Fintech PR
Crypto Market Makes a Strong Comeback, Bybit and Wintermute Leadership Optimistic on Options Trading

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, on its 5th anniversary, has achieved several significant milestones, including surpassing 20 million users, launching its web3 vision, and gaining institutional preference for BTC and ETH. Despite the increasing number of crypto exchanges, there remains a scarcity of seasoned liquidity providers. In the post-FTX era, market leaders like Wintermute play an even more crucial role.
Recently, Wintermute made a strategic move to Singapore, further solidifying its position as a giant in liquidity provision. Wintermute Asia also completed its first options block trade on CME, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and growth.
While the FTX crash continues to reverberate through the crypto industry, it serves as a turning point for established players to distinguish themselves and navigate the promising yet volatile market. Liquidity providers are the lifeblood of the crypto market’s vibrancy, but their operations have often been shrouded in secrecy due to the unavailability of their off-exchange data.
Now, we have the opportunity to gain firsthand insights from Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit, Eugene Cheung, Head of Institution at Bybit, and Yoann Turpin, co-founder of Wintermute, as they review the past year and discuss their forward-looking growth strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- Ben Zhou believes professional options trading will flourish.
- Yoann Turpin, officially in Singapore now, brings his expertise as a former TradFi options trader and expresses optimism about the future of crypto options trading.
- Eugene Cheung reveals that Bybit has initiated an OTC pilot program.
Aside from the recent price uptick, there is mounting evidence that the crypto market is experiencing a strong resurgence. According to CCData’s December Exchange Review, spot trading volume on CEXs has risen for the second consecutive month, reaching $965.8 billion—a 52.8% increase and the highest spot trading volume since March 2023. The derivatives trading volume on the CME exchange also rose by 18.4% to $67.9 billion, marking the highest volume since November 2021.
Bybit and Wintermute started working together back in July 2021, coinciding with the launch of Bybit’s spot trading platform. This partnership has successfully weathered the ups and downs of the crypto market, and the two companies now collaborate even more closely to navigate the testing and turbulent crypto landscape.
For liquidity providers like Wintermute, mitigating risks associated with exchange failures is crucial. Yoann emphasizes that Wintermute highly values its collaboration with Bybit and prioritizes the quality of projects, tokens, and team reputations over sales and business development efforts by CEXs. Wintermute finds Bybit’s “solid and stable back-end technology platform” impressive. Furthermore, Bybit’s early adoption of a Unified Trading Account (UTA) for customers has been essential for global traders.
What to Expect in the Coming Year:
Eugene reveals that Bybit has launched a pilot program for OTC trading, a significant milestone that strengthens collaboration between the two companies and expands the horizons for the ecosystem in the long run. Bybit sees great potential in derivatives and options for OTC business, starting with OTC spot trading.
In his closing remarks, Ben emphasizes that while overall perpetual leverage is expected to decrease in the coming year, crypto options will gain more mainstream traction due to the increasing number of professional options traders entering the space. The options market has undergone a fundamental shift since the last bull run, major CEXs and the options ecosystem are poised for rapid growth. Bybit’s recent expansion into the Earn Product space also heralds a new chapter after the turbulence experienced.
Last but not least, it is crucial to closely monitor regional developments and approaches towards crypto and digital assets. Regions like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and the UAE warrant monitoring as cryptocurrency adoption depends increasingly on clearer guidance. Firms are pivoting to high-growth Asia amid arguments that localized regulations could boost demand. According to Cointelegraph Research’s market maker geographic distribution database, Singapore currently leads the game, followed by the USA, Hong Kong, and the UK.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is a top-three cryptocurrency exchange by volume with 20 million users established in 2018. It offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press.
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X (Twitter) | Youtube

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2308115/Crypto_Market_Makes_a_Strong_Comeback_Bybit_Wintermute_Leadership_Optimistic.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267288/Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/crypto-market-makes-a-strong-comeback-bybit-and-wintermute-leadership-optimistic-on-options-trading-302022866.html
Fintech PR
Cloud4C Secures Dual AI Specializations on Microsoft Azure, Strengthening AI Capabilities

SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cloud4C, a global leader in AI-driven cloud and cybersecurity services, has achieved two prestigious AI specializations on Microsoft Azure: ‘AI Platform on Microsoft Azure’ and ‘Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure’. This milestone reinforces Cloud4C’s expertise in deploying AI workloads, implementing Azure’s AI services, and designing enterprise AI solutions while ensuring security, compliance, and scalability.
