Fintech
HIRE Technologies Announces Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2020 and Names Dan Teguh as Chief Financial Officer
- Adjusted EBITDA(1) was ($249,241) for the three months ended June 30, 2020, significantly improved from adjusted EBITDA of ($744,476) for the same quarter in 2019.
- Revenue remained resilient considering the COVID-19 pandemic and was $2,597,492 for the second quarter, down from $2,953,026 for the same period in 2019. Despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially evident in permanent placements, revenue from contract and temporary placements in the IT sector was up 5.7%.
- HIRE completed an oversubscribed, convertible debenture private placement of $2,419,000, with strong insider participation, to fund acquisitions, strategic investments, and for use as working capital.
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – August 31, 2020) – HIRE Technologies Inc. (TSXV: HIRE) (“HIRE” or the “Company”) announces financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and promoted Dan Teguh to Chief Financial Officer.
“Our clients continue to be resilient in light of ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, especially in the IT business vertical, with demand for flexible work remaining steady. While this quarter for us was about making further operational improvements, we are now better positioned than ever to meet the changing demands of our clients,” commented Simon Dealy, Chief Executive Officer of HIRE. “The comprehensive internal reorganization we initiated in the first quarter has allowed us to realize better margins on improved business coming in from our IT offering. Furthermore, with our recently completed private placement financing, we will move ahead with our acquisition mandate to create additional value for our stakeholders, clients, and future partners.”
Second Quarter Highlights
- For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, revenue was $2,597,492, 12.0% lower than $2,953,026 for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 due to market tepidness and mandatory business closures stemming from COVID-19.
- Gross margin was 21.1% down from 26.2% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The 5.1% decrease was due to proportionately higher cost of services of $2,049,212 (June 30, 2019 – $2,178,263), which was a function of the contraction of the permanent book of business, which represented 4.8% of total revenue this quarter versus 9.2% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.
- Adjusted EBITDA was ($249,241) for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 versus ($744,476) for the same quarter in 2019. The $495,236 improvement was a result of the comprehensive reorganization, which is expected to result in significant expense savings.
- Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $1,066,547 or 0.02 per share versus a net loss of $992,000 or 0.03 per share for the same period last year. Adjusted net loss(2) was $215,136 or 0.00 per share, an improvement over the adjusted net loss of $897,378 or 0.03 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.
- The Company has a revolving demand operating facility with a credit limit of the lesser of $1,700,000 and the percentages of certain qualified receivables. As at June 30, 2020, the balance outstanding on the facility was $nil (June 30, 2019 – $795,000).
Outlook
While the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to pass and economies have yet to fully recover, the Company is well-positioned to deal with the crisis and meet the needs of its future partners.
In the next quarter, the Company’s priorities are to:
- Execute on acquisitions, investments and partnerships.
- Pursue organic growth in its established verticals of IT and Accounting.
- Explore additional opportunities for efficiencies in its operating businesses.
- Increase awareness of HIRE and its unique value proposition.
