Fintech PR
Regulated Blockchain: Foundation for an Effective and Efficient Financial Sector
LAGOS, Nigeria, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global financial landscape is at a crossroads. While digital financial services have brought convenience and accessibility, they have also introduced new challenges—ranging from regulatory uncertainty to inefficiencies in cross-border transactions to fraud risks, while still limiting affordability for many due to high costs. A groundbreaking whitepaper, Regulated Blockchain: Infrastructure for regulated DeFi: Foundation for a golden age in finance, authored by fintech visionary Obi Emetarom, presents a transformative framework that addresses these issues and paves the way for a Regulated Internet of Value—a blockchain-powered financial ecosystem that seamlessly integrates innovation with compliance.
Traditional finance (TradFi) remains encumbered by high costs, cumbersome processes, and regulatory complexity. According to the World Bank, global remittance fees averaged 6.2% in 2023, significantly above the 3% target set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making transactions expensive for millions worldwide. Meanwhile, crypto-based decentralized finance (DeFi) has struggled with trust, adoption, and oversight. In 2023 alone, crypto-related hacks and fraud accounted for over $1.8 billion in losses, according to Chainalysis, underscoring the need for a more secure and regulated approach.
The whitepaper argues that Regulated Blockchain Infrastructure is the missing link, providing a secure, efficient, and transparent foundation that combines the best of both worlds. Regulated Blockchain is a new way of using blockchain technology to democratize financial services innovation while enforcing clear rules set by financial regulators and enabling real-time oversight. It combines the security and speed of blockchain with the oversight needed to guarantee compliance, prevent fraud and ensure trust. Unlike cryptocurrencies that operate outside government control, Regulated Blockchain allows banks, fintech companies, and payment providers to use blockchain for faster, cheaper, and safer transactions— all with necessary compliance and regulatory oversight. This means people and businesses can spend, save and invest money more effectively, banks can deliver their offerings more efficiently, and regulators can prevent illegal activities, all while making financial services more accessible to everyone. By embedding regulatory protocols directly into blockchain technology, financial institutions, fintech companies, and regulators can unlock frictionless financial services, automated compliance, and unprecedented levels of transparency.
“This whitepaper is a call to action for policymakers, financial institutions, and innovators,” said Obi Emetarom, the paper’s author and the CEO and co-founder of Zone. “The world cannot afford to operate on outdated financial models. Regulated Blockchain Infrastructure offers a clear path toward a future where financial services are secure, inclusive, and universally impactful. This is not just about improving efficiency—it’s about reshaping global finance to work for everyone, everywhere.”
The whitepaper outlines how Regulated Blockchain Infrastructure can accelerate economic growth, maximize financial inclusion, and improve regulatory efficiency. For central banks and regulators, it provides a framework for seamless oversight and risk mitigation while supporting innovation. For fintech firms, it presents a structured pathway for adopting blockchain technology without regulatory friction. For investors and global financial institutions, it creates a transparent and secure environment that enhances capital allocation and investment opportunities.
At the same time, the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), now being piloted in over 130 countries according to the Atlantic Council, signals growing institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial solutions. The Regulated Blockchain builds on this momentum by integrating programmable compliance, self-custody of assets, and automated financial products to redefine how value is exchanged, stored, and managed globally. Obi’s ultimate vision is for multiple Regulated Blockchains to interconnect and jointly function as a Regulated Internet of Value that will power the fully digital and automated economy of the future
With the accelerating pace of technological change, the time to rethink the foundation of the global economy is now. As policy makers, regulators, financial institution leaders, and technology innovators work together to shape the future of financial services, this Regulated Blockchain whitepaper provides a roadmap to a more efficient, inclusive and impactful financial ecosystem.
Full whitepaper is available here.
About Obi Emetarom
Obi Emetarom is a visionary fintech entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Zone, Africa’s fastest growing payment infrastructure company. With over two decades of experience in driving financial technology innovation, Obi has been at the forefront of building transformative solutions that bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems. From pioneering Africa’s first Banking SaaS platform to launching the continent’s first regulated blockchain network for payments, his work has reshaped the financial services industry.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2647201/Regulated_Blockchain_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/regulated-blockchain-foundation-for-an-effective-and-efficient-financial-sector-302408146.html
LONDON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Octa is a major CFD broker that offers online trading solutions for various financial instruments, and it has been awarded the title of ‘Best CFD Broker, Asia 2025′ by Global Brands Magazine (GBM) at the prestigious Global Brand Awards.
The Global Brand Awards recognises outstanding achievements across various industries worldwide. Octa received this award for its innovative trading solutions and good client service.
