Fintech PR

Stablecoin Provider StablR strengthens its network with Investment from Tether

Published

15 hours ago

December 17, 2024

VALLETTA, Malta, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — StablR, the European stablecoin provider, has received investment from market leader Tether to accelerate stablecoin adoption in Europe. StablR offers solutions tailored for institutions and merchants seeking liquidity, compliance, and easy-to-use applications.

The investment will expedite stablecoin adoption in the European market, executing on StablR’s vision of superior flexibility and liquidity – advantages that surpass the value proposition of other industry assets.

The European stablecoin market, with a market cap of almost $400M for EUR-pegged stablecoins alone, has experienced significant momentum in recent months. This movement is further bolstered by the EU’s MiCA framework, set to take full effect on December 30th, which mandates exchanges and stablecoin issuers adhere to stringent compliance standards across the jurisdiction. Hot on the heels of the introduction of new stablecoins in the region—including StablR’s EURR and USDR—and Tether’s decision to support leading, fully regulated stablecoins—StablR is positioned to champion an innovative asset that unlocks improved liquidity management, reduced transaction costs, and significant savings for reinvestment that foster a more sustainable and circular financial system.

Gijs op de Weegh, Founder and CEO at StablR, said: “We’ve seen an incredible surge in the global stablecoin market, perfectly aligned with the growing momentum of the digital assets economy. Just last month, the global stablecoin market shattered records, reaching an unprecedented market cap of $190 billion. From the outset, StablR has been laser-focused on delivering unmatched compliance, liquidity, and flexibility for institutions, and merchants. With the support of these new investors, that’s exactly what we’re delivering. This is a new era for stablecoins and StablR is very much at the helm.”

In July of this year, StablR secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license authorized by the Malta Financial Services Authority, for its MiCAR-compliant stablecoins. StablR stablecoins are fully compliant and trusted, fully-backed stablecoins launched to address the growing demand from financial institutions, enterprises, and retail users for compliant, secure, and easily redeemable digital assets.

StablR uses the new tokenization platform Hadron by Tether, which was launched last month to simplify the tokenization of stocks, bonds, commodities, stablecoins, and more. Designed to provide an easy-to-use software as a service interface for the full token lifecycle for individuals, businesses, and nation-states, Hadron by Tether also emphasizes providing a comprehensive compliance toolkit, Know-Your-Customer (KYC), Anti-Money-Laundering (AML), Know-Your-Transaction, Risk Management, and secondary market ecosystem monitoring.

“The European stablecoin market is rapidly evolving and it’s poised for significant further growth in line with broader trends. Tether is proud to support initiatives like StablR that align with our vision for fostering compliance, innovation, and accessibility in the European stablecoin market,” said Paolo Ardiono, Chief Executive Officer at Tether. “This investment demonstrates our support for the European digital asset ecosystem. The deployment of Hadron by Tether, our asset tokenization platform that simplifies the process of converting various assets into digital tokens, is a significant step towards an economy with unprecedented benefits, flexibility, and transparency.”

Currently, StablR offers two coins: EURR and USDR, both issued as ERC-20 and Solana-compatible tokens. As standard, these stablecoins can be seamlessly transferred to any Ethereum or Solana wallet address. Fully regulated, StablR ensures compliance while delivering a reliable stablecoin solution. Integrated with both Ethereum and Solana, StablR is set to expand across additional networks utilizing Hadron by Tether, further enhancing accessibility, liquidity, and interoperability within the broader blockchain ecosystem.

About StablR
StablR is a European stablecoin provider delivering fully-backed, MiCA-compliant digital assets designed to enhance liquidity, flexibility, and efficiency for financial institutions and merchants. With a strong focus on transparency and regulatory compliance, StablR stablecoins are 100% collateralized in segregated accounts and offer seamless, low-cost cross-border transactions.

Currently offering EURR and USDR, StablR enables secure, scalable, and interoperable solutions integrated with both Ethereum and Solana networks. By collaborating with leading financial and digital asset partners, StablR is driving the adoption of stablecoins across Europe, empowering businesses with reliable tools for payments and liquidity management. For more information, visit https://www.stablr.com.

