Thanks to reconstruction, the Protivin Chateau returns to Martinelli's Architecture

ARCH.IC, the architectural studio working on the reconstruction of the Protivin Chateau, has revealed the colour of the reconstructed façade: the new colour of the façade will be a combination of grey and white and is inspired by the Viennese architect Anton Erhard Martinelli. The renovated castle will represent the base for the members of the Royal Capital Club. In the eighteenth century, the façades of the chateau were adapted from the designs of this important Austrian, and it can be said that the new look of the chateau is closer to the one it had once had in the past. 

"Anton Erhard Martinelli was a princely court builder in the service of the Schwarzenbergs, and a large part of his projects for this aristocratic family are connected with the South Bohemian region. For example, he carried out the reconstruction of the mint at the Cesky Krumlov Castle, the Baroque reconstruction of the Hluboka Castle, the renovation of the Trebon Castle and others. In addition, he worked in the service of the Liechtensteins, Princess Althann Pignatelli, the Esterhazy family and other members of leading Austrian aristocratic families and, last but not least, he worked directly for the Emperor Charles VI. The Baroque façade of the Ceske Budejovice Town Hall is also based on his design. With the colour of the façade we are returning the castle to its original Baroque appearance and celebrating the art and aesthetics of Martinelli's design,” said the project manager of THE ORB, architect Vara Nagyova, adding: "We approached the choice of the colour combination of the façade very responsibly, because we are aware that the chateau, located at the head of the Masaryk Square in Protivin, is a dominant feature of the town. I believe that this is a positive change, and the chateau will look more elegant. We are also currently working on the overall concept and appearance of the homestead, which should complement and clearly belong to the chateau itself, just as it did in the past." 

"The previous red-and-white colour scheme of the façades of the Protivin Chateau corresponds to the design typical of seventeenth-century Baroque buildings. However, today's façade dates back to the 1820s and at that time this colour combination was hardly used at all. It was designed for Prince Adam Franz von Schwarzenberg by the Viennese architect Martinelli, who designed not only the reconstruction of the chateau but also most of the buildings in the forecourt. The grey and white colour scheme is typical of his projects,” added Martin Sanda, historian, the author of a comprehensive monograph Anton Erhard Martinelli in the service of the Schwarzenbergs.

Work on the façades of the chateau began in early autumn, mainly with local repairs and cleaning of stone elements. As part of the revitalisation of the roof trusses and the replacement of the roof covering, the dormers were modified, and the basic parts of the chimneys were bricked up. Work on the façades is currently not progressing due to the winter and cold temperatures; but will start again in the spring.

"The Protivin Chateau is one of the most important monuments of the South Bohemian region. In the past, many valuable original structures and surfaces were lost here, so it is now necessary to find a solution with the help of new materials. In the reconstruction process, a keen eye for the detail and the art of craftsmanship are essential. The project documentation was continuously consulted with the staff of the monument conservation and took into account the results of the surveys carried out,” said a representative from the National Heritage Institute in Ceske Budejovice, supervising the reconstruction.

"In 2022, we have almost completed the most challenging part of the chateau, which is the revitalisation and repair of the original structures. Here, for example, we had to take off all the plaster and make it completely new – after all, thirty years of disuse had taken its toll on the chateau. It is also worth mentioning the replacement of the gallows, which was very complicated. For this, the greatest thanks go to all those involved in the construction and who are keeping it running even in these difficult times of construction, when some materials are very hard to find. Next year will be all about new elements, 

especially the visible ones. If all goes well, some parts of the site will be put into trial operation next year, with the revitalisation of other parts to follow,” Vera Nagyova reported.

The history of the Protivin Cateau in the south of the Czech Republic dates back to the Gothic castle, which belonged, among others, to the property of King and Emperor Charles IV. Now it will become the first of THE ORB project of the prestigious Royal Capital Club, which is backed by royal and other prominent families from all continents of the world.

Royal Market Brings Global Investments Closer

The platform allows you to get information about investment projects, including future ones, to continuously educate yourself and invest directly.

The multinational investment Royal Capital Club is gradually expanding its global activities. In recent months, it has come out to meet European investors with the launch of the Royal Market platform. The Royal Capital Club also launched a new platform, Royal Digital, to help members navigate international investments, both in traditional fiat currencies and in their subsequent digitalisation, which includes, among other things, the Royal Broker project.

