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Shopper Marketing Hall of Fame Inductee Joins Leadership Team of Rising FinTech Company Leveraging Blockchain and AI to Transform Retail

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recognized as a “Top Ten Mover and Shaker in Retail,” Karen Sales has joined the leadership team at SKUx as Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy & Channel Partnerships.“I am thrilled to join an incredible leadership team at SKUx that is delivering innovative and extremely valuable retail solutions,” Sales said. “I’ve spent my entire career seeking to build value for my clients and partners. This new solution will solve much of what they’ve been waiting for. When you truly understand the technology that SKUx has developed, you realize it holds the potential to transform our industry, unlocking billions of dollars in value back to retailers and brands.”SKUx is a global FinTech company utilizing smart, secure, one-time-use digital incentives to drive incremental and directed spend to retailers. The company’s patent-pending SaaS (software as a service) technology offers cutting edge payment solutions to drive engagement, retention and awareness for retailers and brands and is setting a new standard for digital incentive programs across the industry.Karen Sales BackgroundKaren Sales’ career has included brand sales, customer strategy, digital media sales, and shopper marketing leadership roles for companies such as Coty, Sara Lee Apparel and Foods, and Quotient. In her most recent role, Karen served as VP of National and Shopper Marketing at Albertsons Companies, where she managed a team of shopper marketers and agencies tasked with supporting CPG vendors in their efforts to amplify targeted in store and digital marketing efforts across the chain.  Karen was also instrumental in managing digital partnerships and launching Albertsons’ Performance Media powered by Quotient. A widely respected leader in the consumer goods and retail industries, Karen is globally recognized as a thought leader in retail, shopper marketing, eCommerce, digital and promotion activation having managed hundreds of millions in promotional budgets.Today, Karen participates in several organizations supporting women in the workplace and community, including NEW (Network of Executive Women), and was Co-Founder of WIIN (Women’s Inspiration and Inclusion Network) for Albertsons Companies.  Karen is a P2PI (Path to Purchase Institute) faculty member and has been recognized in the industry multiple times, to include Progressive Grocer’s 2016 Top Women in Grocery and 2017 Women of Excellence – Collaboration awards. In 2018, she was named by Retail Info Systems a “Top Ten Mover and Shaker in Retail”, as well as being inducted into the P2PI’s 2018’s Shopper Marketing Hall of Fame, which recognizes top retail industry leaders who have made a significant mark across the industry.   Karen has an MBA from University of Oregon and a BA in Business Leadership from University of Puget Sound. She resides in Boise, Idaho, with her husband Steve, two teenage children Courtney and Henry, and bulldog Pippa. SKUx Prepares to “Unveil and Scale”SKUx has created an entirely new category of digital promotional incentives – known as SKU Incentives™ — and has been quietly piloting its technology with select retailers, mobile platforms and brands over the past year. The company is now preparing to open the technology beyond those initial clients to a much greater ecosystem across Specialty Retail, eCommerce, Big Box Retail and Grocery.Part of the company’s patent-pending capabilities lay in its ability to drive a smart, unique, secure, one-time use, serialized digital incentive across the entire retail landscape. The entire incentive process, from issuance to redemption, can be managed in real-time for SKUx partners and is fully trackable, thus eliminating fraud. The technology also offers near real-time reconciliation and settlement of funds for stakeholders.These proprietary capabilities have enabled the growing company to already secure agreements and alliances with multibillion-dollar companies at an impressive pace since its formal launch in October 2018.“SKUx can direct spend to a retailer with a flip of a switch,” Sales said. “And they can guarantee a brand will never go over budget. Think about that. With the current market uncertainties affecting all retail, companies will be focused on ROI more than ever before. This is an enormous opportunity given the exact capabilities the SKUx product offerings can provide.”The company’s co-founder and executive vice president, Bobby Tinsley, added, “We are excited and honored to be working with a proven leader like Karen Sales. Her knowledgeable insights and experience from organizations such as Albertsons and Quotient will open tremendous opportunities for SKUx. As we always say, to build an incredible company you need incredible people; SKUx is very blessed.”About SKUxSKUx is a Tampa, Fla.-based FinTech company utilizing smart, secure, one-time use digital incentives to drive incremental and directed spend to retailers. The company’s patent-pending SaaS technology gives on-demand solutions for consumer engagement and is setting a new standard for digital incentive programs across the industry. Please visit www.skux.io to learn more.Bobby Tinsley
+1 813-380-1863
[email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1346a91-8c23-49e0-aa9f-d3a48341a3ff

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)

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As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.

Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets

Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.

With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.

Source: Bloomberg

ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval

ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.

MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.

Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire

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The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation

The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.

This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.

Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.

Source: PYMNTS

Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission

Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.

The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.

As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.

Source: RBJ

Industry Implications and Takeaways

Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:

  1. Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
  2. Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
  3. Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
  4. Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.

 

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SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025

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Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.

SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.

Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.

“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”

Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.

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Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments

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Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”

Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.

Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.

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