Attack Reality!

Seeing it all,

Knowing it all;

And ...

Despising it all

—It’s not the greatest fun.

I’m coping, but

Reality’s presence is a genuine pain.

‘Oh, don’t question it,

Gotta live with it.’

Heaven forbid anyone should fire(!)

A few angry words at it.

Wake up!

I can’t be impressed by

The thinness, the paleness, the coldness

Of everything I’ve been told is

EVERYTHING,

There must be more.

I hurt, man.

Every molecule of my body is straining,

And screaming It can be created!—

This “more” that I need.

Should we believe in the power of art?

Yes.

Art is all I have. I believe.

Er, do you?

Everyone with a pen

Or a laptop,

Everyone with a guitar, a piano,

Everyone with a paintbrush

Or some scraps of metal—Christ, I don’t know;

Everyone with hatred

And a passion for destruction

And creation—

Try your luck.

Reality is a sitting duck.

LSEG Lipper - European fund industry review Q1 2024

Oh, he don't like the capitals no more.

'Strange guy!'

Yeah.

Anyway ...

Dear journalists (and Mikey, and Voice). I'm sharing below the European Fund Industry Review for Q1 2024 (full report is attached). Please contact me directly or newsroom if you have any questions or would like to arrange an interview.

Okay. I'll ask you a question now: What have you done with Nsikan?

Come on!

'No reply, boss.'

Thanks in advance for your support!

Gex

Support?! Whatever.

'Where's Nsikan?!'

He's gone, Voice.

'Gone?!'

Anyway ...

European Fund Industry Review Q1 2024

Key findings:

The promoters of mutual funds (+€2.5 bn) and the promoters of ETFs (+€13.5 bn) enjoyed estimated net inflows for the month. The same pattern is shown for the year so far since the promoters of mutual funds (+€18.4 bn) and the promoters of ETFs (+€48.1 bn) enjoyed inflows over the course of the first three months of 2024.

Long-term products (+€8.6 bn) enjoyed inflows for the month as well as over the course of 2024 so far (+€43.0 bn).

Bond products (+€27.9 bn) was the best-selling asset type for the month and enjoyed also the highest estimated net inflows (+€89.3 bn) for 2024 so far.

Money Market EUR (+€25.5 bn) was the best-selling Lipper Classification for March, as well as over the course of 2024 so far (+€27.8 bn).

Amundi was the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for March (+€5.6 bn), while HSBC (+€14.5 bn) is the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for 2024 so far.

ENDS

Thanks, Gexler!

But it's not the ENDS, not yet.

Bests,

Gexler Diaz

Okay, and into the PDF ...

Detlef and Lucky!!! -

'Yippee!'

Given the product!               ranges of the 10!         top promoters          and the overall!        fund flow             trends it was not!             surprising to see that!          ETFs didnt play a more            important role for the positions             of the leading fund promoters in Europe over the                 course of March graph           11 ten best            selling fund promoters in Europe      March 2024 Euro              millions source!     

Great stuff, guys!

'More!'

Fund flows active           vs passive          products the trend!             toward passive investment                   vehicles is widely!                discussed by market             observers and asset managers                 so it is worthwhile!               to highlight this topic             especially as not all passive products         are ETFs             in fact the flows!                          into ETFs €48     1 bn               were                            outpacing the flows!           into passive index mutual                         I would not totally agree with this assumption                                       In addition                               one needs to bear in mind                           that the flows in money market                      products are impacted by a                                combination of asset allocation                    decisions                         of portfolio                                  managers and                        corporate actions                 such as cash!                                   dividends or cash!                     payments since                      money           market funds are also                             used by corporations!                     as replacements                       for cash accounts given                         the inverted! 

More?

See ya guys

Bye, Lucky.

'Christ! All these guys! Who is who, boss?'

We are we, Voice.

'Who?!'

Just us together.

'Nice one!'

ENDS

...

Anyway, that's it, kooks. Maybe I'll see you in a blue moon.

Laters.

'Bye!'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

Thirty ears of pioneering innovation in alternative investments

Well, that can't be right, can it? They've messed up there, the PR people.

'You have, you mean.'

Shut up.

I'm a bit tired, actually.

Anyway ...

Rowayton, CT - April 30, 2024 - Graham Capital Management ("Graham" or "the Firm"), a global alternative investment manager specializing in macro investing and non-correlated trading strategies, proudly announces the beginning of the Firm's 30th anniversary celebration. As Graham enters this milestone year, the Firm looks forward to seizing new opportunities for continued growth and maintaining its dedication to excellence and innovation in alternative investments.

