Fintech PR
CRU: With Cobalt from the DRC Rising, Tracing the Source is Vital – Could Blockchain Tech be the Solution
![](https://thefintechbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/picante.today/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Cobalt demand has grown by 21% between 2016 and 2018 and CRU forecasts that it will increase a further 55% out to 2023, due to the increasing uptake of electric vehicles.
Currently, the majority of the cobalt supply comes from the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) where, in addition to the large-scale global mining companies, artisanal miners utilise small pockets of land not owned by large-scale miners to produce cobalt.
It is believed that as many as 100,000 diggers, sorters and washers are involved in the artisanal mining trade in the DRC. Artisanal miners often work independently and sell their ore to local co-operatives, who sell it to local merchants and traders, who in turn sell to international traders. When done correctly, artisanal mining can be an ethical source of low-cost, high-grade cobalt which also puts income directly into the hands of locals with very few alternative options available to them. Artisanal mining in the DRC has increased dramatically between 2016 and 2018 on the back of strong demand growth and rising prices.
Artisanal mining has been key in satisfying skyrocketing cobalt demand in recent years. However, the practice raises many ethical concerns. Child labour is rampant in the artisanal mining sector, as many regions suffer from abject poverty and lack a functioning schooling system – in 2014, UNICEF estimated that 40,000 children were involved in artisanal mining of all commodities produced in the DRC. As a result, Western companies have sought to distance themselves from artisanal cobalt supply in the past to forego the risk of inadvertently using raw materials sourced from child labour. The low wealth generated by these practices has also come under scrutiny. Traders of artisanal cobalt concentrates will typically sell material for around 40-50% of its cobalt value, while the artisanal miners will typically only receive 1-3% of the intrinsic value of their ore. A lack of reliable information and the complexity of the supply chain makes artisanal mining far more challenging to track as a source of cobalt supply than traditional mining sources.
Can Blockchain provide a traceability solution?
Blockchain technology can increase transparency in mineral supply chains and provide a traceability solution, while reducing the need to have a one central owner of the database. A Blockchain system starts with a mine site audit to check there is no child labour. Once the audit is passed, the mines are given ‘approved bags’ with bar codes into which the ore is placed before sealing and being passed to merchants and traders. The bar codes can be scanned at any point, and the ore’s journey can be tracked on a public ledger which is where the Blockchain comes in.
Fintech PR
Nereus Announces Launch of DAO and Staking Program: Empowering Users to Earn Rewards and Influence the Future
![nereus-announces-launch-of-dao-and-staking-program:-empowering-users-to-earn-rewards-and-influence-the-future](https://thefintechbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/59304-nereus-announces-launch-of-dao-and-staking-program-empowering-users-to-earn-rewards-and-influence-the-future.jpg)
HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nereus, a leading decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, is excited to announce the launch of its Staking Program and Governance Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), exclusively available to Nereus Token (NRS) stakers. This initiative allows participants to earn rewards and actively influence the project’s future through governance.
Staking Program: Earn Rewards and Support the Ecosystem
The Nereus Staking Program enables NRS token holders to stake their tokens indefinitely, with a 30-day withdrawal delay. Users can initiate a withdrawal request at any time, and after the withdrawal delay has elapsed, they will be able to withdraw their tokens.
Key features of the Staking Program include:
- Flexible Staking: Stake your NRS tokens indefinitely and withdraw them with a 30-day delay.
- Reward Distribution: Users receive rewards based on the current reward rate, set by DAO voting, while their tokens remain staked, with more reward types coming soon.
- Governance Participation: Staked tokens determine voting power within the Governance DAO.
- Strengthening the Ecosystem: Staking supports the long-term sustainability of the Nereus platform by encouraging token distribution, increasing the holder base, boosting DAO participation, and driving token demand and trading activity.
At the moment, staking rewards are not being distributed. A DAO proposal will soon be initiated to determine the reward allocation for staking over a specific period and to set the official start date for reward distribution.
For more information on staking, visit the Nereus Staking page.
Governance DAO: Influence Project Decisions
By staking NRS tokens, users gain voting power within the Governance DAO, enabling them to:
- Influence key protocol parameters and updates.
- Propose and vote on new features or initiatives.
- Play an active role in shaping the future of Nereus.
Explore the Governance DAO further on Tally.
With the launch of the Staking Program and Governance DAO, Nereus is reinforcing its commitment to decentralization, community-driven decision-making, and sustainable ecosystem growth.
About Nereus Token (NRS)
The Nereus Token (NRS) serves as the cornerstone of the Nereus ecosystem, providing holders with governance rights and staking opportunities. NRS is designed to foster long-term engagement and community participation.
