Fintech
Mint Announces Delayed Filing of Annual Disclosure Documents
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – April 14, 2020) – The Mint Corporation (TSXV: MIT) (“Mint” or the “Company“) today announced in accordance with Ontario Instrument 51-502 Temporary Exemption from Certain Corporate Finance Requirements of the Ontario Securities Commission (the “Blanket Exemption Order“), which was adopted for the purpose of providing certain filing and other relief to issuers in light of the challenges posted by the COVID-19 pandemic, that it will be delaying the filing and delivery of certain of its continuous disclosure documents.
The Company is relying on the Blanket Exemption Order in delaying (i) the filing of its annual financial statements and related management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019 (collectively, the “Required Annual Filings“), and (ii) compliance with the delivery requirements of applicable securities laws relating to the Required Annual Filings. The officers and directors of the Company and certain other persons will remain subject to a trading black-out pursuant to which such persons are prohibited from trading in any securities of the Company until the end of the second full trading day following the day on which the Required Annual Filings are filed on SEDAR and a corresponding news release is issued by the Company.
The Company currently intends to make the Required Annual Filings by June 11, 2020.
Since the filing of the Company’s third quarter 2019 interim financial statements and related management discussion and analysis on November 27, 2019 and refiled December 23, 2019, the Company has disclosed by way of news release or filings on SEDAR, the following significant business developments:
- the appointment of Ms. Rebecca Ong as a director of the Company as of November 29, 2019;
- the appointment of Mr. Firas Al Fraih as a non-voting observer to the board of directors of the Company on January 6, 2020;
- the announcement on January 6, 2020 of the filing of an Early Warning Report regarding the acquisition of securities of the Company by Global Business Services for Multimedia (“GBS“) and Mobile Telecommunication Group LLC (“MTG” and together with GBS, the “Acquirors“) from Gravitas Financial Inc. (“Gravitas“) and the fiduciary acting on behalf of the beneficial holders of substantially all of Gravitas’ secured debt. Immediately following completion of the transaction, the Acquirors beneficially owned 109,670,736 Mint common shares representing about 56% of the issued and outstanding Mint common shares on an undiluted basis. The transaction represented a change of control of Mint;
- an amendment dated January 6, 2020 between GBS, MTG and Mint amending the trust indenture (the “Trust Indenture“) pertaining to the Company’s Series A debentures;
- on January 11, 2020 the appointment of Mr. Firas Al Fraih as a director of the Company and the resignation of Mr. Neil Gilday as a director;
- on February 4, 2020, the Company announced that is subsidiaries, Mint Middle East LLC and Mint Gateway for Electronic Payments LLC (collectively “Mint UAE“) entered into a binding asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement“) dated January 16, 2020 to divest its direct payroll disbursement service business through its payroll card portfolio in the United Arab Emirates. Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Mint UAE is entitled to receive aggregate net cash consideration of up to AED 102,750,000 (approximately C$36,600,000), comprised of an initial payment of AED 82,750,000 (approximately C$29,500,000) and a performance-based maximum additional cash payment of up to AED 20,000,000 (approximately C$7,100,000) based on the success of the migration of the card portfolio. The buyer has made the initial payment to Mint UAE. The Asset Purchase Agreement provides for a migration period of approximately nine months from the closing date and includes an obligation of Mint UAE to deliver a financial performance bank guarantee and customer representations, warranties, indemnities and covenants typical for a transaction of this nature. The transaction has received the consent of the holders of the Company’s Series A debentures and is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. Trading in the Company’s shares will remain halted until the TSX Venture Exchange requirements to allow trading to resume are met;
- a further amendment dated April 6, 2020, effective as of December 31, 2019, was made to the Trust Indenture which amended the Trust Indenture to, amongst other things, remove the definition of change of control, change the non-cash payment of interest from subscription receipts to common shares, and waive any interest payment breaches relating to the December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020 interest payments. The Company is in the process of issuing Mint common shares to MTG, the holder of the Series A debentures, as payment for these interest amounts owing, subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.
Forward-looking Statements.
Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking” statements. These statements relate to future events or our future performance and, in certain cases, can be identified by the use of words such as “estimated” “intends”, “plans”, “expects”, “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases as statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “can”, will”, “might”, “shall”, “would” occur, or the negative forms of any of these words and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include the timing of filing the Required Annual Filings, migration of the payroll card portfolio in the United Arab Emirates pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, payment of the performance-based additional cash payment under the Asset Purchase Agreement and the amount and timing thereof, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the transaction pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the duration of the halt of the Company’s shares and resumption of trading. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the severity, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of the Company and its advisors to complete the Required Annual Filings in a timely manner, the success of migrating the payroll card portfolio in the United Arab Emirates, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange of the transaction under the Asset Purchase Agreement, satisfaction of TSX Venture Exchange requirements to allow trading of Mint common shares to resume and approval by the TSX Venture Exchange to make outstanding interest payments under the Trust Indenture by issuing Mint common shares. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Mint believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, Mint cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in Mint’s ongoing filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Mint disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.
ABOUT MINT
The Mint Corporation through its majority-owned subsidiaries (the “Mint Group“), is a globally certified payments company headquartered in Toronto, Canada with its primary business in Dubai, UAE. The Mint Group provides employers, employees and merchants with best-in-class financial services supported via payroll cards and the feature rich and linked Mint mobile application. Through its mobile enabled payments platform certified globally by Mastercard and UnionPay, Mint brings modern financial conveniences, at reasonable cost, to employers, merchants and consumers.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
The Mint Corporation
Vishy Karamadam, Chief Executive Officer
647-352-0666
www.themintcorp.com
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/54444
Fintech is on an accelerated trajectory of investment, collaboration, and innovation. This pulse tracks the most significant developments in the sector, from high-profile investments to global platform expansions. Each update in this briefing serves as a key indicator of where the industry is headed.
1. European Fintechs Face Regulatory Pressures Amid New Investment Surge
The European fintech sector finds itself at a crossroads with increasing scrutiny and rising costs due to stringent regulations. While investments continue to flow into the continent’s financial technology companies, challenges in meeting new compliance requirements, especially around data privacy and cybersecurity, create a complex landscape for scaling. This tension between opportunity and operational limitations might affect European fintechs’ growth strategies.
Source: Financial Times
2. Shopify, Slack Founders Join Peter Thiel in Fintech Investment Push
Tobi Lütke of Shopify and Stewart Butterfield of Slack, along with investor Peter Thiel, have co-invested in a new fintech initiative that aims to bolster small business access to capital. By merging technology with a streamlined funding model, this new initiative targets underserved SMBs, highlighting a broader trend of high-profile tech leaders pivoting to fintech investment. The participation of Lütke and Butterfield signals increased cross-sector collaboration in fintech, bringing expertise from e-commerce and communication technology into the financial arena.
Source: Yahoo Finance
3. Lean Technologies Raises $67.5 Million to Drive Fintech Innovation in the Middle East
Riyadh-based fintech platform Lean Technologies recently secured a $67.5 million Series B investment round, aiming to expand its operations across the Middle East. This funding reflects growing investor interest in emerging markets and the potential of Middle Eastern fintech to bridge regional gaps in financial services access. As Lean Technologies broadens its service offerings, the funding will support further technological integration and scalability across financial ecosystems in the region.
Source: Fintech Global
4. Apollo Global Management Invests in Fintech for Private Offerings Support
Apollo Global Management has taken steps to enhance its services for private offerings by investing in specialized fintech solutions. This development signifies a growing trend among private equity firms to adopt fintech as a core component in their service expansion, particularly for personalized client services. Apollo’s strategy of integrating fintech solutions into private offerings marks a strategic shift toward digitalization within traditional financial sectors.
Source: Bloomberg
5. Juniper Research Names 2025’s Future Leaders in Fintech
Juniper Research has revealed its picks for the top future leaders in fintech for 2025. This list emphasizes innovation in fields such as AI, open banking, and decentralized finance, highlighting startups that exhibit potential for reshaping industry standards. As these up-and-coming firms push the boundaries of traditional finance, they exemplify the rising tide of next-generation financial technology poised to become industry mainstays.
Source: Globe Newswire
Conclusion
The convergence of seasoned tech giants with fintech, new funding rounds for region-specific platforms, and the rise of future industry leaders underscore the momentum of the fintech sector. Each of these stories reflects a broader narrative: fintech is not only diversifying in services but also rapidly integrating into traditional finance and tech, paving the way for a transformative era.
The post Fintech Pulse: Evolving Fintech Investments and Partnerships Signal Industry Transformation appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In this edition of Fintech Pulse, we delve into groundbreaking announcements from the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, spotlight strategic collaborations fostering financial accessibility, and examine significant profit growth in global fintech companies. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of the latest happenings in fintech.