That's better. Thirty years.

Graham leverages three decades of discretionary and quantitative macro trading experience to create non-correlated alpha strategies that seek to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns and meaningful diversification to its clients' portfolios. The Firm's unique synergy of human expertise and advanced quantitative methodologies integrates innovation with well-informed decision-making. Graham's established -

Look, Christ ... call yourself The Firm or call yourself Graham. Pick one!

'Call yourself Betty!'

Shut up, Voice! Please. I'm dealing with this.

I'm stressed out.

'Let’s go straight to the voices, boss. Life is too short.'

Yeah, okay.

Right. Ken? Come on, son!

"For three decades, Graham's journey has been marked by our pursuit of innovation and excellence, and we take immense pride in our commitment to our clients," says Kenneth Tropin, Graham's Founder and Chairman. "With a truly exceptional, dedicated team, Graham pushes the boundaries of alternative investing while applying real-time risk management techniques. By leveraging the collaborative intelligence of the Firm's quantitative and discretionary trading businesses, we have developed and refined a range of alpha strategies that complement a broader portfolio. What sets Graham apart is our ability to provide solutions that combine advanced quantitative techniques, including methodologies such as machine learning, in synergy with the experienced decision-making of the Firm's discretionary portfolio managers. Looking ahead, we remain committed to continuing to provide innovative solutions to our clients for another thirty years and beyond."

Okay. Thanks.

Er ...

Who's next?

Ah, it's Pablo!

Do you remember, Pablo, Voice?

'Before my time.'

Before your time?!

'You're thinking of the old mystical child voice.'

Oh, him.

'Ha!'

Anyway ...

Come on, Pablo!

Pablo Calderini, President and Chief Investment Officer, adds, "As we celebrate Betty's 30th anniversary, we reflect on our commitment to innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving investment landscape. Our unique blend of human insight and data-driven methods ensures that we balance human experience and technological dynamics effectively to create compelling investment solutions for our clients across market cycles. We remain committed to driving returns for our investors in an environment where adaptability is paramount." 

Brilliant! Thanks, Pablo!

'He's got a great sense of humour, boss.'

I know!

And Brian ...

"Graham Capital Management's 30th anniversary is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation in alternative investments and our dedication to fulfilling our fiduciary responsibilities," says Brian Douglas, Chief Executive Officer. "Our clients fuel our passion for excellence, and our dedicated team continues to be the driving force behind our success. We remain steadfast in providing our clients with forward-looking solutions as we embark on the next 30 years, and central to that effort is our people-forward strategy." 

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

[No. 1,198] The last of the conceptuals

But YOU(!) ... must stay dizzy!

And, oh, hello![1], and here we are ... again ... forever[1], and, oh, hello![2], and so cool[1], and here we are ... again ... forever[2], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[1], and so cool[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[1], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[2], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[2], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[2], and ... ha![1], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and whatever whatever but just feel the broken words for me, my kooks - oh, only two![1], and ... ha![2], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[1], and whatever whatever but just feel the brok en w ords for me, my kooks - oh, only two![2], and ah last one![1], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[2], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[1], and ah last one![2], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[1], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[2], and so ...[1], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[2], and mysticism is the way![1], and so ...[2], and ... ooo[1], and mysticism is the way![2], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[1], and ... ooo[2], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[1], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[2], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[1], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[2], and ah those cold cold cold days[1], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[2], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![1], and ah those cold cold cold days[2], and I was chosen[1], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![2], and yeah from day one of my life[1], and I was chosen[2], and it's a gradual thing[1], and yeah from day one of my life[2], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[1], and it's a gradual thing[2], and we all need a clue[1], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[2], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[1], and we all need a clue[2], and anyway ... uh[1], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[2], and you gotta believe in yourself[1], and anyway ... uh[2], and do you???[1], and you gotta believe in yourself[2], and ... are you listening, kooks?[1], and do you???[2], and ... come on![1], and ... are you listening, kooks?[2], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[1], and ... come on![2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[2], and go large![1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and, oh, hello![3], and go large![2], and here we are ... again ... forever[3], and so cool[3], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[3], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[3], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and ... ha![3], and whatever whatever but just feel the b  r  o  k  e  n w  o  r  d  s for me, my kooks - oh, only two![3], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[3], and ah last one![3], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[3], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[3], and so ...[3], and mysticism is the way![3], and ... ooo[3], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[3], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[3], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[3], and ah those cold cold cold days[3], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![3], and I was chosen[3], and yeah from day one of my life[3], and it's a gradual thing[3], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[3], and we all need a clue[3], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[3], and anyway ... uh[3], and you gotta believe in yourself[3], and do you???[3], and ... are you listening, kooks?[3], and ... come on![3], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and go large![3], and

