding, settlement, and the ability to convert between traditional currencies and digital assets. Uphold’s enterprise customers can integrate these capabilities into their own branded digital environments, meaning that the end user enjoys the reassurance of managing their digital assets within a familiar interface and well known customer protection and asset reserves. 

Wes Watkins adds: “There were a number of impressive aspects to the Uphold proposition. Their proven ability to get the trading platform live in a matter of weeks, rather than years, was a key driver for us. And their laser focus on helping us fulfil compliance requirements was another big draw.” 

Digital securities associated with future LiquidAcre real estate offerings are expected to be issued and tokenized through a regulated broker dealer.

About Uphold

Uphold is a financial technology company that believes on-chain services are the future of finance. It provides modern infrastructure for on-chain payments, banking and investments. Offering Consumer Services, Business Services and Institutional Trading, Uphold makes financial services easy and trustworthy for millions of customers in more than 140 countries. 

Uphold integrates with more than 30 trading venues, including centralized and decentralized exchanges, to deliver superior liquidity, resilience and optimal execution. Uphold never loans out customer assets, except at customer request, and is always 100% reserved. 

The company pioneered radical transparency and uniquely publishes its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds on a public website (https://uphold.com/en-us/transparency).

Uphold is regulated in the U.S. by FinCen and State regulators; and is registered in the UK with the FCA and in Europe with the Bank of Portugal. Securities products and services are offered by Uphold Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC.

To learn more about Uphold’s products and services, visit uphold.com.

About LiquidAcre

LiquidAcre’s long-term mission is to make participation in real-world assets more accessible, transparent, and intuitive while maintaining a strong focus on compliance, investor protection, and responsible financial infrastructure.

To learn more about LiquidAcre and its products and services, visit liquidacre.com.

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Vest Raises $13M to Build a Prop Trading Firm That Doesn’t Bet Against Its Traders

NEW YORK, NYVest Labs, the company behind the Vest Markets trading platform, has raised $13 million in a round led by Portal Ventures to build the most trader-friendly cross-asset exchange. The company closed the round at $10 million in annualized revenue on $18 million raised in total. Since then, growth has accelerated sharply: daily revenue grew from […]

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Vest Labs, the company behind the Vest Markets trading platform, has raised $13 million in a round led by Portal Ventures to build the most trader-friendly cross-asset exchange. The company closed the round at $10 million in annualized revenue on $18 million raised in total. Since then, growth has accelerated sharply: daily revenue grew from $25,000 to over $1 million in two weeks in September. More than 27,000 traders now use the platform, most of whom are traditional markets traders who have never traded crypto or perps.

Screenshot 2026 10 07 at 15.26.03 Vest Raises $13M to Build a Prop Trading Firm That Doesn’t Bet Against Its Traders

At Vest, traders have access not only to a full-fledged perpetual futures exchange, but also to an embedded retail prop trading platform. Retail prop trading, where traders pay a fee to prove their skill and then trade a firm’s capital for a share of the profits, has grown by around 45% in the past year. But most prop firms take the other side of their traders’ positions, so they make money when their traders lose. The result is complicated rules designed to end accounts before they pay out. Industry data suggests only around 7% of people who buy a prop firm evaluation are ever paid.

Vest is built differently. Vest is not exposed to its traders’ wins or losses, so it has no reason to write rules against them. Traders pay a one-time fee to trade in a simulated trading environment, can never lose more than that fee, and trade stocks, indices and crypto 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Vest’s recent hypergrowth among traditional markets traders comes from two things: trader-friendly rules and simplicity. As of late September, 26% of Vest traders had received a payout, nearly four times the industry average, and the exchange’s monthly active traders and volume have grown more than 300% month over month.

“Most prop firms make money when their traders lose, so the rules are built to make you fail,” said Justin Ma, founder and CEO of Vest. “We don’t make money when our traders lose, so we have no reason to work against them. We believe perpetual futures are the most trader-friendly way to trade with leverage, and that futures and options traders will move onto them. Funded accounts make that move easy, since traders can start without risking their own capital. This round lets us bring that to far more people.”

“Against all odds’ encapsulates what Vest is about. They say you need a massive marketing budget to win the attention economy. Vest did it with no ads, no token incentives, and no shortcuts. It is incredibly inspiring to witness this journey as an investor: just five years of relentless execution and an unwavering belief that the best product can sell itself,” said Catrina Wang, General Partner at Portal Ventures.

The raise comes as US markets move toward round-the-clock trading, with Nasdaq set to extend stock trading to 23 hours a day from December. Vest will use the funding to launch its mobile app, add new markets and grow the team.

About Vest

Vest builds trading products that give retail traders a fair shot. Vest Markets is a 24/7 venue for perpetual futures on stocks, indices, commodities, FX and crypto. Vest’s funded accounts let traders pay a one-time evaluation fee, trade with real buying power once they pass, and never lose more than that fee. Every funded trade is placed in the real market, so Vest never takes the other side of its traders’ positions. Vest is backed by Portal Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, Amber Group, Selini Capital, Auros, Flowdesk and more.

Learn more at vestmarkets.com

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Jamie Kingsley
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