#pwc report

[ippnoida]

India’s print advertising market to grow at 3% – PwC Report

The Indian E&M industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% to hit Rs 3,65,000 crore (US$ 19.2 b) outpacing the global rate of 4.6%, according to PwC India’s report 'Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024–28: India perspective.'  When it comes to print advertising revenues, despite a global decline at a CAGR of -2.6%, India’s market is expected to grow at a rate of 3%, making it the 3rd largest print market in the world by 2028.

Despite economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, global E&M revenues grew 5.5% year-on-year, from Rs 13,891,000 crore in 2022 to Rs 17,359,000 crore in 2023. Currently, the US leads the global E&M market by revenue, with China in second place and India at the ninth. 

Manpreet Singh Ahuja, chief digital officer and TMT Leader at PwC India commented, “India’s entertainment & media sector is on the cusp of a major transformation. According to our Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024-2028, key growth drivers such as digital advertising, OTT platforms, online gaming, and Generative AI are shaping the future of the industry. These rapidly expanding segments are positioning India as a global leader in innovation and growth. Businesses that adapt and innovate in these areas are poised to seize unparalleled opportunities in this dynamic landscape.” 

With India’s improved connectivity, rising advertising revenues and favorable government policies around foreign direct investment (FDI), the country is predicted to see one of the highest growth rates in the next five years. The country’s large millennial and Gen-Z population base of over 91 crore has access to the world’s cheapest data costs.

At present, India has 80 crore broadband subscriptions, 55 crore smartphone users and 78 crore internet users. In fact, Indians are spending 78% of their time on mobile phone apps related to E&M. Leveraging India’s strong growth trajectory in the E&M sector, the Government of India is set to host the inaugural WAVES summit, boosting its E&M sector globally through stakeholder collaboration and innovation. 

With growing consumption and gross domestic product (GDP) growth in India, the advertising market is projected to grow at a 9.4% CAGR from Rs1,01,000 crore in 2023 to Rs1,58,000 crore in 2028, which is 1.4x the global average. Most of this growth will come from digital front (internet advertising), which is expected to grow at a 15.6% CAGR, rising from Rs 41,000 crore in 2023 to Rs 85,000 crore in 2028. Internet advertising’s year-on-year growth, which was 26.0% in 2023, will remain in double digits throughout the forecast period (2024–28), and is expected to be 12.2% in 2028.

This shift towards cord-cutting is expected to accelerate. Traditional TV advertising will grow at a 4.2% CAGR between 2023 to 2028, while global revenues are set to drop by -1.6%. India is poised to become the fourth-largest TV advertising market by 2026.

As per the 2024 outlook, other sub-sectors will also witness growth that surpasses global averages:

The total online gaming and esports revenue in India stood at Rs 16,480 crore in 2023 and is expected to reach Rs 39,583 crore by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 19.2%. With the inclusion of real money gaming (as per PwC’s India Gaming Report ‘24) the total gaming and esports revenue would amount to Rs 33,000 crore (US$4) in 2023 and is expected to reach Rs 66,000 crore (US$8b) by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5%. Globally, video games and esports revenue will increase at a CAGR of 8.0%.

Over-the-top (OTT) will be the third-fastest growing segment with a CAGR of 14.9%, putting the country in the lead by 2028.

Infrastructure enhancements have supported massive growth in India’s out-of-home (OOH) advertising market which grew by 12.9% in 2023. It is expected to continue to grow at a 7.6% CAGR.

When it comes to print advertising revenues, despite a global decline at a CAGR of -2.6%, India’s market is expected to grow at a rate of 3%, making it the 3rd largest Print market in the world by 2028.

India’s cinema market continues to expand, growing at a 14.1% CAGR. The total music (live, recorded and digital)  revenue grew from Rs 2,416 crore (US$293 m) in 2019 to Rs 6,686 crore (US$811m) in 2023. It is expected to cross Rs 10,899 crore (US$ 1.3b ) by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10.3%.

At a 5.6% CAGR, India will stand out as having the highest B2B revenue growth rate in the world over the next five years. In contrast, global B2B revenue growth is forecast at a 1.9% CAGR. 

The report highlights four key opportunities in the E&M sector. Internet advertising emerges as the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific and the second globally, with a projected 15.6% CAGR (2023–2028). Companies can prioritize regulatory compliance and leverage data analytics to enhance trust and implement targeted advertising strategies.

OTT platforms in India, the world’s fastest-growing, saw a 20.9% rise in 2023, reaching Rs 17,496 crore (US$2.1b), and are projected to double by 2028 (14.9% CAGR). Focusing on advertising-supported tiers, market consolidation and regional narratives can boost engagement.

Online gaming and eSports are rapidly expanding, projected to represent 9% of the E&M sector by 2028. Promoting responsible gaming and investing in high-quality AAA games will position Indian studios on the global stage. Lastly, generative AI (GenAI) is set to transform content creation, personalization and monetization, with over 70% of global companies expected to adopt it by 2025. Early adoption of GenAI in India can drive hyper-personalized content and dynamic advertising campaigns.

The report also outlines strategic approaches for companies to enhance success. It recommends consolidation among regional or niche players through mergers and acquisitions to increase size and scale. It also highlights the use of social media for marketing and distribution, as media companies leverage these platforms for content promotion. The report suggests innovation in content strategy, including eSports, online gaming, and indigenous sports to meet changing consumer behaviors.

It advises investment in cost optimization through analytics, audits, and automation to lower operational and production costs. Finally, it points to the use of GenAI for creating hyper-personalized content discovery and improving user experiences, especially for regional players aiming to match the technological capabilities of global peers.

[gutachter]

PwC-Report: Bedeutung von Biodiversität für die Immobilienbranche wächst

Deutschland: „…Die globale Immobilienwirtschaft sieht sich mit Biodiversität als zunehmend relevantem Nachhaltigkeitsthema konfrontiert. Der neue Global Biodiversity Thought Leadership Report von PwC Deutschland analysiert die Auswirkungen dieses Trends auf Marktstrategien, Regulierung, Finanzierung und Risikomanagement. Laut Report sind Immobilienprojekte für rund 30% des globalen…

[maxsmith007-blog]

What is conversational AI, and what are its benefits?