"The moment a member of the Royal Capital Club decides to make an investment with us, they also join a regulated environment. The gateway to the regulated financial environment that we broker is the Slovak joint stock company Investin – the brand name Royal Broker. This company enables the client to have a complete inclusion, followed by a range of financial services that are still under the control of regulation," said Zuzana Stehlikova, the Royal Broker project manager.

Exclusive Product

From an investor perspective, the Royal Market platform is the first point of encounter for financial education and investment opportunity. This online environment allows you to get information about investment projects, including future ones, to continuously educate yourself and invest directly. Potential applicants for these services must be part of the Royal Capital Club, the terms of entry are included in the platform information.

Martin Kloucek, President of Royal Capital Club

"The Royal Market project is one of the exclusive products of the multinational consulting group IC Group within its prestigious Royal Capital Club programme. Members can benefit from the robustness and global nature of our projects, which is a major advantage in these uncertain times. These overlaps, together with the stability that is guaranteed by the royals, give us exclusivity in the financial market," said Martin Kloucek, the President of Royal Capital Club.

Bringing together professionals with many years of investment experience forms the basis of the Royal Market platform, which is considered a "marketplace" for investment products with an emphasis on impeccable client service. The entire process is being digitised to make it as simple as possible for the client, accessible everywhere and completely transparent. The technical solution is in a continuous process of improvement in the background and available for use in both the mobile application and the desktop version, subject to the strictest security regulations and measures.

The platform creates a unique environment that brings together professionals with many years of experience, investors and partners with the intention of providing them with education and access to information on Royal Capital Club investments. It covers investments in seven sectors, from traditional to less established, so that the selection fits every client's portfolio.

Education

The Royal Market platform also includes the Royal Education and Royal Market Network projects.

Royal Education provides education based on unique investment information, not only directly from the royal families as founding members and experienced family wealth managers, but also from leading experts with years of experience and expertise. Online courses on investment topics combine tradition with modern fintech approaches and aim to educate on investment topics in a high quality and effective way.

"On this basis, the client should get a detailed understanding of Royal Capital Club's investment programmes and learn their own methods that will work for them. Subsequently, through Royal Market, they are enabled to invest alongside the Malaysian royal families in investment funds and selected investment projects of their preference," added Royal Market manager Andrea Prchalova.

Each investor is treated as unique and receives tailored service accordingly. The Royal Market Network brings together a network of business partners for the purpose of education and individual cooperation in order to provide service of the highest quality according to world-class criteria.

The public wants a meeting place at the Protivin chateau homestead

Prague, 24 October 2022 – The first public event has recently taken place at the Protivin homestead. Hundreds of people came to the place and took the opportunity to see the area of the homestead after many decades. The premises are in a state of disrepair and are awaiting reconstruction. 

There was also a debate on the use of the homestead buildings with the project manager of THE ORB, Vera Nagyova, Dipl. Arch., under whom the homestead project falls. People then filled in questionnaires describing what they would like to see in the homestead. It turned out that what people most wanted was a meeting place with a clubhouse for local associations, a restaurant and accommodation.

"Our intention is to make the homestead a public meeting space. Our plans include a large hall specifically for events and occasions, which could also be used as a clubhouse. We are glad that the public is so interested in the homestead. The results of the survey have shown us that the concept we have in mind is in line with the wishes of the local residents," said Vera Nagyova. Among the ideas were also the establishment of a cycling museum or a ping-pong centre. 

The new concept is designed to bring the most positive benefits to the town, aiming at uniting the long-divided parts of the chateau and the homestead into one functioning whole. All these areas will bring additional jobs, development of the area and expansion of infrastructure to Protivin. 

The Protivin Chateau is part of THE ORB project, which is under the Royal Capital Club. It is backed by royalty and other prominent aristocratic families, mainly from South Asia. The project consists of 12 unique private residences located all over the world, the first presented place being the South Bohemian town of Protivin.

From loss to expansion. Tesla, a supplier of radios for the Czech army, has been taken over by a Malaysian royal fund

