Business

Michael O’Leary, the outspoken chief executive of Ryanair, has qualified for share options worth over €100 million after the airline’s stock sustained a major milestone for nearly a month — hitting a share price target set more than six years ago.

Shares in Europe’s largest low-cost airline closed above €21 for a 28th consecutive trading day, meeting a key condition of a share option scheme first laid out in 2019, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the terms of the performance-linked deal, O’Leary, 64, is entitled to acquire 10 million Ryanair shares at €11.12 each — a deep discount to Thursday’s closing price of €23.74. That would equate to a potential windfall of €126 million, should he remain in his post until at least July 2028, as stipulated in the scheme.

Speaking earlier this month on an analyst call, O’Leary defended the payout: “I think we’re delivering exceptional value for Ryanair shareholders in an era when Premiership footballers and managers are getting paid 20-25 million a year. I think Ryanair shareholders are getting a particular value out of our share options — both mine and the rest of the management team.”

The airline has declined to formally comment on the milestone, noting that the options will not vest for another three years.

O’Leary, who has led Ryanair since 1994 and served on the board since 1988, is widely credited with steering the airline’s evolution from a small regional player to Europe’s dominant carrier by passenger numbers. Under his leadership, the carrier has become a household name known as much for its low fares and aggressive expansion as for O’Leary’s own combative public persona.

This week, Ryanair reported record annual passenger numbers, flying 200.2 million people in the 12 months to March — a 9 per cent increase on the previous year.

O’Leary is already one of Ryanair’s largest shareholders, with 44.1 million shares representing a 4.15 per cent stake. Much of this position was granted during his early tenure in the 1990s.

Ryanair’s share price has nearly tripled since its pandemic low of €8, and the €21 threshold that unlocks O’Leary’s bonus looked a distant target for much of the intervening period. But strong post-pandemic demand, disciplined cost management, and soaring traffic numbers have since pushed the stock back into record territory.

Outside aviation, O’Leary is also a high-profile racehorse owner through Gigginstown House Stud, which has achieved multiple Cheltenham and Grand National victories, including two Grand National wins with Tiger Roll.

As Ryanair continues to expand its network and fleet, the payout signals confidence in the airline’s long-term growth — and in O’Leary’s ongoing leadership of one of Europe’s most recognisable travel brands.

Read more:
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary qualifies for €100m bonus as shares hit six-year target

Capita, Pizza Express, Lidl and British Airways are among more than 500 companies publicly named and shamed by the UK government for failing to pay thousands of staff the legal minimum wage.

The Department for Business and Trade on Thursday published a list of 518 employers who collectively owed £7.4 million to nearly 60,000 workers. The underpayments were identified through HMRC investigations spanning from 2015 to 2022. In addition to repaying workers, the named firms faced financial penalties of up to 200 per cent of the amounts underpaid.

Justin Madders, the minister for employment rights, said the government would not tolerate employers undercutting staff. “There is no excuse for employers to undercut their workers,” he said. “We will continue to name companies who break the law and don’t pay their employees what they are owed.”

At the top of the list was outsourcing giant Capita, which failed to correctly pay 5,543 workers, owing a total of £1.15 million. The company said the shortfall was due to “inadvertent underpayments” stemming from issues including unpaid pre-shift login time for call centre staff between 2015 and 2021. Capita said all owed wages had been repaid immediately and system changes had been implemented to prevent a recurrence.

Restaurant chain Pizza Express was second on the list, having underpaid 8,470 employees a total of £760,701 between 2012 and 2018. A spokesperson said the issue arose from a “historic unintentional technicality”, and confirmed the company had “swiftly identified who was impacted, apologised and rectified” the matter.

British Airways said the £231,276 it failed to pay 2,165 workers related to new cabin crew who were underpaid during their first two months between 2014 and 2017. The airline said all affected employees were back-paid “several years ago” and it had apologised at the time.

Discount supermarket Lidl owed £286,437 to 3,423 employees, while Halfords, the motor and cycling retailer, underpaid 4,341 workers a total of £140,829.

Other prominent employers on the list included travel group Tui, holiday parks operator Parkdean Resorts, and CDS Superstores, the company behind The Range.

The minimum wage — known as the National Living Wage for workers over the age of 21 — was raised to £12.21 an hour in April. It was first introduced in 1999 and is updated annually. The government regularly publishes the names of non-compliant employers as part of its enforcement campaign to ensure the lowest-paid workers are treated fairly.

Read more:
Capita, Pizza Express and Lidl among 500+ firms named for minimum wage breaches

Nationwide Building Society will hand £100 to more than four million members following what it described as an “outstanding twelve months” of performance, capped by its takeover of Virgin Money and a surge in mortgage lending.

The £410 million “Fairer Share” payout — the third consecutive annual bonus to qualifying members — was revealed in Nationwide’s full-year results, which showed profits rising to £2.3 billion, up from £1.8 billion the year before.

The member-owned mutual said the bonus reflects its commitment to rewarding customer loyalty and passing on value, with £1.8 billion of the £2.8 billion total returned to members delivered through competitive savings and mortgage rates, and £1 billion distributed directly via cash bonuses.

The record performance was helped by its £2.9 billion acquisition of Virgin Money, which completed in October, and a boom in mortgage activity. Net mortgage lending leapt to £15.9 billion, up from £2.6 billion the previous year, driven by a rush of homebuyers ahead of the end of a temporary stamp duty discount in March.

March was Nationwide’s busiest-ever month for mortgage completions, with over 30,000 property purchases finalised.

Debbie Crosbie, the society’s chief executive, said the strong performance gave the mutual the financial firepower to both reward members and pursue strategic growth: “We’ve had an outstanding twelve months. This is the benefit of mutuality — we can reinvest our profits for the benefit of our members.”