1. Bairong’s Full-Scenario AI Products Showcase at Hong Kong Fintech Week
Source: PRNewswire
At the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, Bairong showcased its range of AI-driven solutions designed to support the digital transformation of financial institutions. Their new “full-scenario” suite aims to enhance data analysis, financial risk management, and credit scoring. The offering underscores Bairong’s strategic vision to advance financial decision-making with AI technology that serves a variety of sectors, including banking, insurance, and asset management.
This development aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing the power of AI to bridge operational gaps in traditional finance. Bairong’s solutions promise to optimize financial workflows, identifying high-risk factors in real-time. The commitment to developing comprehensive, adaptable AI tools demonstrates Bairong’s ambition to stay at the forefront of AI-powered fintech innovations.
2. SBI and APIX Establish Innovation Hub to Propel Fintech Partnerships
Source: The Paypers
SBI Holdings, Japan’s major financial services group, recently announced the launch of an Innovation Hub in partnership with APIX to advance fintech collaboration and innovation. The hub will serve as a catalyst for startups and financial technology firms to collaborate, leveraging APIX’s open innovation platform for API exchange.
Through this hub, SBI and APIX aim to address critical technological needs in the fintech sector. Startups and established firms can collaborate on new technologies and bring forward interoperable systems for the industry. This initiative marks a new phase in fintech alliances, where regulatory support and open innovation can accelerate fintech growth on a global scale.
3. Wise’s Record Profits Point to Growing Market Dominance
Source: MSN
British fintech giant Wise reported a 55% surge in profits, driven by an expanding customer base and increased market share. The company’s cross-border payment solutions are seeing widespread adoption, as it provides individuals and businesses with affordable currency exchange options, bypassing high fees associated with traditional banks.
Wise’s success underscores the current demand for transparent, low-cost international payments. As the firm continues to focus on product expansion and market penetration, its financial trajectory showcases how fintech firms can challenge the status quo in cross-border transactions, maintaining profitability while serving a rapidly growing user base.
4. Parker Secures $20 Million Series B Funding for Fintech Data Suite
Source: Forbes
Fintech startup Parker raised $20 million in a Series B funding round, with the goal of expanding its suite of financial data tools. Parker’s product range enables small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to gather and analyze data, facilitating more informed financial decisions. This funding reflects investor confidence in the need for specialized financial data tools tailored to SMEs, a sector often underserved in financial innovation.
By addressing the needs of smaller businesses, Parker is positioning itself as a key player in the niche market of financial data, which has typically been dominated by larger corporate-focused platforms. This funding round highlights the growing trend of venture capital backing for niche fintech solutions aimed at smaller, agile businesses.
5. The Payments Group and HubPeople’s Cash Payments Initiative for Online Daters
Source: PRNewswire
The Payments Group, a digital payments solution provider, announced a collaboration with HubPeople, an online dating platform, to integrate cash payment solutions for over 100 million users globally. This partnership aims to reach users who may not have access to traditional banking or prefer alternative payment methods.
The initiative points to the broader trend of payments inclusivity in fintech, whereby payment firms are making financial transactions more accessible for underserved communities. By integrating cash payment solutions, The Payments Group and HubPeople highlight the importance of flexibility in payment options, acknowledging the diverse financial preferences of users worldwide.
Industry Implications and Observations
These stories collectively reveal several key trends and insights about the evolving fintech landscape. The focus on AI, digital collaboration hubs, profitability through transparency, specialized data tools, and inclusive payment solutions are reshaping financial services. Fintech’s current trajectory indicates a robust push towards not only digital transformation but also inclusivity and global accessibility.
As financial technology continues to innovate, these advancements illustrate the increasing overlap between technology and finance, as well as the potential for fintech to foster inclusive growth. With companies like Bairong and Wise setting benchmarks for AI and cross-border payments, respectively, and emerging startups like Parker developing new, data-centric tools, fintech’s future promises a dynamic shift towards improved service and enhanced user engagement.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Innovations and Partnerships Drive Global Fintech Forward appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In today’s dynamic fintech landscape, developments range from notable appointments to industry conferences, global ranking achievements, and the ongoing struggle between digital innovation and traditional cash reliance. This op-ed-style daily briefing dives into key updates and their potential impacts on the fintech industry, touching on politics, corporate shifts, and emerging trends.