The Royal Investment Fund of Malaysia (RIFK) has completed the acquisition of electrical supplier Tesla by entrepreneur František Hala, who will remain on the board and participate in the company's operations. Tesla is a general supplier of radio equipment and military electrical equipment to the Czech army. The investment fund wants to support the company's further expansion, but neither party has specified the price of the transaction. "Tesla is a company with a long history of developing and manufacturing many successful products. I am therefore glad that this traditional company will continue in this direction and that its future is assured," says František Hála, the original owner of the company and the new president of Tesla Central Holding. The connection technology produced by the company also has civil applications - it supplies, among other things, low-current systems and structured networks and services security equipment and systems. Its history dates back to 1921, and foreign investors took over the company again after ten years. In 2012, it returned to Czech hands when Irish investment company Kilcullen Kapital Partners sold it to eight Czechs, including Hala, who had previously owned the company. Both parties decided not to disclose the value of the transaction, under strict legal confidentiality. However, the planned investment of technology and investment funds will amount to billions of Czech crowns. The fund also wants to support the company's further expansion. "We look forward to expanding Tesla's unique technologies and products even further around the world, both in existing markets, which are currently 95 countries, and in new territories, such as South Asia, where we have a strong presence and operations," adds Martin Klouček, President of Royal Capital Club, the investment platform under the Royal Malaysian Investment Fund. The founders of RIFK are the Royal Malaysian families. The fund focuses mainly on investments in financial technology, real estate, technology parks and manufacturing with an emphasis on green, commodity trading, software development and healthcare solutions. Earlier this year, the fund was licensed to operate The Royal Investment Bank of Kelantan in Malaysia. It operates in the Czech Republic and European Union countries through a licensed entity in Slovakia.

Fintech trends according to IC Group: smart payouts, blockchain and artificial intelligence

  The financial world and banking are traditionally conservative segments. But the phenomenon of technology is bringing a fresh wind to them. What are the latest trends in fintech according to Zuzana Stehlíková from IC Group?

Embedded finance

The term Embedded Finance, or Banking as a Service, is used for banking and payment services integrated into other environments and ecosystems. This solution opens up additional possibilities for people to use financial services or make purchases. An example is the "Pay Later" service, where clients can choose to pay "later" on e-commerce sites through a third-party credit. And financial institutions can reach new target groups in this way, without additional investment. In the last year, this financial trend has been booming and well positioned for further growth as many banks are increasingly looking to provide the aforementioned services to non-banks and non-financial institutions. For these, this is a great advantage and the next step in enhancing the customer experience, which then simply includes financial services as part of a broader offering. Young start-ups and established banking houses can thus provide an ever wider range of services to customers without the need for costly investments related to new product development or licensing.

Payroll Fintech

Traditionally, the fintech field has focused more on consumer-to-merchant payments, but this too is changing. Currently, more elegant solutions for financial transactions are going mainstream and may appeal to consumers. For example, let's mention payout options such as salary advances, e-money payouts, crypto payouts or early payouts. These innovations represent significant opportunities and can be expected to play an important role in the field of financial innovation and practices in the near future.

The return of banking innovation

According to Accenture's "Top 10 Banking Trends for 2022" study, the decade following the Great Financial Crisis was a period of downturn, during which many banks stepped back from introducing new products and focused more on getting the existing ones right. However, start-ups and digital firms have stepped in and found promising areas of growth that had been neglected by traditional financial institutions. However, the new situation brought about by the Metalloid era has forced banks to get creative in their defence. For example, two large global banking institutions have integrated their APIs for treasury services into Stripe's payment platform, which is part of the Shopify e-commerce platform. Their clients can then pay on this platform completely seamlessly and conveniently.

Blockchain as a service (BaaS)

Blockchain has become an increasingly inflected word in recent years, even in the mainstream financial world. It is no wonder that progressive companies are bringing with them a new trend. Blockchain as a service BaaS is a cloud-based solution that allows customers to work with blockchain to create their digital products. These digital goods can be smart contracts, decentralized applications (Dapps) or even other services that don't require the entire blockchain infrastructure to function. However, through specially designed cloud platforms, it is possible to create architectures that are completely independent and decentralised. Thus, innovations are rapidly being introduced into our daily lives and are actively evolving. Blockchain, then, can significantly help economic growth in the coming years, according to PWC analysis. The main application areas that should drive this growth are tracking and controlling financial transactions, providing financial services or creating contracts.

Infusion of artificial intelligence and machine learning

From traditional institutions deploying "robo-advisors and communicators" to advanced algorithms assessing a loan applicant's risk, fintech companies will continue to expand and refine their use of AI and machine learning. Artificial intelligence will increasingly predict consumer behavior. Thus enabling companies to better target products and services, as well as use more effective sales channels or marketing tools. As the popularity of mobile phones grows and they have become the primary means of communication, planning, reading, lifestyle and financial planning, banks are now demanding more complex AI software for them to improve customer service and banking processes.

Presenting THE ORB concept: offering use of twelve luxury private residences around the world. The first of them can be found in Protivín, in the Czech Republic

Prague, 17 March 2022 – The new platform The Royal Capital Club, which is backed by royal and other prominent families, particularly from South Asia, offers several interesting opportunities and benefits to its members. These include not only prestigious club investments, but also a new concept, THE ORB. This consists of 12 unique private residences around the world that can be used by members of The Royal Capital Club.