Advancing AI-First Enterprise Strategies with Microsoft Azure
These exclusive certifications recognize Cloud4C’s proven capabilities in building, deploying, and managing AI solutions on Azure. “Earning this specialization shows our ability to implement Azure’s AI services and design Sovereign AI solutions, while also delivering secure, scalable, and fully managed AI deployments tailored to business needs,” said Chanakya Levaka, Chief Operating Officer, Cloud4C. “With Microsoft Azure as our strategic partner, we empower enterprises to seamlessly integrate AI into their transformation strategies. As part of this commitment, Cloud4C has successfully deployed Microsoft Security Copilot for SIEM across key industries, including aviation, cargo handling, and energy. Leveraging real-time threat intelligence, automated incident analysis, and proactive response capabilities, Cloud4C is helping enterprises strengthen cybersecurity defenses and stay ahead of evolving threats with AI-driven security operations.”
Cloud4C: Delivering AI-Powered Business Impact
Cloud4C has executed enterprise-grade AI implementations such as Patient/Customer Experience platforms, Pharmacovigilance, RCA analysis, AI Agentic Framework for underwriters, AI-powered contact centers, conversational BI, computer vision, and enterprise knowledge co-pilots and more across regulated industries such as healthcare, life sciences, insurance, banking, manufacturing, and retail. The company plays a key role in optimizing cloud infrastructure for AI, enabling intelligent process automation, powering AI-driven data analytics, and securing AI workloads.
This AI milestone also aligns with Cloud4C’s participation at the Microsoft AI Tour, Singapore (Feb 19, Marina Bay Sands), where it will showcase its cutting-edge AI capabilities.
About Cloud4C
Cloud4C is a global leader in AI and Automation-Driven Managed Services and Managed Security Services, helping 4,000+ enterprises across 30+ countries scale with confidence. We simplify cloud and AI adoption through an end-to-end managed services framework, ensuring seamless integration from infrastructure to AI-powered workloads, all backed by a 99.95% uptime SLA at application login layer.
With AI-powered automation, predictive analytics, industry specific reference architectures and deep security expertise, we drive secure, intelligent, and agile business transformation. Our cybersecurity-first approach—including MXDR, SOC, real-time threat detection, and compliance—ensures enterprises can innovate without risk.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cloud4c-secures-dual-ai-specializations-on-microsoft-azure-strengthening-ai-capabilities-302375672.html
Fintech PR
Kojamo plc’s Financial Statements Release 1 January-31 December 2024

Kojamo plc Stock Exchange Release, 13 February 2025 at 8.00 a.m. EET
HELSINKI, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Total revenue and net rental income grew in 2024, the fair value of investment properties remained at previous year’s level
This is a summary of the 2024 Financial Statements Release, which is in its entirety attached to this release and can be downloaded from the company’s website at www.kojamo.fi/investors.
Unless otherwise stated, the comparison figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period of the previous year. The information in the Financial Statements Release is based on the Kojamo plc’s audited Financial Statements for the year 2024. The quarterly figures are unaudited.
Summary of October–December 2024
- Total revenue increased by 0.1 per cent to EUR 113.6 (113.5) million.
- Net rental income decreased by 1.5 per cent totalling EUR 74.4 (75.5) million. Net rental income represented 65.5 (66.5) per cent of revenue.
- Result before taxes was EUR 40.7 (-119.5) million. The result includes EUR 3.9 (-158.7) million in net result on the valuation of investment properties at fair value. Earnings per share was EUR 0.13 (-0.38).
- Funds From Operations (FFO) decreased by 10.0 per cent and amounted to EUR 34.5 (38.3) million.
- Gross investments totalled EUR 31.3 (29.5) million, representing 27.5 (26.0) per cent of total revenue.
Summary of January–December 2024
- Total revenue increased by 2.3 per cent to EUR 452.4 (442.2) million.
- Net rental income increased by 1.9 per cent, totalling EUR 302.9 (297.2) million. Net rental income represented 66.9 (67.2) per cent of revenue.
- Result before taxes was EUR 26.3 (-112.3) million. The result includes EUR -134.0 (-295.4) million in net result on the valuation of investment properties at fair value and EUR -0.8 (0.2) million in profit/loss from the sale of investment properties. Earnings per share was EUR 0.09 (-0.36).
- Funds From Operations (FFO) decreased by 11.4 per cent and amounted to EUR 148.2 (167.2) million.
