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Louis Gracia and Vanessa Horton Named Associate Directors of Investment Adviser/Investment Company Examination Program in Chicago Regional Office

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Washington, D.C.–(Newsfile Corp. – April 24, 2020) – The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Louis Gracia and Vanessa Horton have been named Associate Directors of the Investment Adviser/Investment Company (IA/IC) examination program in the agency’s Chicago Regional Office. Together, Mr. Gracia and Ms. Horton will oversee more than 70 lawyers, accountants, and examiners responsible for inspections of SEC-registered investment advisers and investment companies in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Mr. Gracia has been a Deputy Associate Regional Director in the Chicago IA/IC examination program since January 2015. He joined the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office in 1994 as an Examiner and later served as an Exam Manager and Assistant Regional Director. Prior to joining the SEC, Mr. Gracia worked as an internal auditor for the University of Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a certified public accountant in Illinois and a certified fraud examiner.

Ms. Horton has been an Assistant Regional Director in the Chicago IA/IC examination program since December 2015.  She joined the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office in 2004 as an Accountant and was later named an Exam Manager.  Prior to joining the SEC, Ms. Horton worked for more than 10 years in the securities industry, where she most recently held the roles of Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for a dually-registered broker dealer and investment adviser. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and master’s degree from DePaul University.

“Lou and Vanessa have been pillars of the Chicago IA/IC program during their respective 25 and 15 year careers here and have the experience, leadership and judgment to be outstanding leaders of the Chicago IA/IC program,” said Joel R. Levin, Director of the Chicago Regional Office. “Lou and Vanessa have demonstrated extraordinary leadership on numerous initiatives and programs at both the national and local level and their breadth of experience has prepared them well to serve as leaders of the Chicago IA/IC program.”

“Lou and Vanessa have demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision over the many years I have known them,” said Pete Driscoll, Director of the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE). “They are subject matter experts, thought leaders, and strong mentors to staff and have consistently contributed to the strong performance and reputation of the Chicago IA/IC exam program.”

“I am truly honored to take on this role and looking forward to working with Vanessa to lead the outstanding Chicago Regional Office IA/IC exam team,” said Mr. Gracia. “Although these are challenging times, I see a bright future for the SEC and our exam team.”

“I am blessed, humbled, and honored to be selected as an Associate Regional Director of Chicago’s IA/IC program and share in a leadership role with Lou to lead our phenomenal team,” said Ms. Horton. “Though it will be a new role, it has the same goal, one in which I have found a great privilege throughout the years—to protect investors—and I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence in Chicago’s examination program.”

Mr. Gracia and Ms. Horton succeed Steven Levine who has taken a new role as Senior Special Counsel in the Chicago IA/IC program advising both the Chicago and National IA/IC examination programs. “I, along with the Chicago Regional Office, am deeply grateful to Steven for tremendous leadership of the Chicago IA/IC program for the past seven years and am excited that OCIE will continue to have the benefit of his wise counsel and thought leadership, particularly on a national level,” said Mr. Driscoll.

OCIE conducts the SEC’s National Examination Program through examinations of SEC-registered investment advisers, investment companies, broker-dealers, self-regulatory organizations, clearing agencies and transfer agents.  It uses a risk-based approach to examinations to fulfill its mission to promote compliance with U.S. securities laws, prevent fraud, monitor risk and inform SEC policy.

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io.finnet and Cede Labs Partner to Transform Multi-Exchange Portfolio Management for Institutions

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 io.finnet, a leader in digital asset infrastructure, has partnered with  Cede Labs, to introduce a solution for centralized exchange (CEX) connectivity. This collaboration provides institutional clients with a streamlined, secure platform for comprehensive multi-exchange portfolio management.  Through this integration, io.finnet clients can now access leading exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, Bybit, OKX, Kraken and more with features tailored for institutional-grade governance and operational efficiency.

