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Morley Greene: Trez Capital is Trés Terrific
By GERRY POSNER “Serendipity” is how Morley Greene describes what has brought him success in life. Perhaps he’s right, but I concluded, after chatting with him and reading articles about him – the most recent one in the Toronto Globe and Mail, that it was more than serendipity that has given Morley the life that he has now at age 81.
The only child of Abe and Sara Greenberg, Morley was raised across the street from St. John’s High School at Machray Avenue and Salter Street. Not surprisingly, he attended St. John’s High School, though he ultimately graduated Grade 12 at West Kildonan Collegiate. Morley admits he was a disinterested student. His tenacity carried him through though and, as he got older, his interest in learning blossomed.
Law was the path Morley Greene chose and it was a part of his life for over 32 years, after graduating from the University of Manitoba law school. His law career began in Winnipeg, then Edmonton and finally, Vancouver. His career took off almost right from the start, and it was not long after that he started his career that he was made a partner at the very prestigious law firm of Buchwald Asper Henteleff.
The future looked promising and soon after he was married, he was the father of three children. In 1976, Morley, just 35 years old, and with a young family, made a bold decision – a decision which changed his life forever. He decided to leave Winnipeg and try to take his tent and talent elsewhere. He credits the late Izzy Asper with paving his way to another high powered law firm in Edmonton. Izzy called his friend, Aaron Shtabsky, and soon Morley was ensconced at Shtabsky and Company. He specialized in tax, mortgages and the real estate industry. Had Morley remained in Edmonton, it would likedly have been all that he needed for the rest of his life in order to be a financial success.
But then another opportunity presented itself to Morley. The Imperial Development Group came calling. This company, led by Donald Gales, Gerald Libling and Gerald Raizen was in the midst of major property acquisitions and development in Winnipeg and elsewhere. Morley was invited to join the company in an executive capacity. It was a major step up for Morley.
In 1979, he and his family moved back to Winnipeg and things went well – until they didn’t. The high interest rates of the 1980s were no doubt a key factor in the eventual dissolution of the Imperial Group. Morley Greene had to start over.
In 1991 he headed further west – this time to Vancouver, where he joined the very well know law firm of Owen Bird. He became licensed to practice law in British Columbia, his third call to the Bar – after Manitoba and Alberta. For six more years Greene was once again a hard working lawyer in a big firm. But then Morley made a second major decision that changed the course of his entire career. In 1997, he gave up law and decided to take on an entirely new challenge in an industry for which he had been advising as legal counsel for a significant part of his legal career.
In 1997 Morley struck out on his own and started a corporation he called Trez Capital (the name came from a variation of the French word “Treize,” which means thirteen). The company began as a mortgage lender. I will not dig deep into all the projects with which Trez Capital has been involved over the years, but there are very many.
Trez Capital has set new standards for the industry over the past 25 years with institutional-grade processes and strict compliance adherence. The history of the company is well recorded in the recent Globe and Mail article featuring Morley and the story of Trez to which I referred earlier.
What is important to acknowledge is this: From nothing (well not quite, as Morley did raise $3 million dollars to start with from private investors), Morley has made Trez the biggest real estate lender in Canada after the banks. Dwell on that statement. The company has funded more than 1600 transactions for a total value of $14 1/2 billion (you read that right), all channeled into different multi-family dwelling, industrial and office projects.
Trez Capital is active all over Canada and the US. The company has offices in Toronto, Montreal, Dallas, Palm Beach, Atlanta, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles and Vancouver. The company has over 170 employees and assets of over $4 billion under its management. Think about it – all that from a Winnipeg kid from the north end.
I would suggest that part of what made Morley and his company so successful is the way he approaches his work and indeed, his relationships with the people around him. Morley interacts well with everyone and demonstrates a genuine interest in them. Moreover, he is not afraid to admit mistakes. He was quite concerned, for instance, that as a result of the Covid pandemic, Trez Capital would face unpredictable problems, so the company made the decision to stop lending.
Morley anticipated defaults coming – and a lot of them. He was wrong – and he admits it. Instead, there were no defaults and, in fact, Trez Capital had a record number of payoffs on its loans. The result of all that is that, throughout the pandemic the company has remained in good shape and it has resumed investing and lending across North America.