- The fair value of investment properties was EUR 8.0 (8.0) billion at the end of the financial year.
- The financial occupancy rate stood at 91.5 (93.0) per cent during the financial year.
- Gross investments totalled EUR 52.8 (190.7) million, representing 11.7 (43.1) per cent of total revenue.
- Equity per share was EUR 14.68 (14.67) and return on equity was 0.6 (-2.4) per cent. Return on investment was 2.0 (-0.4) per cent.
- EPRA NRV per share (net reinstatement value) increased by 0.3 per cent and amounted to EUR 18.51 (18.45).
- At the end of the financial year, there were 119 (354) Lumo apartments under construction.
- The Board of Directors’ dividend proposal is that no dividend be paid for 2024.
Kojamo owned 40,973 (40,619) rental apartments at the end of the financial year. In 2024, Kojamo completed 354 (1,450) apartments, sold 0 (73) apartments and demolished or otherwise altered 0 (11) apartments.
Key figures
10–12/2024 |
10–12/2023 |
Change % |
2024 |
2023 |
Change % |
|
Total revenue, M€ |
113.6 |
113.5 |
0.1 |
452.4 |
442.2 |
2.3 |
Net rental income, M€ * |
74.4 |
75.5 |
-1.5 |
302.9 |
297.2 |
1.9 |
Net rental income margin, % * |
65.5 |
66.5 |
66.9 |
67.2 |
||
Profit/loss before taxes, M€ * |
40.7 |
-119.5 |
134.0 |
26.3 |
-112.3 |
123.4 |
EBITDA, M€ * |
68.3 |
-94.8 |
172.1 |
131.3 |
-39.9 |
429.5 |
EBITDA margin, % * |
60.1 |
-83.5 |
29.0 |
-9.0 |
||
Adjusted EBITDA, M€ * |
64.5 |
63.3 |
1.8 |
266.2 |
255.1 |
4.3 |
Adjusted EBITDA margin, % * |
56.7 |
55.8 |
58.8 |
57.7 |
||
Funds From Operations (FFO), M€ * |
34.5 |
38.3 |
-10.0 |
148.2 |
167.2 |
-11.4 |
FFO margin, % * |
30.3 |
33.7 |
32.8 |
37.8 |
||
FFO excluding non-recurring costs, M€ * |
35.2 |
38.3 |
-8.0 |
149.0 |
167.2 |
-10.9 |
Investment properties, M€ |
7,960.0 |
8,038.8 |
-1.0 |
|||
Financial occupancy rate, % |
91.5 |
93.0 |
||||
Interest-bearing liabilities, M€ * |
3,827.9 |
3,600.4 |
6.3 |
|||
Return on equity (ROE), % * |
0.6 |
-2.4 |
||||
Return on investment (ROI), % * |
2.0 |
-0.4 |
||||
Equity ratio, % * |
43.2 |
44.5 |
||||
Loan to Value (LTV), % * |
43.9 |
44.6 |
||||
EPRA Net Reinstatement value (NRV), M€ |
4,573.4 |
4,558.8 |
0.3 |
|||
Gross investments, M€ * |
31.3 |
29.5 |
6.0 |
52.8 |
190.7 |
-72.3 |
Number of personnel, end of the period |
256 |
288 |
||||
Key figures per share, € |
10–12/2024 |
10–12/2023 |
Change % |
2024 |
2023 |
Change % |
FFO per share * |
0.14 |
0.15 |
-6.7 |
0.60 |
0.68 |
-11.8 |
Earnings per share |
0.13 |
-0.38 |
134.2 |
0.09 |
-0.36 |
125.0 |
EPRA NRV per share |
18.51 |
18.45 |
0.3 |
|||
Equity per share |
14.68 |
14.67 |
0.1 |
|||
Dividend per share ¹⁾ |
– |
– |
– |
|||
* In accordance with the guidelines issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), Kojamo provides an |
||||||
¹⁾ 2024: The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that no dividend be paid |
Outlook for 2025
Kojamo estimates that in 2025, the Group’s total revenue will increase by 1–4 per cent year-on-year. In addition, Kojamo estimates that the Group’s FFO for 2025 will amount to between EUR 135–145 million, excluding non-recurring costs.
The outlook is based on the management’s assessment of total revenue, property maintenance expenses and repairs, administrative expenses, financial expenses and taxes to be paid as well as the management’s view on future developments in the operating environment.
