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Red River Capital Corp and Bitcoin Solutions Announce Proposed Qualifying Transaction

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Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – September 14, 2020) – Further to the news release issued June 2, 2020 by Red River Capital Corp. (TSXV: XBT.P) (“Red River” or the “Corporation“), Red River and 1739001 Alberta Ltd. o/a Bitcoin Solutions (“Bitcoin Solutions“) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Agreement“) dated September 11, 2020 among the Corporation, Bitcoin Solutions and shareholders of Bitcoin Solutions (the “Bitcoin Solutions Shareholders“) to complete a reverse takeover whereby Red River will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Bitcoin Solutions in consideration for the issuance of common shares of the Corporation (the “Acquisition“).

Red River intends that the Acquisition will constitute its Qualifying Transaction, as such term is defined in the Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies (the “CPC Policy“) of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“). The Corporation, upon completion of the Acquisition, expects to change its name to “Bitcoin Well Inc.” or such other name as may be approved by Red River and Bitcoin Solutions and is acceptable to the Exchange (the “Name Change“). Such entity is to be referred to herein as the “Resulting Issuer“.

Trading of the common shares of the Corporation has been halted and will remain halted in accordance with Exchange policies until all required documentation with respect to the Acquisition has been received and the Exchange is otherwise satisfied that the halt should be lifted.

Summary of the Acquisition

Pursuant to provisions of the Agreement, Red River will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of Bitcoin Solutions in exchange for the issuance of an aggregate of approximately 120,250,000 common shares of Red River (the “Red River Shares“) to the Bitcoin Solutions Shareholders at a deemed price of $0.12 per share, representing an aggregate acquisition price of approximately $14.4 million. Each holder of Bitcoin Solutions Class A Shares or Bitcoin Solutions Class B Shares will receive 8.917 Red River Shares for every Bitcoin Solutions Class A Share or Bitcoin Solutions Class B Share held, and each holder of Bitcoin Solutions Class I Shares or Bitcoin Solutions Class F Preferred Shares will receive 10 Red River Shares for every Bitcoin Solutions Class I Share or Bitcoin Solutions Class F Preferred Share held. The number of Red River Shares to be issued in connection with the Acquisition was determined pursuant to arm’s length negotiations between the management and the board of directors of each of Red River and Bitcoin Solutions. As a result of the Acquisition, Bitcoin Solutions will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Red River and the Resulting Issuer will carry on the business that was conducted by Bitcoin Solutions prior to the Qualifying Transaction within the cryptocurrency industry. The Agreement also provides that the Name Change will become effective upon the closing of the Acquisition. Completion of the Acquisition and the issuance of the Red River Shares are subject to approval by the Exchange. It is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 1 Industrial Issuer.

In addition, each issued and outstanding stock option to purchase Bitcoin Solutions Class I Shares (“Bitcoin Solutions Option“) will be exchanged for 10 options of the Resulting Issuer (“Resulting Issuer Options“), having substantially the same terms and condition as the Bitcoin Solutions Option, and will entitle the holder thereof to acquire, upon exercise thereof, and for the consideration payable therefor, one common share of the Resulting Issuer. As of the date of this press release, there are 330,376 Bitcoin Solutions Options outstanding. The number of Resulting Issuer Options that will be issued as a result of the conversion of Bitcoin Solutions Options shall be 3,303,760. Upon closing of the Acquisition, 1,333,332 Resulting Issuer Options to certain directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer shall be issued. It is also anticipated that following closing of the Acquisition, 833,333 Resulting Issuer Shares (as defined herein) will be issued to Adam O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Bitcoin Solutions and the proposed Chief Executive Officer and a proposed director of the Resulting Issuer.

On closing of the Acquisition, the Resulting Issuer is expected to have approximately 125,750,000 common shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis.

In connection with the Acquisition, the Resulting Issuer will apply to list its common shares (the “Resulting Issuer Shares“) on the Exchange.

Arm’s Length Transaction

The Acquisition is arm’s length and is therefore not a Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction under the CPC Policy. Accordingly, the CPC Policy does not require Red River to obtain shareholder approval for the Acquisition.

