Fintech PR
Visa B2B Connect Launches Globally

Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) today announced the commercial launch of the Visa B2B Connect network, giving financial institutions an ability to quickly and securely process high-value corporate cross-border payments globally.[1] The Visa B2B Connect launch will cover more than 30 global trade corridors, with an aim to expand to as many as 90 markets by end of 2019.
“Launching Visa B2B Connect marks an important industry milestone which will accelerate the evolution of how commercial payments move around the world,” said Kevin Phalen, SVP, global head of Visa Business Solutions. “By creating a solution that facilitates direct, bank to bank transactions, we are eliminating friction associated with key industry pain points. With Visa B2B Connect, we are making payments quicker and simpler, while enhancing transparency and consistency of data.”
Visa B2B Connect removes friction and time spent on cross-border corporate transactions by facilitating transactions from the bank of origin directly to the beneficiary bank. The network’s unique digital identity feature tokenises an organisation’s sensitive business information, such as banking details and account numbers, giving them a unique identifier that can be used to facilitate transactions on the network. Visa B2B Connect’s digital identity feature will transform the way information is exchanged in business-to-business cross-border transactions.
“It’s exciting to see the hard work of the combined teams come together for the commercial launch of Visa B2B Connect. Having participated in the pilot program, Commerce Bank is excited to see how this innovative solution will change the way cross-border payments are made, while increasing the speed and transparency for businesses around the world,” said Brian Gordon, SVP International Payments and Trade, Commerce Bank.
“As a pilot participant, we are excited about the Visa B2B Connect launch. This modern way of carrying out cross-border B2B payments will create a substantial added value for our corporate clients. Velocity, security and control of transactions, as well as lower counterparty risks are essential for a successful business with international partners,” said Alessandro Seralvo, director of Cornercard & executive vice president of Corner Bank.
Partners, including Bottomline, FIS and IBM are integral parts of the future scale of Visa B2B Connect. Bottomline and FIS are bringing Visa B2B Connect platform access to its participating bank clients. Along with Visa’s core assets, Visa B2B Connect utilises open source Hyperledger Fabric framework from the Linux Foundation, in partnership with IBM. This helps provide an improved process to facilitate financial transactions on a scalable, permissioned network.
“Bottomline is delighted to be working with Visa to accelerate the adoption of innovative ways for businesses to make faster cross-border payments,” said Rob Eberle, president & CEO, Bottomline. “Our ability to provide our mutual financial institution clients globally with access to Visa B2B Connect will help these banks to continue to deliver differentiated payment capabilities to their corporate customers.”
“Enabling modernisation for financial institutions across all payments systems is a key tenet of FIS’ global strategy, and we’re glad to be amongst Visa’s first partners to bring Visa B2B Connect platform access to our mutual clients at scale,” said Raja Gopalakrishnan, international head of Banking and Payments for FIS Global Financial Solutions.
“Working together on Visa B2B Connect, we are combining the strengths of the world’s leader in electronic payments with IBM’s recognised expertise in helping scale distributed ledger technology. This is a unique example of how blockchain-based architecture can help transform B2B value chains by facilitating secure and transparent transactions globally,” said Marie Wieck, general manager, IBM Blockchain.
“With Visa B2B Connect, we are leveraging Visa’s existing assets and our expertise in cybersecurity, data privacy, the scale of our network — and layering that with new elements of distributed-ledger technology to meet unique needs of this industry,” said Sam Hamilton, SVP, data product development at Visa. “This lays the foundation for a service with the potential to transform cross-border payments.”
SOURCE Visa
Fintech PR
MANTRA Launches $108,888,888 Ecosystem Fund to Propel RWA Innovation

HONG KONG, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MANTRA Chain, a layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), today announced the launch of the MANTRA Ecosystem Fund (MEF), a $108,888,888 million investment initiative designed to accelerate the growth and adoption of projects within the MANTRA ecosystem. The announcement of the MEF arrives after MANTRA became the first DeFi platform to successfully obtain a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), to operate as a Virtual Asset Exchange, as well as provide Broker-Dealer and Management and Investment Services.
Supported by a strong network of partners and investors, the MEF will deploy up to $108,888,888 million over the next four years to support high-potential blockchain projects around the world. The MEF will serve as a strategic growth engine, providing capital to startups alongside globally renowned investment firms.
Investment opportunities will be sourced through MANTRA’s vast partner network, including leading incubators and accelerators, and capital partners such as Laser Digital, Shorooq, Brevan Howard Digital, Valor Capital, Three Point Capital, Amber Group, Manifold, UoB Venture, DAMAC, Fuse, LVNA Capital, Forte, and many more. This extensive global reach will ensure that the MEF gains exposure to top-tier projects from around the world.
“In an era where blockchain technology is revolutionizing finance, the MEF will serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking projects that drive real-world adoption through a focus upon the tokenization of real world assets,” said John Patrick Mullin, CEO and founder of MANTRA.
“By aligning with top investors and incubators, we are opening doors for visionary founders and teams to join us in building and creating a thriving ecosystem and bringing more of the world on-chain.”
