Fintech PR
Blackhawk Network CEO and President Talbott Roche Honored with Women in Payments’ Advocate for Women Award

Talbott Roche, CEO and president of global branded payments provider Blackhawk Network, has been named the recipient of the Women in Payments’ Advocate for Women Award. Conferred to payments and fintech leaders who champion the career advancement of women in the industry, the award was presented to Roche during a February 10 ceremony at the Ritz Carlton in McLean, Virginia.
“Our awards program has served to showcase the exceptional work of payment leaders, innovators, and rising stars since 2013,” said Kristy Duncan, founder and CEO of Women in Payments. “We are incredibly pleased to present this year’s Advocate for Women Award to Talbott. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advocating for the advancement of women in payments and beyond and we congratulate her on this achievement.”
With Roche’s encouragement and support, Blackhawk has sponsored a number of industry organizations devoted to nurturing female leadership, including Women in Payments and the Women’s Network of Electronic Transactions. Blackhawk was also a founding sponsor of Women in Payments’ Global Mentorship Program, which pairs mentors and mentees in the payments industry to foster professional development around the globe.
Additionally, Roche has volunteered her time to presenting at industry events about the importance of advocating for women in business and has also served as an executive sponsor and source of support to many of Blackhawk’s female senior management and staff members.
“Championing female leadership is something I’m passionate about and ensure is a priority at Blackhawk,” said Roche. “Real change needs to be supported from the top of an organization in terms of recruiting, developing, retaining and promoting talented female leaders. Despite fintech traditionally being a male-dominated industry—especially for leadership roles—I am proud that nearly 50% of Blackhawk’s leadership positions are held by women. I thank Women in Payments for this honor as well as the work the organization does to support women in the industry.”
Roche was one of seven payments and fintech industry leaders honored at the Women in Payments award ceremony across several award categories. Attended by hundreds of industry veterans, the ceremony spotlighted the achievements of women who have distinguished themselves as leaders, innovators, rising stars and consummate professionals. Winners were selected by an awards committee comprised of senior women with diverse payments system expertise who are committed to championing female talent across the payments ecosystem.
SOURCE Blackhawk Network
Fintech PR
Swiss Life Asset Managers acquires a majority stake in Eliance

MADRID, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eliance Group, a global leader in the provision of specialized aviation services, has announced that Swiss Life Asset Managers has acquired a significant majority stake in the company through its Swiss Life Global Infrastructure Opportunities Growth II fund. The current shareholder, RiverRock, will continue as a minority investor in the company’s capital, retaining its commitment to Eliance’s growth.
This strategic move strengthens Eliance’s financial capacity to expand in the key markets of Spain, Italy and Croatia by providing capital for growth and consolidating its current leadership position in sectors such as firefighting, medical transport and rescue operations.
Since its foundation in 1958 in Madrid, Eliance has evolved from a provider focused on firefighting to a leading player in the emergency air services sector, with an integrated business model and European presence. The company has a varied fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and stands out as one of only two companies accredited for Airbus maintenance in Spain.
Eliance’s success is also based on its remarkable track record of international expansion and winning government contracts. Recently, the firm has expanded its global presence by acquiring Italian operator EliFriulia and starting operations in Croatia to meet the growing demand for helicopter emergency medical services in these geographic areas.
Matthew Dooley, Director Value-Add Infrastructure, Swiss Life Asset Managers, said, “AES’s business model is characterized by its core nature, strong cash flow stability and asset weight. These are all key characteristics of the infrastructure we seek as part of our value-added investment strategy. We are delighted to be working with the Eliance management team to continue to leverage the strong growth potential of the business.”
“We are excited to welcome Swiss Life Asset Managers as a new shareholder of Eliance. Their collaboration represents a significant milestone in our journey, which began in 2021, and has led Eliance to become a leader in air emergency services in Southern Europe. The strength and reach of Swiss Life Asset Managers further underscore Eliance’s appeal and the industry’s attractiveness to infrastructure investors. Their support will be instrumental in driving Eliance’s next phase of growth and enabling the company to play a key role in consolidating the European market,” commented Alessandro Graziano, Chief Investment Officer at RiverRock.
For their part, Juan Carlos Martínez, CEO of the group, and Fernando Gallardo, group CFO at Grupo Eliance, added that “Swiss Life Asset Managers’ investment in Grupo Eliance not only strengthens our financial framework, but also ensures the stability needed to drive our continued growth in an industry that increasingly requires significant investments. This strategic partnership positions us to enhance our profitability and continue our expansion.”
Lazard served as the sole financial advisor to Eliance during this transaction, contributing their expertise to secure an investment that supports Eliance’s operational sustainability and growth.
Media contact:
Blanca Ahijado
+34 635 577 750
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/swiss-life-asset-managers-acquires-a-majority-stake-in-eliance-302423527.html
Fintech PR
OMRON and Cognizant Partner to Revolutionize Manufacturing with Unique One-Stop IT-OT Integration