Conversational AI is technology that allows businesses to interact with customers through automated, natural language conversations. It utilizes a combination of natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and speech recognition to understand and respond to customer questions in real-time—whether over voice calls, chat, or messaging platforms.

For organizations focused on efficiency and growth, conversational AI is proving to be a critical investment. The benefits extend across cost, customer experience, sales and decision-making.

Key business benefits of conversational AI

1.Significant cost savings

Conversational AI can resolve up to 80% of standard customer queries, reducing the burden on human agents. IBM reports businesses spend more than $1.3 trillion annually to handle customer requests, and conversational AI can cut these costs by as much as 30%. This makes it a powerful tool for managing budgets without sacrificing service quality.

2.Better customer experiences

Customers expect quick, accurate answers—often around the clock. Conversational AI delivers immediate, consistent responses 24/7. A PwC study shows 73% of customers point to experience as a top driver of their buying decisions. AI ensures these interactions meet expectations, increasing satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

3.Boosted sales and revenue opportunities

Conversational AI doesn’t just resolve support tickets; it also captures buying signals, qualifies leads and suggests relevant products or upgrades. According to Salesforce, 51% of sales leaders are already using AI tools to gain deeper customer insights that fuel growth.

4.Smarter, data-driven decisions

Every conversation processed by AI becomes a data point. Over time, this builds a rich view of customer sentiment, preferences and emerging needs. Businesses can use these insights to adjust product strategies, refine messaging, or improve service operations—all backed by real interaction data.

5.Scalability without added strain

Conversational AI is capable of engaging thousands of customers in simultaneous conversations, unlike human teams who are working in shifts and limited by a number of people. This scalability is necessary when high demand or fast-growth exists. It helps customers to get the help they need on time, and the voice of the brand remains the same.

Where Conversation Intelligence comes in

Conversational AI also sets the stage for advanced tools like Conversation Intelligence. This technology analyzes conversations to reveal patterns, identify compliance issues, and pinpoint what drives successful outcomes.

Companies that use platforms such as Vanie’s Conversation Intelligence turn these insights into clear business actions. They improve agent coaching, close more deals, and keep customer interactions aligned with overall strategy. This transforms everyday conversations into a measurable advantage—driving higher margins and stronger customer relationships.

[georgegraphys]

Funniest thing today, an italian newspaper lying in an article trying to bring George and Mick down by saying a certain junior beat their lap times in testing when Mick and George are doing different testing. This is also done with totally ignoring George breaking Ferrari's circuit lap record while being an F2 championship leader.

The FUNNIEST thing? They lied about the amount of Mercedes board members. Benz had 8 people on the boards. The F1 team got 7 people. And this clown paper said there are FIFTEEN people on the boards 🤡🤡. Imagine lying about it when the information is public on the internet. The general report of Mercedes that has already been audited by the world's renowned auditing company, KPMG, and also part of the world's big four with EY, Deloitte and PWC, said that the company only has 8 members lol. These people really thought Mercedes could lie about the number of their boards to THE KPMG....

Istg people can't lie these days 😭 This is the stupidest thing ever.

[cogitoergofun]

Verdicts on the Great Resignation of the pandemic years may need to wait. 

More people are now mulling their options as they increasingly feel overworked and underpaid amid relentless cost pressures. 

Employees feel so bogged down by work that far more people are considering resigning now than during the mass resignations we saw in 2022, auditor PwC found in its Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey published Tuesday, covering over 56,000 workers worldwide.

The report, with nearly half of its respondents being Millennial, followed by Gen X and Gen Z employees, found a staggering increase of 28% in the number of people who plan to change jobs, compared to 19% during the Great Resignation in 2022.

Their reasons? Higher workload, career ambitions and new technology wriggling into the workplace. 

Nearly half of those surveyed said their workload had increased “significantly” in the last 12 months. Workers are also nervous about how much they are being paid, with 43% keen to ask for a pay rise. That’s not all—62% of employees feel like the pace of change in the workplace has also ramped up during the same period, especially as they’ve had to adapt to new tech tools in their jobs and increased financial pressure. 

To add to the mix, employees’ personal goals to expand their skill set and further their careers are also prompting them to consider jumping ship.

Overall, more workers feel better off moving to a new role, hoping to find some respite. 

[intensifyre]

IndusInd Bank share price tanks 6% as lender flags fresh accounting issues; brokerages downgrade stock.

The shares of private lender IndusInd Bank slumped nearly 6% in intraday trade on Friday after it flagged fresh accounting errors following an internal audit of its microfinance business.

IndusInd Bank share price: The shares of private lender IndusInd Bank slumped nearly 6% in intraday trade on Friday after it flagged fresh accounting errors following an internal audit of its microfinance business.

IndusInd Bank share price slipped 5.7% to the day’s low of ₹735.95 on the BSE. The stock opened at its day’s low itself and recouped some losses as the session progressed. As of 10.30 am, IndusInd Bank stock was at ₹755.80, down 3.1%.

Fresh Discrapencies

IndusInd Bank said its Internal Audit Department (IAD) has found that a cumulative amount of ₹674 crore was incorrectly recorded as interest over three quarters of FY 24–25, which was fully reversed as on January 10, 2025.

Also, following the receipt of a whistleblower complaint, the IAD was asked by the Audit Committee of the Board to review transactions recorded in “other assets” and “other liabilities”. The IAD has submitted its report on May 8, 2025 that there were unsubstantiated balances aggregating to ₹595 crore in “other assets” accounts of the Bank. These were set off against corresponding balances appearing in “other liabilities” accounts in January 2025, the lender added.

“The IAD has also examined the roles and actions of key employees in this context. The Board is taking necessary steps to strengthen internal controls, fix accountability of the persons responsible for these lapses and will take action as appropriate,” the company added.

Mounting Troubles

The latest discrepancies follow the accounting lapses IndusInd Bank had reported in March in the derivative portfolio, estimated to have an adverse impact of approximately 2.35 per cent of the bank’s net worth as of December 2024.