Gideon Daitz, partner at Three Point Capital, who will lead the MEF said, “Our primary mission with the MEF is to support the development of RWA tokenization globally, empowering teams with capital, network, and advice to put the world’s highest-quality assets on-chain. We are primarily focused on building out the MANTRA ecosystem, but we genuinely believe in playing a non-zero-sum game, where collaboration and a broad open-arms policy will serve our community and industry best.”
Further adding, “We are seeking to make high conviction, resource heavy developments into fewer more focused teams, ultimately fostering stronger and more ingrained ties through our diverse network of resources.”
The MEF aims to attract and support the best teams in the world innovating with RWA tokenization, welcoming projects at any developmental stage, and even those that are chain agnostic. By fostering collaboration between blockchain pioneers and leading investment firms, MEF is set to become a major force in the evolution of DeFi and RWA adoption.
For more information on how to apply, visit MANTRAChain.io.
About MANTRA
MANTRA Chain is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain for real-world assets, capable of adherence to real world regulatory requirements. As a permissionless chain, MANTRA Chain empowers developers and institutions to seamlessly participate in the evolving RWA tokenization space by offering advanced technology modules, compliance mechanisms, and cross-chain interoperability.
MANTRA holds a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), to operate as a Virtual Asset Exchange, as well as provide Broker-Dealer and Management and Investment Services.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mantra-launches-108-888-888-ecosystem-fund-to-propel-rwa-innovation-302421062.html
Fintech PR
Ayre Ventures Increases Stake in Libraro, Bringing Total Investment to £1M to Accelerate Platform Growth and Industry Partnerships

LONDON, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Libraro, the innovative platform bringing together writers, readers, and publishers today announced it has secured a follow-on investment from Ayre Ventures, bringing the total investment from Ayre to £1 million since its initial seed funding in October 2024.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment for Libraro, which has recently soft-launched its revolutionary platform that democratises the publishing industry by creating direct connections between aspiring authors, engaged readers, and forward-thinking publishers. Libraro has already signed Letters of Intent with several of the world’s largest publishing houses, underscoring growing industry confidence in its data-driven approach to discovering new literary talent. The team is also in ongoing discussions with leading literary agents.
Arsim Shillova, Co-Founder and CEO of Libraro, said, “This follow-on investment from Ayre Ventures is a strong vote of confidence in the foundation we’ve built since their initial seed commitment in October 2024. We’ve had an incredibly enthusiastic response from the writers we’ve engaged so far, and with the platform now live, we’re excited to be opening the doors to new talent. This funding enables us to scale our technology, grow our community, and deepen partnerships that will redefine how great stories are discovered and shared. The new funding will accelerate Libraro’s mission to empower authors and readers while providing publishers with powerful data-driven insights to discover tomorrow’s bestsellers.”
Ayre Ventures Founder Calvin Ayre celebrated the follow-on investment, saying, “Now more than ever, support for those who produce, distribute and consume the written word is crucial. Ayre Ventures is proud to support Libraro’s blockchain-based efforts to protect the rights of authors and publishers, and to help authors connect with their audiences.“
Strategic Leadership Expansion
To support its rapid growth, Libraro has strengthened its leadership team with four strategic hires who bring decades of combined experience from across the publishing ecosystem:
- Head of Author Engagement: Former Head of Audience Development at HarperCollins, and a leading figure behind author and BookTok communities, supporting thousands of writers in navigating the publishing landscape.
- Head of Reader Engagement: Brings valuable reader-focused content strategy experience with HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan and commands a digital audience of over 30,000 readers.
- Head of Partnerships: Editor and co-founder of a leading publishing publication with a reach exceeding 300,000 writers globally, now spearheading Libraro’s industry alliance strategy.
- Incoming CTO: Brings deep expertise in AI and platform development, having led high-impact projects at globally recognised organisations including IBM, Unilever, and Cargill
These appointments mark a significant step in building Libraro’s influence across the literary ecosystem as it works to reshape how stories are discovered, shared, and published.
Revolutionary Technology
Libraro’s platform leverages blockchain technology to protect authorship, prevent copyright infringement, and enhance transparency in ownership and distribution rights. The platform’s Web3 loyalty program creates deeper engagement, building trust among readers, authors, and publishers alike.
The company’s innovative approach has already attracted significant attention within the publishing industry, with major partnerships in development with the UK’s largest writing agency, New Writing North.
About Libraro
At Libraro, every good story deserves a platform. We’re a community-driven platform where writers, readers, and publishers come together to discover, share, and celebrate great stories. Our mission is to give every voice the opportunity to be heard and ensure that meaningful stories reach the readers who’ll appreciate them.