And, oh, hello![1], and here we are ... again ... forever[1], and, oh, hello![2], and so cool[1], and here we are ... again ... forever[2], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[1], and so cool[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[1], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[2], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[2], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[2], and ... ha![1], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and whatever whatever but just feel the broken words for me, my kooks - oh, only two![1], and ... ha![2], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[1], and whatever whatever but just feel the brok en w ords for me, my kooks - oh, only two![2], and ah last one![1], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[2], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[1], and ah last one![2], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[1], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[2], and so ...[1], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[2], and mysticism is the way![1], and so ...[2], and ... ooo[1], and mysticism is the way![2], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[1], and ... ooo[2], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[1], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[2], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[1], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[2], and ah those cold cold cold days[1], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[2], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![1], and ah those cold cold cold days[2], and I was chosen[1], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![2], and yeah from day one of my life[1], and I was chosen[2], and it's a gradual thing[1], and yeah from day one of my life[2], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[1], and it's a gradual thing[2], and we all need a clue[1], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[2], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[1], and we all need a clue[2], and anyway ... uh[1], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[2], and you gotta believe in yourself[1], and anyway ... uh[2], and do you???[1], and you gotta believe in yourself[2], and ... are you listening, kooks?[1], and do you???[2], and ... come on![1], and ... are you listening, kooks?[2], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[1], and ... come on![2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[2], and go large![1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and, oh, hello![3], and go large![2], and here we are ... again ... forever[3], and so cool[3], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[3], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[3], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and ... ha![3], and whatever whatever but just feel the b  r  o  k  e  n w  o  r  d  s for me, my kooks - oh, only two![3], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[3], and ah last one![3], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[3], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[3], and so ...[3], and mysticism is the way![3], and ... ooo[3], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[3], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[3], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[3], and ah those cold cold cold days[3], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![3], and I was chosen[3], and yeah from day one of my life[3], and it's a gradual thing[3], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[3], and we all need a clue[3], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[3], and anyway ... uh[3], and you gotta believe in yourself[3], and do you???[3], and ... are you listening, kooks?[3], and ... come on![3], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and go large![3], and

And, oh, hello![1], and here we are ... again ... forever[1], and, oh, hello![2], and so cool[1], and here we are ... again ... forever[2], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[1], and so cool[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[1], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[2], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[2], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[2], and ... ha![1], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and whatever whatever but just feel the broken words for me, my kooks - oh, only two![1], and ... ha![2], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[1], and whatever whatever but just feel the brok en w ords for me, my kooks - oh, only two![2], and ah last one![1], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[2], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[1], and ah last one![2], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[1], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[2], and so ...[1], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[2], and mysticism is the way![1], and so ...[2], and ... ooo[1], and mysticism is the way![2], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[1], and ... ooo[2], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[1], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[2], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[1], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[2], and ah those cold cold cold days[1], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[2], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![1], and ah those cold cold cold days[2], and I was chosen[1], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![2], and yeah from day one of my life[1], and I was chosen[2], and it's a gradual thing[1], and yeah from day one of my life[2], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[1], and it's a gradual thing[2], and we all need a clue[1], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[2], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[1], and we all need a clue[2], and anyway ... uh[1], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[2], and you gotta believe in yourself[1], and anyway ... uh[2], and do you???[1], and you gotta believe in yourself[2], and ... are you listening, kooks?[1], and do you???[2], and ... come on![1], and ... are you listening, kooks?[2], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[1], and ... come on![2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[2], and go large![1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and, oh, hello![3], and go large![2], and here we are ... again ... forever[3], and so cool[3], and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND ... O Voice, are you with me?[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! ... of course I am!'[3], and nice one, yes ... and it's a nice one, yes ... and, my kooks, let's make it really nice, you dig?[3], and ... 'Super nice, Mikey! ... Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and ... ha![3], and whatever whatever but just feel the b  r  o  k  e  n w  o  r  d  s for me, my kooks - oh, only two![3], and I'm making a big effort with this last one[3], and ah last one![3], and it ain't tragic, son ... daughter[3], and yes yes all the magic of the dizzy life will live in our souls until the end of time[3], and so ...[3], and mysticism is the way![3], and ... ooo[3], and that's what I've learnt, oh yes[3], and I've changed so much since I started, you know???[3], and visions and mystical dreams used to be a rare thing for me back in the days before this blog[3], and ah those cold cold cold days[3], and but NOW(!) ... my whole life is visions and mystical dreams ... Man, they won't stop![3], and I was chosen[3], and yeah from day one of my life[3], and it's a gradual thing[3], and you you YOU(!) ... look to see if anyone was born with you - they might give you a clue[3], and we all need a clue[3], and I didn't just choose myself - although that's an important part of every mystic's development[3], and anyway ... uh[3], and you gotta believe in yourself[3], and do you???[3], and ... are you listening, kooks?[3], and ... come on![3], and you gotta believe in the cosmos[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and go large![3], and