About Tether
Tether is a pioneer in the field of stablecoin technology, driven by an aim to revolutionize the global financial landscape. With a mission to provide accessible and efficient financial, communication, artificial intelligence, and energy infrastructure. Tether enables greater financial inclusion, and communication resilience, fosters economic growth, and empowers individuals and businesses alike.

As the creator of the largest, most transparent, and liquid stablecoin in the industry, Tether is dedicated to building sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the benefit of underserved communities. By leveraging cutting-edge blockchain and peer-to-peer technology, it is committed to bridging the gap between traditional financial systems and the potential of decentralized finance.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stablecoin-provider-stablr-strengthens-its-network-with-investment-from-tether-302333008.html

Fintech PR

TuniTuni Promotes Early Childhood Physical Movement and Expands Globally with Interactive Storytelling Program

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

tunituni-promotes-early-childhood-physical-movement-and-expands-globally-with-interactive-storytelling-program

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TuniTuni, the leading storytelling physical education program for toddlers, is expanding internationally while emphasizing the importance of physical movement in early childhood development. Since its founding in 2003, TuniTuni, the early childhood physical education brand under Daekyo, has been making waves in South Korea, offering a unique combination of engaging stories and physical activity for children aged 12 to 36 months.

Global Expansion: TuniTuni’s Reach Beyond South Korea

TuniTuni’s global reach continues to expand. The brand opened its first international center in Vietnam in 2022, marking the start of its global journey. In June 2024, TuniTuni furthered its expansion with the opening of its first direct-operated center in Hong Kong, followed by a second center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October.

In the United States, TuniTuni classes were previously held in New York and New Jersey, and are currently taking place in Philadelphia. Looking ahead, a TuniTuni directly-operated center is set to open in Fort Lee, New Jersey, in March next year.

To celebrate the opening of the Kuala Lumpur center, TuniTuni Malaysia is offering exclusive December promotions. Parents who register this month can enjoy special offers, including TuniTuni dolls, balls, and other educational props.

Why Physical Movement is Essential for Toddlers

Physical movement between the ages of 24 and 36 months plays a critical role in stimulating brain development, helping toddlers build motor skills, language abilities, and emotional regulation. TuniTuni’s weekly themed lessons and interactive props ensure that children are engaged and entertained while developing essential physical skills in a playful and enjoyable way.

TuniTuni’s Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Development

Each week, TuniTuni introduces a new, fun-filled theme, incorporating diverse physical movements and imaginative storytelling. This approach not only keeps children excited and motivated but also nurtures curiosity, laying a foundation for healthy physical and cognitive development.

Why Choose TuniTuni for Your Child’s Physical Development?

TuniTuni stands out for its unique integration of physical education and storytelling, providing children with a fun and engaging way to build confidence, enhance motor skills, and develop a lifelong love for physical activity. This innovative approach is designed to give young children a strong, well-rounded start in life through play and movement.

TuniTuni’s program continues to attract global attention, setting a new standard for early childhood development with its proven ability to foster both physical and cognitive growth.

About TuniTuni

TuniTuni is a leading early childhood physical education brand under Daekyo, a renowned educational company in South Korea. With a focus on promoting physical activity and development through interactive storytelling, TuniTuni has impacted the lives of one in six children in South Korea, shaping the next generation’s growth through play. For more detailed information, please visit tunituniglobal.com.

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Fintech PR

2024 IPO wrapped: Americas and EMEIA recover, Asia-Pacific lags

Published

6 hours ago

December 18, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

2024-ipo-wrapped:-americas-and-emeia-recover,-asia-pacific-lags

In 2024, global IPO volumes fell 10%, with proceeds down by 4% YOY
India led in volume and the US led in proceeds
Chinese mainland experienced its lowest IPO activity in a decade

LONDON, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The global IPO market recorded 1,215 deals, raking in US$121.2b in proceeds for 2024, falling slightly behind 2023 levels. The second half of this year had a stronger performance compared with the first half, with the fourth quarter outperforming the three preceding quarters. These and other findings are available in the EY Global IPO Trends 2024.