- Balancing economic and social value for the future of manufacturing through advanced technologies.
- Promoting sustainable manufacturing by enhancing workforce efficiency, boosting productivity, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Empowering people through data-driven decision making with manufacturing intelligence, AI & automation and digitalization.
STUTTGART, Germany, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OMRON Corporation (TSE:6645) and Cognizant (NASDAQ:CTSH) have signed a strategic partnership to integrate Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) in the manufacturing industry. The collaboration includes Cognizant being chosen as the engineering partner for OMRON’s Industrial Automation Business (IAB) products.
OMRON, known for its advanced automation technology, and Cognizant, with expertise in IT-OT convergence, will offer a unique, one-stop solution for digital transformation. The partnership combines OMRON’s OT products, such as sensors, controllers, servo motors, safety equipment and robots, with Cognizant’s IT capabilities, including cloud, AI, IoT, and digital twin technologies.
Through this collaboration, the companies provide a distinctive capability to achieve flexible and agile operational excellence. This includes consultancy, on-site implementation, operation, and maintenance. Target sectors for the joint capability include Automotive, Semiconductor, Electronics, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Consumer Goods industries.
Combining the capabilities of both companies, OMRON and Cognizant strive to establish a unique business model that addresses on-site and management issues through continuous IT-OT analysis and improvements. This IT-OT integration will leverage both companies’ strengths to help promote sustainable manufacturing, enhancing productivity, improving workforce efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
OMRON’s broad product lineup (more than 200,000 SKUs) gathers high-quality field data for Cognizant’s Asset Performance Excellence (APEx) platform and its Industry 4.0/5.0 maturity assessment tool OnePlant™. This data, combined with management information, helps analyze IT-side issues and prioritize improvements from a management perspective. Results can be fed back via OMRON’s control application and the i-BELT data utilization service, working with customers to address on-site challenges linked to management issues in a comprehensive manner.
“OMRON is the only manufacturer of control equipment in the world that owns all the equipment used in the production line. Cognizant, on the other hand, is one of the world’s leading global IT services companies supporting the digital transformation of a wide range of industries with advanced digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud,” said Junta Tsujinaga, CEO of OMRON Corporation. “Through this partnership, we will promote the integration of IT and OT to solve urgent issues faced by manufacturing sites, such as significantly improving productivity, reducing operational losses, and speeding up management decisions. The two companies will work together to promote sustainable cutting-edge manufacturing of the future.”
“Clients are looking for a Strategic Partner with deep industry and domain expertise, end to end capabilities and the ability to manage complex technologies at various layers of digital factory,” said Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant. “We are excited to partner with OMRON in taking integrated value propositions and capabilities to transform manufacturing for our clients globally. OMRON’s expertise in OT data and systems, combined with Cognizant’s digital manufacturing and IT/OT integration capabilities, will enable manufacturers to make quicker, more reliable decisions using real-time data. Together, we are committed to advancing manufacturing by leveraging emerging technologies and integrating IT and OT systems to realize a state of manufacturing in the future that is connected, intelligent, autonomous, sustainable, and resilient,” he added.
About OMRON Corporation
OMRON Corporation, as a leading automation company with its unique “Sensing & Control + Think” technology at its core, is engaged in control equipment, healthcare, social systems, and electronic components. The company is also developing a data solution business that utilizes a wide variety of data acquired through these businesses. Founded in 1933, OMRON now employs approximately 28,000 people worldwide and provides products and services in more than 130 countries, contributing to the creation of a better society. For more information, https://www.omron.com/jp/ja/ please visit: OMRON Global
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life.
See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
For media inquiries, please contact:
OMRON: Global Corporate Communications and Engagement – Ankur Bhat, ankur.bhat@omron.com ; +81-75-344-7175
Cognizant: GlobalPR@cognizant.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/omron-and-cognizant-partner-to-revolutionize-manufacturing-with-unique-one-stop-it-ot-integration-302423455.html
Fintech PR
Bybit, BGA and EthicHub Empower Coffee Farmers With Blockchain-Backed Microloans

DUBAI, UAE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is spotlighting the power of blockchain for real-world impact with its upcoming livestream, “Bybit x EthicHub x BGA: Invest for impact, earn with DeFi,” in collaboration with EthicHub and Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), a collaborative grants initiative to accelerate blockchain projects solving real-world problems.
The livestream airs on April 11 at 1PM UTC, and will unpack how blockchain technology is helping coffee farmers in developing regions access fair financing, build global partnerships, and participate in ethical trade.
EthicHub’s innovative model connects unbanked farmers to global lenders through blockchain-backed loans that are community-audited. Bybit recently pledged $1 million in liquidity to the platform, reinforcing its commitment to real-world impact through Web3.
Key Takeaways from the Livestream:
- How blockchain can close the financial gap for smallholder farmers.
- Why decentralized lending models matter in global agriculture.
- Insights from the full lending ecosystem — including auditors, buyers, and tech enablers.
- A $2,000 prize pool giveaway and live community poll on the role of DeFi in farming.
Featured Speakers:
- Gabriela Chang, Co-Founder & CSO, EthicHub — shares the platform’s mission and success stories.
- Jorge Barrigh, Regional Director, Impact Capital Americas (Heifer International) — discusses how Heifer audits and supports lending partners.
- David Llorens, Head Roaster & Buyer, Animal Coffee and Jaleo — offers a roaster’s view on ethical sourcing and direct trade.
- Glenn, Lead, Blockchain for Good Alliance — highlights how BGA supports impact-driven Web3 projects.
- Moderator: Shadie Berro, Social Media Lead, Bybit.
In a fast-moving Web3 space, this session brings a refreshing focus on real-world utility, social impact, and sustainability. The discussion promises practical examples, candid perspectives, and a deeper understanding of how blockchain can serve communities—not just markets. Viewers can join the discussion in the live chat, and vote in a poll on who benefits more from DeFi lending: farmers or investors.
This initiative is part of Bybit’s broader Blockchain for Good strategy, which incubates and scales projects leveraging Web3 for positive change.
The livestream offers meaningful perspectives for those interested in sustainability, ethical finance, and the global coffee supply chain. Full event details and viewing access are available on the official event page.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BGA
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
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)
The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a long term collaborative non-profit initiative with key partners with the main aim to contribute to societal good by using blockchain technology to solve real world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain community, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration, and action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
For more information
Email: hello@blockchainforgood.xyz
Website: www.blockchainforgood.xyz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chainforgood

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-bga-and-ethichub-empower-coffee-farmers-with-blockchain-backed-microloans-302423446.html
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