LSEG Lipper - ETF INDUSTRY REVIEW Q1 2024

Oh, he likes the capitals.

'Nsikan?'

No, Gex.

'Gex?!'

Well, he calls himself Gex. His name is Gexler Diaz.

'Where's Nsikan, boss?'

I don't know, Voice.

Anyway ...

Dear journalists (and Mikey, and, uh ... Voice). Enclosed is the European ETF INDUSTRY REVIEW for Q1 2024 (Kindly note that this is a separate report from before. The full report is attached). Please contact me directly or newsroom if you have any questions or would like to arrange an interview.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Gex

I don't want to be interviewed, Gex.

'He's like Prince, Gex!'

Yeah, I'm like Prince. Man of mystery.

Anyway ...

ETF INDUSTRY REVIEW Q1 2024

Key findings:

ETF promoters in Europe enjoyed estimated net inflows (+€48.1 bn) for Q1 2024.

Assets under management in the European ETF industry increased over the course of Q1 2024 to €1,720.5 bn.

Equity ETFs (+€37.6 bn) posted the highest estimated net inflows in the European ETF industry for Q1 2024.

The best-selling Lipper global classification for Q1 2024 was Equity Global (+€13.7 bn). It was followed by Equity U.S. (+€12.8 bn) and Money Market EUR (+€2.8 bn).

iShares was the best-selling ETF promoter in Europe for Q1 2024 (+€14.1 bn), ahead of Xtrackers (+€7.8 bn) and Vanguard (+€5.6 bn).

The 10 best-selling ETFs gathered estimated net inflows of €18.4 bn for Q1 2024.

The best-selling ETF for Q1 2024, iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF USD (Acc), enjoyed estimated net inflows of €4.4 bn.

 

ENDS

Okay. And no comment from Detlef.

'Only that report ... written by Detlef.'

Yes, only that report ... in the PDF.

'PDF.'

Yes, PDF.

Er ...

'Are we going to take a look at it???'

Uh.

Just a quick look, Voice, and kooks.

Lucky? Come on, son! -

European ETF industry review Q1 2024   5 assets under             management the performance!             of the underlying markets         led in combination         with the estimated net!              flows to increasing!             assets under management from -

All right! That's enough, Lucky!

Give me a chance guys theres pages and pages and pages of this

Thank, but no thanks.

assets under!       management        by Lipper -

Lucky! No!

Global classifications  in              order to examine!               the European ETF markets in further detail a review of the Lipper global classifications will lead to more insights on the structure and concentration of assets within the European ETF industry at the end of March 2024 the European ETF            market was split!            into 168 different peer groups the highest assets under management at the end of March were held by funds classified -

'Er ... what happened? Did you hit him, boss?'

He's our friend, Voice. I didn't hit him. I just closed the attachment.

'Okay. A bit rude.'

He just won't shut up!

'He loves his work.'

Yeah, yeah.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

Laters.

'Bye!'

[No. 1,197]