The outlook takes into account the estimated occupancy rate and development of rents. The outlook does not take into account the impact of potential acquisitions or disposals on total revenue and FFO.
The management can influence total revenue and FFO through the company’s business operations. In contrast, the management has no influence over market trends, the regulatory environment or the competitive landscape.
CEO’s review
Total revenue and net rental income grew in 2024, and the fair value of our investment properties stayed at the previous year’s level. FFO decreased due to rising financial and maintenance expenses. Our balance sheet remained solid.
The oversupply of rental apartments continued, especially in the capital region. However, the rental market is expected to balance out as the number of new residential start-ups is historically low while population growth has accelerated in big cities. Since the summer, we have taken several measures to respond to the intense competitive situation. In the autumn, we achieved a clear turn for the better in renting, despite the usual seasonal variation. The occupancy rate in the last quarter of the year improved by 0.3 percentage points from the previous quarter and was 91.6%. In the coming year, our focus continues to be on improving the occupancy rate.
The saving programme was implemented according to the plan. The programme was started in the autumn of 2023 when we wanted to react to the changed operating environment and to take proactive measures in order to safeguard the company’s strong financial situation and investment grade credit rating. We achieved savings in accordance with the targets from administrative expenses and repairs. Additionally, we significantly reduced investments. Due to the measures taken, our financial situation has remained good, and our credit rating has remained unchanged.
We did not make any new investment decisions last year. In the first half of the year, yet another 354 apartments were completed from previously started projects, and our apartment portfolio grew to 40,973 apartments. In the autumn, we started one development project based on a previously signed preliminary agreement, and we are building 119 apartments in Helsinki. For the time being, we are not acquiring new properties. Instead, we are focusing on increasing total revenue in the existing housing stock.
To support the maintenance of investment grade credit rating, Kojamo’s Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting in spring that no dividend will be paid for 2024. The company aims to carry out property sales. The funds obtained from the possible sales will be used to repay loans. They may also be used to repurchase own shares and to pay dividends.
Our financial position and liquidity situation remained strong throughout the year. We successfully made financing arrangements totalling EUR 600 million by utilising diverse sources of funding. In addition to the bond tap issuance and bank loan made at the beginning of the year, we concluded a financing agreement of EUR 150 million with a new financier in December. Our financial position is secured, and the loans maturing this year have been covered. The next financing arrangements will be for maturities in 2026.
Developing the customer experience is one of our key focus areas. The Net Promoter Score (NPS), which measures customer satisfaction, was 54 at the end of the year, showing a four-point improvement from the previous year. The positive development was especially due to the determined efforts to improve the multichannel capabilities and the efficiency of Lumo service centre as well as due to the development of close collaboration with our new property maintenance partners. For our residents, these efforts have been reflected in a faster and smoother service.
The operating environment remained challenging, but we developed our operations with determination and strived to respond actively to the market situation. I would like to thank the personnel for their exceptional work and ability to renew our operations. I also thank all customers, partners and shareholders for their cooperation and trust in the company.
Erik Hjelt
Interim CEO
News conference and webcast
Kojamo will hold a news conference for institutional investors, analysts and media on 13 February 2025 at 10:00 a.m. EET at its headquarters at Mannerheimintie 168A, Helsinki, Finland. The event will be held in English. After the event, the media has a possibility to ask questions also in Finnish.
The event can be followed as a live webcast. No registration for the webcast in advance is needed. The event will be accessible at https://kojamo.videosync.fi/q4-2024.
It is also possible to join the news conference via phone. Accessing the teleconference requires registration by clicking the following link: https://player.videosync.fi/kojamo/q4-2024/dial-in. After the registration you will be provided phone numbers and a conference ID to access the conference.
A recording of the webcast will be available later at the company’s website at https://kojamo.fi/en/investors/releases-and-publications/financial-reports/.