Crosbie’s bold move to acquire Virgin Money last year saw Nationwide leapfrog NatWest to become the UK’s second-largest mortgage lender, behind Lloyds Banking Group. The deal also reunited Crosbie with a business where she spent over two decades earlier in her career.

To thank members for enabling the takeover, Nationwide also made a one-off £50 payment to 12 million members last month, totalling £615 million — on top of the £385 million Fairer Share payout in 2023 and £344 million in 2022.

The Virgin Money brand will remain separate for now, but Crosbie signalled that future integration is likely to deliver cost savings and synergies, particularly around funding, IT, and third-party costs. “We don’t expect any significant changes in staff levels in the short- to medium-term,” she added.

Despite the March stamp duty deadline passing, the building society says demand for mortgages remains robust. “We thought there would be a bit of a cliff edge, but we haven’t seen it,” said finance chief Muir Mathieson.

ISA warning: reforms could impact mortgage costs

Crosbie also warned that potential government reforms to the Isa system — particularly any cap on cash Isas — could make mortgage borrowing more expensive, especially for smaller lenders.

The Treasury is said to be considering changes that would cut the annual £20,000 allowance for cash Isas in a bid to steer savers toward equity-based stocks and shares Isas and revive the London Stock Exchange.

Crosbie cautioned that such a move would hit building societies that rely on cash savings to fund mortgage lending. “Cash Isas are a very important source of funding,” she said. “Reducing the allowance could raise the cost of mortgage lending, particularly for smaller societies.”

She also stressed that investing in equities is not suitable for all savers: “The customer research that we have done has shown that the large majority of people don’t have an appetite for equity investments. Stocks and shares may not be appropriate for retirees or younger people saving for their first home.”

Nationwide, which only offers cash Isas, said it has seen a surge in new deposits in recent weeks amid speculation about changes to the Isa regime. “It’s been a very busy period,” said Crosbie.

Read more:
Nationwide rewards members with £100 payout after record profits and Virgin Money deal

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has called on Sir Keir Starmer to go beyond the government’s recent EU “reset” deal and forge deeper trade and financial links with Brussels, warning that the economic fallout from Brexit and Donald Trump’s resurgent protectionism pose mounting risks to UK growth.

In a major speech delivered in Dublin, Mr Bailey welcomed the government’s latest agreement with the European Union, which reduces customs checks and aligns UK food standards with the bloc. But he said the deal did not go far enough to address the long-term economic challenges Britain faces.

“Just as the Windsor Agreement on trade involving the UK and Ireland was a welcome step forward, so too are the initiatives of the current UK Government to rebuild trade between the UK and EU,” he said. “But there is more we can do.”

Bailey was careful to avoid weighing in on the politics of Brexit, stating: “I take no position on Brexit per se.” However, he made clear that its economic consequences—particularly in the form of non-tariff barriers—have hurt productivity and overall growth.

“If the level of trade is lowered by some action, it will have an effect to reduce productivity growth and thus overall growth. Just as tariffs, by increasing the cost, can reduce the scale of trade, the same goes for the type of non-tariff barrier that Brexit has created,” he said.

“This does not mean that Brexit is wrong, because there can be other reasons for it, but it does suggest, I think powerfully, that we should do all we can to minimise negative effects on trade.”

The Governor’s remarks come as Starmer’s government faces mounting criticism over its EU strategy. The latest reset deal, which binds the UK to Brussels’ food safety standards and grants influence to the European Court of Justice, has been labelled “the worst of both worlds” by Brexiteers and some Labour backbenchers. Critics argue it sacrifices regulatory autonomy without restoring voting rights in EU institutions.

Bailey, however, pressed for deeper alignment—particularly in financial services—arguing it is crucial to ensure London’s role as a global capital market remains intact.

“The scale of investment needed requires access to global capital, supported by open financial markets,” he said. “There is merit in seeking to increase the openness of our financial markets by reducing non-tariff barriers.”

While defending global trade, Bailey also echoed parts of President Trump’s diagnosis of global economic dysfunction, describing international trade rules as under strain and in urgent need of repair.

He acknowledged that the former US president’s criticism of China’s industrial subsidies and “unsustainable trade imbalances” was not without merit.

“I am an unshaken believer in free trade, [but] the system has come under too much strain,” Bailey said. “It is incorrect to dismiss those who argue for restrictions on trade as just wrong-headed.”

He cited International Monetary Fund research that found China had implemented thousands of subsidy programmes across critical industries, skewing global markets and contributing to the erosion of fair trade principles.

While Bailey stopped short of endorsing Trump’s tariffs, he admitted they reflect deeper dysfunction in the multilateral trading system.

“If it is believed that tariff action is needed to create the shock and awe to get these issues on to the table and dealt with, then something has gone wrong with the multilateral system,” he said.

Nonetheless, the Governor warned against the UK and others turning inward.

“We must not retreat indiscriminately from global trade. The answer lies in diversifying supply chains among reliable partners who abide by international law,” Bailey concluded.

His speech is likely to add momentum to calls for a more pragmatic and economically focused post-Brexit policy, even as political divisions over the UK’s future relationship with Europe remain sharp.

Read more:
Bailey urges Starmer to deepen EU ties to soften Brexit blow and counter Trump tariffs

Millions of savers could see their retirement pots put at risk under sweeping new pension reforms unveiled by the government, leading experts and campaigners have warned.