Institutional digital asset management faces increasing complexity as businesses demand more secure and efficient tools to oversee diverse portfolios.  With 70% of institutional investors expecting a surge in digital asset-focused funds, the need for secure and efficient multi-exchange solutions has never been greater.

“Businesses require solutions that simplify the complexity of managing assets across exchanges while maintaining the highest standards of security.” said Jacob Plaster, CTO of io.finnet. “Through our partnership with Cede Labs, clients can seamlessly connect their exchange accounts and manage their entire portfolio within a unified, secure environment.”

Unlike traditional offerings, io.finnet’s integration with Cede Labs introduces secure account-linking capabilities, allowing clients to effortlessly connect and unlink their exchange accounts while adhering to strict governance protocols. Unified tracking capabilities further enhance this solution, enabling users to monitor their portfolios across all connected exchanges in real-time. This includes the ability to oversee spot and trading wallets, derivatives positions, and sub-accounts under a single pane of glass, a feature few competitors offer at this scale.

Pierre Ni, CEO of Cede Labs, highlighted the impact on institutional workflows: “We are proud to collaborate with io.finnet to redefine digital asset custody and management. By unlocking new use cases for corporates, market makers, liquid funds, foundations, and fintechs through CEX connectivity, we believe io.finnet can grow to become one of the top self-custody players.”

This partnership is particularly timely as market demand for interoperable solutions continues to rise. The integration will eliminate the need to navigate multiple platforms and provide institutions with real-time visibility across their digital asset holdings, enabling seamless exchange connectivity and enhanced risk management.

io.finnet is committed to enhancing its exchange connectivity capabilities with deposits, withdrawals, trades, and sub-account transfers to further streamline asset management workflows. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we expand the possibilities of our Exchange Connectivity feature.

The post io.finnet and Cede Labs Partner to Transform Multi-Exchange Portfolio Management for Institutions appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (

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Welcome to Blocks & Headlines, your comprehensive daily briefing on the transformative world of blockchain. Today, we explore groundbreaking partnerships, economic innovations, and blockchain-powered initiatives redefining the future.

Sony Ventures Into Blockchain With New Identity Solutions

Sony has unveiled its latest blockchain-based digital identity solution designed to enhance privacy and security in the online space. This innovative system uses decentralized technology to manage digital credentials, making identity verification seamless and secure.

Sony’s venture reflects a broader trend among tech giants exploring blockchain’s potential to reshape data privacy and authentication systems.

Source: Sony Press Release


TRON’s Daily Revenue Skyrockets 119% in 2024

TRON has reported a staggering 119% increase in daily revenue, a testament to its innovative blockchain economic models. By leveraging smart contracts and a scalable infrastructure, TRON continues to attract developers and businesses seeking cost-efficient blockchain solutions.

This growth positions TRON as a leading player in the competitive blockchain ecosystem, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

Source: Bitcoin.com


MIGMIG Partners With XT.com to Bring Blockchain Rewards

MIGMIG, a blockchain gaming and rewards platform, has partnered with XT.com to expand its reach and user engagement. This collaboration aims to deliver unique blockchain-powered rewards while enhancing the gaming experience for users worldwide.

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The partnership highlights the increasing intersection of blockchain technology and entertainment, opening new avenues for user interaction.

Source: Bitcoinist


Nano Labs Supports the Inaugural Presidential Crypto Ball

Nano Labs has announced a partnership with the Inaugural Presidential Crypto Ball, emphasizing its commitment to fostering blockchain awareness. This high-profile event aims to bridge the gap between blockchain innovators and policymakers, paving the way for broader adoption.

The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between the blockchain community and governmental bodies to shape the future of digital assets.

Source: PR Newswire


Bybit Card Partners With EnTravel for Luxury Travel Perks

Bybit has teamed up with EnTravel to offer its cardholders exclusive discounts on luxury travel experiences. This partnership integrates blockchain-powered payment solutions with high-end travel services, providing users with unparalleled convenience and value.

The move exemplifies how blockchain technology can enhance traditional industries, offering innovative solutions tailored to modern consumer needs.