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Bitcoin Solutions Overview

Bitcoin Solutions, a private company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), is currently profitable and offers convenient, secure and reliable ways to buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through its network of trusted Bitcoin automated teller machines (“ATM“) and web-based transaction services. Specifically, Bitcoin Solutions carries on the business of:

  • facilitating the purchase and sale of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Canada;

  • owning and operating Bitcoin ATMs, related ATM equipment, and all associated services including, without limitation, selling, distributing, leasing, financing, installing and servicing ATMs and associated ATM equipment;

  • providing electronic processing services relating to transactions requested or carried out using ATMs (for equipment owned by Bitcoin Solutions or third parties);

  • offering bill payment solutions;

  • providing merchant solutions; and,

  • sale of gift cards for Bitcoin.

Bitcoin Solutions currently owns and operates over 60 cryptocurrency ATMs across Canada, and facilitates/performs transactions across the country with multiple payment methods on its website.

History and Background

Since inception, Bitcoin Solutions has been focused on placing and acquiring profitable cryptocurrency ATMs throughout Canada and became the first company to deploy cryptocurrency ATMs in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2014. Since that time, strong relationships have been developed with payment processors, armoured car vehicle companies, Bitcoin professionals, and other vendors that are integral to the success of Bitcoin Solutions, while its current team has been built to succeed with low turnover. Future expansion plans are facilitated by partnerships with strategic software groups, which provides Bitcoin Solutions with a competitive advantage, along with the ability to acquire up to 100 additional ATMs without significant capital outlay.

In addition to physical ATMs, Bitcoin Solutions offers expanded services through its website, enabling support for paying bills with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies online, accepting in-person payments at Canada Post, buying gift cards with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and allowing merchants to accept Bitcoin.

The following table sets out a summary of selected audited financial information for Bitcoin Solutions for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and the unaudited financial information for the six-month period ended June 30, 2020. The selected information was prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. All figures are in Canadian dollars.

Fiscal year ended
December 31, 2019
Fiscal year ended
December 31, 2018
Six months ended
June 30, 2020
Summary Operating Results
Net sales or total revenues $14,539,490 $11,964,363 $14,489,332
Income (loss) from continuing operations $117,415 ($492,795) ($145,511)
Net income (loss) $117,415 ($492,795) ($145,511)
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets $2,267,460 $1,866,994 $5,491,656
Total long term financial liabilities $1,410,203 $1,315,425 $1,026,694
Shareholders’ equity (deficit) $(181,469) ($149,086) ($335,538)

 

Completion of the Acquisition

Completion of the Acquisition will be subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to: (a) receipt of all necessary approvals of the boards of directors of Red River and Bitcoin Solutions; (b) receipt of all necessary third party consents; (c) approval of the Acquisition by the Exchange as the Corporation’s Qualifying Transaction; and (d) the Exchange approving the listing of the common shares of the Resulting Issuer.

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Sponsorship

Under the policies of the Exchange, the parties to the Acquisition will be required to engage a sponsor for the Acquisition unless an exemption or waiver from this requirement can be obtained. Red River intends to apply to the Exchange for a waiver of the Exchange’s sponsorship requirements on the basis that it is not a foreign issuer, the management of Red River upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction will possess appropriate experience and qualifications and the granting of a sponsorship waiver by the Exchange would not be contrary to the public interest and that it would be appropriate in these circumstances that the Exchange exercise its discretion to waive the sponsorship requirement. However, there is no assurance that this waiver will be granted.

Filing Statement

In connection with the Acquisition and pursuant to Exchange requirements, Red River will file a filing statement on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), which will contain details regarding the Acquisition, Bitcoin Solutions, Red River and the Resulting Issuer.