For more information, please contact:
Niina Saarto, Director, Treasury & Investor Relations, Kojamo plc, tel. +358 20 508 3283, [email protected]
Erik Hjelt, Interim CEO, Kojamo plc, tel. +358 20 508 3225, [email protected]
Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki, Irish Stock Exchange, key media
Kojamo is Finland’s largest private residential real estate company and one of the biggest investors in Finland. Our mission is to create better urban housing. Lumo offers environmentally friendly housing and services for the city dweller who appreciates quality and effortlessness. We actively develop the value of our investment properties by developing new properties and our existing property portfolio. We want to be the property market frontrunner and the number one choice for our customers. Kojamo’s shares are listed on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information, please visit https://kojamo.fi/en/
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
The following files are available for download:
https://mb.cision.com/Public/18367/4104847/b8c473fa4135a334.pdf |
Financial Statements Release 2024 |
https://mb.cision.com/Public/18367/4104847/b7be3806c0d1841f.pdf |
Kojamo Financial Statements Release 2024 presentation |
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kojamo-plcs-financial-statements-release-1-january31-december-2024-302375668.html
Fintech PR
CoinW Announces 4 Block Sponsorship at Consensus Hong Kong 2025

HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CoinW, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is set to make a bold statement at Consensus 2025 as an official 4 Block sponsor, showcasing its dedication to Web3 innovation and blockchain adoption. Attendees can visit booth #3811 to explore CoinW’s latest developments and connect with industry experts.
Beyond the main event, CoinW is hosting an exclusive afterparty at The Henderson – Cloud 39. It will bring together industry pioneers and investors for a night of networking, music, and celebration. With a live DJ and a lineup of performers, the event will mark the official launch of two groundbreaking initiatives: DeriW and WConnect.
Transforming Decentralized Trading
Built on the DeriW Chain and powered by Arbitrum Orbit L3 and Rollup technology, DeriW is set to redefine perpetual trading with:
- Zero Gas Fees: Advanced Layer 3 technology enables ultra-fast, cost-efficient transactions.
- Self-Custodial Wallets: Empowering traders with full control over their funds.
- Dynamic Liquidity Pools: Real-time market adjustments for seamless, high-volume trading.
- Referral Rebates: A decentralized rewards system offering up to 50% in rebates.
With the capability to process 7,000 transactions per second, DeriW delivers a secure, scalable, and efficient trading experience.
A Global Hub for Blockchain Innovation
Next is WConnect, a premier online forum series designed to connect developers, traders, and blockchain communities through in-depth discussions, expert insights, and knowledge sharing.
- AI, RWA & DeFi Trends: Exploring the latest innovations shaping the industry.
- Pro Trading Strategies: Unlocking hidden opportunities and market insights.
- Layer 1 Ecosystems: Showcasing top blockchain projects and their impact.
- Project Development Challenges: Lessons from industry-leading builders.
- Web3 Growth Projections: Analyzing adoption trends and the future of blockchain technology.
WConnect events will be streamed globally on Twitter Spaces, YouTube, and CoinW’s Spot Streaming channel, ensuring accessibility to a worldwide audience.
Join CoinW at Consensus Hong Kong 2025
As a 4 Block sponsor, CoinW is excited to participate in Consensus Hong Kong 2025, a leading event that unites global leaders in crypto, blockchain, and Web3. This elite annual gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage in pivotal conversations and shape the future of decentralized finance and digital assets.
About CoinW
Founded in 2017, CoinW is a globally trusted cryptocurrency exchange serving over 13 million users in 14 countries. With cutting-edge technology, advanced security, and a focus on empowering blockchain innovation, CoinW supports communities worldwide in realizing the transformative power of digital assets.
Twitter Official:https://twitter.com/CoinWOfficial
Research Institute Telegram: https://t.me/CoinW_Research
Telegram EN: https://t.me/coinwoff
Telegram Announcement Official: https://t.me/coinwofficialchannel
YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/@CoinWOfficial

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2618620/Consensus_Hong_Kong_2025.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2618621/CoinW_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coinw-announces-4-block-sponsorship-at-consensus-hong-kong-2025-302374918.html
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
IBN Technologies Declares Support for Taxpayers Facing Increased Oversight in the 2025 US Tax Filing Season
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
Miami International Holdings Reports Trading Results for January 2025; MIAX Exchange Group Options Volume Jumps 26.2% to Record Level with MIAX Futures Volume Surging 48.7%
-
Fintech6 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – February 6, 2025: (ACI Worldwide, Lynx, Mecurity Fintech Holding Inc, ZeroRisk, and Bespoke Multi-Asset Strategies)
-
Fintech5 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – February 7, 2025: (Lendscape, Paysafe, PayPal, Trump Media, Fintech Ramp, Forbes Tate Partners)
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
Novuna Business Finance survey: Small business growth forecasts fall for the first time since July 2024
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
DuelNow Launches $DNOW Token Delivering Membership Rewards for Users
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
Elliott Statement on Aspen Technology, Inc.
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
Scope puts the BBB- issuer rating of Elkem under review for a possible upgrade