Selected Financial Highlights
Please see SEDAR for complete copies of the Company’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Period ended >> | 3 months ended June 30, 2020 | 3 months ended June 30, 2019 | 6 months ended June 30, 2020 | 6 months ended June 30, 2019 | ||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Net Loss | (1,066,547) | (992,000) | (1,811,513) | (1,841,938) | ||||||||
Interest | 7,666 | 109,573 | 24,226 | 167,547 | ||||||||
Amortization | 22,650 | 22,650 | 45,300 | 45,300 | ||||||||
Depreciation | 36,602 | 47,304 | 106,055 | 94,535 | ||||||||
Tax | (6,675) | (4,373) | (11,335) | (8,746) | ||||||||
EBITDA | (1,006,304) | (816,846) | (1,647,267) | (1,543,302) | ||||||||
Add: | ||||||||||||
Restructuring & Other Non-Recurring Items | 783,611 | 94,622 | 1,501,142 | 180,350 | ||||||||
Rent expense | (26,548) | (22,252) | (53,096) | (44,504) | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | (249,241) | (744,476) | (199,221) | (1,407,456) | ||||||||
Period ended >> | 3 months ended June 30, 2020 | 3 months ended June 30, 2019 | 6 months ended June 30, 2020 | 6 months ended June 30, 2019 | ||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Net Loss for the Period | (1,066,547) | (992,000) | (1,811,513) | (1,841,938) | ||||||||
Add: | ||||||||||||
Restructuring & Other Non-Recurring Items | 783,611 | 94,622 | 1,501,142 | 180,350 | ||||||||
Non-Recurring Rent | 67,800 | – | 113,000 | – | ||||||||
Adjusted net loss | (215,136) | (897,378) | (197,371) | (1,661,588) | ||||||||
Adjusted net loss per share | (0.00) | (0.03) | (0.00) | (0.05) |
Footnotes:
- EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial measures that do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. EBITDA is defined as net income/loss adjusted to exclude interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and provides management with insight into the operating performance of HIRE and its operating subsidiaries (the “Group”) without the impact of significant accounting policies on depreciation and amortization, financing, and tax implications. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, excluding restructuring & other non-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is also adjusted to include rent payments, which are not accounted for in EBITDA following the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases. Management believes that EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are useful measures in evaluating the performance of the Group.
- Adjusted net loss is a non-IFRS measure that does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company defines net earnings (loss) as net earnings (loss) excluding restructuring & other non-recurring items. The Company believes that adjusted net earnings (loss) is a meaningful metric in assessing the Group’s financial performance.
- Gross margin is a non-IFRS measure that does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company defines Gross margin as revenue less cost of services. Gross margin should not be construed as an alternative for revenue or net earnings (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS. The Company believes that Gross margin is a meaningful metric in assessing the Group’s financial performance and operational efficiency.
Promotion of Dan Teguh as Chief Financial Officer
HIRE is pleased to announce that, effective August 31, 2020, Dan Teguh has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Teguh was previously Vice President, Finance.
Simon Dealy commented, “Dan has proven to be a leader throughout his initiation and implementation of our comprehensive internal reorganization which has positioned the Company for future success. Dan’s significant M&A experience is also extremely valuable as we undertake our acquisition mandate. I congratulate Dan on this appointment and look forward to continuing to work with him as a valued member of our executive team.”
Before joining HIRE, Dan was Director of Corporate Development at a leading North American healthcare consolidator where he was responsible for acquisitions and transaction execution. Prior to this, Dan held progressively senior roles at a publicly-traded insurance holding company covering all aspects of capital management, including mergers and acquisitions, planning, operations, financial reporting, and investor relations. Dan began his career at Ernst & Young LLP. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University.
About HIRE Technologies Inc.
HIRE Technologies is building a network of staffing, IT and HR consulting firms. We help our partners navigate the changing world through growth solutions, focusing on digital transformation. Our partnership model emphasizes the identity and independence of our brands and provides the resources, support and expertise to take their businesses further. We offer valuable advice and insights to our clients while delivering innovative solutions, enhancing their HR teams, and connecting them with the best people for their business.
For further information, please contact:
HIRE Technologies Inc.
Simon Dealy, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (647) 868-9611
Email: [email protected]
Web: hire.company
Neither the TSXV 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 press release.
Forward Looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively referred to hereafter as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation.
All statements that address activities, events or developments that HIRE Technologies expects or anticipates will, or may, occur in the future, including statements about HIRE’s business prospects, including prospective acquisitions and investments, future trends, plans, strategies, including, in particular, HIRE’s acquisition strategy and expense reductions, and the expected benefits thereof, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements are preceded by, followed by or include words such as “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “believes”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potential”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “proposes”, “anticipates”, “targeted”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “designed”, “goal”, or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words.