Maybe the most telling part of the Trez Capital story is that the company has over 30,000 individual investors and many of those investors (and indeed, many borrowers) have been investing with (and borrowing from) Trez Capital since 1997 – when the company first began. That tells me that Morley knows what being in a relationship-driven business is all about and that he and his team have developed an esteemed – and well-deserved reputation for trustworthiness.
When the pandemic was in full force, Trez Capital, led by Morley Greene, reached out to its investor base, calling them each week to keep them informed as to the current status of the company. Morley and his top brass also made sure that all key employees were informed as to what was transpiring, in accordance with the most rigorous standards of corporate transparency – further evidence of a corporation that places a premium on individual relationships.
At 81, Morley is still very active in Trez Capital, even though he has ascended to a more hands-off role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. When I spoke to him, he was busy in his Dallas office. He spoke very proudly of his three children: daughter Mara – now Madam Justice Mara Greene of the Ontario Court of Justice (and, in her spare time a hockey player); daughter Sara Greene, a professor at McMaster University in the Faculty of Social Work; and son Jonathan, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Political Studies at Trent University.
As I mentioned at the outset, Morley attributes his success to serendipity. I would suggest otherwise. In my view, Morley’s life work and in particular, his creation and building of Trez Capital is a testament to Morley Greene’s work ethic, tenacity and commitment to valuable relationships – trés outstanding and nothing less.
Features
Why casinos reject card payments: common reasons
Online casino withdrawals seem simple, yet many players experience unanticipated decreases. Canada has more credit and debit card payout refusals than expected. Delays or rejections are rarely random. Casino rules and technical processes are rigorous. Identity verification, banking regulations, bonus terms, and technological issues might cause issues.
Card payment difficulties can result from insufficient identification verification. Canadian casinos must verify players’ identities before accepting card withdrawals. If documentation are missing, obsolete, or confusing, the request may be stopped or denied until verified.
Banks and card issuers’ gaming policies are another aspect. Some Canadian banks limit or treat online casino payments differently from card refunds. In such circumstances, the casino may recommend a more reliable withdrawal method.
For Canadian players looking to compare bonus terms and payout conditions, check https://casinosanalyzer.ca/free-spins-no-deposit/free-chips. This article explores the main reasons Canadian casinos reject card payouts, from KYC hurdles to bank-specific restrictions, so you know exactly what to watch for.
Verification Issues: Why Identity Checks Matter
KYC rules must be activated by licensed casinos. Players need to submit proof of their identity, address and age. If any documentation is missing, expired or unclear, the withdrawal will be denied. In Canada, for instance, authorities like the AGCO or iGaming Ontario have been cracking down on KYCs by demanding that submitted documents – whether photo ID, utility bills or bank statements – be consistent with all account details.
Common errors are submitting screenshots, cropped photos or documents with names, dates or addresses that aren’t entirely visible. Just the slightest differences in spelling or abbreviations or formatting can get these blocks triggered.
Another possibility is that the account was red flagged if previous withdrawals were already made without partial verification. Keeping precise, readable documents helps facilitate approvals and cuts through delays and frustrating red tape, as Canadian gamblers access their winnings both safely and quickly.
Timing Matters
Verification isn’t always instant. Documents being submitted during the busiest times, or on weekends or holidays can only prolong that approval process, and the withdrawal sitting pre-approved – or refused for that matter – until the casino reviews the paperwork. A lot of players feel disappointment not due to mistakes, but only for that a verification team still hasn’t checked their documents! This can be especially frustrating when winnings come from free chips or bonus play and players are eager to cash out.
Keep personal information current and only submit clear legible files to reduce the processing time. Ensure that any scans or photos are sharp, fully visible and there is no detail missing. Preventing Gaffes With submission guidelines to read over ahead of time and directions for following them exactly, verification issues can often be significantly minimized, avoiding delay in accessing winnings and making the lie down withdrawal process that much smoother at Canadian online casinos.
Banking Restrictions and Card Policies
Not all credit or debit cards are eligible for casino withdrawals. Many Canadian banks restrict transactions related to gambling. For example, prepaid cards, virtual cards, or certain credit cards may allow deposits but block withdrawals. Even if deposits work, a payout can fail if the bank refuses incoming gambling credits.