A series of proposed changes, confirmed on Thursday as part of the new Pension Schemes Bill, would loosen rules on how surplus funds can be extracted from defined benefit (DB) pension schemes — allowing employers to reclaim billions of pounds that are currently locked within retirement funds.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said it intended to “remove barriers to extraction” and revise the threshold at which pension trustees can share scheme surpluses with sponsoring employers. Ministers claim the proposals could help boost economic growth by enabling companies to reinvest the funds into business expansion, wage increases or further pension contributions.

But pensions industry leaders have voiced serious concerns about the potential fallout for more than ten million people who are members of DB schemes, warning that loosening the rules could undermine long-term security and destabilise well-funded schemes.

The newly formed Pension Security Alliance — comprising pension insurers Just Group and Pension Insurance Corporation, consultant John Ralfe, and organisations representing pensioners — said the reforms threatened to turn pension schemes into “piggybanks for others to dip into.”

In a statement, the Alliance warned: “Extraction before members’ benefits have been secured runs the risk of those schemes running short of money if financial conditions change. In that case, some schemes could collapse.”

They urged ministers to “think again” and stressed that the government itself had previously cautioned that relaxing surplus rules could reduce protection for members.

The DWP has insisted the measures would only take effect with “stringent safeguards” and the full discretion of scheme trustees. A formal consultation is due to be launched in the coming weeks.

“The goal is to deliver benefits for both employers and members,” a government spokesperson said. “Employers could use this funding to invest in their business, increase productivity, boost wages or utilise it for enhanced contributions.”

But fears about erosion of protections have been compounded by a separate “reserve power” in the legislation that would allow ministers to impose binding asset allocation targets on pension funds — effectively compelling schemes to invest in UK assets such as infrastructure and private companies if they do not do so voluntarily.

James Alexander, chief executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association — which represents over 300 financial services firms with a combined £19 trillion under management — said the prospect of mandatory investment posed major risks.

“Mandation risks distorting markets, creating asset bubbles and potentially lowering returns for pension savers. It could also push some schemes into riskier assets than appropriate,” Alexander said.

The Investing and Saving Alliance also expressed concern, warning that schemes must not be forced “down a path which could jeopardise member outcomes”.

The government’s push to unlock pension capital to stimulate economic growth follows July’s Mansion House Accord, where 17 of the UK’s largest pension providers pledged to voluntarily invest £25 billion in UK private assets by 2030. Ministers now appear ready to wield legislative levers to ensure that commitment is met.

Torsten Bell (Pictured), the newly appointed pensions minister, said the reforms were not about prescribing specific investment strategies, but about unlocking the full potential of Britain’s £3.5 trillion pensions industry. “We’re making pensions work for Britain,” Bell said, describing the reforms as a means to “boost returns for workers and invest in Britain’s future”.

The government estimates that around three-quarters of DB schemes are in surplus and collectively hold approximately £160 billion in surplus assets, though some analysts put the figure closer to £360 billion. These figures, however, can fluctuate rapidly with changes in interest rates, inflation expectations and life expectancy forecasts.

John Ralfe, a veteran pensions consultant and member of the Pension Security Alliance, said the legislation must be tightly drafted to define surpluses “on a tough basis”, and any employer who draws from a surplus must remain liable to top up the scheme if deficits later emerge.

Some observers, including Daniela Silcock of the Pensions Policy Institute, acknowledged the proposals could bring certain benefits if properly managed — particularly by encouraging more schemes to continue operating independently, rather than offloading liabilities to insurers.

“A change that encourages more schemes to continue running and to pay benefits directly, rather than transferring to an insurer, could help members by maintaining flexibility, avoiding transaction costs, and potentially preserving higher benefit value,” Silcock said.

Nevertheless, the central question remains: will the reforms genuinely enhance retirement security — or simply shift risk from company balance sheets to individual pensioners?

With the Autumn Budget on the horizon and scrutiny intensifying over government plans to reshape Britain’s pension system, this debate is far from over.

Read more:
‘Not pension piggybanks’: experts warn millions of savers at risk under government reform plans

Katana, supported by its native token KAT, is engineered to deliver an optimized DeFi experience, offering exceptional liquidity across protocols such as Morpho (lending), Sushi (spot DEX), and Vertex (perpetuals DEX).

Drawing from five different sources of yield, Katana is set to introduce a new DeFi paradigm for risk-takers, whales, and institutions, alongside strategic partners like Conduit, Chainlink, and Blockworks.

May 28, 2025 — The Katana Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to building the best DeFi experience for users of all types, has announced the launch of Katana’s private mainnet, a blockchain tailored to decentralized finance, designed to enhance asset productivity through consistently higher yields and significantly deeper liquidity.

Unlike the typical fragmented DeFi landscape, Katana concentrates liquidity into selected protocols and aggregates yield from all available sources to power a self-sustaining system with long-term growth in mind. Starting today, pre-deposits are live, giving users a chance to earn KAT by participating early. The public mainnet is expected to launch in June.

Developed with early-stage support from GSR and Polygon Labs, Katana is entering the scene with several key partners:

Conduit, a leading rollup platform managing over $4 billion in TVL across hosted chains.
Chainlink, the most widely adopted decentralized oracle network, which powers DeFi operations with secure and reliable data feeds.
Blockworks, a premier crypto media and data firm, contributing ecosystem content and in-depth analytics.

A Complete and Optimized DeFi Experience for Everyone

Katana was created with all user profiles in mind. In a world where DeFi users dominate on-chain activity, Katana enables them to earn higher returns and interact with DeFi building blocks in a highly optimized yield-driven environment.

Purpose-built for users seeking yield opportunities, Katana unlocks latent asset value through a unified ecosystem that makes every token work harder, offering stronger and more consistent returns than other platforms.

