Higala, backed by Chemonics and Talino, and RCBC team up to connect rural banks and microfinance institutions through SynerFi, a new open payments platform

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chemonics and Talino have announced a new and innovative partnership from Higala Group Inc., an inclusive instant payments platform operator seed-funded by the pair of mission-driven organizations. Higala and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) have joined forces to operationalize SynerFi, an open payments platform that expands digital financial access to the unserved and underserved sectors in the Philippines.

Chemonics partnered with Talino earlier this year to launch Higala, which marked a new era for the organization as it strives to leverage private sector partnerships to deepen it’s sustainable development impact.

SynerFi was created to help rural banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs) offer their customers digital transactions through InstaPay, bringing banking services directly to their communities and fostering broader financial inclusion.

Traditionally, many rural and community banks have been excluded from the digital financial ecosystem due to regulatory and technological constraints. SynerFi changes this by providing these institutions with a seamless way to offer digital services to their customers and clients. 

Under the partnership, Higala will provide the technology that powers SynerFi, enabling rural banks and microfinance institutions to connect seamlessly to a digital payments network. RCBC will act as the sponsor platform bank and manage the essential regulatory requirements, such as compliance, clearing, and settlement. 

Higala investor and global sustainable development firm Chemonics brings a wealth of expertise in fostering resilient, inclusive growth in underserved communities worldwide. “SynerFi is a powerful tool for sustainable development, which is at the core of everything we do at Chemonics,” said President and CEO Jamey Butcher. “Together with our partners, we will move towards further reducing onramp barriers for all financial institutions looking to be part of the InstaPay network and drive true inclusion to unserved and underserved areas in the Philippines.”

“SynerFi brings digital services within reach for rural banks and MFIs that have traditionally been left out of the payments ecosystem,” Higala CEO Vice Catudio said. “Through SynerFi, we are reducing entry barriers and ensuring these institutions can thrive in InstaPay. Expanding financial access allows them to empower more Filipinos with the tools needed for economic participation and progress.” 

By connecting local banks and MFIs to InstaPay, SynerFi allows these smaller, community-based financial institutions to offer faster, more affordable digital transactions, such as sending money, paying bills, and buying or selling goods online. 

This means customers can access convenient financial services in their communities without needing to travel or rely on cash. Ultimately, SynerFi empowers more Filipinos to manage their finances digitally, helping them save time, reduce costs, and improve their financial well-being.

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“RCBC’s collaboration with Higala through its SynerFi would further advance accessible and inclusive payment channels as pillars of sustainable finance, creating and opening doors of opportunities for millions of people nationwide,” RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva said. 

The collaboration addresses a critical gap in the current financial landscape. To date, only three percent of the total volume of digital transactions are interoperable across participating financial institutions. Only five percent of over 360 rural banks participate in InstaPay, while all 2,400 credit cooperatives and 4,300 NGO-MFIs are excluded. 

Allowing smaller banks and MFIs to participate in the broader payments network facilitates greater access to digital financial services. It reduces costs for end-users in previously unserved and underserved areas, making digital payments more inclusive, affordable, and accessible.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cecelia Spearing
Senior Director, Communications and Media
Chemonics International
[email protected]      

About Chemonics

Chemonics International is a leading sustainable development company that works in more than 100 countries around the world. Our mission is to promote meaningful change to help people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. For more information, please visit www.chemonics.com.

About Talino

Talino Venture Studios is an award-winning global venture studio for inclusive fintech. Born in the intersection of Silicon Valley and Southeast Asia, Talino Venture Studios is on a mission to bridge financial inclusion for over 1.7 billion people around the world. It uses the successful venture studio model to build repeatable, scalable, and profitable fintechs that empower underserved, underrepresented groups around the world with financial access and mobility. Talino Ventures Studios (talinolabs.com)

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FN Media Group Presents Oilprice.com Market Commentary

LONDON, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Antimony, a silvery-white metalloid, might not be a household name, but it plays a crucial role in our modern world.  It’s a key ingredient in military tech, batteries, and semiconductors. And now, a global antimony crisis may be looming as demand far outstrips supply…

 This obscure metal has become a strategic linchpin in modern warfare – and right now, China holds all the cards. These two companies that could help the West break free from China’s stranglehold on this key resource.  Companies mentioned in this release include:  Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF), Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO), Cameco Corp (NYSE: CCJ), Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK), Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ: STLD).

#1 Military Metals Corp. (MILI.CN; MILIF.QB) Canadian junior miner Military Metals Corp. wasted no time jumping into this game with a series of major antimony acquisitions on two continents–Europe and North America. They’re hoping to help turn the tables on Chinese domination, and they’re moving quickly to do so.

Military Metals Corp. recently announced that it has purchased one of Europe’s largest antimony deposits in Slovakia with a historical resource.

One of the properties acquired is Trojarova. This is a Soviet-era resource with an initial discovery from the 1950s and prior development in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s already seen two phases of exploration. According to Military Metals Corp. CEO Scott Eldridge, the Slovakian government’s earlier exploration was halted before they reached the richest part of the deposit.