Following this, the bank appointed the external agency PwC to assess the impact on the bank’s balance sheet, lapses at various levels, and suggest remedial action.

The agency, in its report, has quantified the negative impact of the above as of June 30, 2024, at ₹1,979 crore.

Following this saga, CEO Sumant Kathpalia and Deputy CEO Arun Khurana had resigned from the bank on April 29. IndusInd board has appointed a Committee of Executives to oversee the operations of the bank, till a new MD & CEO assumes charge or a period of three months.

Meanwhile, the IndusInd Bank’s board has also hired Grant Thornton to conduct a forensic audit into accounting lapses.

Brokerages Downgrade Stock

Following the disclosure of the latest round of discrepancies, brokerages CLSA and Invested have downgraded IndusInd Bank stock and also slashed target prices, as per media reports.

“IndusInd Bank has disclosed ₹1960 crore of cumulative overreported income over 5–7 years. Assuming 25% of this happened in FY24, another 10 bps of NIM is structurally lost,” it added.

“Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks.”

Intensify Research Services is a professional stock consultive firm in Indore in share market latest news. We provide expert investment advice and guidance to individuals and High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), valuable trading tips and strategy Visit us at Intensify Research Services to learn more.

[voiceofentrepreneurlife]

Dentsu APAC CEO Robert Gilby resigns from his position

Robert Gilby has announced his resignation as CEO of Dentsu APAC through a LinkedIn post. Appointed in September 2022, Gilby had taken over the position from Ashish Bhasin and played a key role in leading the company’s operations across the region.

Before joining Dentsu, Gilby served as the president of Nielsen’s APAC region, where he focused on strengthening partnerships with major media stakeholders and delivering audience insights. He also founded and led Blue Hat Ventures, an advisory firm dedicated to driving the growth of digital media businesses across Asia Pacific.

In his LinkedIn post, Gilby shared his plans for the future, stating, “I’m taking a break to spend quality time with my family and focus on my health. Before starting the next chapter, I’m looking forward to using the next few months for personal 

development—advancing my AI knowledge, diving into marketing and creative thought leadership, expanding my expertise in sustainability and NED roles, and reconnecting with friends in the exciting media landscape of Asia Pacific and beyond.”

Robert Gilby has worked in the media and entertainment sector for nearly 30 years, with more than 25 of those years spent in the Asia Pacific area. He has held key leadership roles at major companies, including The Walt Disney Company, Warner Media, and PwC, gaining deep knowledge of markets such as China, India, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

For the second quarter, which ended on June 30, 2024, Dentsu Group reported a slightly lower-than-average 0.2% year-over-year increase in organic sales. In the APAC region, organic revenue declined by 6.2% in Q2, slightly better than the 7.1% drop recorded in Q1.

Also Read-https://voiceofentrepreneur.life/dentsu-apac-ceo-robert-gilby-resigns-from-his-position/

[rthidden]

Notebook LM Notes: Pod-cast Away

Google's rolling out the AI welcome mat with Notebook LM, an AI tool that transforms your documents into podcast gold.

Who knew your reports had voiceover potential?

Why it matters

AI isn't just a Silicon Valley buzzword—it's a tool small businesses can use to boost creativity and efficiency.

Google’s Notebook LM shows that automation can create content, not just organize it.

With AI, your business can reach new audiences without needing a recording studio or sound booth.

By the numbers

35% of companies are weaving AI into daily operations, according to IBM's 2023 report.

The global AI market's set to quadruple from $86.9 billion in 2022 to $407 billion by 2027 (MarketsandMarkets, 2022).

63% of AI enthusiasts claim it feeds productivity like caffeine on a Monday morning (PwC, 2023).

What they're saying

"AI is probably the most important thing humanity has ever worked on. I think of it as something more profound than electricity or fire," muses Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google.

Use it to spark, expand, and distribute knowledge, and you just might agree with the guy.

The plot twist

Notebook LM takes prompt engineering to the next level with smart delimiters.

Translation? It keeps your content sharp, focused, and as relevant as a meme in your group chat.

No technical wizardry required!

The bottom line

Google’s Notebook LM makes AI-fueled content creation as breezy as an afternoon siesta.

It’s time to hit record and let your documents do the talking.

[wherewhereare]

Buggs Spamming

@country-wannabe was originally a Shelbert blog. She hasn't posted anything since mid 2021. She goes back to 2014, which of course, everything between then and 20 July 2015 is about them. I will just say she did not come over the to the Darkside (Shefani world) with great acceptance, as she felt her blog was about Blake. Eventually she was assimilated. But what is interesting, is that there is an archive that shows the emotions, falsehoods, truths, some hate, etc about BS and ML's divorce from just before it happened through to, not sure. This is stuff I don't have in my archive, and the only way to get it there is to repost her stuff.

There will be more spam, for the rest of 2015, I am sure November will be very interesting, to read. Blake and Gwen flew to attend the CMAs on 4 Nov. Gwen was only backstage. Unfortunately, her, or his, or both (have heard conflicting reports) that based on the fact the paps had caught them being very cozy with each other at Halloween parties (day of and next) the publicists decided to announce to the world that Blake and Gwen were officially dating due to the paps finding out that Gwen was with Blake on the plane. Unfortunately, the announcement apparently came out while ML was on the red carpet. MLs fans, when they found out about the timing went ballistic, accusing Blake and Gwen of trying to diminish ML.

The hate was there before, but, when this happened, it basically exploded from some of the hardcore ML Fans. We here started referring to these off the wall people as ranfans to differentiate them from the sane fans of ML. From then on, we saw a lot of unsubstantiated hate from these people. Some were absolutely psycho. There are still a few on twitter and some show up in mine and PWC's blog to screw with us.

Gwen, and Blake denied that they told their publicists to release the information.

Bottomline, more coming.

[acquaintsofttech]

Remote Team & In-house Team: A Seamless Integration

Introduction

In the rapidly changing business era, the working pattern has seen a transformational change. Individuals are on the path of embracing remote work & freelancing. Companies are on the hunt to hire remote developers from across the globe.