And so kook[1], and aRound for nearly the[1], and so kook[2], and one more[1], and aRound for nearly the[2], and oh its you again[1], and one more[2], and is it really you or another kook[1], and oh its you again[2], and dont say square[1], and is it really you or another kook[2], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[1], and dont say square[2], and hello hello[1], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[2], and just say ooo[1], and hello hello[2], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[1], and just say ooo[2], and this couldnt be the last time[1], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[2], and crumble[1], and this couldnt be the last time[2], and yes obviously yes[1], and crumble[2], and no apple[1], and yes obviously yes[2], and just the crumble[1], and no apple[2], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[1], and just the crumble[2], and Christ Mikey I[1], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[2], and come on focus me focus come on[1], and Christ Mikey I[2], and my mind is[1], and come on focus me focus come on[2], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[1], and my mind is[2], and can it no[1], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[2], and aRound is for ever ever ever[1], and can it no[2], and ever[1], and aRound is for ever ever ever[2], and aRound aRound[1], and ever[2], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[1], and aRound aRound[2], and I cant promise[1], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[2], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[1], and I cant promise[2], and the chaos that has gripped it[1], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[2], and some apostrophes like do you like[1], and the chaos that has gripped it[2], and dont expect sense[1], and some apostrophes like do you like[2], and man do you like[1], and dont expect sense[2], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[1], and man do you like[2], and am I made of money no no Im not[1], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[2], and what would you pay[1], and am I made of money no no Im not[2], and who cares[1], and what would you pay[2], and any way any way any[1], and who cares[2], and you know you[1], and any way any way any[2], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[1], and you know you[2], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[1], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[2], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[1], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[2], and maybe a broken word or two[1], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[2], and yeah[1], and maybe a broken word or two[2], and so kook[3], and yeah[2], and aRound for nearly the[3], and one more[3], and oh its you again[3], and is it really you or another kook[3], and dont say square[3], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[3], and hello hello[3], and just say ooo[3], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[3], and this couldnt be the last time[3], and crumble[3], and yes obviously yes[3], and no apple[3], and just the crumble[3], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[3], and Christ Mikey I[3], and come on focus me focus come on[3], and my mind is[3], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[3], and can it no[3], and aRound is for ever ever ever[3], and ever[3], and aRound aRound[3], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[3], and I cant promise[3], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[3], and the chaos that has gripped it[3], and some apostrophes like do you like[3], and dont expect sense[3], and man do you like[3], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[3], and am I made of money no no Im not[3], and what would you pay[3], and who cares[3], and any way any way any[3], and you know you[3], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[3], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[3], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[3], and maybe a broken word or two[3], and yeah[3], and

And so kook[1], and aRound for nearly the[1], and so kook[2], and one more[1], and aRound for nearly the[2], and oh its you again[1], and one more[2], and is it really you or another kook[1], and oh its you again[2], and dont say square[1], and is it really you or another kook[2], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[1], and dont say square[2], and hello hello[1], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[2], and just say ooo[1], and hello hello[2], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[1], and just say ooo[2], and this couldnt be the last time[1], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[2], and crumble[1], and this couldnt be the last time[2], and yes obviously yes[1], and crumble[2], and no apple[1], and yes obviously yes[2], and just the crumble[1], and no apple[2], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[1], and just the crumble[2], and Christ Mikey I[1], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[2], and come on focus me focus come on[1], and Christ Mikey I[2], and my mind is[1], and come on focus me focus come on[2], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[1], and my mind is[2], and can it no[1], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[2], and aRound is for ever ever ever[1], and can it no[2], and ever[1], and aRound is for ever ever ever[2], and aRound aRound[1], and ever[2], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[1], and aRound aRound[2], and I cant promise[1], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[2], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[1], and I cant promise[2], and the chaos that has gripped it[1], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[2], and some apostrophes like do you like[1], and the chaos that has gripped it[2], and dont expect sense[1], and some apostrophes like do you like[2], and man do you like[1], and dont expect sense[2], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[1], and man do you like[2], and am I made of money no no Im not[1], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[2], and what would you pay[1], and am I made of money no no Im not[2], and who cares[1], and what would you pay[2], and any way any way any[1], and who cares[2], and you know you[1], and any way any way any[2], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[1], and you know you[2], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[1], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[2], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[1], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[2], and maybe a broken word or two[1], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[2], and yeah[1], and maybe a broken word or two[2], and so kook[3], and yeah[2], and aRound for nearly the[3], and one more[3], and oh its you again[3], and is it really you or another kook[3], and dont say square[3], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[3], and hello hello[3], and just say ooo[3], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[3], and this couldnt be the last time[3], and crumble[3], and yes obviously yes[3], and no apple[3], and just the crumble[3], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[3], and Christ Mikey I[3], and come on focus me focus come on[3], and my mind is[3], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[3], and can it no[3], and aRound is for ever ever ever[3], and ever[3], and aRound aRound[3], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[3], and I cant promise[3], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[3], and the chaos that has gripped it[3], and some apostrophes like do you like[3], and dont expect sense[3], and man do you like[3], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[3], and am I made of money no no Im not[3], and what would you pay[3], and who cares[3], and any way any way any[3], and you know you[3], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[3], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[3], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[3], and maybe a broken word or two[3], and yeah[3], and

