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Lower Cryptocurrency Prices Driving Innovation, Improved Security, and Heightened Adoption

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SOURCE USA News Group

 

Despite major cryptocurrency prices being down, key blockchain and cryptocurrency figure, Brock Pierce, believes that embedded within this space is a potential quadrillion dollar market. In the midst of a lower price market, plenty of new developments are arising from companies such as NetCents Technology Inc. (CSE: NC) (OTC: NTTCF), Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI), Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK), and even Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB).

“Security tokens are going to give birth to a quadrillion dollar market,” said Pierce in a recent interview with Forbes. “This is because we will see the tokenization of the world’s fiat money, debt market, real estate, equities, and art.”

Prior to reaching these levels, the crypto space will require leaders that can heighten mainstream acceptance of the concept. One innovator that’s rapidly expanding payment options around the world, and is NetCents Technology Inc. (CSE: NC) (OTC: NTTCF), which now supports 55 countries and 36 fiat currencies—servicing over 3 million merchants.

With prices for major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin being down, analysts such as Pierce see this as a period of greater innovation, and adoption.

“We’re going to see big things being built, multiple applications hitting a million users,” Pierce added. “I love the fact that prices are down. When prices are up, very little gets built because teams don’t stick around. Everyone is getting rich too quick and that de-motivates people. All the best things I’ve seen built in this ecosystem have been built in bear markets.”

For providers such as NetCents, the goal is to make merchant clients get rich quicker, and consumers save money on transactions. Incentivizing merchants is how to get adoption to happen quicker.

To achieve this, NetCents provides merchants with several appealing selling points, including low transaction fees (delivering a saves of 3-9% per transaction), instant settlements, and the ability to accept fiat, credit card, and/or cryptocurrencies equally. On average, a low-risk merchant typically faces a merchant fee between 3.5% to 5.5%, whereas a higher-risk merchant gets hit with a rate of 5.0% to 10.0%. NetCents’s merchant fee is only 1.99%—a savings of between 1.5% to 7.0% per transaction.

However, one major development that the NetCents team has put forth to bridge the gap for merchants, is its proprietary cryptocurrency credit card that pulls directly from the user’s NetCents wallet.

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Usable anywhere that Visa or MasterCard are accepted, the unique credit card opens the world of cryptocurrency users to millions of merchant locations around the world. Mixing together everyday credit card transactions could be the perfect lead-in that the cryptocurrency world needs for mainstream acceptance.

But are cryptocurrencies still an investment in and of themselves?

Crypto Equity Is On The Way

NetCents has been quietly adding new currencies to its portfolio, including a recent agreement with ILO Crypto (ILOCX), which has its own platform that allows companies to raise non-equity capital through the sale of Initial License Offerings (“ILOs”).

ILOs are a revenue-based method of raising capital, that give buyers the right to promote and or sell an underlying product or service and receive royalties based on the gross revenue of the company. ILOCX has signed 54 companies to its first exchange platform allows its companies to list and sell an ILO to raise capital and enhance sales. There are currently more than 20 companies already listed on the exchange.

“The significance of this transaction is enormous for crypto holders everywhere, this partnership is giving them high quality alternative options for utilizing their capital currently locked in Bitcoin, ETH and various other altcoins,” said, CEO of ILOCX, Edward Fitzpatrick upon the agreement signing. “Hundreds of billions of dollars are sitting in crypto looking for new ways to put this capital to work, thanks to this partnership NetCents and ILOCX we can say with confidence that the era of utilization is here.”

Through the merchant agreement, ILOCX is set to use the NetCents Merchant Gateway to power cryptocurrency transactions for its capital raising services. With $300 million in deals on the exchange to date, this platform gives NetCents and ILOCX another way to tap into the hundreds of billions in crypto capital, giving crypto-holders alternative options for utilizing their capital and giving companies listing on ILOCX access to the capital they need.

Bringing Banks On Board

With banks such as JP Morgan Chase flirting with the idea of using blockchain ledgers for transactions, there is hope for acceptance from financial institutions on the horizon. In an effort to lubricate the transition, NetCents has also launched its Crypto Banking Stack (CBS), which allows for a low-cost crypto ready processing solution to be quickly implemented without the requirement for an extended and costly development cycle.