As 16% of businesses are fully remote & with a staggering 1.57 billion freelancers globally, it is proof that remote work is here to stay. A tech giant like Google has seen a significant number of contract workers out of their workforce. A total of 54% of the workforce comprises freelancers which exceeds the ratio of full-time employees.

Firstly, it is necessary to understand the value that remote developers bring to your tech team. Remote employees provide flexibility, specialized skills & the ability to scale your workforce as per the project needs. Adopting remote teams enables you access to global tech talent available to work in different time zones.

Now, let's start with the term Remote Team.

What is a Remote Team?

A remote team refers to a group of employees who collaborate to work from different geographic areas. The concept of working remotely has been around for a long time but made the buzz after the advancements in technology.

Today, a major chunk of the workforce comprises remote teams. The figures for remote work adoption are higher in the IT sector. Almost, every company is looking to hire remote developers to meet their software solution requirements.

Big companies like Shopify & Twitter are hiring remote developers by embracing a distributed teams model. Other players in the market are following this trend due to the perks it provides.

From an employee point of view, remote teams provide advantages like convenience & flexibility in work hours. From the viewpoint of the company, remote teams provide a potential reduction in costs.

Apart from the advantage stated above, remote teams offer an abundance of benefits for both employees & enterprises. However, if your business is still in its beginning phase, it is likely that will find it to to manage remote teams effectively.

Despite, the availability of technology, it will be difficult for your team to adapt to the changing needs.

Every team member needs to adjust to remote work. there are instances when their productivity will decline. Each member needs to have essential remote work skills to adapt to the changing needs.

They also need to adjust to the new roles of communication & collaboration. Remote work blurred the line between personal & work life, causing an increase in stress.

Now let's first understand the advantages of Remote teams from an Employee perspective.

Hiring remote developers leads an organization to fulfill their project needs.

Acquaint Softtech is a Custom Software Development & IT staff augmentation company that can help you hire remote developers who meet your project criteria,

Hire Remote Developers Now!

What are the advantages of remote teams: From an Employee viewpoint

Enables work-life balance:

A study by PwC states that 67% of employees can balance their work life after choosing to work remotely. Work from work-from-home model decreases the commute time & increases the time for rest, thus allowing one to maintain a quality life.

Increases productivity:

As remote employees get a lot of time to rest, it increases their productivity. The number of distractions is less after working from home.

Improvement in Employee retention rate:

As organizations have embraced working from home, it encourages employees to stay with the company for a long time. One report by Owl Labs states that 74% of employees stayed in the same company when they were provided an option to work remotely.

Improved lifestyle choices:

Remote work enables a healthier lifestyle, as it allows an employee to enjoy their habit while at work. Doing this has shown a decrease in burnout which is as low as 26%.

Customized Work Environment:

Embracing remote work allows an employee to customize their work setup keeping their comfort & productivity in mind.

Now, let's understand the advantages of remote teams from an Employee viewpoint

What are the advantages of Remote teams: From an employer's viewpoint

There are a bunch of advantages every employer gets by hiring a remote team. We have covered each advantage from an employer's viewpoint in our previous blog.

Check out our blog on Remote Team: A first aid to overcome project management

Now, let's understand the best practices for hiring software development outsourcing services for managing a remote software solution project.

Before moving into understanding best practices for software development outsourcing let's understand what the term means.

What are Software Development Outsourcing Services?

When any organization tends to build a remote team, they would choose any one of the two options. First, they will look to run through a hiring process to hire top-talent of remote candidates from across the globe. Secondly, they would hire external software development outsourcing services to meet their web development & software development needs.

Let's understand the term Software Development outsourcing services.

When an organization outsources its software development project to an Outsourcing Company it is known as Software Development outsourcing.

In the next step, every organization will work towards integrating their in-house team & remote team.

Let's understand how any organization can seamlessly integrate its in-house team development with remote teams.

Steps to achieve seamless integration of In-house team & remote team

An in-house development might benefit a lot when integrated with a remote team. This integration might not be for the long term but it would give fruitful returns. The integration can help the in-house team improvise their soft skills like communication skills & teamwork & problem-solving skills.

Let's understand how an organization can achieve seamless integration of both teams.

Establish effective communication channels:

While integrating remote & in-house teams it is necessary to build systematic communication channels. Make a detailed plan of what communication tools need to be used, and what are communication channels to be used.

An organization can use tools like Slack, Skype & Google Meet, & Zoom to maintain a smooth flow of communication.

Stating diversified communication channels like Emails, & social media can help achieve a hassle-free communication flow. It is also necessary to define the mode of communication to be used like video calls, audio calls, etc.

Using Project Management or Collaboration tools:

Defining what project management tools you need to use for managing each proejct activity is necessary. Popular project management tools like Asana, Wrike, Zoho, etc. can help manage software development projects smoothly.

These project management tools will help in smoothening the collaboration process and add value to your tech stacks.

Regularly providing feedback & reviews:

Constructive feedback can help you improvise. It is important to provide constructive feedback to your team. Based on the set KPIs, giving proper feedback can help a team member improve. Continuous feedback can help achieve a successful project deliverability.

Initiating team-building activities:

Including your remote team in various team-building activities can help you achieve & build a harmonious work environment. Conducting virtual team-building activities like online games, & virtual coffee breaks can help in achieving team unity. Building interpersonal relations is the secret to achieving a successful integration.

Providing equal opportunities:

After delegating the development project to outsourcing teams it is important to utilize the skills of an in-house team. To do this, the organization should assign the task of working on core job responsibilities. By doing, this the organization would be successful in achieving a sense of equality in the workplace.

Closing Notes

To meet the skill shortages, companies & enterprises are looking to hire remote developers to meet their project management needs.

Organizations can either choose to hire an Outsourcing Software Development Company or build a team of remote developers.

Based on the size & requirements of the proejct, the organization can choose the best fit for their software development project.

[mariacallous]

Journalists from 69 global media outlets working under the auspices of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the German publication Paper Trail Media have published a new investigation titled Cyprus Confidential. The reporting relies on 3.6 million leaked documents from six Cypriot companies described as “financial enablers.” Among other findings, the journalists uncovered that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who has long denied having any connections with Vladimir Putin, sold a quarter of the shares of one of Russia’s largest advertising holdings to entrepreneurs close to the Russian president in 2010. Additionally, the project’s investigators determined that Hubert Seipel, a German journalist who has written multiple books praising Putin, received hundreds of thousands of euros from offshore accounts linked to Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov. Meduza outlines some of the investigation’s key findings.

