Fintech PR
Major banks now join the crypto custody business, who are they and how will it work?
According to a recent report, major banks in South Korea plan to venture into crypto custody as they seek to expand their operations, primarily through blockchain-based activities. This comes after a regulatory change in the Asian nation, making it okay for banks to enter the field. Since inception, cryptocurrencies have faced various challenges, especially with regulators who have struggled to develop the proper definition of what they are and how they should be controlled.
One such bank is KB Kookmin Bank, which is one of the biggest banks in the country. The institution has entered into a strategic technology cooperation partnership with Hashed, a blockchain venture, and Cumberland Korea, a Bitcoin trading platform, to conduct custody for crypto assets together.
According to Simon Kim, CEO at Hashed, this partnership will usher in a new digital transformation era in South Korea by offering technical and commercial consultation, which will eventually open new doors for consumers.
The announcement by KB resonates with that of its main rival NongHyup better known as NH Bank. At the start of July, NH said it planned to create its own custodial services for digital assets, but its focus would only be on institutional investors. So far, the bank has already established a digital innovation department that will be in charge of the operation and any other blockchain-related venture.
OCC gives the go-ahead for US banks
It’s not only South Korean banks that can enter the crypto custody market, but US institutions can too. This follows the green light by the Office of the Controller of the Currency (OCC), which announced it would let all nationally chartered banks engage in crypto custody services.
It’s a significant development for the crypto industry. Large financial institutions that are regulated are already used to safekeeping services like stock certificates, and now they can add on that.
The OCC guidance offers a level of comfort for banks that have been curious about cryptocurrencies, and those that are quite interested can now move forward to explore the area and add on their revenues.
Some experts believe the OCC’s green light could work in favor of banks since they are well established and already boast a loyal customer base, which makes it easy to transition to crypto-based services.
But these businesses will have to invest time and resources in understanding digital assets and the technology behind them. And to reliably cater to institutional and retail customers, they will have to achieve deep expertise on blockchain security and regulations that come with safeguarding crypto assets.
Crypto users are used to having established exchanges like Coinbase and relying on hardware wallets to safeguard their assets safely. The addition of banks on the list can only be seen as a positive since they can offer even better financial services. So, the custody race will be won by those that offer the best services at the best prices.
Additionally, institutional investors are expected to warm up to banks quickly since they have proved over time, they can be trusted.
What next?
Now banks face a race against time as they try to master new technologies required to launch crypto custody services. They have to decide whether they will develop their solutions in house or opt to hire/purchase the critical infrastructure systems. They will also have to consider what network they have to join that allows for instant settlements across different platforms. One that offers transparency, speed, and security while making the process more cost-effective. Most clients will prefer a custodian that will allow their assets to be used on multiple platforms to settle instantly.
Suppose you wonder what kind of customers banks should target with their new offering. In that case, these could be the likes of businesses or institutions that require a secure and efficient way to make international transfers each day like pension funds and wealth management firms.
Now with the go-ahead from the OCC, we are likely to see banks get more aggressive recruiting their teams either by hiring top talent within the crypto industry or even bidding to buy established blockchain firms that will aid their course.
Global consultancy strengthens its European leadership team as part of ongoing growth strategy
LONDON, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Ridge Partners is pleased to announce the promotion of Nick Walmsley to Managing Director, strengthening its European leadership team and commitment to client growth across the region.
Nick Walmsley, who joined Blue Ridge Partners in 2017, brings over 20 years of experience in growth strategy and investing. Throughout his tenure with the firm, Nick has consistently delivered exceptional results for clients, and his appointment to Managing Director reflects his dedication and impact. Prior to joining Blue Ridge Partners, Nick was founder and partner of a $500M AUM investment firm involved in over 200 transactions across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. He began his career at Bain & Company, where he served in the private equity practice in both London and San Francisco.
“Nick has been an invaluable member of our team over the past seven years, demonstrating his ability to create value for our clients and our firm,” said Jim Corey, CEO of Blue Ridge Partners. “With his unique blend of consulting, operational, and investment management experience, Nick is exceptionally well-prepared to serve our clients as Managing Director.”
Blue Ridge Partners is delighted to have Nick step into this new role, further enhancing its capabilities to drive client success across Europe.
About Blue Ridge Partners:
Blue Ridge Partners is a global management consulting firm exclusively focused on helping companies accelerate profitable revenue growth. We have worked with more than 1,300 companies to improve their strategic understanding of markets and customers, deepen and expand their customer relationships, and enhance marketing and sales performance.