Banking clients get benefits from the CBS as well, as it will have the ability to provide account holders with the ability to convert and move balances between their crypto and fiat bank accounts. The cryptocurrencies which will be initially supported through the CBS are Bitcoin, Ether, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin.

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Upon integration through the CBS API, financial institutions can potentially offer their customers crypto banking services accessible via their current online bank profile. These crypto bank accounts would have the same functionality as standard chequing and savings accounts.

Clients could then add various crypto accounts/wallets, transfer, deposit, withdraw, make a payment, view transactions; and the ability to link their crypto bank account to their existing debit cards—Blurring the lines between standard banking, and blockchain/crypto.

As lines blur, major companies too will look towards adopting these tech platforms that can help their businesses grow.

For a more in-depth look into NetCents Technology you can view the in-depth report at USA News Group: http://usanewsgroup.com/2018/12/12/the-sectors-that-could-change-the-way-you-view-2019/

Bigger Players Adopting Crypto In Their Own Way

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) – Cryptocurrency within gaming is not a new concept. However, for Activision Blizzard, the makers of Call of Duty, and World of Warcraft, much of its 2018 record net revenue of $7.5 billion came from what are called microtransactions. In 2017, these in-game purchases accounted for $4 billion of its total $7.16 billion over the entire fiscal year, also a record at that time. A leading revenue driver for the company was what are called CoD Points, which are a ‘premium’ currency that are acquired with real money, and can only be spent buying virtual goods inside the Call of Duty game. At the moment, CoD Points can be acquired from third-party vendors, such as Amazon, but cannot be spent elsewhere. Should the game developer open up use of this digital currency outside of the platform, it would be interesting to see where the value of the currency would go.

Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK) – Massive online retailer Overstock.com has built its name providing offerings such as home and garden products, furniture, housewares and more. However, with the launch of its new security trading platform tZERO underway, the company believes a market boom for its new product is around the corner. This alternative trading system (ATS) will use crypto tokens, and could open up the securities market to a much, much larger audience of investors from around the world. In the meantime, the tZERO dream is still dealing with regulatory questions, in order to satisfy FINRA and the SEC, who want to see them working with one broker.

Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) – Social media giant Facebook is preparing the launch of its own version of Bitcoin, to be used in its messaging applications, WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. Dubbed the “Facecoin”, the new cryptocurrency could be the global technology giant’s breakthrough into the lucrative market for retail financial services. Very little is known about Facebook’s overall plans with the Facecoin, as so far there’s only a single company statement about a new group set up to look into cryptocurrencies. Media outlets have tipped small hints at the project, stating that the ambition is to explore multiple applications, and to establish Facecoin as a “stablecoin”. Facebook would have a fixed price, and the amount in circulation will vary.

Article Source:
USA News Group
http://usanewsgroup.com 
info@usanewsgroup.com

Legal Disclaimer/Disclosure: This piece is an advertorial and has been paid for. This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. No information in this Report should be construed as individualized investment advice. A licensed financial advisor should be consulted prior to making any investment decision. We make no guarantee, representation or warranty and accept no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of USA News Group only and are subject to change without notice. USA News Group assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this Report and will not be held liable for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or any omission. Furthermore, we assume no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage or, in particular, for lost profit, which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the information, provided within this Report.

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Fintech PR

Vantage Russia to Make a Strong Presence at the Upcoming Blockchain Forum in Moscow

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MOSCOW, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets, multi-award winning CFD broker, is set to make a powerful impact at the upcoming Blockchain Forum in Moscow. As a Platinum Sponsor, Vantage Russia will be at the forefront of industry discussions, showcasing its expertise and commitment to the future of blockchain and digital assets.

The Blockchain Forum in Moscow is a premier gathering of thought leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping the future of blockchain technology. As a Platinum Sponsor, Vantage Russia will have a dedicated booth, PS3, offering an immersive experience where attendees can engage with our expert team, explore cutting-edge solutions, and discuss the evolving blockchain landscape.

Representing Vantage at the event is our highly experienced Russian team of C-level executives, marketing and business development managers. Their expertise and deep market knowledge will ensure that Vantage continues to lead conversations on blockchain innovation, digital finance, and investment strategies. Our team will share insights on the intersection of blockchain, digital trading, and financial technologies, offering valuable perspectives to industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Why Engage with Vantage at the Blockchain Forum?