Reporting based on records from the leak

The auditing firm PwC Cyprus may have violated sanctions by continuing to work on transferring Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov’s shares in a German travel company to his partner in the days after the E.U. named him in new sanctions. Leaked documents suggest PwC Cyprus also rushed to restructure assets owned by Russian billionaires Alexander Abramov and Alexander Frolov as U.K. sanctions loomed.

A prominent German journalist, Hubert Seipel, received at least €600,000 ($653,000) in undisclosed offshore payments from companies linked to Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov (see above) to support two books seen as favorable to Putin. According to The Guardian, the revelations about Seipel will likely fuel further debate “over the role parts of [Germany’s] political and business elite played in helping to keep Putin in power.”

With the help of a Cypriot corporate services firm called MeritServus, Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeev was able to move debt worth millions of dollars between his shell companies (remaining in control of the shares while keeping it effectively “off the books”) despite Western sanctions against him for his support of Russian proxy forces in eastern Ukraine. MeritServus and Malofeev’s Cypriot company likely violated sanctions in these loan deals.

Just before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich transferred control of his $1-billion art collection to his ex-wife, Dasha Zhukova. The switcharoo was likely to prevent Western officials from freezing or seizing the collection in case of sanctions against Abramovich, which the U.K. and E.U. imposed in March 2022 for his alleged association with Vladimir Putin. (Zhukova, a U.S. citizen, has not been sanctioned.)

Abramovich was also part of a secret $40-million deal in 2010 that used offshore shell companies to conceal his involvement in the transfer of shares in the profitable advertising company Video International to two close associates of Vladimir Putin known as his personal “wallets,” Sergey Roldugin and Alexander Plekhov. “The secret deal with Mr. Roldugin and Mr. Plekhov,” writes The BBC, “suggests a close financial relationship between Mr. Abramovich and President Putin” (which Abramovich denies).

Roman Abramovich sold his stake in an advertising firm to Putin’s friends

In September 2003, two Cypriot companies called Finoto Holdings and Grosora Holdings purchased 25 percent of the shares in Video International, a major Russian advertising holding company. At the time, according to the BBC, Video International “enjoyed a dominant position” in Russia’s domestic TV advertising market and was “half a step away” from the Kremlin.

Each of the companies paid just $130,000 for 12.5-percent stakes in Video International. According to journalists who analyzed newly leaked records, an entity called the Sara Trust Settlement owned both companies through a series of intermediaries — and its ultimate beneficiary was Roman Abramovich.

The following year, Abramovich received $1.8 million in dividends from the company — seven times what he had paid for the shares.

In December 2010, Finoto Holdings sold its share of another Cypriot company called Med Media Network, which nominally belonged to cellist Sergey Roldugin, a close friend of the Russian president who E.U. investigators who studied the Panama Papers in 2016 referred to a “Putin’s wallet.”

On the same day, Grosora Holdings sold its own stake in the company to Namiral Trading Ltd, a company with ties to Alexander Plekhov, an entrepreneur close to Rossiya Bank founder Yury Kovalchuk. The total value of the two sales amounted to $40 million.

According to the independent Russian outlet iStories, which took part in the ICIJ investigation, Abramovich’s role in the Video International deals was not previously known publicly. For years, observers assumed 100 percent of the company’s shares had been sold to entities associated with Yury Kovalchuk.

After the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Alexander Plekhov came under U.K. sanctions for his ties to Vladimir Putin, while Sergey Roldugin was sanctioned by the U.K., the E.U., and the U.S. Washington dubbed the musician “the custodian of President Putin’s offshore wealth.”

In the spring of 2023, the Swiss prosecutor’s office, which was investigating cases involving managers of Gazprombank’s Swiss affiliate, referred to Roldugin and Plekhov as “straw men” for Rossiya Bank, which the U.S. government has referred to as “Putin’s personal cashbox.”

Abramovich has long denied having any connections with Putin. In 2010, a representative of the billionaire stated that he had “no financial relationship” with Putin, who was prime minister at the time.

In 2021, Abramovich sued journalist and former Financial Times Moscow correspondent Catherine Belton over an excerpt from her book Putin’s People that said Abramovich had purchased Chelsea Football Club at Putin’s request. Abramovich won the case in a London court, and the book’s British publisher, HarperCollins, agreed to change the text and apologize to the businessman.

Abramovich did not respond to journalists’ questions regarding the Cyprus Confidential findings. Sergey Roldugin and Alexander Plekhov also declined to comment.

Generous payments to a top German ‘Russia expert’ for books about Putin

Another part of the investigation links Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov to the German journalist Hubert Seipel, who has authored multiple complimentary books and films about Vladimir Putin.

In 2012, Seipel wrote and directed the film I, Putin: A Portrait, which was nominated for a German TV award for best documentary. In 2015 and 2021, he published the books Putin: The Logic of Power and Putin’s Power: Why Europe Needs Russia, both of which became bestsellers. Seipel has met with Putin multiple times and is considered one of Germany’s leading Russia experts. His public statements, meanwhile, often echo the Russian president’s own rhetoric.

The Cyprus leak reveals that in 2018, Seipel signed a “sponsorship agreement” for the creation and promotion of a book about the “political climate in Russia.” The deal ultimately led to the publication of Putin’s Power by the Hamburg-based publisher Hoffmann und Campe. According to the agreement, Seipel received at least 600,000 euros ($653,000). In addition, the document also contains a handwritten note that reads, “Similar to the 2013 agreement: biography of Putin.” This suggests the same sponsor paid Seipel for his earlier book on Putin.

The payment was made by a British Virgin Islands company called De Vere Worldwide Corporation, which is registered under the name of Igor Voskresensky, one of the directors of the Russian energy company Power Machines. The witness’s signature on the agreement belongs to Dmitry Fedotov, the head of the legal department of the steel company Severstal.