Our clients include over 130 private equity firms and their portfolio companies – supporting them during deal evaluation, due diligence, and post-acquisition. We have a reputation for helping companies grow faster by rolling up our sleeves, working collaboratively, and delivering measurable impact quickly and more efficiently than large consultancies.
For further information please contact us at [email protected] or visit us at www.blueridgepartners.com.
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Diane Lansard, further expands Premialab’s marketing footprint bringing in her extensive banking and asset management expertise to the fintech dedicated to quantitative investment strategies.
LONDON, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Premialab announces the appointment of Diane Lansard, as Head of Marketing. Based in London, Ms. Lansard will lead the marketing strategy of the leading independent platform dedicated to quantitative strategies. Before joining PremiaLab, Ms. Lansard served a wide range of institutional clients in buy-and sell-side leadership roles at BNP Paribas, AXA, Bloomberg, and M&G Investments.
Ms. Lansard has over 15 years’ experience in banking, asset management and fintech solutions. She will be responsible to execute and scale Premialab’s marketing initiatives, providing data and analytics solutions to asset managers, pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds globally.
Adrien Geliot, CEO of Premialab, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Diane to our team as we continue to scale our presence globally. Her extensive experience in finance and innovative approach to marketing, will play a pivotal role in driving our growth efforts. Diane’s expertise will further strengthen our position as a leader in data and analytics for institutional investors.”
The announcement follows recent senior appointments at Premialab including John Macpherson, former Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, Citibank, and Nomura; Marc Fisher, former Managing Director at Citibank with a prior position at Deutsche Bank; and Georgios Sittas, former Managing Director at HSBC, Standard Chartered, and previously a director at Lehman Brothers.
Recognized as the leading independent platform for data and analytics on quantitative strategies, Premialab’s capital markets infrastructure is currently used by leading institutional investors, accelerating their digitalization and enhancing performance and risk control while reducing costs. The Platform is already providing data to institutional clients representing over $20 Trillion of assets under management.
Notes to Editors
About PremiaLab
Premialabis the leading independent platform providing data, analytics and risk solutions on quantitative and multi-asset strategies in collaboration with leading investment banks and institutional investors globally. Combining intelligent technology with a unique source of information the platform empowers asset allocators to make better investment decisions whilst achieving utmost time and cost efficiency.
With offices in London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Dubai, its international team is dedicated to supporting a global client base with the most up-to-date QIS dataset, advanced portfolio construction, performance and risk analytics. The firm has established strong partnerships with the top 18 investments banks, global asset managers, pensions funds and insurance companies.
For more information please visit: www.premialab.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bnp-paribas-axa-and-bloombergs-former-executive-joins-fintech-premialab-302315533.html
Fintech PR
Paratus Increases Full-Year 2024 Earnings Guidance and Provides Update on Operations in Mexico
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Paratus Energy Services Ltd. (Oslo: PLSV) (“Paratus” or the “Company”) announces an upward revision of its full-year 2024 EBITDA guidance and provides commentary on the Company’s rig operations in Mexico, operated through its wholly-owned subsidiary Fontis Holdings Ltd. (“Fontis”).
Following strong operational execution year-to-date, Paratus is raising its full-year 2024 EBITDA guidance to $250-260 million, representing a mid-point increase of $25 million from the previous guidance range of $220-240 million. Further details will be provided on the quarterly earnings call on November 29, 2024.
Paratus has noted recent reports regarding a potential temporary reduction in rig activity in Mexico, and consequently the Company wishes to provide an update as well as clarify the potential financial impact to the Company of such dynamics. The contracts for all of Fontis’ jack-ups with the client permit activity to be temporarily ceased for up to 45 days during the contract term, without revenue being generated during such period. However, any deferred days will extend the contract duration accordingly. Fontis has received notification from its client that the Courageous will temporarily cease operations for 45 days due to delays in the client’s preparatory activities at its next location. Operations at the Courageous’ current location is expected to be completed in early December 2024, upon which the rig will remain in standby at its location. The estimated EBITDA impact of a 45-day deferral through the end of the firm contract period is expected to be approximately $3 million.
Paratus has accommodated and priced such flexibility into its contracts in Mexico to allow its client to execute its operations more efficiently. The Company remains highly focused on supporting its client and continuing to strengthen the long-standing relationship it has had for over a decade, and the Company has taken note of the public comments the client has recently provided about its future plans for operations and payments to its suppliers.
This announcement contains information considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. The announcement was published by Baton Haxhimehmedi, CFO of Paratus, on the time and date set out above.
For further information, please contact:
Baton Haxhimehmedi, CFO
[email protected]
+47 406 39 083
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/paratus-increases-full-year-2024-earnings-guidance-and-provides-update-on-operations-in-mexico-302316267.html
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