India, for the first time, has risen to the number one position globally in IPO volume, listing nearly twice as many IPOs as the US and two-and-a-half times as many as Europe. Meanwhile, the US reclaimed the top spot globally for IPO proceeds for the first time since the 2021 peak, continuing to stand out as the most dynamic and attractive market for global investors. The US stock market’s valuation also reached unprecedented levels, outpacing all other markets. In addition, a historic high of 55% of US public listings in 2024 were foreign issuers. Tightened regulations in the Chinese mainland contributed to its weakest IPO performance in a decade by number. Australia faced its sharpest decline in volume in more than 20 years. And Malaysia achieved a 19-year record high for number of IPOs, fueled by increased interest to its valuation and liquidity.

In 2024, public listings of private equity- (PE) and venture capital- (VC) backed portfolio companies generated 46% of total global IPO proceeds, highlighting their substantial contribution to global IPO activity and reinforcing the critical role of PE and VC firms in shaping the IPO landscape. Out of the 20 mega IPOs in 2024, 12 were PE-backed, a significant increase from the two listed last year. There were also 18 unicorn IPOs listed in 2024, half of which were launched by VC firms, up from just three in 2023.

Technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), industrials and consumer sectors dominated global IPOs, with an approximately combined 60% share across all sectors by both number and proceeds.

Cross-border listings continued to increase in 2024 with a total of 113 listings compared with 83 in 2023. The US remained the leading destination for IPOs, while mid-to-large cap deals demonstrated a solid after-market performance.

2024 regional performance

EMEIA emerged as the leader in both volume and proceeds among the regions, with 522 deals raising US$53.2b. The region contributed six of the top 10 largest public offerings, with three of them PE-/VC-backed.

The Americas saw a strong recovery, reaching its highest IPO activity since 2021, in both volume and proceeds, with 205 IPOs raising US$33.1b.

IPO activity in the Asia-Pacific region continued its downward trajectory that began in 2021, declining 35% in deals and 51% in proceeds year-over-year (YOY), although the second half of the year had a greater performance compared with the first half.

AI companies continue to attract investors; crypto-focused firms gain momentum

There are currently more than 600 artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-related public companies and nearly half of them have gone public in the past four years, many with VC backing, demonstrating how IPOs can help overcome funding challenges while driving innovation and growth.

Approximately, 60 AI companies are currently in the process of IPO registration, with more than 400 in the pipeline, indicating continued investor interest and VC support in AI-driven innovations. If the AI vertical establishes a benchmark in successful IPOs, it could encourage other high-growth verticals to pursue IPOs, fueling broader market momentum in future years.

The approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the US this year has enhanced the legitimacy of digital assets, which provides greater access for institutional investors and improved market liquidity, potentially driving a wave of IPO filings from crypto-focused firms. The success of these IPOs, however, also hinges on navigating regulatory challenges and showcasing robust compliance structures.

Impact on IPOs post US election

Historically, IPO activity has typically risen in the years following the US presidential elections, regardless of which party controls the majority. There’s usually a certain amount of uncertainty in the lead up to an election, but, post-election, there is generally greater clarity in terms of policy direction and economic initiatives. This tends to stabilize market sentiment, creating a more favorable environment for IPOs. First-movers in a post-election year tend to include industrials, TMT and financials. However, nearly all sectors experience growth.

2025 outlook and beyond

Mega trends, including shifting fiscal and monetary policies, geopolitical tensions and global supply chain, AI and digital transformation, new environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities and the influence of the new US administration are reshaping the global IPO market. Despite these transformative forces, the IPO market remains on track for a strong performance in 2025, supported by a cautiously optimistic economic environment, increasingly favorable monetary policies and heightened liquidity and valuation levels.

Simultaneously, the traditional global IPO market is evolving into interconnected, yet distinct regional ecosystems with their own sector specializations and growth drivers. The success of each sector is increasingly influenced by the economic conditions of its local market and the strategic priorities of the region.

George Chan, EY Global IPO Leader, says:

“Business transformation requires funding, and an IPO offers a powerful avenue to raise the capital needed to drive growth and innovation. After a period of slower activity, the global IPO market is regaining its momentum, supported by more favorable market conditions.