“These unique residences are comfortable and luxury facilities for members of The Royal Capital Club. Each of them is a unique space offering complete privacy and security, on neutral territory. Each residence is carefully selected for its historical value or exceptional location, although that location is always typical for the given region. With its unique architectural style, each residence offers a blend of tradition and a modern approach that cannot be found anywhere else,” says Martin Klouček, president of The Royal Capital Club.

“The basic conceptual idea is a timeline that runs through the past, present and future, where here at THE ORB we strive to connect a deeply traditional history with an innovation-packed future. A history and tradition represented by traditional royal families, members of which are the main representatives of The Royal Capital Club. Just like some of the buildings and places for THE ORB, in some cases the concept dates back as far as the 12th century and thus bears traditional values,” says Věra Nagyová, head architect of THE ORB project, who is in charge of the ARCH.IC architectural studio.

The residences are adapted to be used by members of The Royal Capital Club for work, as well as for leisure and relaxation with their families, all in complete privacy and accompanied by exclusive services. Every residence is a combination of two elements that form the essence of each site: Business, Passion, Resort and Retreat. 

Business: sites with the top-of-the-range custom services of The Royal Capital Club for the business needs of its members, situated in the best places and crossroads around the world and equipped with unique presentation technologies and rooms. 

Passion: unique places designed with our members’ favourite activities in mind and with facilities to ensure they get the most out of their experience. 

Resort: places with space to enjoy life in complete privacy. 

Retreat: destinations aimed at self-healing, good health, a sense of safety and security, and love for oneself.

“THE ORB concept thus strives to ensure the greatest possible development of the area and its potential so as to be of benefit to everyone. This entire philosophy is already followed at the first of the 12 THE ORBs, which is situated in the Czech Republic, at Château Protivín and its grounds,” says Martin Klouček.

THE ORB Château Protivín is the first combination of the Resort and Retreat concepts, i.e. a place to relax in total privacy with one’s family. The château is situated in the picturesque southern region of the Czech Republic and its history dates back a very long time, to when it was a Gothic fortress; it later belonged to the king and emperor Charles IV. Not only will the building offer accommodation facilities with training and representative premises to be used by investors and partners; there will also be a spa and a beautiful English park containing numerous interesting features to enable them to contemplate and relax in peace.

“We are planning to gradually build other THE ORB residences in Germany, Italy, Malaysia and other interesting locations, which will come to form part of The Royal Capital Club,” adds Věra Nagyová.

The Royal Capital Club is an apolitical group that offers many top-level benefits to its members: not only the use of the unique luxury residences that make up THE ORB project, but also the chance to invest and be close to this “royal” group, as well as the opportunity to participate in network, educational and social events, and many others.

The facade of the chateau in Protivín shone brightly at New Year

THE ORB project was presented to the public at the eighteenth annual New Year’s fireworks in Protivín. This project is a unique program of the prestigious investment platform THE ROYAL CAPITAL CLUB (RCC) and its partner group IC GROUP, which has purchased the chateau and, more recently, the homestead in Protivín for the Malaysian Royal Investment Fund (RIFK) and is actively repairing them. 

Viewers on Masarykovo náměstí watched two videos at the New Year, after which the facade of the chateau itself was lit up after a long time as the symbol of the new year and the project now under way. The renovation of the chateau is in full swing; the restoration of the homestead will start this year. The plans for the reconstruction will be drawn up by the ARCH.IC architectural studio, which is also in change of the repairs to the chateau.

“We want to build a new representative cultural and commercial centre at the homestead with accommodation facilities, which will also be open to the public. We wanted to use the videos to show people what they could look forward to,” said IC GROUP spokesperson Tereza Chvojková. 

IC GROUP wants to restore the seven dilapidated buildings at the homestead for the Royal Investment Fund and invest a total of 150 million crowns into it.

“The plans include a guest house and apartments, a restaurant, a café and a bakery. We want to bring life back to the homestead: we’d like to hold public events there, which would attract local people as well as tourists: from farmers' markets through to seasonal events, such as the May Day festivities and Christmas markets,” added IC GROUP spokesperson Tereza Chvojková.

Since the very beginning the fund has worked closely with the town of Protivín and discusses all the steps it has planned with it. “It will greatly benefit the town that IC GROUP will repair these dilapidated buildings – we ourselves do not have enough funds to repair them, as it is a large complex. What’s more, the homestead will cater to the general public. I am sure it will attract tourists and also create new jobs,” said Jaromír Hlaváč, Mayor of Protivín.

