Fintech PR
Wicrypt’s Web3 WiFi hotspots go live in the peaq ecosystem
Wicrypt Network, a decentralized mobile Internet sharing and monetization network, announces expanding its integration with peaq, the go-to blockchain for real-world applications. The first Wicrypt WiFi hotspots are already live on krest, peaq’s sister blockchain, outfitted with their unique peaq IDs. The new version of the Wicrypt operating system makes the devices compatible with peaq off-the-shelf, making it easier for people purchasing them to connect them with the network.
Unequal access to the internet, also known simply as the digital divide, still looms large over the world, with some 2.7 billion people — about one-third of the global population — lacking access to the World Wide Web. Asia and Africa, the world’s two most populous continents, are also the most affected, with their respective internet penetration standing at 61% and 40%. And it’s usually the most vulnerable communities, those who’d stand a lot to gain from the access to online education, earning, and banking opportunities, that end up left behind most often.
Wicrypt, an innovative startup from Nigeria, is working to make the Web more accessible globally through its decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) of WiFi hotspots. The hotspots enable people and businesses to share their Web connection with others, thus solving the last-mile delivery challenge, and earn tokens based on their usage stats. Currently, Wicrypt’s DePIN counts more than 1,100 hotspots and stretches across 30+ countries, with some 45,000 accounts using more than 895TB of data.
As part of its integration with peaq, first announced back in April 2023, Wicrypt has now connected several hotspots with krest, peaq’s sister chain for testing dApps and DePINs, which went live in June. The hotspots now have their unique peaq IDs, which enable them to interact with the network, and can be found on Subscan — the blockchain explorer compatible with krest — here, here, and here. The devices are now able to register their transactions on krest, which is a crucial step for further development, and will be able to earn rewards from krest’s network fee distribution with future updates.
Furthermore, Wicrypt has released a new version of its operating system for the devices, which makes them compatible with peaq off-the-shelf. New users joining the network will have the option to purchase a device that’s been connected with krest in advance. The owners of existing devices will be able to switch to this operating system manually. In a bid to support the development on peaq, Wicrypt is open-sourcing the integration and releasing the supporting documentation and videos on linking the devices with peaq. See videos step one, two, three, and four for onboarding on the peaq network.
“We are thrilled to be moving ahead with this integration and bringing the first hotspots live on krest,” says Ugochukwu Aronu, the CEO at Wicrypt. “As a production-grade network, krest gives us a perfect testing environment for everything we build on peaq, and in the longer term, it will boost the rewards users earn on our DePIN ecosystem. It’s the perfect incentivisation mechanism to power connecting the disconnected.”
“The digital divide is the plague of today’s world,” says Till Wendler, co-founder of peaq. “It’s exciting to see krest work as a testing ground for a project working to cure it. The launch of Wicrypt hotspots on krest is just the beginning as this DePIN takes on the global crisis with top-notch Web3 tools and a desire to make the world a better place.”
About peaq
peaq is the go-to blockchain for real-world applications. The peaq layer-1 blockchain enables anyone to build decentralized applications (dApps) and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) for car-sharing, street-mapping, Web access, and more, creating real-world value as part of the Economy of Things. peaq works with industry-leading consortia such as Gaia-x moveID, a €20+ million project led by Bosch, to co-create the future of smart mobility, energy, connectivity, and other important real-world industries. By empowering everyone to own, govern, and earn from the devices and infrastructure they use, peaq is democratizing abundance in the age of AI-driven automation.
For more information, visit peaq, follow peaq on Twitter for updates, and join the conversation on Discord.
About Wicrypt
Wicrypt is a decentralized WiFi internet sharing and monetization network that allows anyone to get paid for sharing their WiFi. Wicrypt is the first African company to build a peer-to-peer infrastructure for sharing mobile internet data without need for third-party integration.
Wicrypt has an international team with experience working for some of Africa’s largest employers, including KPMG, Chevron, Accenture, Nielsen, and MTN Group, and is headquartered in Enugu, Nigeria.