Jay Reddy, CEO of Global Brands Magazine, commented, “At Global Brands Magazine, we take great pride in recognising excellence across all industries. Octa’s achievement as the Best CFD Broker, Asia 2025, is a testimony to their unwavering commitment to innovation and exceptional client service. Congratulations to the entire Octa team on this well-deserved recognition.”
The team at Octa highly appreciates receiving the ‘Best CFD Broker Asia 2025’ award as a recognition and verification mark for all the efforts to offer high-quality brokerage services across the region. The Global Brands Magazine accolade creates an additional incentive to set industry benchmarks in trading experience.
Octa continues to improve its products and services. At the end of 2024, its proprietary trading platform, OctaTrader, received a milestone update with the introduction of the AI pattern search feature. This powerful tool automatically finds relevant and timely technical analysis patterns for any given instrument based on historical data so that Octa’s clients can make data-driven, informed decisions quickly and without excessive cognitive load. In the future, Octa plans to double up on its efforts to improve OctaTrader as an all-in-one trading ecosystem that makes trading transparent and clear.
ABOUT OCTA
Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and a variety of services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools”
ABOUT GLOBAL BRANDS MAGAZINE (ENGLAND)
Global Brands Magazine (GBM) is one of the largest Brands publication in the world, leading the way in delivering insights, news, and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industries. Based in the UK, the magazine keeps readers informed about ‘best-in-class’ brands worldwide. Each year, GBM recognizes companies that demonstrate innovation, exceptional service, and consumer-focused solutions in their respective industries.
With over 8.4 million annual visitors and 14 million page views, GBM is the world’s premier Brand magazine. The magazine also boasts a robust social media presence, engagement including 35k+ Facebook followers, 20k+ Instagram followers, 25k+ Twitter followers, and 4k+ LinkedIn followers.
ABOUT THE GLOBAL BRAND AWARDS
The Global Brand Awards celebrate excellence in brand performance, recognising companies and organisations that excel in quality, innovation, and customer-centric services across various sectors, including finance, education, hospitality, technology, and more. More than 10,000 companies were evaluated in 2024 for the Global Brand Awards.
The Global Brand Awards events were held at some of the most iconic properties in the world, including The Address Downtown, Waldorf Astoria, Emperors Palace, JW Marriot Marquis, Galaxy Macau Athenee Hotel, to name a few. The next awards ceremony will take place on the 13th of June 2025 at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
For a complete list of the winners of the Global Brand Awards, please visit: https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/brand-awards-winners/.
To nominate your company or leader for the Global Brand Awards 2025, visit: https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/nomination-form/
Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2648066/GBM_Awards_2025_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/octa-wins-best-cfd-broker-asia-award-at-global-brand-awards-2025-302423277.html
Influential AI innovator is recognized for her significant impact on the growing tech company
ZURICH and NEW YORK, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Squirro, a leading enterprise GenAI platform provider, today announced that it has promoted its dynamic Chief Marketing Officer, Lauren Hawker Zafer, to the role of Chief Operating Officer. As the strategic architect and operational lead at Squirro, Hawker Zafer will play an essential role in turning the company’s ambitious vision into execution.
During her tenure as CMO over the last 15 months, Hawker Zafer has made a significant mark, shaping Squirro’s brand perception as a global, innovative and award-winning company. She has become one of the AI industry’s most esteemed keynote speakers and a prominent member of the Women in Tech Council. She founded and hosts Squirro’s popular podcast ‘Redefining AI’ which has an ever growing following of 50,000 AI enthusiasts. The show explores the broader societal, economic, and political implications of AI, delivering a platform for independent and informed education. In 2024, the podcast won the prestigious New York Digital Award, while Hawker Zafer was personally recognized for her commitment to making AI accessible and understandable with a Top AI Voice badge for her contributions on LinkedIn. In July last year she also won a Squirro stellar leadership award for her leadership style, a combination of empowerment and accountability.
“Lauren’s contribution to Squirro has been remarkable,” commented Dr. Dorian Selz, co-founder and CEO, Squirro. “She has not only built our reputation and our education infrastructure—The Squirro Academy—created our technical documentation and established a program of insightful courses, but she also plays an influential role on the broader stage, having established herself as a prominent thought-leader in the AI sector. Lauren is among a growing group of female leaders who have smashed through the technology glass ceiling to evangelize and lead the debate on enterprise generative AI. I am delighted that I will have her by my side as we grow the company.”
In her new role as COO, Lauren Hawker Zafer will act as Dr. Dorian Selz’s right hand. Among her responsibilities will be driving company-wide efficiency and ensuring that innovation scales effectively while monitoring the financial health, market competitiveness, and operational excellence of the company.