  • Industry Expertise: Learn from Vantage Russia’s leadership team about market trends and the future of blockchain applications in finance.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with key decision-makers, traders, and blockchain pioneers.
  • Exclusive Insights: Gain first-hand knowledge on how Vantage Russia is integrating blockchain technologies into its ecosystem.

We invite all attendees to visit Booth PS3, where our team will be available for discussions, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a blockchain enthusiast, an institutional trader, or an industry stakeholder, Vantage Russia welcomes you to engage with us and explore exciting opportunities in the digital finance landscape.

For more updates on our participation at the Blockchain Forum, follow Vantage Russia on our official channels. We look forward to connecting with you in Moscow!

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING : CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

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Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

 

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Crowell & Moring’s London Office Adds Leading AI and Emerging Tech Partner Emma Wright

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Wright co-founded the Interparliamentary Forum on Emerging Technologies and is a UNESCO AI Expert Without Borders. She brings deep experience in technology transactions and regulatory matters.

LONDON, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Emma Wright, a market leading lawyer representing prominent technology companies and governments on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, has joined Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP as a partner in its Privacy and Cybersecurity Group in London. Wright will advise clients on regulatory matters and complex technology procurements with a regulatory or government interface.  

Wright is co-founder and director of the Interparliamentary Forum on Emerging Technologies and an executive committee member of the global UNESCO Women4EthicalAI.

Wright works with clients from all parts of the tech ecosystem in areas such as emerging AI and data regulation, cybersecurity and resilience, telecom and online safety regulation, and the rules governing technology procurement and foreign investment. Her practice encompasses complex commercial transactions and investments in the tech sector, and her experience includes advising on technology related to critical national infrastructure and procurement of multimillion-pound digital transformation projects.

“It is a real pleasure to welcome Emma to our growing London office. Emma’s practice encompasses both regulatory and transactional elements, and she is highly skilled at translating regulatory frameworks into commercial and practical advice. Her appointment is a strategic move which bolsters our global capabilities in emerging tech and enhances our London legal offering,” said Robert Weekes, managing partner of the firm’s London office and member of the firm’s management board.

Wright joins Crowell from Harbottle & Lewis, where she established and led the Technology, Data, and Digital Group. Prior to that role, she led the Government and Public Sector team for Deloitte Legal. Wright previously served as a policy advisor in the U.K. Government.

“Emma is a proven leader in her field, and her move to Crowell enhances the global reach of our Privacy and Cybersecurity Group at a time when data protection and cyber issues are growing increasingly complex. We are delighted to welcome Emma to our team,” said Jeffrey Poston, co-chair of Crowell & Moring’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Group.

Wright’s move to Crowell is the third senior addition to its London Privacy and Cybersecurity Group in just over a year. In January, Clare Sellars joined as counsel, bringing more than 20 years of experience in data protection, privacy, IP, IT and commercial matters. Last year, the team added partner Rafi Azim-Khan, a leading advisor on data, digital, and e-commerce laws. The firm’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Group has also made recent additions in the U.S., with the arrival of senior counsel Rita Heimes, former general counsel for the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and Justin B. Weiss, former associate general counsel for global technology investor Naspers.

Wright commented: “Crowell’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Group is among the most respected within the market. I look forward to working with my colleagues in London and across the firm to deliver a comprehensive offering to clients operating at the forefront of technological innovation.”

Wright is ranked as a leading partner in The Legal 500 and ranked in Chambers UK. She is listed by Computer Weekly as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Tech.

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About Crowell & Moring                                                     

Crowell & Moring is an international law firm with operations in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia. Drawing on significant government, business, industry, and legal experience, the firm helps clients capitalize on opportunities and provides creative solutions to complex regulatory and policy, litigation, transactional, and intellectual property issues. The firm is consistently recognized for its commitment to pro bono service, as well as its comprehensive programs and initiatives to advance the professional and personal development of all members of the Crowell community.