Fintech PR
Bybit’s CEO Meets with Vietnam’s Minister of Finance to Support Regulatory Sandbox and Strengthen Crypto Compliance
DUBAI, UAE, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, one of the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume, met with H.E. Nguyen Van Thang, Minister of Finance of Vietnam, to express Bybit’s strong support for the country’s regulatory sandbox initiative and its vision to build a safe, transparent, and innovation-friendly digital asset ecosystem.
Hosted at the Ministry of Finance headquarters, the meeting centered on Vietnam’s efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework for crypto assets. Minister Nguyen Van Thang outlined the Government’s plan to launch a pilot sandbox mechanism that will allow regulators to test the issuance and trading of crypto assets in a controlled environment. This initiative is designed to mitigate risks, strengthen investor protection, and ensure regulatory readiness before introducing official legislation.
A key part of the discussion focused on safeguarding the market against illicit activities. The Minister emphasized the importance of robust compliance frameworks, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, to prevent the misuse of digital assets and support the country’s financial security.
In response, Ben Zhou welcomed Vietnam’s measured and responsible approach to digital asset regulation and reiterated Bybit’s long-standing commitment to compliance:
“Vietnam’s forward-thinking regulatory sandbox is a critical step toward unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology. At Bybit, we are fully aligned with the Government’s focus on investor protection and financial integrity,” said Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We are proud to share our expertise in KYC, AML, and global compliance standards, and we look forward to supporting Vietnam in building a resilient, secure, and dynamic crypto economy.”
Bybit expressed its readiness to collaborate with Vietnamese authorities on several fronts, including system architecture design, transaction oversight, and the implementation of international best practices in AML/KYC. The exchange also proposed support in capacity building, such as training financial regulators and sharing experiences from other jurisdictions.
Minister Nguyen Van Thang welcomed Bybit’s proactive approach and assigned the State Securities Commission to coordinate with Bybit on concrete proposals. He also commended Bybit’s reputation for strong financial capabilities, technological resilience, and its adherence to legal and regulatory requirements in the markets where it operates.
This meeting underscores Bybit’s growing role as a trusted international partner for regulatory dialogue and innovation. It also highlights Vietnam’s readiness to embrace blockchain technology while ensuring financial safety and public confidence in the digital asset space.
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybits-ceo-meets-with-vietnams-minister-of-finance-to-support-regulatory-sandbox-and-strengthen-crypto-compliance-302432942.html
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Breaking Borders, Building Bridges: How “Shanghai Summer” Is Redefining Global Consumption
SHANGHAI, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Summer consumer campaigns have long been a key engine for economic growth. Now, Shanghai is stepping into the global spotlight with a bold “urban consumption experiment.” On 18 April, the 2025 “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season was officially launched at Xujiahui Centre, unveiling innovative concepts such as “240-Hour Products” and City Customised Events, aiming to redefine the summer experience across retail, travel, and lifestyle.
According to China UnionPay, foreign card spending surged by 68.2% during the 2024 campaign period. Key commercial areas stood out significantly: Huaihai Road saw a 208.6% increase in overseas card spending (with an average spend of RMB 1,597), while the Lujiazui-Zhangyang Road area rose by 119.9% (average spend: RMB 1,998). Total offline consumption in Shanghai reached RMB 815.9 billion, marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase, with dining consumption up by 26.9%.
The “240-Hour Products” initiative will bring together top-tier city resources to provide overseas visitors with an immersive “starter kit” experience. China Eastern Airlines will offer direct discounts on group flight packages across 30 international routes, supported by smart mobility tools such as the English-language versions of Air Travel Assistant and AutoNavi Map.
In payment, China UnionPay enables foreign card acceptance at 65,000 merchants across Shanghai. Visa is co-developing “Payment-Friendly Zones” to enhance QR code payments and tax refund experiences for international travelers. A “Shanghai Summer” themed card and spending promotions further support this multi-channel payment ecosystem.