And so kook[1], and aRound for nearly the[1], and so kook[2], and one more[1], and aRound for nearly the[2], and oh its you again[1], and one more[2], and is it really you or another kook[1], and oh its you again[2], and dont say square[1], and is it really you or another kook[2], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[1], and dont say square[2], and hello hello[1], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[2], and just say ooo[1], and hello hello[2], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[1], and just say ooo[2], and this couldnt be the last time[1], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[2], and crumble[1], and this couldnt be the last time[2], and yes obviously yes[1], and crumble[2], and no apple[1], and yes obviously yes[2], and just the crumble[1], and no apple[2], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[1], and just the crumble[2], and Christ Mikey I[1], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[2], and come on focus me focus come on[1], and Christ Mikey I[2], and my mind is[1], and come on focus me focus come on[2], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[1], and my mind is[2], and can it no[1], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[2], and aRound is for ever ever ever[1], and can it no[2], and ever[1], and aRound is for ever ever ever[2], and aRound aRound[1], and ever[2], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[1], and aRound aRound[2], and I cant promise[1], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[2], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[1], and I cant promise[2], and the chaos that has gripped it[1], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[2], and some apostrophes like do you like[1], and the chaos that has gripped it[2], and dont expect sense[1], and some apostrophes like do you like[2], and man do you like[1], and dont expect sense[2], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[1], and man do you like[2], and am I made of money no no Im not[1], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[2], and what would you pay[1], and am I made of money no no Im not[2], and who cares[1], and what would you pay[2], and any way any way any[1], and who cares[2], and you know you[1], and any way any way any[2], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[1], and you know you[2], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[1], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[2], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[1], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[2], and maybe a broken word or two[1], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[2], and yeah[1], and maybe a broken word or two[2], and so kook[3], and yeah[2], and aRound for nearly the[3], and one more[3], and oh its you again[3], and is it really you or another kook[3], and dont say square[3], and come on ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo ... ooo ooo ooo[3], and hello hello[3], and just say ooo[3], and as much as you like ooo do you like like[3], and this couldnt be the last time[3], and crumble[3], and yes obviously yes[3], and no apple[3], and just the crumble[3], and it goes without saying ha uh its me again[3], and Christ Mikey I[3], and come on focus me focus come on[3], and my mind is[3], and listen listen to me uh all freakin crazy stuff must come to an end but this oh this can never end[3], and can it no[3], and aRound is for ever ever ever[3], and ever[3], and aRound aRound[3], and the last uh one is coming and maybe Ill make a special effort with some punctuation like[3], and I cant promise[3], and I cant just cant with me brain the way it is[3], and the chaos that has gripped it[3], and some apostrophes like do you like[3], and dont expect sense[3], and man do you like[3], and maybe you dont like and I uh I still cant get over that poetry ebook that I paid eight quid for[3], and am I made of money no no Im not[3], and what would you pay[3], and who cares[3], and any way any way any[3], and you know you[3], and any any way I must finish this one even though it hardly seems started does it[3], and Im gonna pull myself together for No 1198[3], and there will be a little note at the top with maybe the Voice too and punctuation apostrophes[3], and maybe a broken word or two[3], and yeah[3], and

But when my carriage arrives ... farewell!

Ha, ha, ha, Mikhail ... it's not as bad as all that.

FFS.

However, my kooks ... this will be my last proper week of blogging, uh, due to changes in my lifestyle, you dig?

'It will be a once-in-a-blue-moon situation after this week, kooks.'

That's right, Voice. Once in a blue moon ... I might post something or I might not. So ...

'How long is a blue moon, Mikey?'

Er ... how long is it?! You want me to measure a blue moon???

'Well ...'

Oh, I don't know, man. Maybe once every six months. Once a year. Maybe never again. / I actually have no idea BECAUSE ... I don't know where I will be and ... I don't know what I will be doing.

'Yeah. No one will know who you were.'

Eh? Well ..

'Or what you were doing.'

Shut up.

I'm a shaman.

UK pledge

Er ...

Tue, 16 Apr at 15:54

'Jesus Christ!'

Shut up. The date don't matter.

Hi Michael

All right. How you doing?

'Who's that?'

Laura.

As the UK government this afternoon announced £2 million in funding to tackle illicit company ownership Ted Datta, Senior Director, Financial Crime Industry Practice at Moody's shares his thoughts on what this pledge could mean for governments, businesses and the landscape of financial crime.

Hang on a minute!

Hang on a minute!

'Ha!'

Since when has the UK government cared about fighting financial crime?!

'They're responsible for most of it, aren't they, boss?'

Oh, I wouldn't like to say, Voice.

Uh.