The funds for Seipel’s payments were issued to De Vere Worldwide from offshore accounts whose beneficiary was billionaire Alexey Mordashov, the owner of both Power Machines and Severstal. In 2018–2019, two of Mordashov’s offshore entities transferred a total of 610,000 euros ($664,000) to De Vere Worldwide.

In an interview with Paper Trail Media, Seipel admitted that Mordashov sponsored his books about Putin. However, he disputed that idea that this discredits the books themselves, saying the sponsorship agreements with De Vere Worldwide included a clause stating that he was under no obligation to his sponsor regarding the books’ contents. He also described Mordashov as an “entrepreneur who sponsors projects with private funds.”

Hoffmann und Campe said in a statement that it reserves the right to take legal action against Seipel for concealing the conflict of interest.

Alexey Mordashov, who Forbes lists as Russia’s fifth-richest billionaire, did not respond to journalists’ requests for comment.

[sublimeobservationarcade]

Coalition Responsible For Consulting Crisis

10 years of Liberal/National federal governments stripped the public service of 15, 000 jobs and opened the door for consultants PwC, KPMG, EY, and Deloitte to feast on government contracts to the tune of billions of dollars. Coalition responsible for consulting crisis, as insider mates shuffle jobs between government and the big 4 consultancy/auditing firms to ensure the flow of business and big bucks. Four Corners has revealed the incestuous relationships in the Department of Defence and KPMG via whistleblowers telling their story about what has been going on. Pigs with snouts in the trough comes to mind as an analogy about what has been occurring. “It has been the Coalition's official benchmark for "responsible management" since 2015; a target that prime ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison also pursued. More than 15,000 government jobs were abolished as a result.” - (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-13/has-federal-budget-2021-ended-coalition-war-on-public-servants/100133980) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pduOqZPnqVc

Dishonest & Dodgy Coalition Governments Dealing Billions To Consultants

The lack of transparency is a major issue and questions have to be asked whether this was a deliberate strategy by the Coalition in government. Outsourcing, what has always been the work of government through the public service, means that these consulting firms are not scrutinised to the level government departments usually are. The Abbott, Turnbull, and Morrison governments moved much of their work of government to these private consulting firms. Public funds normally allocated to the trusted public service were diverted to these private companies. The PwC tax scandal has shown clearly that these firms are not to be trusted with sensitive and confidential government information.

“Former KPMG partner urges royal commission into consulting industry following damning report into PwC scandal” - (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/06/former-kpmg-partner-urges-royal-commission-into-consulting-industry-following-damning-report-into-pwc-scandal) “PwC Australia has sacked eight partners, including its former CEO Tom Seymour, over their direct involvement in or knowledge of the tax leak scandal which has engulfed the consulting firm.” - (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-03/asx-markets-business-live-news-july-3/102553582)

Neoliberal Coalition Oversees Erosion Of Ethics  & Professional Standards

Overcharging and extending contracts is rife in the consulting sector and via these government contracts they have gone to town. Tens of billions of dollars have been siphoned off into the hands of these firms and their insider mates of the Coalition. Scott Morrison has a lot of questions to answer re-Robodebt and PwC was involved in this illegal debacle as well. It is time that these people were brought to justice and prosecuted. The erosion of ethics and professional standards has been overseen by the Coalition in power. Screwing the taxpayer out of money and feathering the nest of private individuals has been happening on a very large scale. “Collins had breached a series of confidentiality agreements made with federal Treasury and the Board of Taxation that gave him access to various consultative forums as a senior partner in the local branch of a global accounting firm. Information obtained during those processes was used to brief local and international tax partners or staff on what the government was doing in specific areas of taxation. It was publicly known that Collins had shared knowledge that he should not have shared, as was the fact that his former firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (now PwC), was given a disciplinary penalty that required it to tighten up training and procedures.” (https://www.themandarin.com.au/219292-damning-emails-reveal-former-pwc-peter-collins-multiple-breaches/

Liberal Vision Of Australia All About Wealth At Any Cost For The Few These people at the heart of these big 4 consultancy firms have earned millions of dollars. They live in big houses in exclusive suburbs worth millions of dollars, and they drive very smart cars. Insider trading is illegal and yet these accountants have trod an inside track thanks to their Coalition mates in power. A decade of Coalition governments has overseen the massive expansion of private consultants taking over the public service. Liberals screwing the Australian people for their own advantage. Profits and avoiding public scrutiny by Abbott, Turnbull, and Morrison are at the heart of this betrayal of trust. “The previous Coalition government spent $20.8bn outsourcing more than a third of public service operations, an audit has found. The federal government released the findings of the Australian public service audit of employment on Saturday, which examined the hiring practices and associated costs of 112 public service agencies, excluding the CSIRO, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and parliamentary departments. It found the equivalent of nearly 54,000 full-time staff were employed as consultants or service providers for the federal government during the 2021-2022 financial year – the equivalent of 37% of the 144,300-employee public service.” - (Stephanie Convery, The Guardian, 6 May 2023) Conservative voters in Australia are hoodwinked into voting for the Coalition on the basis of socially conservative policies. Meanwhile, we are all shafted via insider trading for their mates and plum government contracts for wealthy friends in the consultancy business. Hundreds of millions of dollars of public funds being siphoned off into the hands of these dubious individuals. Donald Trump and the Republicans have written the modern rule book for this grifting behaviour in government in recent times. Trump is a hero for these conservatives combining billion dollar grift with authoritarian power to keep any dissenting voices in check. Look at the list of questionable activities undertaken during the Abbott, Turnbull, and Morrison governments. - Climate change and global warming – the Coalition has put back Australia at least a couple of decades via their inaction and manipulation of government policies in this space. - Consultancy Crisis/Gutting the Public Service – tens of billions of dollars going into private hands via overcharging, wasteful practices, and neutering public scrutiny and the voice of the public service. - Robodebt – the Robodebt scheme was cooked up by Scott Morrison and was illegal, but put into practice anyway. 500, 000 Australians were wrongly accused of owing large amounts of money to the government. People killed themselves in despair over this! A settled class action has cost taxpayers $1.6 billion so far. A Royal Commission was scathing in its condemnation and recommendations for further prosecution against those administering the scheme. Scott Morrison, of course, denies any wrong doing and responsibility for something he instigated. - Sports Rorts – pork barrelling taken to another level, as Coalition ministers direct spending to swing voter seats in a bid to shore up support for their electoral cause. Australians in Labor seats miss out on investment into their infrastructure because of where they reside and the political bellwether situation. - Uluru Statement from the Heart – 10 years of Coalition government denied this call from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians for a place at the big table. Whenever Liberal/National governments come to power they invariably dismantle and defund Indigenous bodies and programs, which were established by Labor governments to close the gap. Whether it is politics over concern for First Nations’ people or just out and out racism the end result is the same. Is it any wonder that First Nations’ Australians want a Voice to Parliament written into the Constitution. Peter Dutton is leading the No vote against the Voice in the referendum. The Nationals also oppose it. Mean spirited, racist, and, generally, lacking compassion are all ways to describe this behaviour. - Housing Crisis - Where has all the social housing in Australia gone? Neoliberal economic policies have given everything over to the private sector and the profit motive. Needy and vulnerable? Tough luck, you're stuffed in Oz these days. - Corporate Profits Driving Inflation - A concentration of corporate power via takeovers and mergers means that price setting is rife in Australia. Bugger all competition (where and what has the ACCC been up to?) in the banking sector, supermarkets, audit firms, airlines, real estate, mining, energy sector, and everywhere you seek to do business is an oligopoly. Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of Money Matters: Navigating Credit, Debt & Financial Freedom ©WordsForWeb