Built with Institutions in Mind

As the DeFi space matures, institutional interest will keep growing. Yet, structural challenges remain: fragmented liquidity and ongoing value leakage hinder efficiency. Katana has been crafted to address these issues by securing deep, concentrated liquidity, minimizing slippage, and stabilizing borrowing and lending rates.

Supported by Industry Titans

GSR will provide liquidity management and cross-chain support while incubating new DeFi protocols through its venture division.
Polygon Labs played a key role during Katana’s early development, offering technical guidance and strategic direction as part of its Agglayer Breakout program.

“We’re proud to collaborate on Katana. Our involvement reflects GSR’s increasing commitment to incubating and advising DeFi ecosystems,” said Jakob Palmstierna, President of GSR.
“Beyond providing capital, we help build accessible and sustainable platforms. Katana allows us to apply our market expertise to activate real yield and concentrated liquidity.”

Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, added:  “DeFi users deserve networks that prioritize sustainable liquidity and dependable returns. Katana transforms inefficiencies into strengths, creating a fertile and rewarding environment for builders and users alike.”

A Secure Architecture Powered by ZK Technology

Katana is built on cdk-opgeth, a custom stack based on OP Stack, connected to Agglayer and enhanced with zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to boost security. This gives developers access to familiar tools, while users benefit from fast confirmations and cryptographic guarantees.

The ZK proofs are generated by Succinct’s SP1, a production-grade zkVM using Polygon’s Plonky3 proving system. The network is operated with support from Conduit, leveraging its powerful G2 Sequencer.

A Liquidity-First DeFi Ecosystem

Katana centralizes liquidity within a curated set of leading DeFi protocols, providing users with:

Enhanced capital efficiency
Significantly reduced slippage
More favorable rates

Core protocols within the Katana ecosystem include:

Morpho for optimized lending and borrowing
Sushi for deep spot liquidity and trading aggregation
Vertex for capital-efficient perpetual trading

On top of this foundation, hundreds or even thousands of new applications can be built, all benefiting from the existing depth of liquidity.

Liquidity is also consolidated across functionally similar assets, such as stablecoins, BTC, and ETH:

Agora for issuing AUSD, the network’s native stablecoin
Lombard for LBTC, a liquid, yield-bearing version of BTC
Ether.Fi for weETH, a wrapped ETH variant that provides staking and restaking rewards
BitVault for institutional-grade BTC-backed money

To allow trading of non-native blue-chip assets like XRP, SOL, or SUI, Universal will bridge them into Katana, along with their staked, yield-bearing versions. This way, users can trade these assets within the Katana ecosystem and gain higher returns than they would on their native chains, while executing strategies like looping, arbitrage, and yield farming.

Sustainably Higher Yield, Engineered for Performance

Katana is built to tackle the toughest DeFi challenges using five performance-focused pillars:

1. VaultBridge
Bridged assets (ETH, WBTC, USDC, USDT) earn yield from Ethereum and compound it again on Katana.
Everyone wins.

2. Network Fees
Fees and a portion of app revenue are reinvested back into the ecosystem, to incentivize users, deepen liquidity, and fund growth.
Everyone wins.

3. AUSD Revenue
AUSD, supported by institutions like VanEck and State Street, shares its earnings with the network instead of hoarding them like traditional stablecoins.
Everyone wins.

4. Core App Emissions
Core apps dedicate their native tokens to reward users, increasing yields and boosting loyalty.
Everyone wins.

5. KAT Emissions
KAT holders will govern how emissions are distributed across DeFi pools, aligning long-term incentives with real usage.
Everyone wins.

Scalability Driven by Participation

The more bridged assets, the higher the yield.
The more AUSD deposited, the more rewards for users.
The more sequencer activity, the greater the returns.

Katana grows with its users. It’s designed to scale sustainably and keep liquidity steady over time. Chain-owned revenue and protocol earnings are continually reinvested in the ecosystem, reducing reliance on short-term incentives.

This model builds long-term stability and serves as a shock absorber during times of volatility. Core apps aren’t operating in isolation, they’re actively contributing to Katana’s overall resilience.
Everyone wins.

Active, Productive TVL That Drives Value

On Katana, TVL is never idle. All assets are actively deployed into lending, trading, and yield strategies that maximize capital efficiency and generate returns for both apps and users.

Unlike chains that chase inflated metrics with inactive capital, Katana makes every token productive. Apps benefit from this economic activity, using it to reinvest in improving user experience.
Everyone wins.

KAT: Ownership, Incentives, and Growth in Harmony

The Katana Foundation also unveils KAT, its native token designed to align users with network development.

Built on a vote-escrow (ve) model, users can receive KAT via lootbox rewards after pre-depositing ETH, USDC, USDT, or WBTC. After a maximum lock-up of 9 months (or sooner if unlocked by the foundation), holders can convert their tokens into veKAT, gaining voting rights over emissions allocation.

KAT is more than governance, it channels emissions toward productive TVL and deeper chain-owned liquidity, reinforcing long-term value creation over short-term speculation.

Private Mainnet Now Available

Katana’s private mainnet is officially live. Developers and early users can now begin exploring its foundational applications.

Visit katana.network to get started.

Read more:
Bitcoin and Ethereum can work for you: here’s how the Katana ecosystem makes it happen

As with most academic and professional activities, correctly citing your sources is important. Whether it’s a chemistry research paper, a psychology case study, or a literary analysis, proper citations within your work demonstrate credibility and help avoid plagiarism.

However, formatting citations manually is tedious. This is where citation generators come in handy.

In this article we discuss how citation generators work, look into the differences between the most widely used styles ACS, APA and MLA and point out online generators where citations can be made instantly. Most importantly, we discuss when and how to use each citation style depending on your subject area and institution.