Media Contact:
Email: prteam@crowell.com  

Crowell & Moring LLP

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utu Boosts Tourist Spending Power with New Tourist Refund Vouchers in Dubai’s Gold Souk

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  • utu launches a new program allowing tourists to gain up to 25% more value from their tourist refunds with vouchers valid for additional purchases in the same store
  • The program kicks off with key partnerships with renowned merchants in Dubai’s Gold Souk, which accounts for 30-35% of tourist refund volume in the UAE
  • Anchor partner Thangals Jewellery is debuting the voucher program in eight stores across the UAE, with integration already planned for an additional 15 stores
  • The initiative aligns with Dubai’s long-term strategy to boost overall tourist spending and retail sales

DUBAI, UAE, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Travel fintech utu today launched the region’s first downtown tourist refund voucher program in Dubai’s iconic Gold Souk. Alongside the existing method of receiving tax refunds in cash or to a credit card at the airport, tourists can now choose to convert their refunds into vouchers worth up to 25% more than the original refund amount. These vouchers are instantly accessible through utu’s web app and redeemable in-store.

Operating seamlessly alongside the UAE’s mandated tourist refund process, utu’s solution offers travelers an optional, immediate benefit without altering any official procedures. When making an initial purchase at participating Gold Souk stores, tourists can choose to purchase a higher-value voucher based on their tourist refund amount via a quick process on utu’s web app, with guidance from store staff.

While the program launches in the Gold Souk, it represents the first step in utu’s broader vision to enhance tourist spending across the UAE’s full retail ecosystem – both downtown and at the airport. Building on its partnership with global travel retailer Avolta in Milan, utu is working to extend its solution to serve more travelers across key retail touchpoints throughout the city.

Once a purchase is made, a digital voucher is generated within seconds, allowing shoppers to increase their purchase value on the spot at that specific store. Tourists complete the standard tax refund validation process at the airport before departure as usual.

The program is launching with select merchants in the historic Gold Souk market in Deira, a major international hub for gold and jewellery trading. Thangals Jewellery, a respected name in the Souk since 1974, is the anchor partner, debuting the utu system in eight stores in the initial launch phase with plans to roll out to an additional 15 stores including Dorrado by Thangals, its exclusive diamond section.

Fazil Thangals, Chief Executive Officer of Thangals Jewellery, said: “utu’s innovative voucher program gives tourists extra spending power immediately, encouraging larger basket sizes or entirely additional purchases while shopping in our stores. We expect this will significantly boost sales and contribute to Dubai’s goal of higher tourist spending, while also enhancing the shopper experience and vibrancy of the Gold Souk, with Thangals leading the way.”

Asad Jumabhoy, Co-Founder and CEO of utu said: “This launch gives tourists more spending power while they are still enjoying Dubai, and in one of the world’s most significant gold markets. By providing instant, in-store vouchers, we’re creating a seamless way for shoppers to maximize their refunds on the spot while driving incremental sales for merchants. This approach not only enhances the shopping experience for travelers but also delivers clear benefits for our retail partners, and directly supports Dubai’s aim of maximizing tourist spending, all while staying fully aligned with regulatory frameworks.”

With over 380 traders, the Gold Souk is a prime location for this initiative. Gold and jewellery purchases represent a substantial portion (30-35%) of the UAE’s tourist refund volume, driven by the market’s international appeal and high transaction values. Dubai welcomed almost 19 million overnight visitors in 2024, making it one of the world’s most-visited destinations.

utu is pioneering a new approach in tourist retail by capturing the value typically lost when tourist refunds leave the country. By enabling shoppers to instantly access and spend this enhanced value with partner merchants before departure, utu is helping to create a more vibrant local retail community and is driving higher tourist spending within Dubai, enhancing its reputation as a world-class shopping destination.

Media contacts
Global Press office – Black Unicorn PR
Alice Lamalice@blackunicornpr.com

About utu

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utu (pronounced “you-too”) is creating a new category in global travel retail. By unlocking the value of tourist refunds worldwide, enabling immediate in-country spending, utu empowers travelers with more value while driving significant incremental sales for retailers, and contributing to a more dynamic retail ecosystem. With over 25 years of expertise in VAT and GST refunds worldwide, the utu management team is bridging the worlds of refunds and rewards, unlocking new value for travelers and retailers alike. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Singapore.

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