Cards issued outside Canada can also be declined due to international processing rules. Currency conversion restrictions may prevent a CAD payout to a USD card, depending on the bank’s policies.
Banks keep an eye on abnormal or frequent transactions. Online casinos can flag large or multiple withdrawals as suspicious and in such cases may impose temporary blocks on withdrawals or outright decline the withdrawal until the issuing bank confirms them with its account holder. Contacting your bank in advance will avoid any surprises and make withdrawals go more smoothly. What to consider when using your card in Canada:
- Check if your card type supports gambling withdrawals (prepaid, virtual, and some credit cards may not).
- Confirm whether your bank allows international online casino payouts.
- Be aware of currency conversion restrictions.
- Monitor withdrawal frequency to avoid triggering fraud alerts.
- Contact your bank ahead of time to authorize or clarify online gambling transactions.
- Keep alternative withdrawal methods ready, such as e-wallets or bank transfers.
Being aware of these constraints prevents Canadian players from having declined payouts, delays and waste of time when it comes to handling the casino money properly.
Wagering Requirements and Bonus Conditions
Many Canadians chase casino bonuses, including deals built around free chips, but these offers always come with conditions, Wagering requirements usually require players to bet a multiple of the bonus before withdrawing. Attempting a payout before meeting these conditions will be automatically declined. Not all games contribute equally: slots often count 100%, table games 10–20%, and certain features nothing at all.
Misinterpretation of this, can make it appear as though a withdraw should be valid, while the casino believes there are unmet bonus requirements. Some casinos also impose a minimum withdrawal amount and will cap card payouts. And if you have more than the minimum in your account, a limit set off by your bonus could limit withdrawal. By testing these issues early on, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation. How to manage bonus conditions effectively:
- Have a close look at the terms of the bonus – check out wagering requirements, game contribution and time limits.
- Track your progress – note how much of the bonus has been wagered and which games contribute most.
- Plan your gameplay – prioritize slots or eligible games to efficiently meet wagering.
- Check withdrawal limits – ensure your balance meets minimums and bonus-specific caps.
- Avoid early withdrawals – never attempt a cash-out before meeting all conditions.
- Use trusted sources – platforms like CA CasinosAnalyzer can clarify real requirements and prevent surprises.
Following these steps helps players meet bonus conditions without stress and makes bankroll management smoother.
Features
What is the return on investment of US military spending on Israel?
By GREGORY MASON A recurring theme of Israel’s critics is that were it not for US spending on its war machine, it would be unable to wage genocide. I will leave the genocide issue (sic, I mean non-issue) aside as it has been well covered here and here.
Of course, right now (March 11), the war is going well for Israel and the US. In fact, the Israeli and American air forces are showing a level of coordination enabled by decades of close cooperation between the two militaries. I recall a conversation with an IDF colonel, the commander of a base near Eilat, in 2010, during a mission that gave participants access to high-level military briefings. Tensions between Israel and the US had soured, as they periodically do, and I asked whether this ebb and flow in political posturing affected military operations. The colonel said political leaders come and go, but the cooperation between the Israeli and American militaries is very tight. To quote him, “they need us as much as we need them. We are their eyes and ears in this part of the world.”
Many on both the right and left call for the US to disengage from Israel, especially with respect to defence spending. First, let us look at facts.
Table 1 readily shows the impact of the war in Ukraine, with Russia’s spending also reflecting wartime demands. Israel’s total commitment of 5-6% of GDP amounts to $45 billion in defence spending, reflecting its perpetual need to defend itself and maintain a permanent reserve force. Table 2 elaborates on defence spending as a share of public spending. Unlike other countries that have been free riding under the US military umbrella (and Canada is the most egregious of the lot), Israel has made very substantial commitments to its own defence. The $3.8 billion spent on hardware for US equipment is a fraction of Israel’s total defence budget of about $43 Billion. All U.S. financial aid to any country for military hardware must be spent on U.S.-manufactured equipment by law.
Critics of US defence funding for Israel miss two key points. First, as Table 3 shows, financing sent to Israel does not involve troop deployment. Israel does not want the US to station troops within its borders. The costs of maintaining troop deployments and all the associated support costs for NATO, Japan, and South Korea are orders of magnitude higher than the financing for the hardware it provides to Israel.