Why Citations Matter in Research and Academic Writing

Citation is not just a formality, as it serves many purposes, including:

      Giving credit to the original authors their ideas, thoughts, and findings.
      Assisting the audience in finding the correct reference if they are interested in getting additional information.
      Demonstrating the scope of the research you have done.
      Preventing plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense.

Citation, or how you document and reference sources used, has a lot of impact. In this case, using a reliable citation generator alleviates burdening manual work.

What Is a Citation Generator?

A citation generator is an online tool that creates citations for books, journal articles, websites, and other sources instantly using the user-provided information. To generate a citation, you need to enter relevant data, such as author, title, date, publisher etc. Then select the format you’d like the citation to be in (APA, MLA, etc), and everything will be done for you.

Most disciplines will adhere to one of the three most commonly used citation styles:

      APA (American Psychological Association)
      MLA (Modern Language Association)
      ACS (American Chemical Society)

Understanding APA, MLA, and ACS Citation Styles

1.     APA Style

Fields such as social sciences, psychology, education, business and many others utilize the APA referencing style. It emphasizes the date of publication which showcases the importance of recent research within such disciplines.

In-text citation example:

(Smith, 2022)

Reference list example:

Smith, J. (2022). Understanding Human Behavior. Psychology Press.

To make your work easier, you can choose best apa citation generator which helps you generate citations automatically in seconds.

2.     MLA Style

MLA style is associated with humanities disciplines, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It emphasizes more on the author and page number.

In-text citation example:

(Smith 45)

Works Cited example:

Smith, John. Literary Theory Today. Cambridge University Press, 2020.

You can quickly generate proper MLA-style citations using this authentic mla citation generator at https://aithor.com/mla-citation-generator.

3.     ACS Style

ACS citation style is applicable in the field of chemistry and its related disciplines. It has three different formats: numerical, superscript and author-date. This style is concise and very technical.

In-text citation example (Author-date):

(Smith, 2021)

Reference list example:

Smith, J. The Role of Catalysts in Green Chemistry. J. Chem. Educ. 2021, 98 (4), 765–770.

If you’re writing a chemistry paper, save time and ensure accuracy by using this smart acs citation generator.

Why Use Citation Generators?

These are the advantages that come with using citation generators rather than doing citations manually:

      Saving time: You only need to enter your data once. Everything else is automated for you.
      Up to date with the current citation policies: Citation generators are programmed to follow the most up to date rules.
      Support for various styles: You can switch from APA to MLA, ACS, and others with just one click.
      Reduced chances of plagiarism: Citations done accurately reduce the chances of unintentional plagiarism.

From essays to research papers, the tools streamline the work without sacrificing quality.

How to Choose the Right Citation Style

Here’s a quick guide based on your academic field:

Field of Study

Citation Style Recommended

Psychology, Sociology

APA

Literature, Arts

MLA

Chemistry, Biochemistry

ACS

Always consult your instructor or organization for particular criteria on formatting. Some of them may have rigid requirements even outside the norm.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Citation Generator

Using a citation tool is straightforward. Here’s how to do it right:

Choose the right generator

APA: apa citation generator
      MLA: mla citation generator
      ACS: acs citation generator

Select the source type

      Book, journal, website, video, etc.

Enter the required information

      Author name, title, publication date, URL (if online), etc.

Generate the citation

      Review it for accuracy. Some tools also allow you to copy the citation directly to your clipboard.

Paste it into your document

      Add it in the correct section (e.g., References, Works Cited).

Common Citation Mistakes to Avoid

Citation generators are helpful, but it’s always good to double-check for the following issues:

      Missing information: Make sure that you include all relevant details (author, title, date, etc.).
      Inconsistent formatting: Use one style throughout the paper.
      Incorrect placement: The in-text citations should correspond to the full reference entry.
      Outdated citation styles: Use the latest versions of citation styles, such as APA 7, MLA 9, and others.

Make sure to check the bibliography or reference list at the end and remove any extraneous spaces or mistakes.

Can I Trust Citation Generators?

Yes, but only if the tool is credible. Some tools that are not well known might use erroneous punctuation, or even worse, outdated styles. Aithor.com has earned a reputation among students and educators for ease of use and accuracy with their APA, MLA and ACS citation generators. Their extensive use further corroborates their reliability so one can rest assured when using them.

Always save a copy of your references outside your writing document— Be it a separate text file or a citation management software like Zotero, Mendele, or EndNote. This ensures that you do not lose your references when your document needs changes, gets corrupted, or when you need to revise your document.

Final Thoughts

Correctly citing your work is more than a compliance issue, as it showcases your respect for other people’s work and helps you avoid plagiarism and shielding your academic reputation. Formatting your work with the appropriate generator does not need to be a burdensome task.

APA citation generators for psychology essays, MLA for English papers, and ACs for chemistry thesis are all useful tools. If used properly, they can help save a lot of time and also ensure accuracy.

Use these tools with caution, ensure all details entered are correct, and turn your attention to what matters the most.

Read more:
Mastering Academic Writing: The Best Citation Generators for ACS, APA, and MLA Styles

Dr. Chris Endfinger has spent nearly 30 years in emergency rooms across Alabama. He’s helped thousands of people through their worst moments—car crashes, strokes, broken bones, and more. But if you ask him what matters most, he won’t just talk about medicine.

“I’ve come to realize that healing isn’t just about fixing bodies. It’s about being present with people when they’re scared, hurting, or confused,” Chris says.

Chris didn’t always know that. He got into medicine because he wanted to help people. Over time, the job showed him something deeper—something he calls “a sacred space” between doctor and patient. That space, he says, is where healing really begins.