Staking and Future Enhancements
In the near future, Nereus plans to introduce additional staking incentives, including real yield in USDT and yield in escrowed NRS tokens (esNRS). 80% of Nereus’s daily trading fees are expected to be shared with NRS token holders, creating a direct link between platform activity and user rewards. To maintain token stability and prevent inflationary pressures, an APR cap of 50% for esNRS token rewards is planned. These enhancements will be subject to governance approval and community consensus.
DAO Governance and Upcoming Improvements
A substantial allocation of tokens has already been designated to the DAO Treasury, allowing the community to influence Nereus Finance’s strategic direction and development initiatives. In the near future, Nereus intends to introduce a quadratic voting model, where voting power scales with the square root of NRS tokens staked. This enhancement aims to ensure a more balanced and equitable governance structure.
For detailed information about NRS, visit its CoinGecko page.
How to Get Started with Staking
- Select your staking amount.
- Stake your NRS tokens with a 30-day withdrawal delay.
- Earn rewards while supporting the project’s growth and stability.
About Nereus
Nereus is a decentralized derivatives trading platform on the Polygon blockchain, offering up to 150x leverage across cryptocurrencies, forex, and commodities. Designed to blend the user-friendly experience of centralized exchanges with the transparency of DeFi, Nereus features gasless transactions, social logins, and instant execution with low trading fees.
The platform prioritizes security and scalability, with plans to migrate to a zero-knowledge (ZK) Layer 2 solution for reduced transaction costs and faster processing. Additionally, Nereus has developed a unique SDK to facilitate seamless integration with partner platforms. The first integration is currently in progress with COCA Wallet, enabling users to access trading services directly within the COCA Wallet app for a native experience. A formal announcement will be made upon the completion of this integration. Moving forward, this model will serve as the foundation for future integrations with other services and projects.
With a strong focus on user experience and scalability, Nereus is transforming decentralized derivatives trading.
For more information, please visit www.nereus.finance
Follow Nereus on social media to stay updated on the latest developments and upcoming exchange listings.
Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2365558/5170647/Nereus_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nereus-announces-launch-of-dao-and-staking-program-empowering-users-to-earn-rewards-and-influence-the-future-302378142.html
Fintech PR
Fayafi Investment SPV Conducts USD 600 Million in Trades for its Euroclear isotope copper securities on first trading day
![fayafi-investment-spv-conducts-usd-600-million-in-trades-for-its-euroclear-isotope-copper-securities-on-first-trading-day](https://thefintechbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/59306-fayafi-investment-spv-conducts-usd-600-million-in-trades-for-its-euroclear-isotope-copper-securities-on-first-trading-day.jpg)
Strong institutional demand signals market backing for Fayafi’s ability to structure and execute high-value trades
DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UAE-based Fayafi Investment Holding (Bloomberg: SPV Fayafi Investment) successfully executed trades worth USD 600 million for its Euroclear isotope copper backed security certificates on the SIX Swiss Exchange by market close at 4 pm European time on the first day of trading.
The securities were traded exclusively with institutional investors, reflecting demand for high-value, asset-backed securities carrying attractive yields.
This milestone underscores the company’s strategic expansion into regulated securities markets while reinforcing its global financial presence. It reinforces Fayafi Investment SPV’s strategy of elevating isotope copper as a key asset class, leveraging the metal’s applications in cutting-edge medical technologies and aerospace advancements.
The trade volume also demonstrates market backing for Fayafi’s ability to innovate new financial products and efficiently execute high-value financial transactions.
“Robust institutional demand on the first day of trading is a show of market confidence in our ability to innovate, structure and execute sophisticated trades. By successfully securitizing and listing copper isotope, an extremely rare metal, we are showcasing how markets respond positively to innovation backed by sound market fundamentals,” said Dr. Patrick Pilati, Executive President of Fayafi Investment Holding.
Fayafi Investment SPV has issued Euroclear security certificates registered on the SIX Swiss Exchange with a current valuation of USD 3.6B, backed by isotope copper reserves physically present in its Dubai vaults at Ferrari Logistics DMCC. Of these, USD 1.44B worth, or 40 percent, were made available for trading to sophisticated investors at USD 100 per certificate starting on February 14th 2025.
The securities offer up to 15% yields per annum, enabled through a proprietary income-generating algorithm. In a world first, the Euroclear securities can also be swapped for digital assets including USDC, USDT and bitcoin using a unique proprietary bridge.