1. Trump’s Potential Impact on Fintech: Policy Shifts and Market Reactions
As Donald Trump continues to be a central figure in U.S. politics, his stance on financial regulations and fintech could significantly influence the sector’s future. Historically, Trump has advocated for deregulation, which benefited banks and other financial services firms. His policies were known to relax certain compliance requirements, which made it easier for fintech companies to expand.
Under Trump’s administration, fintech firms might anticipate reduced regulatory constraints, particularly for newer sectors such as crypto and online lending. This relaxed stance could lower compliance costs for startups, allowing more resources to flow into technology and product innovation. However, a deregulated environment also increases the risk of market manipulation and consumer harm, raising concerns among advocates for tighter oversight.
The question remains whether a Trump-influenced regulatory environment would favor long-term fintech innovation or lead to an environment that could increase risks for both investors and consumers. As debates continue, fintech companies may need to be agile in adjusting to potential policy changes.
Source: Forbes
2. Hong Kong’s Love for Cash: Fintech Growth Stymied by Cultural Preferences
Hong Kong’s journey toward a cashless society faces a unique cultural hurdle—its residents’ affinity for cash, particularly among taxi drivers. Despite the proliferation of digital wallets and payment platforms in Asia, cash remains king in this metropolis. The attachment to cash among certain groups, especially cab drivers, poses a significant challenge for fintech companies aiming to promote mobile and digital payments in Hong Kong.
This resistance to cashless options highlights the complexities of fintech adoption, where technology alone cannot drive transformation without aligning with user behavior. For Hong Kong, overcoming this challenge may require fintech firms to develop hybrid solutions that incorporate cash with digital functionality or offer incentives for digital adoption. Until then, Hong Kong’s fintech ambitions will remain somewhat constrained by the cultural fondness for cash.
This preference for cash also has implications for Hong Kong’s broader economy. If the city cannot shift toward digital transactions, it may fall behind other financial hubs in terms of fintech innovation and integration.
Source: Bloomberg
3. Dave Inc. Joins the KBW Fintech Conference: Setting the Stage for New Partnerships
Next week, Dave Inc. is set to participate in KBW’s annual Fintech Conference, a major industry event in New York City. Scheduled for November 14, the conference will bring together industry leaders, investors, and innovators. Dave Inc.’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to establishing new partnerships and tapping into emerging fintech trends.
For Dave, a prominent U.S.-based neobank, participating in high-profile conferences like this not only enhances visibility but also presents networking opportunities with potential investors and partners. The company’s growth strategy focuses on making financial services more accessible and affordable for underserved communities. With industry leaders present, the conference may foster collaborative efforts, especially in areas such as lending, personal finance, and digital banking.
The KBW Fintech Conference could provide Dave Inc. with critical insights and alliances to further its mission, potentially accelerating product innovation and geographical expansion.
Source: GlobeNewswire
4. MeridianLink’s Recognition in IDC Fintech Rankings: A Boost in Reputation
MeridianLink has recently been recognized in IDC’s Global Fintech Rankings, securing a spot in the Top 50. This accolade acknowledges the company’s commitment to digital transformation within the financial services sector, where it focuses on providing cloud-based software solutions for banks, credit unions, and financial institutions.
Being named to this prestigious list elevates MeridianLink’s reputation within the fintech community. This recognition could help MeridianLink secure more significant contracts with major financial institutions, as industry recognition often leads to increased trust among potential clients. Additionally, this placement in the IDC rankings may serve as a strategic advantage when pursuing funding and partnerships in a competitive market.
This recognition is a testament to MeridianLink’s innovation in fintech, showing how its cloud-based solutions align with industry trends toward digital-first financial services.
Source: Business Wire
5. Leadership Change at Alliant Credit Union: Navigating Transition with New Interim CEO
Alliant Credit Union has named Ken Schaafsma as the interim CEO following the departure of Dennis Devine. Schaafsma, who was previously the CFO, will guide the organization through this transitional phase as it searches for a permanent CEO. Leadership changes in financial institutions often signal shifts in strategic focus or operational adjustments, and Schaafsma’s background in finance could mean an emphasis on fiscal discipline and profitability.
As a credit union with a significant member base, Alliant’s choice of leadership may influence its approach to digital services and customer engagement. With Schaafsma’s familiarity with the organization’s financial health, his interim tenure may bring stability during this transitional period.
In an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation, Alliant Credit Union’s ability to maintain a clear strategic vision and leadership stability will be crucial in keeping pace with fintech competitors.
Source: Fintech Futures
The post Fintech Pulse: The Latest Trends and Insights Shaping Fintech appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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