A Life Built on Hard Work

Chris Endfinger was raised in a family that valued service and hard work. His mom was a hospital social worker. His dad owned a small machine parts business.

“I saw both sides growing up,” Chris Endfinger says. “My mom showed me compassion. My dad showed me discipline. Those lessons stayed with me.”

He went to Gulf Breeze High School in Florida, then studied Biochemistry at David Lipscomb University. He also minored in Math and French. After that, he earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1993.

During his Family Practice residency at UAB, Chris was named Intern of the Year. He later served as Chief Resident.

“I didn’t plan to end up in emergency medicine,” he says. “But once I was there, I knew it was the right fit. You don’t know what’s coming through the door next. It forces you to stay sharp.”

28 Years on the Front Lines

Chris has worked as an Emergency Room (ER) physician for 28 years. He’s seen it all—from small injuries to life-threatening trauma. He served as ER Director at Gadsden Regional Hospital from 2004 to 2007.

He says the ER has changed over the years.

“The medicine has gotten better. The technology is faster. But we’re also seeing more people come in with mental health needs, or people who don’t have access to care elsewhere.”

Despite the changes, Chris says one thing has stayed the same: the human need for connection.

“People come to the ER on one of the worst days of their lives. Sometimes they just need someone to see them—to really see them.”

Finding Purpose in Faith

Chris is quick to tell you he’s not perfect. But his faith has been his compass throughout his career.

“When I was younger, I thought faith was about having all the answers,” he says. “Now I think it’s more about trust—trusting that the work matters, even when you don’t see the outcome.”

He’s a member of CrossBridge Church of Christ and has been on medical mission trips to Honduras.

“Serving in Honduras reminded me why I became a doctor. We had fewer tools, but sometimes the impact was even greater. It was just about showing up, offering care, and treating people with dignity.”

He says that work changed his outlook.

“I started to see medicine as more than a job. It became a calling.”

Beyond the ER

Chris doesn’t just live in the hospital. He’s been married to his wife, Amanda, for 33 years. They have two children—Grace, a U.S. Army captain and West Point graduate, and Connor, a UAB business graduate working in sales. He’s also a proud grandfather to a little boy named James.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys playing guitar, reading, and going to the gym. He says staying healthy outside the hospital makes him a better doctor inside it.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. You’ve got to take care of yourself too.”

Leading with Humility

Chris’s leadership style is quiet but strong. As an ER Director, he believed in leading by example.

“I didn’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. You gain trust that way.”

He also learned to speak up—even when it’s hard.

Early in his career, he stayed quiet during a disagreement over a patient’s care plan. The outcome wasn’t good.

“I learned that silence can be just as harmful as action. Since then, I’ve always tried to speak up, especially when it matters most.”

Medicine and Meaning

Chris says the ER can be a lonely place. But it’s also where he finds meaning.

“Sometimes the medicine does everything it can, and it’s not enough. In those moments, words matter. Sometimes you offer comfort. Sometimes you offer prayer. Sometimes silence says the most.”

He says healing doesn’t always mean curing.

“Sometimes healing is just being with someone in their pain, offering peace when there are no easy answers.”

He sees every patient interaction as a chance to do something meaningful.

“It might not seem big at the time. But those small moments—they matter.”

Looking Forward

Chris recently launched a personal website to share his stories and reflections on medicine, faith, and life. He hopes it can be a resource for young doctors, patients, and anyone looking for a deeper understanding of healthcare.

He says his goal isn’t to be famous or flashy. He just wants to be honest.

“I’ve made mistakes. I’ve had wins. I’ve seen miracles and heartbreak. I want to share what I’ve learned—not as an expert, but as someone who’s still learning too.”

At the end of the day, Chris sees his work as part of something bigger.

“The ER is where my skills meet the world’s needs. I’m not just treating bodies. I’m showing up with a faithful heart and open hands. That’s the kind of doctor I try to be.”

And after nearly 30 years, he’s still showing up—one patient, one shift, one small act of care at a time.

Read more:
Spotlight Feature: Dr. Chris Endfinger – Healing with Hands, Heart, and Faith

A worrying time could lie ahead for the UK gambling industry. Recent revenue figures have again been impressive, especially for the online sector. However, stricter regulation is already being put in place and now there are fears of higher tax rates being imposed.

Earlier this year, the Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross spoke at the AGM of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). One of her comments really struck home as the politician spoke about “the value the UK gambling industry sector brings. Not just in tax receipts and jobs created.”  While the Baroness went on to speak about gambling being “a leisure activity,” the audience were still digesting the mention of tax receipts. 

The BGC states that their members contribute £6.8 billion a year to the UK economy and that sees £4 billion being given in tax to the Treasury. However, the fear is that the tax figure is going to increase in the future.

Currently, there is a three-level tax system for the UK gambling industry. There’s a Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) which sees operator’s paying 21% of their profit. In addition, there is also a General Betting Duty (GBD) which is 15% of profit and finally, the Pool Betting Duty (PBD) which sees a payment of 15% of total net stake receipts being paid.

Now the Labour government is now planning to reform the remote gambling tax system with a single Remote Betting & Gaming Duty being created. The concern of the UK gambling industry is that all three verticals could see a 21% duty when the changes come into force.

If that was to happen, it’s something that tax lawyer Zoe Feller believes could see the gambling industry become “economically unviable.” At present, a consultation period is taking place and the tax lawyer believes it is vital that the industry let the government know just how they feel about the proposed changes. “The more data the government collects on the conduct, the more likely it is to result in a tax that actually functions and works,” said Feller.