“Throughout history Protivín Chateau and Homestead have always formed a single whole and we believe we can bring it back to life. The repairs are scheduled to be completed in 2025, with everything depending on how the permit application process goes, as these are also listed buildings,” added Věra Nagyová from the ARCH.IC architectural studio.

IC GROUP is a traditional international consultancy, investment and banking group. We manage assets for strong family investors with an emphasis on tradition, transparency and unique applied solutions. It operates in several parts of the world: particularly in Europe, Malaysia, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Far East and South America.

Protivín Chateau will be used within the framework of THE ROYAL CAPITAL CLUB as a prestigious residence for the royal families itself, investors in the royal investment club and the fund’s partners.

Malaysian royal investment fund purchases the homestead in Protivín

In addition to Protivín chateau, the Malaysian royal investment fund has also purchased its homestead. The decision on the purchase was made at the meeting of Protivín town city council on Tuesday. IC GROUP, which the fund’s exclusive investment consultant, wants to repair the homestead and have a new representative cultural and commercial centre built there with accommodation facilities, that will also be open to the public. The plans for the reconstruction will be drawn up by the ARCH.IC architectural studio, which is also in change of the repairs to the chateau.

“The planned cultural and commercial centre at the homestead should also include, amongst other attractions, a guest house, apartments, a restaurant, a café and a bakery. The homestead, which consists of seven buildings with land, is now in a very dilapidated condition. We want to completely repair it and invest a total of 150 million crowns into it. We would like to hold public events there, which would attract local people as well as tourists: from farmers' markets through to seasonal events, such as the May Day festivities and Christmas markets,” said IC GROUP spokesperson Tereza Chvojková.

Since the very beginning the fund has worked closely with the town of Protivín and discusses all the steps it has planned with it. “It will greatly benefit the town that IC GROUP will repair these dilapidated buildings – we ourselves do not have enough funds to repair them, as it is a large complex. What’s more, the homestead will cater to the general public. I am sure it will attract tourists and also create new jobs,” said Jaromír Hlaváč, Mayor of Protivín.

“Throughout history Protivín Chateau and Homestead have always formed a single whole and we believe we can bring it back to life. The repairs are scheduled to be completed in 2025, with everything depending on how the permit application process goes, as these are also listed buildings,” added Věra Nagyová from the ARCH.IC architectural studio.

IC GROUP is a traditional international consultancy, investment and banking group. It manages assets for strong family investors with an emphasis on tradition, transparency and unique applied solutions. It operates in several parts of the world: particularly in Europe, Malaysia, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Far East and South America.

Chateau Protivin will be used within framework of THE ROYAL CAPITAL CLUB, which is a prestigious club for the fund’s investors and partners.

Castle Protivín was owned by Charles IV. Now it is being bought by the Malaysian Royal Fund

Source: Forbes Czechia The Malaysian Royal Fund bought the Protivín Castle and the adjacent park. It wants to renovate the monument by 2023, the investment will be about half a billion crowns. The castle, which once belonged to Charles IV, will join The Royal Capital Club, an investment programme founded by members of aristocratic families, including royal families from East Asia, and other investors. The owners intend to make part of the site accessible. The new owner is the international investment group IC Group. It bought the castle for CZK 100 million. It wants to open it in the first half of next year. "We were primarily looking for a building typical of the Czech country with a history and connection to important Czech rulers and families. An important argument was the building permit," said the architect of the project, Věra Nagyová from the Arch.IC studio. Construction work on the Czech representation of the international investment project The Orb is divided into several phases. The complex will be surrounded by an English park and the historic cellars with vaulted ceilings will also come to life. The mansion will join the planned 12 headquarters of The Royal Capital Club around the world. Protivín is a pilot project, said Hana Tůmová on behalf of the investor. The core of the monument is a Gothic, originally royal castle. It was rebuilt during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Two rococo rooms, a princess' room and a hall with a fireplace have been preserved. The castle also has a garden of more than seven hectares. The chateau belonged to the Luxembourg and Pernštejn families, and from 1710 to 1948 to the Schwarzenberg family. 

The international investment group IC Group works with family investors and investment or banking structures that manage a global portfolio of 40 billion euros. The Group is headquartered in London, has over 15 offices worldwide, including the Czech Republic, and carries out investment projects in Europe, Malaysia, Central Asia, the Middle and Far East and South America.