Back then, the Cold War was winding down, and what would follow next was a destocking and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the Soviets and the United States. Antimony was no longer critical. That’s all changed now. The world is at war.

And Trojarova, with a historical resource of over 60,998.4 tons of antimony of in situ value worth around $2 billion at today’s spot prices—could become a military kingmaker. Perpetua Resources has 90,000 tons of Antimony. These 2 companies are the largest Antimony companies in N.America.

For Slovakia, it could mean new status as a European supplier of a key national defense critical metal at a time when Germany is certain it will go to war with Russia in the next few years.

The company anticipates that the robust mining infrastructure in Slovakia aligns perfectly with the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, opening avenues for potential EU funding as it advances these projects toward production.

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In March 2024, the European Union allocated 500,000,000 euro under the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) to boost output capacity to 2 million shells annually by the end of 2025. But the Western militaries have a major problem.

With the European Union cornered, Military Metals Corp. moved to grab antimony resource shares in North America, too–in Canada’s Nova Scotia, where it acquired the West Gore Antimony Project–one of Canada’s largest antimony mines and a hero of WWI supplies.

With historical drilling results indicating over 7 meters of 10.6 gpt gold and 3.4% antimony, Military Metals Corp. is planning to score a huge antimony victory for the home front. Just a month after securing West Gore, it moved to further consolidate the territory around it in an October 24^th, 2024 LOI to acquire more claims in a strategic flanking move.

Eldridge is expecting the supply crunch to snowball, with antimony prices already doubling this year, and poised to keep going into next year. Military Metals Corp. is now strategically positioned as a leading developer of the metal that will make or break the Western world in global warfare. 

#2 Perpetua Resources (PPTA)

Perpetua Resources’ (PPTA) flagship Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho is not only one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the United States–it is also set to be the country’s only domestic source of antimony.

According to the company, the mine–a key player for Allied Forces in WWII–could end up supplying some 35% of U.S. antimony demand in the first six years of production.

Federal support for Stibnite has been significant, with the Department of Defense awarding Perpetua Resources up to $34.6 million in additional funding in February of this year under the existing Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) through Title III of the Defence Production Act (DPA), then receiving a letter of interest for a $1.8 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) earlier this year to help develop the mine.

This potential financing, which offers a 15-year term at competitive rates, is a rare backing that underscores the project’s importance to national security, particularly as the U.S aims to reduce its reliance on Chinese mineral imports. In fact, the loan would be one of the largest investments ever in a mine by the U.S. government.

In a further show of government support, the Pentagon has already committed nearly $60 million under the Defense Production Act to advance Stibnite’s permitting process, emphasizing the mine’s role in securing a domestic antimony supply chain. Perpetua Resources said in September this year that it expected to be issued the final permit for the mine this December.  With bipartisan support and no expected regulatory hurdles due to federal interest, Perpetua Resources presents a unique opportunity and analysts are taking note.

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Just a month ago, Roth MKM increased the stock’s target price to $15, signaling a projected 45% return as Perpetua Resources advances toward production.

High institutional interest and the project’s potential for environmental remediation and restoration of fish spawning areas reinforce Perpetua Resource’s long-term value and align the company with broader U.S. strategic and environmental objectives.

Traditional Resource Producers Should Not Be Ignored 

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF) is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America and a major supplier of iron ore pellets. The company is integral to the US defense industry, providing essential materials for a wide range of applications. Their steel is used in the construction of military vehicles, ships, aircraft, and infrastructure, as well as in the manufacturing of critical components for weapons systems. 

Cleveland-Cliffs’ position as a leading domestic steel producer is vital for ensuring the stability and self-reliance of the US defense industrial base. By sourcing steel domestically from companies like Cleveland-Cliffs, the US can reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and mitigate potential supply chain disruptions during times of conflict or geopolitical instability. This reliable access to high-quality steel is essential for maintaining the production of critical defense equipment and ensuring the readiness of the US military.

Moreover, Cleveland-Cliffs’ commitment to sustainable practices, such as responsible mining and the use of renewable energy sources, aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental stewardship within the defense sector. By minimizing its environmental impact and promoting responsible resource management, Cleveland-Cliffs contributes to a more sustainable and resilient defense industrial base. 

Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) is one of the largest integrated copper producers in the world, with significant mining and refining operations in Mexico and Peru. Copper is a critical material for the defense industry, used extensively in the production of ammunition, electrical wiring, and electronic components for various military applications. 

Southern Copper’s large-scale production capacity and its commitment to operational efficiency make it a reliable supplier of copper to the US defense industry. A stable supply of copper is crucial for maintaining the production of essential defense equipment and ensuring the operational readiness of the US military.

Furthermore, Southern Copper’s focus on sustainable mining practices and community development contributes to responsible sourcing of this critical material. By minimizing its environmental footprint and engaging with local communities, Southern Copper promotes ethical and sustainable practices within the defense supply chain. 

Cameco Corp (NYSE: CCJ) is one of the world’s largest providers of uranium fuel, a critical component for nuclear power generation and the production of nuclear weapons. Cameco’s operations, primarily located in Canada and the United States, play a vital role in ensuring a secure and reliable supply of uranium for both defense and civilian nuclear applications. 