Read the full article

[steadfastconsultant]

10 Reputed CA Audit Firms in Hyderabad You Can Trust

As Hyderabad grows into one of India’s leading business and technology hubs, the importance of financial transparency, statutory compliance, and accurate reporting has never been more critical. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or large corporation, choosing the right audit partner is essential. Fortunately, the city is home to several trustworthy CA audit firms in Hyderabad that offer dependable and expert audit services. These firms not only help ensure compliance but also provide insights to improve financial health and internal efficiency.

Here’s a list of 10 reputed CA audit firms in Hyderabad you can trust in 2025, starting with one of the most recommended names in the industry — Steadfast Business Consultants LLP (SBC).

1. Steadfast Business Consultants LLP (SBC)

A highly rated firm based in Madhapur, Hyderabad, Steadfast Business Consultants LLP (SBC) is widely regarded for its expertise in statutory, internal, tax, and management audits. With a client-first approach, SBC stands out among the CA audit firms in Hyderabad for delivering detailed, compliant, and insightful audit reports that help organizations maintain control and transparency.

SBC’s audit offerings include:

Statutory Audit under Companies Act

Internal Audit for risk and operational analysis

Tax Audit under Income Tax regulations

Management and Stock Audits

Their team of experienced Chartered Accountants ensures that audits are more than just a compliance requirement — they’re a tool for growth.

Location: Madhapur, Hyderabad Phone: 040–48555182

2. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP

One of the Big Four, Deloitte brings global expertise to its Hyderabad branch. Known for high-end auditing, assurance, and advisory services, Deloitte supports large corporations and multinational firms in various sectors.

3. KPMG India (BSR & Co. LLP)

KPMG, operating in Hyderabad under BSR & Co., is a major player in auditing and risk management services. Their experienced audit teams help companies comply with domestic and international regulations.

4. PwC India

PricewaterhouseCoopers offers auditing and advisory services with an emphasis on industry-specific needs. PwC Hyderabad is known for innovation-driven audits that bring operational insights and financial accuracy.

5. Ernst & Young (EY India)

EY offers full-spectrum audit services and has a strong presence in Hyderabad’s financial ecosystem. Their internal audits are particularly useful for companies seeking operational improvements.

6. Raju & Prasad Chartered Accountants

A well-established firm offering statutory, tax, and forensic audits. Their local market understanding makes them a trusted partner for SMEs in Hyderabad.

7. Suresh Surana & Associates LLP

Known for customized audit strategies and strong compliance support. The firm caters to industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

8. G. P. Associates

This firm has built a strong reputation among CA audit firms in Hyderabad by delivering quality audits for mid-sized companies and startups.

9. V. Narayana Rao & Co.

Specializing in internal audits and tax reviews, this firm helps businesses strengthen financial controls and ensure compliance.

10. S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP

Another member of the EY network, this firm provides top-tier audit services to large enterprises and public companies.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing among the top CA audit firms in Hyderabad, quality, reliability, and experience matter. Whether you’re managing internal controls or fulfilling statutory requirements, these firms can be trusted with your audit needs.

For a dependable and responsive partner, contact SBC at 040–48555182 and take the first step toward accurate, compliant, and growth-driven audits.

[ukmploymentlawnews]

Gender Pay Gap Falls

[techit-rp]

Why a Financial Analytics Certification Online is the Smartest Career Move in 2025

In today’s data-driven economy, numbers speak louder than ever. From investment banking and fintech to corporate finance and risk management, the ability to analyze and interpret financial data is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. As organizations aggressively invest in analytics to make smarter decisions, the demand for professionals trained in financial analytics is soaring.

Enter the Financial Analytics Certification Online—your passport to the future of finance.

🔥 Why Financial Analytics is Booming in 2025

According to a report by Deloitte, finance leaders worldwide are shifting toward predictive analytics, AI-driven forecasting, and real-time data reporting. This means that traditional finance roles are evolving rapidly. Skills in Excel and basic accounting are no longer enough; what employers want now is the ability to turn data into actionable insights.

Whether you're a fresh graduate, finance professional, or someone looking to pivot into this lucrative field, a Financial Analytics Certification Online provides the flexibility and expertise to thrive in this landscape.

🌐 The Online Advantage: Why Go Digital?

Let’s face it—today's professionals are busier than ever. Online certifications provide the perfect balance of flexibility, accessibility, and affordability.

Learn at your own pace: No rigid schedules or geographical constraints.

Access to global faculty: Top-tier instructors from around the world.

Immediate practical application: Courses include real-life case studies and data projects.