Although the management of HIRE believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement herein will prove to be accurate.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of HIRE to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, which may have material adverse effects on the global financial markets, and its business, financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; the impact on the business of broader economic factors; alignment of HIRE’s cost structure with revenue; HIRE’s limited operating history and needs for additional capital; uncertainty relating to liquidity and capital requirements; risks inherent in HIRE’s acquisition strategy; HIRE may not be able to obtain financing necessary to implement HIRE’s business plan; HIRE may not be able to obtain access to technology necessary to compete in the recruiting industry; HIRE operates in a highly competitive industry and may be unable to retain clients or market share; barriers to client portability are low; reliance on key management; and compliance with financial reporting and other requirements as a public company. Additional risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company, as well as trends identified by the Company affecting it and the staffing industry can be found in the Company’s continuous disclosure record available on SEDAR including the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated August 31, 2020. Although HIRE has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.
Such cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements made in this press release. HIRE undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Fintech
Fintech Latvia Association Releases Fintech Pulse 2024: A Guide to Latvia’s Growing Fintech Hub
The Fintech Latvia Association has launched the latest edition of its annual publication, Fintech Pulse 2024, unveiling insights and resources that position Latvia as a thriving hub for European fintech.
Announced at this year’s Fintech Forum, the magazine is now available in digital format, offering a comprehensive guide for fintech professionals and entrepreneurs navigating the Latvian market and exploring its advantages.
This issue covers essential topics, from support tools provided by Latvijas Banka and newcomer roadmaps to Riga’s investor resources and fintech education opportunities. Readers will find the latest fintech news from Latvia, coverage of this year’s key industry events, and member insights on the future of fintech. The Fintech Landscape section provides a comprehensive overview of the Latvian fintech ecosystem.
Tina Lūse, Managing Director of Fintech Latvia Association, expressed excitement about the ecosystem’s growth: “We are excited to unveil the third annual edition of Fintech Pulse. This year has been pivotal for our ecosystem, and together with public sector stakeholders, we are enhancing financial inclusion, democratizing investments, and driving innovation throughout the sector. This is a testament to Latvia’s emergence as a fintech hub, establishing itself as an equal partner in innovation and support within the Baltic region.”
Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens highlighted Latvia’s fintech potential in the magazine, stating: “Latvia has already made strides in adapting its regulatory framework to support a stable financial system. Now, we encourage financial market players to invest in modern technologies to meet the growing demand for inclusive financial services and solidify Latvia’s position in the fintech landscape. We are confident that with the combined offer of the government, Latvijas Banka and Riga city, we are a great place to start your next scalable European FinTech!”
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis expressed Latvia’s ambition in the magazine, stating: “Latvia wants to become a WEB 3.0. innovation hub and solidify itself as one of the leaders of a newly regulated EU crypto-asset market. We welcome international companies to choose Latvia, a flexible and fast-paced country, where you can obtain a MICA license in just 3 months. Open your office in Latvia, receive a MICA license and serve the whole EU market!”
The Fintech Latvia Association brings together fintech and non-banking financial service providers to represent their interests at both the national and international levels. It promotes sustainable development in Latvia’s financial sector by fostering reliable, responsible, and long-term industry practices that earn trust from consumers and regulatory authorities. The association is committed to supporting innovation and growth opportunities within the fintech landscape.
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Fintech
Quantum Security and the Financial Sector: Paving the Way for a Resilient Future
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a pivotal white paper in collaboration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), titled “Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches”. This January 2024 publication underscores the urgent need for global cooperation as the financial sector transitions from a digital economy to a quantum economy, highlighting both the immense opportunities and cybersecurity challenges posed by quantum computing.
Quantum: A Double-Edged Sword for Finance
Quantum computing offers transformative benefits for the financial sector, such as accelerated portfolio optimization, enhanced fraud detection, and improved risk management. Yet, it simultaneously threatens the very foundation of cybersecurity. With quantum’s ability to break traditional encryption methods, sensitive data and financial transactions face significant risks. The white paper warns that such vulnerabilities could erode trust in the financial system and destabilize global markets.