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Cameco’s uranium mining and processing activities are essential for maintaining the US nuclear deterrent and ensuring the continued operation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. A stable supply of uranium fuel is vital for national security, as it underpins the US’s nuclear capabilities and its ability to project power globally. 

By adhering to stringent safety standards and minimizing the environmental impact of its operations, Cameco contributes to the responsible management of nuclear materials and supports the long-term viability of the nuclear industry.

Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) is a diversified mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. It is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc and copper and also produces other commodities such as coal, lead, and silver. Teck operates mines and processing facilities in Canada, the United States, Chile, and Peru.

Teck’s zinc operations are located in Canada, the United States, and Peru. The company is the world’s second-largest producer of zinc, with a production capacity of over 800,000 tonnes per year. Teck’s zinc is used in a variety of applications, including galvanized steel, batteries, and chemicals.

Teck’s operations are also significant for their contribution to the global supply of battery metals. Zinc is a key component of many types of batteries, including lead-acid batteries and nickel-zinc batteries. Teck’s zinc production is therefore essential for the growing demand for batteries in electric vehicles and other applications.

Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ: STLD) is one of the largest domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States. The company produces a wide range of high-quality steel products, including flat roll steel, structural steel, and rail, which are essential for various industries, including the defense sector. From the construction of military vehicles and ships to the building of infrastructure and manufacturing of critical components, steel remains a foundational material for national defense.

A strong and resilient domestic steel industry is vital for ensuring national security. Steel Dynamics’ production capacity and commitment to technological advancement contribute to the stability and self-reliance of the U.S. defense industrial base. By sourcing steel from domestic producers like Steel Dynamics, the U.S. can reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and ensure that it has access to the necessary materials to support its defense needs in times of crisis or geopolitical instability.

Furthermore, Steel Dynamics’ focus on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship is important for ensuring the long-term viability of the domestic steel industry. By investing in energy-efficient technologies and minimizing its environmental impact, the company contributes to a more sustainable and resilient defense industrial base. This is crucial for national security, as it ensures that the production of steel for defense applications is conducted in a manner that is both environmentally responsible and economically sustainable.

By. Tom Kool

**IMPORTANT! BY READING OUR CONTENT YOU EXPLICITLY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY**

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Forward-Looking Statements

This publication contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this publication are based on current expectations and assumptions about future events, geopolitical developments, trade policies, market conditions, the company’s strategic initiatives to address the critical shortage of antimony, and current expectations, estimates, and projections about the industry and markets in which the company operates.  Factors that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include, but are not limited to, the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. elections on various industries and specific companies, changes in government policies, market conditions, regulatory developments, geopolitical events and the company’s ability to successfully acquire and develop new antimony resources and fluctuations in antimony prices. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

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TAIPEI, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KryptoGO, a leading Web3 infrastructure provider, offers an innovative wallet solution to help businesses offer secure and stable crypto payment services without the need for costly in-house development. With its Wallet as a Service (WaaS), KryptoGO enables enterprises to quickly integrate efficient and cost-effective crypto payment solutions while focusing on their business operations.

Why Choose KryptoGO’s Wallet Solution?

Developing a secure, multi-chain crypto wallet from scratch presents significant challenges, including extensive security measures, maintaining fast and reliable transaction speeds, and controlling development and operational costs. A recent PwC global CEO survey highlighted that security concerns, regulatory issues, and operational complexities are key barriers for businesses adopting digital asset solutions. Additionally, Coinbase’s report states that 87% of Fortune 500 executives cited a lack of clear regulations as a significant obstacle in their digital asset investments. KryptoGO’s WaaS addresses these issues by providing a white-label wallet service that businesses can easily integrate, ensuring strong performance and compliance.

Competitive Advantage: Speed and Cost Control

KryptoGO has optimized transaction speeds and minimized costs through extensive benchmarking and performance evaluations. On the TRON blockchain, KryptoGO delivers transaction notifications within 1.2 seconds and reduces transaction fees by at least 20% compared to other wallets. These advantages stem from the team’s expertise in blockchain development and data index optimization, ensuring faster, more efficient, and dependable transactions.

Success Story: Ocean Wallet

One of KryptoGO’s notable successes in customizable, white-label wallet solutions is Ocean Wallet. In less than two months, Ocean Wallet was able to launch a fully functional, competitive crypto wallet app without needing to hire any developer. With KryptoGO’s flexible solution, Ocean Wallet was able to tailor its features to meet the specific needs of its target audience—stablecoins payments in the TRON ecosystem. By leveraging KryptoGO’s expertise, Ocean Wallet was able to deliver a seamless wallet experience with the ideal functionality to support its unique business model, achieving fast market entry and providing seamless crypto payment solutions at the lowest possible cost.

Building the Future of Crypto Payments

For businesses looking to enter Web3 quickly and efficiently, a customizable wallet solution is the key. KryptoGO’s Wallet as a Service enables corporates to adopt crypto with minimal development resources. If you’re also interested in how KryptoGO can support your Web3 business needs, please contact us or visit www.kryptogo.com.

Media Contact: [email protected]

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