Source: PR Newswire


Key Insights and Industry Trends

  1. Decentralized Identity: Sony’s blockchain-based solution addresses growing concerns over online security and privacy.
  2. Economic Innovations: TRON’s revenue surge highlights the profitability of scalable blockchain networks.
  3. Gaming and Blockchain: Partnerships like MIGMIG and XT.com showcase the potential of blockchain in entertainment.
  4. Policy and Collaboration: Nano Labs’ involvement in the Crypto Ball underscores the importance of industry-government dialogue.
  5. Luxury Integration: Bybit and EnTravel demonstrate blockchain’s ability to enhance traditional services.

 

The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain ( appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Float Financial, Alza Fintech, Thrive Capital, Stripe, Unzer, Agora Data)

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Welcome to Fintech Pulse, your comprehensive daily update on the latest in financial technology. Today’s edition dives into funding rounds, leadership changes, and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi) and fintech innovation.

Float Financial Secures $48.5 Million Series B Funding

Float Financial, a fintech startup positioned as the “Brex of Canada,” has successfully raised $48.5 million in a Series B funding round. The company aims to revolutionize financial services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Canada, providing corporate cards and spend management solutions.

The funding will be used to expand its product offerings, invest in technology, and scale operations. With a growing demand for SMB-centric financial tools, Float is poised to challenge traditional banking systems and redefine how Canadian businesses manage their finances.

Source: TechCrunch


Alza Fintech Shuts Down Amid Industry Challenges

Alza Fintech, a promising startup backed by Thrive Capital and Stripe, has announced its closure. Known for its focus on financial inclusion for Latino communities, the company cited difficulties in scaling its operations and meeting market expectations.

This development reflects the broader challenges faced by niche fintech players in a competitive landscape. It also underscores the importance of sustainable growth strategies and robust operational frameworks in the fintech sector.

Source: Fortune


The Next Phase of DeFi: Fintechs and Exchanges Take the Lead

The decentralized finance (DeFi) space is entering a new phase, with fintech companies and exchanges taking a more active role in its evolution. Industry leaders are integrating DeFi functionalities into their platforms, making decentralized financial tools more accessible to mainstream users.

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This trend highlights a shift towards a hybrid model, combining traditional financial services with decentralized technologies. Experts believe this approach could bridge the gap between conventional finance and the blockchain ecosystem, driving broader adoption of DeFi solutions.

Source: Fortune Crypto


Leadership Update: Goetz Moeller Joins Unzer as CFO

German paytech Unzer has appointed Goetz Moeller as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Moeller brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning, having held leadership roles in prominent European financial institutions.

Unzer’s decision to strengthen its leadership team comes as the company focuses on expanding its presence in the European payments market. Moeller’s expertise is expected to drive financial discipline and support Unzer’s ambitious growth plans.

Source: Fintech Futures


Agora Data Welcomes Jeremy Beck as VP of Sales Strategy

Agora Data has named Jeremy Beck as its Vice President of Sales Strategy. With a rich background in the auto industry, Beck is set to lead Agora’s efforts to enhance its data-driven financial solutions for auto dealerships.

This strategic hire aligns with Agora’s vision to leverage big data and AI to transform auto financing. Beck’s industry expertise will play a crucial role in strengthening client relationships and driving innovation in the auto finance sector.

Source: PR Newswire


Industry Trends and Analysis

The fintech sector continues to witness rapid advancements and dynamic shifts. Key trends to watch include:

  1. DeFi Mainstreaming: Increased integration of decentralized finance tools into traditional platforms.
  2. Leadership Transitions: Strategic hires to navigate growth and market complexities.
  3. Niche Challenges: Survival strategies for fintechs targeting specific demographics.
  4. Tech-Driven Solutions: Growing emphasis on AI and big data in financial services.
  5. Market Expansion: Scaling operations to address regional and global opportunities.

 

The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Float Financial, Alza Fintech, Thrive Capital, Stripe, Unzer, Agora Data) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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