Grianne Hurst is the CEO of the BGC and has been scathing of any possible tax rise. It’s something she believes would be “utterly self-defeating for the Government.”  It would also make “a mockery” of the desire for there to be growth in the UK economy. The National Insurance rise seen in last autumn’s budget has already hit companies.

Writing on the BGC website, the CEO states that if taxes were to rise, they would not see the Treasury receive additional funds. Hurst added that the stricter regulation that has been introduced has cost the industry “over a billion pounds in lost revenue.”

To be able to legally operate in this country, companies are required to be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) who set the regulations that those licensed must follow. Failure to do so can and does lead to licensees being handed regulatory fees. Recently, Spreadex were fined £2 million and TGP Europe £3.3 million. The latter opted to leave the UK market rather than pay their fine.

There are a large number of unlicensed and unregulated online sites that operate on what is called the black market. Such sites offer lower levels of customer protection and don’t pay the Treasury any tax revenue. 

They also take money away from licensed companies and the BGC estimated that this year’s Grand National saw £9.4 million bet on the black market. Their message to the government is that they “must listen to business and sport and not drive growth, investment and jobs out of one of the UK’s few global business success stories.”

That’s what they will be telling the government during the consultation process that runs until July 21. It’s expected that this year’s autumn budget will see a formal announcement made over what is going to happen.

Online gambling gross gambling yield for the first three months of this year was £1.45 billion. That was 7% higher than the total recorded in the same period last year. Of that total, £689 million came from online slot games. 

There have now been new maximum stake limits introduced. For players aged 18-24, they will not be able to stake more than £2 a spin. There is now a £5 maximum stake for older players. The measures have been introduced to protect those who play the enjoyable but considered highly addictive online slots.

Also a  mandatory levy is being imposed on the industry with the aim of raising £100 million a year. Monies received will go towards funding research into gambling harm and helping their treatment. This combined with the new maximum stakes and possibly higher tax rates are not good news for the UK gambling industry.

A worrying time could lie ahead for the UK gambling industry. Recent revenue figures have again been impressive, especially for the online sector. However, stricter regulation is already being put in place and now there are fears of higher tax rates being imposed.

Earlier this year, the Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross spoke at the AGM of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). One of her comments really struck home as the politician spoke about “the value this sector brings. Not just in tax receipts and jobs created.”  While the Baroness went on to speak about gambling being “a leisure activity,” the audience were still digesting the mention of tax receipts. 

The BGC states that their members contribute £6.8 billion a year to the UK economy and that sees £4 billion being given in tax to the Treasury. However, the fear is that the tax figure is going to increase in the future.

Currently, there is a three-level tax system for the UK gambling industry. There’s a Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) which sees operator’s paying 21% of their profit. In addition, there is also a General Betting Duty (GBD) which is 15% of profit and finally, the Pool Betting Duty (PBD) which sees a payment of 15% of total net stake receipts being paid.

Now the Labour government is now planning to reform the remote gambling tax system with a single Remote Betting & Gaming Duty being created. The concern of the UK gambling industry is that all three verticals could see a 21% duty when the changes come into force.

If that was to happen, it’s something that tax lawyer Zoe Feller believes could see the gambling industry become “economically unviable.” At present, a consultation period is taking place and the tax lawyer believes it is vital that the industry let the government know just how they feel about the proposed changes. “The more data the government collects on the conduct, the more likely it is to result in a tax that actually functions and works,” said Feller.

Grianne Hurst is the CEO of the BGC and has been scathing of any possible tax rise. It’s something she believes would be “utterly self-defeating for the Government.”  It would also make “a mockery” of the desire for there to be growth in the UK economy. The National Insurance rise seen in last autumn’s budget has already hit companies.

Writing on the BGC website, the CEO states that if taxes were to rise, they would not see the Treasury receive additional funds. Hurst added that the stricter regulation that has been introduced has cost the industry “over a billion pounds in lost revenue.”

To be able to legally operate in this country, companies are required to be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) who set the regulations that those licensed must follow. Failure to do so can and does lead to licensees being handed regulatory fees. Recently, Spreadex were fined £2 million and TGP Europe £3.3 million. The latter opted to leave the UK market rather than pay their fine.

There are a large number of unlicensed and unregulated online sites that operate on what is called the black market. Such sites offer lower levels of customer protection and don’t pay the Treasury any tax revenue. 

They also take money away from licensed companies and the BGC estimated that this year’s Grand National saw £9.4 million bet on the black market. Their message to the government is that they “must listen to business and sport and not drive growth, investment and jobs out of one of the UK’s few global business success stories.”

That’s what they will be telling the government during the consultation process that runs until July 21. It’s expected that this year’s autumn budget will see a formal announcement made over what is going to happen.

Online gambling gross gambling yield for the first three months of this year was £1.45 billion. That was 7% higher than the total recorded in the same period last year. Of that total, £689 million came from online slot games. 

There have now been new maximum stake limits introduced. For players aged 18-24, they will not be able to stake more than £2 a spin. There is now a £5 maximum stake for older players. The measures have been introduced to protect those who play the enjoyable but considered highly addictive online slots.

Also a  mandatory levy is being imposed on the industry with the aim of raising £100 million a year. Monies received will go towards funding research into gambling harm and helping their treatment. This combined with the new maximum stakes and possibly higher tax rates are not good news for the UK gambling industry.

Read more:
UK Gambling Industry Concerned Over Stricter Regulation and Higher Taxes

Springbok Casino has steadily established itself as a key player in the South African gambling market and beyond, developing a strong reputation since it began operating. But does it actually meet the expectations in 2025?

