PROMINENCE

Total Recovered: $5.4 Million

Florida: $700,000 returned to victims

Massachusetts: $1.3 million returned to victims

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Recent Developments in the Ongoing Battle Against Crypto Fraud:
Florida and Massachusetts have successfully recovered approximately $5.4 million in cryptocurrency from a fraudulent scheme that initially began as a romance scam and evolved into a sophisticated crypto investment fraud. The funds are being returned to victims who were misled by scammers promising high returns on investments in cryptocurrency.

Florida’s Recovery Efforts:

Florida prosecutors revealed that victims of the scam were spread across six counties in the state, with some individuals losing significant sums.

One victim in Marion County alone lost over $450,000.

In the first quarter of 2026, Florida's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Department successfully recovered $3.3 million in cryptocurrency fraud-related cases.

Since its inception 2.5 years ago, the department has recovered a total of $7.2 million, with an additional $12.6 million in frozen cryptocurrency assets still under litigation.

Massachusetts Efforts:

Massachusetts was also able to recover $1.3 million in stolen crypto assets, further demonstrating the growing collaboration between state agencies to combat cryptocurrency fraud.

Shenzhen, China – In a significant update, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange has announced an adjustment to the list of securities eligible for trading under the Hong Kong Stock Connect program. Effective April 16, the Chinese autonomous vehicle technology firm Hesai-W will be added to the list of eligible stocks for cross-border trading.

What is Hong Kong Stock Connect?

The Hong Kong Stock Connect is a landmark program that enables international and domestic investors to buy and sell eligible shares listed on either the Shenzhen Stock Exchange or the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). This initiative, which links the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets, allows for greater liquidity and deeper integration of China’s capital markets with global financial systems.

The Addition of Hesai-W:

Hesai-W, a prominent player in the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology space, has now been included in the eligible securities list, allowing global investors to gain exposure to its shares via the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

This change reflects the regular review process by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and aims to ensure that the list of eligible stocks remains aligned with market dynamics and investment opportunities.

Strategic Implications:

Hesai-W’s inclusion is expected to attract increased attention from both local and international investors, particularly those with a focus on cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence.

The adjustment is seen as a positive development for market participants, as it enhances the variety of investable options available through the Stock Connect program, further deepening cross-border capital flow and broadening the range of companies available for trading on both exchanges.

The Importance of the Stock Connect Program:

Since its inception, the Stock Connect program has been a crucial step toward opening up China's capital markets to global investors. The addition of high-profile companies like Hesai-W reflects the ongoing integration of China’s fast-growing tech sector with international markets, and positions Hong Kong as a vital gateway for investors looking to access mainland China’s equity market.

Market Reaction:

Investors and analysts are keenly watching the impact of this addition, particularly given the growing importance of LiDAR technology in the development of autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation. Hesai-W's listing on the Hong Kong Stock Connect provides broader visibility to the company, potentially increasing its investor
base and market valuation.

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a series of pipeline construction and operational permits, marking a significant step forward in enhancing oil and petroleum transport between the United States and Canada.

The newly authorized permits include a pivotal approval for Bakken Pipeline, allowing for the development of new pipeline facilities in Burke County, North Dakota. This expansion aims to facilitate the transport of oil from the Bakken Formation, a major oil-producing region, to key markets in the U.S. and beyond, bolstering energy security and supporting economic growth in both nations.

Key Developments:

New Construction Permit: The Bakken Pipeline project, based in North Dakota, has been granted the green light for new pipeline facilities. This is expected to significantly enhance the flow of petroleum products, particularly from Canada to the U.S., helping to address infrastructure gaps in the current transport system.

Maintenance & Operations: In addition to the new construction approval, Trump also issued permits for the maintenance and operation of existing pipelines in North Dakota and Michigan, particularly in areas near the U.S.-Canada border. These measures are intended to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of pipelines already integral to cross-border oil transportation.

Strategic Implications:

This move is seen as part of the Trump administration's ongoing push to increase U.S. energy independence and strengthen trade relations with Canada, particularly in the oil and natural gas sectors. By granting these permits, the administration is reinforcing its commitment to expanding domestic energy production while also securing vital infrastructure for future growth in the North American energy market.

The new infrastructure is expected to play a key role in reducing transportation bottlenecks, lowering energy costs, and increasing access to reliable and affordable energy sources across the continent. Bakken Pipeline is poised to become a central player in facilitating greater trade between the two countries, providing a vital link between Canadian oil producers and U.S. refineries.

Environmental and Political Debate:

While the move is seen as a win for energy advocates and supporters of increased fossil fuel infrastructure, it has sparked debate on both environmental and political fronts. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the long-term impacts of expanding pipeline networks, including potential risks related to spills and land disruption. On the political side, critics argue that the approval of new pipeline permits might further entrench fossil fuel dependency, potentially undermining efforts to addr
ess climate change.

Thailand's central bank has reported a notable slowdown in the country's GDP growth for the first quarter of 2026, citing external factors, particularly the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East, as key drivers of the economic deceleration.

In its latest update, the bank highlighted that the conflict has had ripple effects on global trade and supply chains, which, in turn, have weighed on Thailand's export-dependent economy. This external pressure is compounded by uncertainties surrounding global energy prices and financial markets, adding further strain to domestic economic activity.

Revised Growth Forecast for 2026
As a result of these challenges, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has adjusted its economic outlook for the remainder of the year. The BoT now anticipates the GDP growth rate will experience a further decline in the second quarter, with growth expected to remain subdued.

In a significant move, the central bank has revised its baseline GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 1.3%, down from the earlier projection of 1.9% made in December of 2025. This marks a substantial reduction, reflecting the deepening impact of global economic tensions.

Outlook for the Rest of 2026
The BoT’s revised forecast underscores the growing concerns over Thailand's ability to maintain its growth momentum amid continued uncertainty. The bank's decision to lower its forecast reflects both the short-term economic challenges and the potential long-term repercussions if the global geopolitical situation does not stabilize.

The revised growth outlook is also expected to influence monetary policy decisions moving forward, as the central bank weighs its options to support economic activity while managing inflationary
pressures.

1. Don’t trade with rent money – Your home is non-negotiable. Losing a trade is one thing, losing your roof over your head is a whole different beast.
2. Don’t trade with school fees – Your education is a long-term investment. No trade can guarantee that kind of ROI (Return on Investment), at least not fast enough to keep you in school.
3. Don’t trade with food money – Because the last thing you want is to be deciding between a profitable trade and a meal. Focus on your basics first!
4. Don’t trade with emergency funds – A healthy safety net is meant for emergencies, not gambling. Life will throw curveballs, and you need a cushion for when it does.
5. Don’t trade with borrowed money – Trading with debt is like fighting with one hand tied behind your back. The pressure will cloud your judgment, and you’ll be too stressed to make good decisions.
6. Don’t trade with family money – Trust is priceless. Even if you do win big, the emotional toll of losing it could hurt your relationships beyond repair.
7. Don’t trade with bill money – Bills don’t care about your profits. A missed payment can come with a real-world cost—don’t let trading add to your stress.
8. Don’t trade with salary money you depend on – Trading with your paycheck puts your emotions at the helm. And emotional trading is like driving a car blindfolded—it’s a mess waiting to happen.
9. Don’t trade with savings meant for specific goals – Delay your financial goals at your own risk. The longer you put off the things you’re saving for, the further you get from reaching them.
10. Don’t trade with your last cash – "This is it, the final bet." One loss, and you’re back at square one. Protect your last cash like it's your last lifeline, because, well, it kind of is.
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