The outlook for 2025 appears increasingly optimistic, with a strong pipeline of companies across sectors looking to capture the opportunities presented by this renewed market strength.”

Notes to editors

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About EY Private

As Advisors to the ambitious™, EY Private professionals possess the experience and passion to support private businesses and their owners in unlocking the full potential of their ambitions. EY Private teams offer distinct insights born from the long EY history of working with business owners and entrepreneurs. These teams support the full spectrum of private enterprises including private capital managers and investors and the portfolio businesses they fund, business owners, family businesses, family offices and entrepreneurs. Visit ey.com/private.

About EY IPO services

Going public is a transformative milestone in an organization’s journey. As the industry-leading advisor in initial public offering (IPO) services, EY teams advise ambitious organizations around the world and helps equip them for IPO success. EY teams serve as trusted business advisors guiding companies from start to completion, strategically positioning businesses to help achieve their goals over short windows of opportunity and preparing companies for their next chapter in the public eye. ey.com/ipo

About the data

The data presented here is available on ey.com/ipo/trends.

Q4 2024 refers to the fourth quarter of 2024 and covers completed IPOs from 1 October to 9 December 2024, plus expected IPOs by 31 December 2024 (forecasted as of 9 December 2024). Q4 2023 refers to the fourth quarter of 2023 and covers completed IPOs from 1 October to 31 December 2023. H1 2024 refers to the first half of 2024 and covers completed IPOs from 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024. H2 2024 refers to the second half of 2024 and covers completed IPOs from 1 July to 9 December, plus expected IPOs by 31 December 2024 (forecasted as of 9 December 2024). 2024 refers to the full calendar year and covers completed IPOs from 1 January 2024 to 9 December 2024, plus expected IPOs by 31 December 2024 (forecasted as of 9 December 2024). 2023 refers to the full calendar year and covers completed IPOs from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

All data contained in this document is sourced from Dealogic, Mergermarket, PitchBook, S&P Capital IQ, LSEG (Refinitiv) and EY analysis unless otherwise noted. The Dealogic data in this report are under license by ION. ION retains and reserves all rights in such data. SPAC data are excluded from all data in this report, except where indicated.

Lauren Mosery
EY Global Media Relations
+1 732 977 2063
[email protected]

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Fintech PR

Adrian Butler Elected to PRA Group Board of Directors

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

adrian-butler-elected-to-pra-group-board-of-directors

The chief technology officer at Foot Locker, Butler brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across all areas of technology to the Board

NORFOLK, Va., Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, announced today that Adrian Butler has been elected as an independent director of the company, effective January 1, 2025.

Butler is the chief technology officer (CTO) of Foot Locker, Inc., a leading global footwear and apparel retailer with approximately 2,450 retail stores in 26 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and a licensed store presence in the Middle East and Asia. As Foot Locker’s CTO, Butler is responsible for driving technology strategy, innovation and delivery across their digital, data and analytics, supply chain/merchandising and omni-channel experiences. Prior to this role, he was chief information officer at Casey’s General Stores, Inc., and senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer at Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants. He also served as vice president in the technology services division at Target Corporation.

In addition to serving on boards such as Potbelly Corporation and Grambling University Foundation, his alma mater, Butler is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including Los Angeles Business Journal’s CIO of the Year, CIO Magazine’s CIO 100, Computerworld’s Premier 100 IT Leaders, Board Prospects’ 50 Military Veteran Board Members Making a Difference and the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Adrian to the Board,” said Steve Fredrickson, PRA Group Board chairman. “Adrian is an experienced public company board member and business leader with demonstrated success driving technology innovations to transform large global organizations across multiple industries after serving as captain in the United States Air Force. His business and technology insights and expertise will be invaluable to the Board and management as we continue to advance our IT strategy and preparedness in support of initiatives that drive profitable growth.”

“I am honored to join the talented Board at PRA Group as a strategic business partner and contribute my experience to support its continued growth and success around the globe,” said Butler.

About PRA Group
As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia. With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com.

News Media Contact:
Elizabeth Kersey
Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Policy
(757) 641-0558
[email protected]

Investor Contact:
Najim Mostamand, CFA
Vice President, Investor Relations
(757) 431-7913
[email protected]