About Ayre Ventures
Ayre Ventures, founded by renowned venture capitalist and philanthropist Calvin Ayre, provides funding to scalable, high-growth businesses that use frontier technologies like AI, IPv6 and Enterprise Blockchain—including BSV, the world’s only unboundedly scaling public proof-of-work enterprise blockchain. The Group targets investment in innovative ideas and ambitious projects that are “positively disruptive,” supporting their expansion with the Group’s extensive network and industry partners.
https://ayre.group/investments/
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ayre-ventures-increases-stake-in-libraro-bringing-total-investment-to-1m-to-accelerate-platform-growth-and-industry-partnerships-302421928.html
Fintech PR
COCA Partners with Everstake to Launch Ethereum Staking, Offering Up to 10% APR

HONG KONG, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — COCA, a leading non-custodial crypto wallet and financial services platform, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Everstake, a global non-custodial staking provider, to introduce Ethereum (ETH) staking. This collaboration enables COCA Wallet users to seamlessly stake ETH, receive staking rewards, and contribute to the security of the Ethereum network—all without the traditional requirement of 32 ETH or advanced technical expertise.
With this new offering, COCA Wallet users can stake as little as 0.1 ETH, significantly lowering the barrier to entry and making staking more accessible to the broader crypto community.
As part of its broader vision to enhance staking opportunities, COCA will also introduce staking for its native COCA Token ($COCA), Polygon and Solana soon, expanding users’ ability to participate in staking beyond Ethereum.
Revolutionizing ETH Staking
Until now, Ethereum staking has been largely inaccessible to many due to the high capital requirement and the need to run a validator node. The COCA-Everstake partnership changes that by providing a seamless, secure, and user-friendly staking experience within the COCA Wallet. Key benefits include:
- Seamless Staking Experience – Delegate ETH in just a few taps, no technical setup required.
- Low Entry Barrier – Start staking with just 0.1 ETH, removing the need for a full validator.
- Security & Trust – Everstake brings a slashing-free history and multiple security audits.
- Staking Rewards – Users can enjoy staking benefits while helping to secure the Ethereum network.
The ETH staking launch is just the beginning. COCA is set to introduce staking for its native COCA Token ($COCA) and other cryptocurrencies, giving users even more opportunities to participate in staking and diversify their crypto portfolios effortlessly.
Get Started with ETH Staking Today
The partnership with Everstake is a major step in COCA’s mission to empower users with more staking opportunities. Whether a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a newcomer, COCA Wallet makes it easier than ever to delegate assets and participate in staking securely.
For more details and to start staking ETH today, visit the COCA Staking Guide.
About COCA
COCA is a next-generation non-custodial crypto super app designed for secure asset management, seamless crypto card spend, and earning opportunities through staking and rewards. Supporting over 350 tokens across 14 blockchains, it offers MPC-powered security without seed phrases, global non-custodial VISA cards for spending at 80+ million merchants in 55+ countries, and expanding COCA Token utility, including future staking and liquidity provision.
For more information, visit: www.coca.xyz
About Everstake
Everstake, founded in 2018 by blockchain engineers, is a leading global non-custodial staking provider for both institutional and retail clients, on a mission to make staking accessible to everyone. Operating across 80+ networks with 735,000+ delegators, it delivers institutional-grade infrastructure with 99.9% uptime. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, Everstake strengthens the staking ecosystem and provides whitelabel staking solutions, enabling businesses to easily integrate staking into their platforms.
Everstake is a software platform that provides infrastructure tools and resources for users but does not offer investment advice or investment opportunities, manage funds, facilitate collective investment schemes, provide financial services or take custody of, or otherwise hold or manage, customer assets. Everstake does not conduct any independent diligence on or substantive review of any blockchain asset, digital currency, cryptocurrency or associated funds. Everstake’s provision of technology services allowing a user to stake digital assets is not an endorsement or a recommendation of any digital assets by it. Users are fully and solely responsible for evaluating whether to stake digital assets.
For more information, visit: www.everstake.one
Media Kit: https://www.coca.xyz/press
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2658944/COCA_Everstake.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2338075/5254635/COCA_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coca-partners-with-everstake-to-launch-ethereum-staking-offering-up-to-10-apr-302421905.html
-
Fintech5 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 2, 2025 | Featuring Citi, Insigneo, Luma Financial Technologies, Weefin, Tirana Bank, Backbase
-
Fintech7 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – March 29, 2025 Featuring: Charlie Javice, Rabobank, Mollie, Ivy, Barclays, and more
-
Fintech PR4 days ago
KuCoin Surpasses 40 Million Registered Users, Demonstrating Commitment to Compliance and Innovation
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
Abeille Assurances Relies on Location Intelligence and Data Enrichment from Precisely to Manage Climate Risks and Enhance Customer Experience
-
Fintech6 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 1, 2025 Featuring: Neobanks, Fintech Innovators, Spendr, Financial Finesses, Elga Credit Union, Pocketnest
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
ANDURAND CAPITAL CEASES TO RELY ON ALTERNATIVE MONTHLY REPORTING SYSTEM; URGES SPROTT TO FIX SPROTT COPPER VEHICLE
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
Newmark’s First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Announcement to be Issued Prior to Market Open on Wednesday, April 30, 2025
-
Fintech4 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 3, 2025 | Plaid, Circle, Finvolution, Fintech Grace