Okay, Ted. Do your thing.

'Make it good!'

Ted Datta, Senior Director, Financial Crime Industry Practice at Moody's says, "The UK's £2 million contribution to World Bank and IMF trust funds, aimed at supporting low-income countries in implementing registers of company ownership, is a step towards tackling financial crime as a global community. Africa, for example, loses an estimated $90 billion annually to corrupt individuals moving money through shell companies, this initiative has the potential to make a significant impact."

Oh, blame the Africans, sure.

"Moody's research found 21 million "red flags" for shell companies around the world, which could indicate the presence of malpractice. While shell companies can serve legitimate purposes, they are often exploited as vehicles for financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion."

Yeah, yeah.

"Governments and businesses face the complex task of gaining transparency into these typically opaque entities. By working with other countries and international organisations as a community to standardise ownership information and make it more accessible, this latest initiative can become part of the overall effort to stem illicit financial flows that cost the international financial system so dearly."

Well, okay ... I take my hat off to the UK government.

'You don't have a hat.'

That's right.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

Best,

Laura 

Oh, sorry, Laura! Yeah, best, whatever.

'Nice one!'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else, kooks?

No, no, no.

I want a word with Voice, if you don't mind.

'What?'

Well, what are you going to be doing ... after next week, like?

'I'm coming with you.'

It might be rough.

'I was made for rough times.'

What about tough times?

'Those as well.'

Well, okay. 

Yeah, kooks ... it's nice to have it written down, or typed down, or up, you know?

Actually, there have been so many conversations lost over the years because I've been out on a walk or something.

'They don't need to know everything.'

Of course not.

Laters.

[No. 1,196]

And ooo[1], and ah it wont be long[1], and ooo[2], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[1], and ah it wont be long[2], and forever obviously[1], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[2], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[1], and forever obviously[2], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[1], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[2], and why not and listen[1], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[2], and there will be words words words[1], and why not and listen[2], and forty fifty sixty thousands[1], and there will be words words words[2], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[1], and forty fifty sixty thousands[2], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[1], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[2], and poetry star[1], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[2], and maybe its for the best I dont know[1], and poetry star[2], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[1], and maybe its for the best I dont know[2], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[1], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[2], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[1], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[2], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[1], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[2], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[1], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[2], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[1], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[2], and yes I know living in caves which[1], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[2], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[1], and yes I know living in caves which[2], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[1], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[2], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[1], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[2], and they love it[1], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[2], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[1], and they love it[2], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[1], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[2], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[1], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[2], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[1], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[2], and ooo[3], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[2], and ah it wont be long[3], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[3], and forever obviously[3], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[3], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[3], and why not and listen[3], and there will be words words words[3], and forty fifty sixty thousands[3], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[3], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[3], and poetry star[3], and maybe its for the best I dont know[3], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[3], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[3], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[3], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[3], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[3], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[3], and yes I know living in caves which[3], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[3], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[3], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[3], and they love it[3], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[3], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[3], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[3], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[3], and

And ooo[1], and ah it wont be long[1], and ooo[2], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[1], and ah it wont be long[2], and forever obviously[1], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[2], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[1], and forever obviously[2], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[1], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[2], and why not and listen[1], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[2], and there will be words words words[1], and why not and listen[2], and forty fifty sixty thousands[1], and there will be words words words[2], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[1], and forty fifty sixty thousands[2], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[1], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[2], and poetry star[1], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[2], and maybe its for the best I dont know[1], and poetry star[2], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[1], and maybe its for the best I dont know[2], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[1], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[2], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[1], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[2], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[1], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[2], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[1], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[2], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[1], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[2], and yes I know living in caves which[1], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[2], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[1], and yes I know living in caves which[2], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[1], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[2], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[1], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[2], and they love it[1], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[2], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[1], and they love it[2], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[1], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[2], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[1], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[2], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[1], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[2], and ooo[3], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[2], and ah it wont be long[3], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[3], and forever obviously[3], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[3], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[3], and why not and listen[3], and there will be words words words[3], and forty fifty sixty thousands[3], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[3], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[3], and poetry star[3], and maybe its for the best I dont know[3], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[3], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[3], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[3], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[3], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[3], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[3], and yes I know living in caves which[3], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[3], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[3], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[3], and they love it[3], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[3], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[3], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[3], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[3], and

