Tabloid 'Frontier Development Bank' formed amid widespread corruption allegations.

[The Storyteller]

The 'Economic Downturn' is slowing as a new commercial bank opens its doors in Imperial Space for the first time in recent years. Economists are watching the Empire closely, as a press conference by the recently formed 'Frontier Development Bank' (FDB) was held earlier today. Fronted by CEO Galen Terco, a retired member of the Imperial Navy, the FDB has launched a series of widespread investment plans covering the less-developed worlds within Imperial Space with a 'focus on generating localised economic growth'. Speaking at the Conference this morning, Mr. Terco said:

"It is exciting to open a new business or expand an existing one within Imperial Space. With the economic insecurity of the past now set behind us, I am delighted to announce that a consortium of investors has come together to fuel this new period of growth and security, delivering economic certainty, jobs and investment returns for many across Imperial Space. There has never been a better time to do business, and I encourage all to come on board with our bold new vision for the Empire."​

However, the appointment of Mr. Terco as CEO of the FDB has attracted some criticism from sentient rights watchdogs outside of Imperial Space, with allegations that the businessman is connected to the Imperial Security Bureau. The 'Campaign for Sentient Rights' said that "rumours abound that Mr Terco once worked with the ISB, and we cannot be sure that relationship does not still exist. With a track record of subversive activity and strong suggestions that the ISB has engaged in consistent abuses of galactic law, we have serious concerns about this appointment.".

The FDB has refuted these allegations as 'slander', whilst Mr Terco was unavailable for comment.

The bank's formation comes just weeks after a series of crackdowns and asset seizures across Imperial Space left numerous Sith Order member exiled and deprived of their property. The FDB does not publish its investor list, prompting speculation as to the origin of its funding.

We shall have more on this emerging story as it develops.

 

[Galen Terco]

Galen placed down his datapad, the article flickering out as he turned the device off. Of course, there would be some who viewed the advancement of Imperial industry as ‘corruption’. Always, there would be some who attempted to talk down the Empire's advancement. He tutted under his breath.

Truth be told the capital to establish the bank had come from the ISB, and all of it in turn had come from the repatriated possessions of exiled Sith nobility.

And Galen would not see a dime of it beyond his ISB salary, which he still drew. After all, he was still an ISB agent, positioned here to execute their ends. He looked at the data screens before him, from within his ‘Bank Shuttle’ which served as his office. The resources he had at his command were immense, the temptation to dip into them, greater still.

Yet Galen would resist.

At least he hoped he would. Shaking his head, he called his contact Levik (@Eccles) ”I’m sending you the identifier for the recent article on the FDB. Kindly ensure its distribution across Imperial Space goes through the usual ISB measures.” he requested, effectively asking for the article to be blocked across Imperial territory.

He ended the call once confirmation came through ”Let’s get going.” the CEO informed his pilot, as their ship leapt into hyperspace.