Fintech
Liquid Avatar to Present at Apex Comic Group’s San Diego Comic-Con Virtual Panel
Liquid Avatar launches open call for emerging artists at world’s largest comic book, fantasy and manga event
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – June 25, 2020) – KABN Systems NA Holdings Corp. (CSE: KABN) (the “Company” or “KABN” or “KABN North America“), a Canadian Fintech company that specializes in continuous online identity verification, management and monetization, is pleased to announce that its Liquid Avatar platform (www.liquidavatar.com) has partnered with Apex Comics Group (www.apexcomicsgroup.com) founder and publisher, Mariano Nicieza to present at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con @Home event. The Apex Comics Group panel will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 5 pm Pacific Time / 8 pm Eastern Time.
San Diego Comic-Con is hailed as the largest attended event in San Diego annually with over 135,000 attendees in 2019 according to VisitSanDiego.com. This year’s event, celebrating 51 years, will be held virtually for the first time, bringing the event to the world.
KABN’s presentation during the Apex panel will focus on this week’s earlier announcement launching Liquid Avatar’s Creator program which is bringing some of the world’s leading pop culture, comic book, fantasy, anime, manga and other iconic Artists together to create Illustrator and Signature series Liquid Avatars. There is also an open call for emerging Artists to join these programs and sell one of a kind, digital series and limited runs of custom Liquid Avatars. All custom Liquid Avatars will be available in the Liquid Avatar Marketplace launching in Q3 (www.liquidavatarmarketplace.com). A select group of emerging Artists will also be commissioned to create new, free Liquid Avatar icons available in the program’s Creator Studio.
Liquid Avatars are high quality digital icons for personal or business use that emulate a user’s digital “wallet” and “keyring” allowing them to manage and control their digital identity, credentials, and valuables. Powered by KABN ID with its biometrics, including facial recognition and other security features, Liquid Avatars can be shared with 3rd parties on a permission basis to verify identity without exposing any sensitive data. There is no cost for a consumer to create or manage their Liquid Avatar account and use the platform.
With the evolving macroenvironment driving an increased amount of time spent online, KABN believes that digital identity will become more important as users look to work, play, educate, game and shop virtually and will need to protect, manage and control the use of their digital identity.
Each custom Liquid Avatar, including the Illustrator and Signature series program, will also be supported by a Digital Certificate of Authenticity (“DCA”), based on blockchain technology developed by the KABN Network. DCAs allow for the issuance, recording, management and transfer of digital assets using IBM’s Hyperledger Fabric.
“San Diego Comic-Con is a perfect place to showcase Liquid Avatars and we want to support the growing number of young, emerging artists and help them kickstart their career through the creation of custom Liquid Avatar icons,” said Ben Kessler, CEO. “Our Liquid Avatar program is positioned to give people a wide range of choices on how they want to digitally present themselves as well as manage and control their digital identity, private and public data. Embracing the professional and emerging Artist community will provide unique opportunities to showcase their work while creating new sources of revenue for themselves and KABN.”
Liquid Avatar is developing custom icons for online groups, events and conferences to create incentives for participation. Liquid Avatar also has other gamification features like badges to create recognition and rewards for attendance and participation.
KABN believes that ownership of identity is a basic human right and individuals should be the primary beneficiary of any use of their identity. KABN North America generates revenue by providing users with high value services and delivering permission-based offers that fit their aggregated public data profiles through KABN KASH and the KABN Visa Card. KABN never rents, sells or provides data to outside parties without permission and complies with jurisdictional privacy rules and regulations.
Over the coming weeks, KABN will begin its rollout of products and programs, initially on an invitation-only basis to its customers, social media, gaming and its network partners.
KABN North America – Showcase – July 7th and July 8th at 12 pm to 1 pm Eastern
KABN North America will be holding a virtual showcase event to present an overview of its products and offerings on July 7th and 8th from 12 pm to 1 pm Eastern. To register for either of these events, please click on either of the links below:
July 7th – https://aw14bfc0.aweb.page/p/d4e2ce95-8957-4fc7-be5c-3384a511398e
July 8th – https://aw14bfc0.aweb.page/p/b82604b4-cc9e-4e7a-86ba-ebcec20ab856
About KABN – www.kabnnaholdco.com
KABN Systems NA Holdings Corp. through its wholly owned subsidiary KABN Systems North America Inc. focuses on the verification, management and monetization of digital identity, empowering users to control and benefit from its use of their online identity. KABN propriety technology suite includes 4 key products:
KABN ID is an Always On, biometric and blockchain based digital identity validation and verification platform allowing users to continuously and confidently prove themselves throughout the online community.
Liquid Avatar allows users to create high quality digital icons representing their online personas. These icons, in conjunction with KABN ID, allows users to use Liquid Avatars to share public and permission based private data when they want and with whom they want. www.liquidavatar.com
KABN Card is a Visa approved prepaid card program allowing users to manage both digital and fiat currencies, and earn cashback and other loyalty incentives.
KABN KASH is a cashback, loyalty and engagement program that powers the KABN revenue ecosystem.
KABN provides its products and services at no cost to consumers and generates revenues through permission-based partner programs.
KABN Systems NA Holdings Corp. is publicly traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol: KABN
For more information, please visit www.kabnnaholdco.com or www.kabnsystemsna.com
For further information, please contact:
Ben Kessler
Chief Executive Officer
647-725-7742 Ext. 700
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities under the KABN Financing in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “will continue”, “will occur” or “will be achieved”. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but is not limited to, information concerning the ability of the Company to generate revenues, roll out new programs and to successfully achieve business objectives, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.
By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.
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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