Visitors can unlock transport and retail perks with the “Shanghai Pass” one-day ticket, valid for metro, ferry, and sightseeing tunnel rides. Travel platform Trip.com has launched a dedicated “Discover Shanghai” page, featuring integrated “Shanghai Express” free city tours to offer a seamless digital experience. The city’s dining scene has also been elevated with multilingual menus and themed culinary campaigns from Marriott and Jin Jiang, available in Chinese, English, and Korean.
Culture takes center stage in this year’s campaign.The 2025 edition of “Shanghai Summer” will spotlight global lifestyle IPs through immersive activations — including experiences from Shanghai Disney Resort, the LEGO China-hosted “World Play Festival,” and POP MART’s “Summer Trend Play” campaign. By blending global trends with food, music, and local creativity, the city will be transformed into a vibrant, multi-sensory celebration of summer, bursting with international flair and dynamic urban energy.
The multilingual official website www.shanghaisummer.com is now live, featuring an AI-powered travel assistant and virtual avatar, “Shanghai Xiaoxia,” to help visitors plan itineraries and explore the city interactively. Global KOLs will take part in the campaign across platforms including Instagram, Xiaohongshu, and TikTok — bringing the essence of Shanghai’s summer to audiences around the world. From the first weekend of July to the second weekend of October, Shanghai offers a renewed invitation to the world — a thoughtfully curated urban journey that highlights the city’s global charm as a destination to shop, enjoy, and explore.
Media Contact: Lu media@shanghaisummer.com
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/breaking-borders-building-bridges-how-shanghai-summer-is-redefining-global-consumption-302432937.html
SHANGHAI, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season officially launched on 18 April at Xujiahui Centre. With innovative offerings like the “240-Hour Products” and “City Customised Events,” this year’s programme presents a city-level consumer experience that blends international lifestyle with summer vitality. The first stop of the global roadshow will arrive in Osaka, Japan this May, continuing to share Shanghai’s summer story with international audiences.
A new wave of flagship events is set to unfold. Three globally popular IPs—LEGO China， POP MART, and Shanghai Disney Resort—will join forces in Shanghai. The LEGO China Discovery Resort will enter trial operations, with the ” World Play Festival” making its global debut. POP MART will bring its “Summer Trend Play” series to life, featuring IP exhibitions, new product launches, and interactive pop-ups. Shanghai Disney Resort will also unveil various summer-themed activations, creating immersive entertainment experiences for all ages.
To enhance inbound tourism, “Shanghai Summer” integrates transportation, attractions, and retail districts into a “starter kit” experience tailored for international travellers. China Eastern Airlines will offer discounted group packages across global routes. In terms of payment, Visa is co-developing “Payment-Friendly Zones” to enhance QR code transactions and tax refund scenarios for international travelers. China UnionPay is expanding foreign card acceptance to 65,000 merchants citywide and has launched the “Shanghai Summer” themed card along with a variety of promotional offers—creating a diversified payment ecosystem that integrates credit cards, mobile payments, and digital RMB.
In 2024, offline spending in Shanghai reached RMB 815.9 billion, an 8.2% increase year-on-year. Dining consumption rose to RMB 96.4 billion, up 26.9%. Foreign card spending surged by 68.2%, with Huaihai Road seeing a 208.6% increase and the Lujiazui-Zhangyang Road area growing by 119.9%—demonstrating the city’s growing international appeal.
The official website www.shanghaisummer.com is now available in five languages. AI assistant “Shanghai Xiaoxia” is also online, with many offerings equipped with Japanese-language support—welcoming global travellers to join this vibrant summer celebration in Shanghai.
Media Contact: Lulu media@shanghaisummer.com
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667335/Shanghai_Design_Week.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shanghai-summer-a-one-of-a-kind-seasonal-experience-302432728.html
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