The casino’s interface is user-friendly, featuring games organized into ideal categories for easier exploration. Furthermore, the variety of games is impressive, featuring well-known genres like slots, table games, and video poker, among others. To gain a complete understanding of this popular South African online casino, read our full 2025 Springbok Casino review here and discover if it truly offers the exceptional gaming journey you are looking for.

Games

Springbok Casino has a wide variety of over 300 online games (most available also on your phone/tablet), making it perfect for South African players. You can play slots, table games, poker, or even games that are more laid-back.

Players who enjoy slots will feel perfectly at ease. The games are more than just simple. They feature interesting themes and use updated graphics. Engage with slot games featuring wilds, multipliers, free spins, and random jackpots, and your winning percentage could appear quite remarkable by day’s end.

If you are hoping for traditional table games, you will enjoy roulette, blackjack, craps, and baccarat. The platform is also perfect for video poker fans, featuring various versions to accommodate different play styles. The blending of luck and technique in these games means both casual and professional gamers may enjoy them.

If you are in the mood for something different, Springbok has keno, bingo, and scratch cards available. Those looking for the jackpot can maximize their chances in the progressive area. The prizes in these competitions can rise to enormous amounts. To participate in the grand prize draw, you must choose the maximum stake on each attempt.

Offers and Promotions

Springbok Casino focuses on rewarding its players, both new and regular. It all begins with a R250 no-deposit offer. All you need to do is sign up and enter the coupon code TEST-SPRINGBOK in the “Redeem Coupon” area. You can withdraw as much as R500 from your bonus winnings, providing a risk-free method to begin.

The welcome package extends beyond that. Springbok Casino provides new users a three-segment welcome bonus totaling R11,500. If you use the code SPRINGBOK100 when you make your initial deposit, you can expect a 100% match up to R1500. For your second and third deposits, you can get 50% up to R5000 using the code SPRINGBOK50.

Regular players enjoy a 300% bonus up to R9000 using the code SPRINGBOK300 on any deposit. Springbok also supports you with a 25% cashback deal on deposits placed without any ongoing bonus. The highest cashback you can obtain is R3,000, implying you need to invest an R12,000 deposit. However, you need to reach out to customer support to redeem this offer, and deposit bonuses qualify for cashback. The prize comes with a 10x playthrough condition on slots, keno, bongo, and scratch cards. and no limit on cashing out. Furthermore, to request cashback, your balance must be under R50. The offer is valid for 60 days.

Each month, the first 77 players have a short time to use the 100% Lucky 7 Bonus and win up to R777 in bonus cash. Keep looking at your emails and the casino’s message center on the 7th day of every month to take part in this limited offer.

Springbok Casino offers its players the opportunity to earn Comp Points that help them stay involved. You receive 1 comp point each time you bet R10, and when you collect 100 points, you can exchange them for R1 of cash.

Springbok runs daily slot tournaments and freerolls for those who want to compete and the prizes can differ. You can find them on the downloadable casino software and use them to compete with other players for rewards.

Banking

The casino’s banking system is specially made for South African players. Since the South African Rand is the only currency on the site, you do not need to convert your money, and your transactions stay easy to understand.

There are several instant methods you can choose for making deposits. Most online casinos offer Visa and Mastercard as traditional cards, meaning you can deposit a minimum of R150 instantly. With EasyEFT, you can pay with confidence from your South African bank account without the need to register or use a credit card. You can access it quickly, it’s easy to use, and the minimum amount needed is only R25.

In addition, Springbok Casino accepts Bitcoin for anyone who would rather use this modern payment method. Any deposits you make are processed on the spot, and it usually takes between two and three days for withdrawals. The minimum you can deposit is R250, while the minimum amount to withdraw is R1000. For lovers of e-wallets, using EcoPayz is an easy decision because it allows for swift and secure transfers, from a minimum of R25 in deposits and R500 for withdrawals.

Alternative local options consist of Secure Instant Deposit (SID), which directly links to your bank’s online platform. SID deposits are processed immediately and do not require a credit card. It’s an online platform that enables instant payments directly from your bank account, making it one of the easiest methods to finance your casino wallet.

Springbok Casino prioritizes player safety during withdrawals by implementing account verification. You will need to provide some documents before you can make your first withdrawal. This guarantees that your earnings are delivered to the right individual and aids in preventing fraud.

Withdrawal durations differ based on the method you select. Although Bitcoin, EcoPayz, and SID usually complete payouts in 48 to 72 hours, Wire Transfers require more time, up to 20 business days, and involve an R200 charge with a R1500 minimum withdrawal.

Mobile Gaming

Springbok Casino allows you to enjoy all the casino features right from your phone. Whether using iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, or Windows, gaming can be effortless at any time or place. There is a great selection of popular games on Springbok Mobile, and new options are introduced frequently for variety.

Users of Android have their own Springbok Casino App, which launched in 2018. You can enjoy playing without needing to download anything. With Instant Play technology, all mobile games operate seamlessly in your browser without consuming your phone’s storage. From slot machines to table games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker, you’ll discover all you require for top-notch entertainment while on the move.

Players using the Springbok mobile platform enjoy all the same promotions, bonus options, and secure ways to make payments as on the desktop site.

Is Springbok Still Worth It in 2025?

Springbok Casino is an excellent choice for South Africans interested in a casino designed for their local preferences. Thanks to its reputation, customer support, use of ZAR and Bitcoin, and generous bonuses, even more players keep coming back. It would be great to have additional currencies, live dealer games, and possibly even more languages. In general, we recommend Springbok Casino, and players should begin their experience without delay.

Read more:
Springbok Casino Review 2025: Is This Still South Africa’s Most Trusted Online Casino?