The urgency to prepare is evident, with some quantum threats, such as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks, already emerging. Governments and regulators, including the United States with its National Security Memorandum on Quantum (2022), have begun advocating for quantum security readiness by 2035. However, as noted in the paper, transitioning to a quantum-secure infrastructure is a monumental task requiring unprecedented coordination between regulators, industry leaders, and technology providers.
A Collaborative Framework: Four Guiding Principles
To address the complex challenges posed by quantum technologies, the WEF and FCA have proposed four guiding principles to inform global regulatory and industry approaches:
- Reuse and Repurpose: Leverage existing regulatory frameworks and tools to address quantum risks, rather than creating entirely new systems.
- Establish Non-Negotiables: Define baseline requirements for quantum security, ensuring consistency and interoperability across organizations and jurisdictions.
- Increase Transparency: Foster open communication between regulators and industry players to share best practices, strategies, and knowledge.
- Avoid Fragmentation: Prioritize global collaboration to harmonize regulatory efforts and avoid inconsistencies that could burden multinational organizations.
These principles aim to create a unified, forward-looking strategy that balances innovation with security.
A Four-Phase Roadmap for Quantum Security
The white paper introduces a phased roadmap to help the financial sector transition toward quantum security:
- Prepare: Raise awareness of quantum risks, assess cryptographic infrastructure, and build internal capabilities.
- Clarify: Formalize engagement between stakeholders, map current regulations, and model the cost and complexities of transitioning to quantum-safe systems.
- Guide: Address regulatory gaps, translate technical standards into actionable frameworks, and develop industry-wide best practices.
- Transition and Monitor: Implement cryptographic management modernization and adopt iterative, adaptable regulatory approaches to remain resilient in the quantum economy.
This roadmap emphasizes adaptability, encouraging stakeholders to continuously refine their strategies as quantum technologies evolve.
The Path Forward: Collaboration as a Catalyst
The transition to a quantum-secure financial sector is not merely a technological shift but a comprehensive rethinking of how industries and regulators approach cybersecurity. The interconnected nature of global finance means that collaboration between mature and emerging markets is crucial to avoid vulnerabilities that could undermine the entire system.
Regulators and financial institutions must act with urgency. As Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships at the World Economic Forum, notes in the report:
“The quantum economy era is fast approaching, and we need a global public-private approach to address the complexities it will introduce. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with the FCA to chart the roadmap for a seamless and secure transition for the financial services sector.”
Similarly, Suman Ziaullah, Head of Technology, Resilience, and Cyber at the FCA, emphasizes:
“Quantum computing presents considerable opportunities but also threats. The financial sector relies heavily on encryption to protect sensitive information, the exposure of which could cause significant harm to consumers and markets. Addressing this requires a truly collaborative effort to transition to a quantum-secure future.”
Global Impact: Ensuring Resilience in an Evolving Landscape
As quantum technologies mature, they will redefine the landscape of cybersecurity. The financial sector, as one of the most sensitive and interconnected industries, must prioritize preparedness to ensure stability, protect consumers, and maintain trust.
The Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches white paper offers an essential foundation for continued dialogue and action. By adhering to the guiding principles and roadmap outlined in the report, stakeholders can navigate this transformation with foresight and cooperation.
The full report, published by the World Economic Forum, highlights the need for a unified global approach to quantum security, serving as a rallying call for industry and regulatory leaders alike.
Source: World Economic Forum, “Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches”, January 2024.
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Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations
The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.
Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion
Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.
By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.
Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends
Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.
The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.
Source: Juniper Research.
MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets
MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.
MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.
Source: MeaWallet News.
Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.
Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.
Source: PR Newswire.
OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market
OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.
This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.
Source: PR Newswire.
Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech
Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:
- Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
- Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
- Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
- Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
- Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.
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