Second, and the current joint US/Israeli operations in Iran bear this out, Israel has dramatically improved the equipment platforms it purchased. Examples include:
- The F-15 has benefited from Israeli wartime use, resulting in major improvements, including a redesigned cockpit layout, increased range through fuel redesign, improved avionics, new weaponry, helmet-mounted targeting, and structural strengthening.
- Because Israel was an early partner in the fighter’s development and had access to its top-secret software suite, the Israeli version of the F-35 is a radically different plane than the model delivered. Improvements include increasing operational range, embedding advanced air defence detection, and integrating the fighter with Israel’s defence network, creating extensive system integration. This proved instrumental in the rapid establishment of air superiority in the 12-day war in 2025.
- The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) program has benefited from a joint research and development relationship between Israel and the U.S.
- Finally, Iron Dome has contributed to U.S. air defence development, particularly the Tamir interceptor technology, battle management, target discrimination, and the development of a layered air defence system.
No senior military or political official questions the return on investment American gains by funding Israel’s acquisition of U.S. military hardware.
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Why Returning Players Often Stick to a Few Favorite Games on Platforms Like Gransino Casino
Many online casino players develop clear preferences over time, and Gransino Casino highlights how familiar games often become the center of regular play sessions.
Online casinos typically offer large catalogs filled with hundreds of different slot titles. While this variety allows players to explore new experiences, many returning users gradually settle on a smaller group of games that they revisit regularly. This pattern appears across many digital gaming environments, where familiarity often becomes just as important as novelty.
Platforms such as Gransino Casino demonstrate how this behavior emerges in practice. Even though players have access to many different titles, returning visitors frequently gravitate toward games they already know and understand.
Familiar mechanics reduce learning time
One reason players return to the same games is that they already understand how those titles work. Each slot game has its own rules, bonus features, and payout structure. When a player first opens a new title, they often need a few minutes to understand the paytable, special symbols, and feature triggers.
Once that learning process has taken place, the game becomes easier to approach in future sessions. Players do not need to spend time reviewing instructions or exploring unfamiliar mechanics. Instead, they can begin playing immediately with a clear sense of how the game operates.
On platforms like Gransino Casino, this familiarity can make certain titles stand out as reliable choices. When players know what to expect from a game, the experience often feels smoother and more predictable during short play sessions.
Personal preferences shape long-term choices
Another factor influencing player behavior is personal preference. Some players enjoy specific visual themes such as mythology, adventure, or classic fruit machine designs. Others may prefer particular gameplay features, such as free spins, cascading reels, or bonus rounds.
Over time, players tend to identify the games that best match these preferences. Once they find titles that align with their interests, they are more likely to return to those games rather than start the search process again.
This pattern can be seen on Gransino Casino, where players browsing the lobby may explore different titles at first but eventually settle on a smaller group of favorites that suit their individual style.
Habit formation in digital gaming
Habit formation also plays a role in why players repeatedly choose the same games. In many digital environments, users develop routines that guide how they interact with a platform. This behavior is visible across streaming services, mobile games, and online casinos.
Once a player has established a routine, returning to familiar content often becomes part of that pattern. For example, a player might log in and immediately open the same slot they played during previous sessions. The familiarity of the interface, symbols, and features can make the experience feel more comfortable.
Platforms like Gransino Casino support this behavior by maintaining consistent game availability and allowing players to locate previously played titles easily within the lobby.
Exploration still remains part of the experience
Although many players develop favorite games, exploration remains an important part of the online casino experience. New titles continue to appear on casino platforms, introducing different mechanics, themes, and visual styles.
Players often alternate between their familiar choices and occasional experimentation with new games. A player might return to a favorite slot for most sessions while occasionally trying recently released titles to see if they offer something interesting.
The wide selection available on Gransino Casino allows this balance between familiarity and discovery. Players can continue returning to the games they enjoy while still having the option to explore new additions within the platform’s catalog.
Ultimately, the tendency to revisit favorite games reflects how players build their own routines within digital entertainment environments. Familiar titles offer a comfortable starting point, while new releases provide opportunities for occasional exploration, creating a mix of consistency and variety within each player’s experience.