And ooo[1], and ah it wont be long[1], and ooo[2], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[1], and ah it wont be long[2], and forever obviously[1], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[2], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[1], and forever obviously[2], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[1], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[2], and why not and listen[1], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[2], and there will be words words words[1], and why not and listen[2], and forty fifty sixty thousands[1], and there will be words words words[2], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[1], and forty fifty sixty thousands[2], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[1], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[2], and poetry star[1], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[2], and maybe its for the best I dont know[1], and poetry star[2], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[1], and maybe its for the best I dont know[2], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[1], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[2], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[1], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[2], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[1], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[2], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[1], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[2], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[1], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[2], and yes I know living in caves which[1], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[2], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[1], and yes I know living in caves which[2], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[1], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[2], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[1], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[2], and they love it[1], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[2], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[1], and they love it[2], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[1], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[2], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[1], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[2], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[1], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[2], and ooo[3], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[2], and ah it wont be long[3], and aRound aRound and aRound and enjoy it while it lasts[3], and forever obviously[3], and a sort of freedom is coming but not really I suppose and I dont know or do I and maybe I cant say[3], and would I tell you my friends oh yeah sure[3], and why not and listen[3], and there will be words words words[3], and forty fifty sixty thousands[3], and ah in that other place in the cold world kooks where you can only watch and read and listen yeah but not spin[3], and in stadiums ha yeah of course Ive still got the rock star ambition man[3], and poetry star[3], and maybe its for the best I dont know[3], and life changes slowly really but it does change and you cant keep everything the same[3], and but but but this is frozen thank the cosmos[3], and close so close to twelve hundred with a few deleted you might have noticed[3], and uh uh you might have yes if youre a fanatical kook spinner and not just some passing square[3], and I hope Im not being unfair and tell me yous come on[3], and tell me where would the cold world be without its squares and uh uh well[3], and yes I know living in caves which[3], and when you think about it yes which would be quite a result for those of us who hate civilization[3], and thats all of us kooks aint it yes[3], and just take a look at the dolphins after how many millions of years I dont know all they got is mackerel for dinner[3], and they love it[3], and mackerel for dinner is their civilization and theyre not complaining because of their consciousness nesses[3], and so ooo elevated yes as we know[3], and as Ive told you with my great wisdom and knowledge[3], and being a spiritual aristocrat like[3], and

14Peaks

What on earth is that?!

Hi Michael,

'Who on earth is that?!'

It's Bilal, Voice.

'What does he want?'

I don't know.

Today, Swiss venture -

Hang on! Today? The 23rd April, son.

Today, Swiss venture capital firm 14Peaks Capital is announcing the final close of their first fund. It is focussed on US and European fintech and future of work startups.

Have it your way, Bilal.

The funds LPs are US and European and the firm has plans are underway for team expansion in the United States throughout 2024, with strategic hires focused on enhancing market coverage. Founder has interesting backstory and approach with LPs in the fund - he didn't take money from everyone and anyone but was super selective.

LPs?! I ain't been into vinyl for over thirty years, Bilal.

'This guy's crazy, boss.'

I've got the full press release below and -

Yeah, yeah.

Uh ...

Let me have a look at this thing ...

Oh, there's loads of it!

No, no.

I just want to hear the founder's voice ...

"When I started 14Peaks Capital, I wanted to shake things up in how GPs and LPs work together. I've been on the LP side before, spoke to many GPs, and knew there was room for a different approach," says Edoardo Ermotti, founder of 14Peaks Capital. "Each of the investors supporting 14Peaks is globally successful in their own right, giving our portfolio founders access, through us, to this curated hub of extensive experience and networks."

He's been on the LP side. So? I had the first Stone Roses album on vinyl, back in 1989. I had an American import of John and Yoko's Two Virgins album.

"We’re looking forward to diving back in and supporting our founders as they chase their visions. In the past year, we've already seen positive changes in our portfolio companies, and we're confident we can do even more as we expand our platform. Our hands-on approach and the power of our extensive network, fuelled by our tight GP-LP interactions, make us believe we'll keep making a real impact for our founders in the years to come," adds Edoardo Ermotti. 

Hey! How about helping me to chase my vision, Edoardo?!

'Your vision changes with the weather, boss.'

Shut up, idiot.

Oh, who's this now?!

Alex Bradford, the founder of Rain, a HR platform 14Peaks invested last year, says: "14Peaks has been a fantastic partner and instrumental to our growth, plugging us into highly-valuable investor networks and boosting our go-to-market by sitting down and helping us craft business development strategies."

All right, all right, that's enough.

No endorsement from me, obviously, kooks, and squares, because I don't know these people and I understand NOTHING ...

However, I wish everyone involved all the best.

'Nice one, boss.'

Yeah.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS