Fintech
WonderFi Announces Q3 2022 Financial Results
Successfully Integrates Bitbuy Acquisition, Acquires Coinberry and Lists on the Toronto Stock Exchange
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 15, 2022) – WonderFi Technologies Inc. (TSX: WNDR) (OTC Pink: WONDF) (WKN: A3C166) (FTX: WNDR) (the “Company” or “WonderFi“) today announced its third quarter 2022 financial results for the period ended June 30, 2022. All financial references are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
Financial Highlights:
- Bitbuy Technologies Inc. (together with its affiliates, “Bitbuy“) full quarter included in the Company’s consolidated results for the first time
- $356 million in total assets as of June 30, 2022, including $15 million in cash and $5.6 million in crypto assets and inventory, as well as $187 million of Assets Under Custody for customers
Operating Highlights:
- Continuing to optimize Bitbuy operations including strategic alignment of technology and resources
- Signed definitive agreement to acquire Coinberry Limited (“Coinberry“) on April 17, 2022, one of Canada’s leading crypto trading platforms with over $1 billion transacted to date
- Listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange alongside other industry leaders including Galaxy Digital and Hut 8
- Appointed former Royal Bank of Canada Director and Senior Counsel Adam Garetson as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of WonderFi
- Appointed former Bank of Montreal executive Torstein Braaten as the Chief Compliance Officer of WonderFi
Subsequent to June 30, 2022:
- Closed the acquisition of Coinberry on July 4, 2022
- Partnered with Meta Venture Capital Partnerships for strategic advice on growth marketing and scale of WonderFi’s business
- Initiated international expansion strategy of Bitbuy into multiple jurisdictions including in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia
- Commenced execution of strategic alignment of resources and cost reductions across all divisions, which is expected to result in approximately 30% run-rate operating cost reductions
- WonderFi is now the only company operating a crypto trading platform publicly traded on the TSX
Crypto Liquidity Crisis:
- The third quarter saw several major crypto trading platforms face liquidity issues due to excess use of leverage, which has resulted in several platforms ceasing operations and filing for bankruptcy
- WonderFi, Bitbuy and Coinberry do not offer, use, or in any way access leverage and never lend out client assets. WonderFi remains committed to investing in providing clients with regulated access to crypto
- As a requirement of its regulatory licenses, Bitbuy and Coinberry holds all customer assets with licensed custodians in a secure and insured environment
“WonderFi continued to make significant steps in our path to becoming a global leader in crypto in the third quarter. We completed our Toronto Stock Exchange listing and closed acquisition of Coinberry following quarter-end. We remain focused on integrating all of our newly acquired businesses, continuing our user acquisition growth and unlocking the significant sales and cost synergy opportunities available,” said Ben Samaroo, CEO of WonderFi.
“In addition, we have established the resilience of our business in a down market, amidst the collapse of several global crypto trading platforms. We believe our commitment to regulation and compliance will continue to serve our users and investors going forward,” added Samaroo.
Summary of Financial Results for the Quarter ended June 30, 2022
Revenues were $2.9 million and $3.2 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $nil for the same three and nine month ended period in 2021. The increase in revenue was due to the acquisition of Bitbuy and represents the activity of Bitbuy from March 25, 2022, to June 30, 2022.
The Company’s operating expenses were $13.3 million and $33.8 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, compared to $705K and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Of the total operating expenses, Bitbuy’s expenses were $5.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, which primarily consisted of $2.0 million salaries and wages, $1.1 million marketing, and $0.8 million professional fees.
The remainder of operating expenses, excluding Bitbuy, were $7.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The largest operating expenses were $2.2 million non-cash share-based payments related to the issuance of stock options and RSUs to employees, directors and external consultants, $2.3 million amortization of acquired intangible assets from Bitbuy, $0.9 million salaries and wages, and $0.7 million professional fees and consulting.
Access to Financial Statements and Management Discussion and Analysis
Complete financial statements along with related management discussion and analysis can be found in the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR“), the electronic filing system for the disclosure documents of issuers across Canada at www.SEDAR.com.
Update to AGM Materials
On August 9, 2022 WonderFi filed its annual general meeting (AGM) materials on SEDAR. The Company wishes to provide shareholders an update to its disclosure on page 35 of its management information circular (“Circular“), specifically to the section entitled: Burn Rate. The amended information is as follows (capitalized terms have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Circular):
Burn Rate
The following table sets out the burn rate of securities for the last financial year of the Company:
Year | Securities Granted Pursuant to the Plan
|
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
|
Burn Rate1 A/B |
2021 | 2,159,715 + 1,730,0001 | 34,467,5162 | 0.11 |
2020 | 1,300,0003 | 13,737,580 | 0.09 |
2019 | 1,300,0004 | 10,384,155 | 0.13 |
Notes:
- During fiscal year 2021, 2,460,000 options, and 1,730,000 RSUs were granted pursuant to the Plan; 14,169 Options have been exercised and 286,116 Options were cancelled.
- For the period January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021
- There were no new securities granted pursuant to the Plan during fiscal year 2020. In 2019, 1,300,000 options were granted pursuant to the Plan and remained outstanding.
- During fiscal year 2019, 1,300,000 options were granted pursuant to the Plan.
Additional Information
For additional information, please contact:
WonderFi Technologies Inc.
Ben Samaroo, CEO
[email protected]
(778) 843-9637
Investor Relations Contact: [email protected]
Media Contact:
Binu Koshy, Communications Director
[email protected]
ABOUT WONDERFI
WonderFi is a leading technology company with the mission of creating better access to digital assets through compliant centralized and decentralized platforms. WonderFi provides unified access to digital assets including crypto, DeFi, gaming and NFTs, in a compliant and regulated environment. WonderFi’s executive team and Board of Directors have an established track record in finance and crypto, with previous experience at Amazon, Shopify, PayPal, Galaxy Digital and Hut 8. WonderFi’s core team of engineers and technologists believe that everyone should have equal access to finance, and are aligned in the mission to empower people around the world to access finance in a simple, smart and secure way. For more information, visit www.wonder.fi.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated”, or variations of such words.
By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: the ability of the Company to work effectively with strategic investors; and changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. A more fulsome description of risk factors that may impact our business, financial condition and results of operation is set out in our management’s discussion and analysis and financial statements for the for the period ended June 30, 2022, as well as our annual information form, available on SEDAR.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has not approved or disapproved of the information contained in this release.
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.
Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets
Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.
With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval
ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.
MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.
Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire
The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation
The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.
This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.
Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.
Source: PYMNTS
Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission
Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.
The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.
As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.
Source: RBJ
Industry Implications and Takeaways
Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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