Fayafi Investment Holding is an Emirati-founded Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It is the first UAE firm to be registered on the SIX Swiss Exchange and listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. It is currently the highest-value UAE publicly-listed company on foreign stock exchanges, and ranks #4 GCC-wide, reinforcing Dubai and the UAE’s credibility as a global financial hub.
Contact Details:
FAYAFI Investment Holding
media@fayafi.ch
DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2621450/Fayafi_USD_600_million_in_trades.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fayafi-investment-spv-conducts-usd-600-million-in-trades-for-its-euroclear-isotope-copper-securities-on-first-trading-day-302378113.html
Fintech PR
HTX Releases January Security Monthly Report, Sending Over 380,000 Security Reminders to Users
![htx-releases-january-security-monthly-report,-sending-over-380,000-security-reminders-to-users](https://thefintechbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/59302-htx-releases-january-security-monthly-report-sending-over-380000-security-reminders-to-users.jpg)
SINGAPORE, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX released its January 2025 Security Monthly Report, reaffirming its commitment to platform security. The report highlights the platform’s multi-layered security measures, including the Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves (PoR), which ensure robust account security, transaction security, and asset security.
Since May 2024, HTX has consistently published monthly security reports to enhance transparency, build trust with users, and demonstrate its unwavering commitment to platform security. (Previous reports: May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.)
Account Security: 380,000+ Security Reminders to Prevent Potential Threats
In January, HTX proactively addressed potential security threats by issuing over 380,000 security reminders to users, comprising 339,480 email reminders and 40,523 SMS reminders. The platform actively combats phishing and fraudulent activities, successfully shut down 6 phishing websites and fake app download sites to protect users from falling victim to scams.
Transaction Security: Recovering $70,000+ in User Funds By Intercepting Abnormal Transactions
HTX’s robust risk controls effectively detect and prevent abnormal transactions. In January, the platform intercepted 3 withdrawal attempts to scam addresses, recovering 72,962 USDT in assets for users. Furthermore, by actively investigating user reports, HTX resolved 7 incidents involving stolen assets flowing into the platform, assisting in freezing 193,702 USDT in stolen funds, significantly reducing losses for affected users.
Asset Security: 189 New Addresses Blacklisted to Prevent Illicit Inflows
HTX remains vigilant in preventing the inflow of illicit funds. In January, the platform added 189 new addresses to its blacklist and intercepted 4 deposits from these addresses, totaling 624,190 USDT. These measures effectively prevented the inflow of illicit funds, further enhancing the platform’s financial health.
Reserve Ratio Remains Above 100% with Regular PoR Updates
HTX continues to enhance asset transparency by regularly publishing PoR reports. The platform recently updated its Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves for February 2025, demonstrating that its reserve ratio for major mainstream assets consistently exceeds 100%. The latest proof of reserves data includes: BTC 101%, ETH 100%, TRX 105%, USDT 101%, HTX 104%, XRP 101%, DOGE 100%, SOL 102%. This marks the 28th time HTX has publicly disclosed its Merkle Tree reserve data.
Users can access the monthly updated reports and view the platform’s financial status from the “Assets – PoR Reports” page on the HTX official website.
HTX prioritizes user asset security and transparency. By diligently monitoring and addressing security threats, HTX strives to provide a secure and reliable trading environment for all users. Choosing HTX means choosing a platform that not only offers access to premium early-stage assets but also prioritizes user safety with a robust security framework.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses. As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance”, HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
Contact Details
Ruder Finn Asia
htx@ruderfinn.com
Company Website
https://www.htx.com
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2391903/image_ID__Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/htx-releases-january-security-monthly-report-sending-over-380-000-security-reminders-to-users-302378089.html
-
Fintech7 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – February 10, 2025: (Carbon Underwriting, Agentic AI & Fintech Innovator)
-
Fintech6 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – February 10, 2025: (Wise, Fintech Rebloom, & BNPL Innovator)
-
Fintech6 days ago
Datalign Secures $9M Seed Funding to Accelerate AI-Powered Financial Advisory Solutions
-
Fintech3 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – February 14, 2025: Pagaya Technologies, Morningstar, Ericsson & More
-
Fintech5 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – Feb 12, 2025: Tabby, Fenergo, PwC, Rebloom, Ant International, eToro
-
Fintech4 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – February 13, 2025 | Ageras, StoreBuddy, Wayflyer, Data Zoo, Alloy, OMB Bank, Cable
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
Crypto Content Creator Campus Welcomes Gong Youchai as First Chinese-Speaking Tutor to its KOL Incubation School
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
Macroeconomics and Crypto Markets Entanglement Intensifies, Revealed Bybit x Block Scholes Feb. Volatility Report