“I am determined to reinforce Squirro’s place as a leader in the global AI ecosystem, but it is also important to build resiliency and high performance, identify and strengthen partnerships, and grow our market share,” said Lauren Hawker Zafer. “I am proud to have inspired other women and underrepresented groups to recognize the life-changing possibilities that AI and innovation deliver and intend to continue reinforcing this essential message in my new role.”
About Squirro
Squirro is a global leader in enterprise-grade generative AI and graph solutions, specializing in semantic search, insights, and automation. Since its founding in 2012, the company has been at the forefront of AI innovation, empowering organizations with intelligent technology that enhances decision-making and efficiency. Headquartered in Switzerland, Squirro operates across key global markets, with offices in the United States, the UK, and Singapore.
Trusted by industry leaders such as the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, Standard Chartered Bank, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Henkel, and Indicia Worldwide, Squirro is committed to delivering cutting-edge AI solutions. Its mission is to augment human intelligence, streamline processes, and unlock actionable insights—enabling enterprises to navigate complexity and harness the full potential of their data.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2660024/Lauren_Hawker_Zafer.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2614447/Squirro_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/squirro-appoints-lauren-hawker-zafer-as-chief-operating-officer—coo-302423250.html
BEIJING, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 7, 2025, the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) initiated its 100-day countdown, heralding a global gathering under the theme Connecting the World for a Shared Future. Amid unprecedented supply chain volatility and shifting trade dynamics, the Expo will take place in Beijing from July 16th to 20th, doubling down on its mission to drive international cooperation and build crisis-resilient supply chains.
Centering on industry chain integration as its cornerstone, the Expo spotlights value generated through supply chain interconnectivity while integrating stakeholder-driven innovations. The event amplifies international collaboration by showcasing China’s expertise in overseas market adaptation, supply chain scalability, and transformative cross-border business models. Attendees will explore cutting-edge, end-to-end supply chain solutions honed by Chinese enterprises, reflecting years of strategic growth.
A highlight includes the inaugural Innovation Chain Zone, part of the Advanced Manufacturing Chain pavilion, which aims to accelerate the commercialization of patented technologies and breakthrough inventions. This dedicated space underscores the Expo’s mission to bridge conceptual advancements with real-world industrial applications, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for global supply chain evolution.
“Through supply chains, we’re connecting the world’s businesses, products, and services, building bridges for industrial integration, innovation, and market access,” said Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). “The platform has become an open driver of mutual growth and win-win cooperation between China and the world.”
The Expo is expanding networking opportunities through pre-event, on-site, and post-event engagements while strengthening its exhibitor alliance to foster deeper business connections.
In a significant development, the event moves to summer for the first time, ensuring optimal comfort for global attendees. Early registrations indicate strong cross-sector participation, with industry leaders from automotive, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and finance—both returning exhibitors and new entrants—gearing up to converge in July and shape the future of global supply chains.
CISCE, held in China and recognized as the world’s first national-level event focused on supply chains, has rapidly emerged as a critical hub for global industrial collaboration and innovation, and a premier gateway for international firms accessing the Chinese market.
At the last CISCE, the event’s second edition, exhibitors signed over 210 cooperation agreements and letters of intent, totaling well over 152 billion yuan (approx. USD 20.8 billion). The Expo also serves as a global hub for tech innovation and environmentally responsible collaboration.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2659993/cgi_bin_mmwebwx_bin_webwxgetmsgimg___MsgID_9211200440637684584_skey__crypt_a1fd7b81_b9b2cc920f788591.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2427202/CISCE_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-3rd-cisce-100-day-countdown-uniting-global-industry-chains-for-a-shared-future-302423234.html
-
Fintech6 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 2, 2025 | Featuring Citi, Insigneo, Luma Financial Technologies, Weefin, Tirana Bank, Backbase
-
Fintech PR5 days agoKuCoin Surpasses 40 Million Registered Users, Demonstrating Commitment to Compliance and Innovation
-
Fintech PR6 days agoAbeille Assurances Relies on Location Intelligence and Data Enrichment from Precisely to Manage Climate Risks and Enhance Customer Experience
-
Fintech7 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 1, 2025 Featuring: Neobanks, Fintech Innovators, Spendr, Financial Finesses, Elga Credit Union, Pocketnest
-
Fintech PR4 days agoANDURAND CAPITAL CEASES TO RELY ON ALTERNATIVE MONTHLY REPORTING SYSTEM; URGES SPROTT TO FIX SPROTT COPPER VEHICLE
-
Fintech PR4 days agoNewmark’s First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Announcement to be Issued Prior to Market Open on Wednesday, April 30, 2025
-
Fintech5 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 3, 2025 | Plaid, Circle, Finvolution, Fintech Grace
-
Fintech4 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 4, 2025: Maseera, Adva, Plaid, Navi