Affordability: Compared to traditional MBAs or diplomas, online certifications are cost-effective.

In 2025, the online education market is booming, especially in specialized fields like finance analytics, thanks to platforms offering industry-relevant, job-ready training modules.

📈 Top Skills You’ll Gain from a Financial Analytics Certification Online

Here’s a look at the in-demand skills taught in most reputable programs:

Advanced Excel & VBA

Python & R for Financial Modeling

Power BI / Tableau for Financial Dashboards

SQL for Finance Data Extraction

Forecasting and Predictive Analytics

Valuation Techniques and Ratio Analysis

Machine Learning Applications in Finance

Risk Management & Compliance Analytics

These skills are not just theoretical—they're built into hands-on assignments, capstone projects, and case studies in top programs.

🧑‍💼 Who Should Enroll in a Financial Analytics Online Certification?

A Financial Analytics Certification Online isn’t just for finance professionals—it’s for anyone looking to thrive in a data-centric world. Ideal candidates include:

Aspiring financial analysts and consultants

Investment bankers and asset managers

Accountants and auditors upgrading skills

MBA students seeking specialization

Entrepreneurs managing finance-heavy businesses

IT/data professionals transitioning to finance

In short, if you interact with financial data in any capacity, this certification can open the door to better roles, higher salaries, and international opportunities.

🏆 Best Career Opportunities After Certification

Some of the top job roles you can target after completing your certification include:

Financial Analyst

Investment Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst (Finance)

Risk Analyst

Corporate Finance Consultant

Credit Analyst

Data Scientist (Finance domain)

FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) Specialist

With organizations like Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte, and even tech giants like Amazon and Google hiring finance analytics professionals, this domain is only getting hotter.

🌍 Industry Insights: What Experts Are Saying

A 2025 industry survey by PwC India shows that 75% of CFOs are planning to increase investment in data analytics tools and personnel. Moreover, companies now seek professionals who can interpret data, build predictive models, and drive real-time financial decisions.

Leading recruiters look for candidates who’ve taken up industry-recognized Financial Analytics Certification Online courses from credible institutions, especially those offering capstone projects and placement support.

🏫 How to Choose the Right Financial Analytics Certification Online

Not all online certifications are created equal. Here’s a quick checklist when evaluating a course:

✅ Industry-recognized Certification

✅ Live Projects + Internship Opportunity

✅ Tool Proficiency (Excel, Python, Tableau, Power BI)

✅ Placement Support / Job Guarantee

✅ Mentorship from Finance Experts

✅ Flexible Schedule with Live + Recorded Classes

Look for platforms that collaborate with global universities or offer placement tie-ups with financial firms.

🎓 Want the Best Financial Analytics Certification Online?

If you’re looking for a trusted program that blends theory, hands-on experience, and job readiness, consider enrolling in the Financial Analytics program at the Boston Institute of Analytics.

With a presence in 100+ campuses globally, 350+ corporate partnerships, and expert faculty from top financial firms, BIA’s Financial Analytics Certification Online offers the ultimate springboard into the finance industry.

✅ Final Thoughts

In a world where data is the new oil, finance professionals who can harness this power are the new-age leaders. A Financial Analytics Certification Online is not just a course—it’s a career catalyst. Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder, pivot careers, or start your venture, the knowledge and credibility gained from a top-notch certification will help you get there.

[joshinglis7269]

What Corporate Auditing UAE Means for Your Financial Health

In today’s fast-paced business world, maintaining financial transparency and regulatory compliance is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity. This is especially true in the UAE, where the government has taken significant steps to align business operations with international standards. Corporate auditing UAE plays a vital role in ensuring that your company’s finances are not only accurate but also legally compliant and strategically sound.

What Is Corporate Auditing?

Corporate auditing is the process of evaluating a company's financial records and internal controls. The goal is to ensure that the organization is reporting its financial position accurately, following legal standards, and managing risks effectively. In the UAE, audits are conducted under the regulations of the UAE Commercial Companies Law, along with guidelines from the Ministry of Economy and free zone authorities.

Why Is Corporate Auditing Important in the UAE?

1. Legal Compliance

The UAE mandates annual audits for many businesses, especially those registered in free zones or operating as LLCs. Corporate auditing UAE ensures you comply with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), VAT regulations, and anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

2. Investor Confidence

A clean audit report demonstrates that your company is financially healthy and well-managed. This boosts investor confidence, making it easier to attract funding, form partnerships, or even sell the business.

3. Risk Management

Corporate auditing helps uncover financial inconsistencies, fraud, or inefficiencies that may not be visible during daily operations. Early detection through auditing allows companies to correct course before minor issues become major problems.

The Financial Health Benefits of Corporate Auditing UAE

Accurate Financial Reporting

Auditing ensures your balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports reflect the true status of your business. This clarity helps in better budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting.

Improved Internal Controls

Auditors often identify weaknesses in internal processes. Strengthening these controls helps prevent future financial mismanagement and increases operational efficiency.

Easier Access to Loans & Funding

Banks and investors in the UAE often require audited financial statements before approving loans or investment deals. Regular auditing gives you a financial edge when negotiating with stakeholders.

Tax Compliance & Savings

An audit ensures that your business is not under- or over-reporting income or expenses. This reduces the risk of fines and can even identify areas where your business may be entitled to refunds or deductions.

Who Needs Corporate Auditing in the UAE?

Mainland companies (LLCs)

Free zone entities (depending on the jurisdiction)

Companies subject to VAT

Businesses with multiple stakeholders or shareholders

Entities planning for IPOs, mergers, or acquisitions

Choosing the Right Auditor in the UAE

When selecting an audit firm, consider the following:

Experience in your industry

Registration with UAE authorities

Knowledge of international standards (IFRS)

Proven track record with local businesses

Top firms offering corporate auditing UAE services include international players like KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, and local firms licensed by the Ministry of Economy.

Final Thoughts

In a competitive and regulated market like the UAE, corporate auditing is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting your financial future. Regular audits offer a clear picture of your business health, ensure legal compliance, and position your company for sustainable growth. If you're operating in the UAE, taking corporate auditing seriously is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.