The Resulting Issuer’s Management, Board of Directors and Insiders

In connection with the Acquisition, it is expected that there will be changes to the Corporation’s management and board of directors. Brief biographies for the anticipated members of management and the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer are set out below:

Adam O’Brien, President, Chief Executive Officer, Director, Control Person and Promoter

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bitcoin Solutions, Adam O’Brien is a leading advocate for education, consumer protection and the decentralization of financial services. Adam was first exposed to Bitcoin in 2013. After witnessing success buying and selling person to person he founded Bitcoin Solutions with the objective to make Bitcoin accessible and understood. Adam serves as Co-chair of the Fintech Committee for the Canadian Blockchain Consortium, Canada’s largest non-profit network of blockchain companies and influencers. He is recognized as a first mover in the Bitcoin ATM field strives to bring Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to the mainstream making them easy, approachable and accessible for all.

Mandy Johnston, Chief Financial Officer

Mandy Johnston has successfully built and led finance and business operations teams for the past twenty years in multiple industries across North America, including automotive, building materials, oil and gas, and professional sports. She was previously the VP of Finance and Business Administration for the EE Football Club of the CFL, based in Edmonton. Mandy holds a CPA (US-CO), CMA (US) and earned an MBA in Strategic Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting from The University of Alabama. She also volunteers as a Global Director on the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Board and is a member of the IMA’s Performance Oversight & Audit Committee.

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Heather Barnhouse, Corporate Secretary

Heather Barnhouse is a partner in the Corporate/Commercial practice group of Dentons’ Edmonton office. Her practice is focused on a combination of merger and acquisition activity, as well as on helping entrepreneurs scale their companies, often through a technology play. She also regularly advises companies on the best practices of governance, and assists companies with establishing policies and practices to effect good governance. She has her Director designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, and has experience chairing boards, and serving in the role of Corporate Secretary, with private companies, not for profits and Crown corporations.

Julian Klymochko, Director

Julian is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Accelerate Financial Technologies Inc., an alternative investment management firm. Prior to founding Accelerate in February 2018, Julian was the Chief Investment Officer of Ross Smith Asset Management where he managed a number of alternative investment strategies for nearly a decade. He founded and managed Canada’s first cryptocurrency investment fund. Julian also managed a 6-time award winning market neutral hedge fund and founded an award-winning event-driven arbitrage fund. Prior to Ross Smith Asset Management, he was an Analyst at BMO Capital Markets. He attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science (Engineering) and a Bachelors of Commerce (Finance). Julian is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.

David Bradley, Director of Strategy and Director

Dave Bradley is a prominent figure in the Bitcoin industry and is widely considered one of the leading experts in Canada on bitcoin, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Prior to his current role as the Director of Strategy at Bitcoin Well, Dave founded the world’s first bricks-and-mortar Bitcoin store and co-founded the successful company, Bull Bitcoin, which is Canada’s longest-serving bitcoin brokerage. He also serves as a Vice President for the Canadian Blockchain Consortium, Canada’s largest non-profit network of blockchain companies and influencers.

Carman McNary, Director

Carman commenced his law practice in Edmonton in 1981, and since 1999 has been with Dentons Canada LLP (formerly FMC), most recently as Counsel. He practices tax and corporate law and provides strategic advice to organizations and boards. He was previously Managing Partner (Edmonton office) and National Tax Lead (Canada). Beyond law, Carman is a director of a number of private companies, and has chaired and served on a wide variety of community and non-profit entities and organizations. Carman completed the Director Education Program in 2013. He also served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Armed Forces, from 1975 – 2008, retiring with the rank of Captain (Navy) after appointments in command at sea and ashore as well as international appointments. Carman was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 2010, and awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Alberta in June, 2019. His community service and leadership have also been recognized with the award of both the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals.

Eric Sauze, Director

Mr. Sauze is the Chief Financial Officer of JAG Flocomponents Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of valves to the North American oil & gas industry. Eric has also held the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer with the industrial distribution companies Commercial Solutions Inc. (a TSX listed company) and CFE Industries Ltd. (a TSX Venture Exchange listed company). While working with the international accounting firm KPMG, he received his CPA designation (Chartered Accountant) in 1992. In addition, he earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2001. Mr. Sauze is currently a director and the Audit Committee Chair for Bri-Chem Corp., a distributor of drilling fluids listed on the TSX.

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Richard Gauthier, Insider, Control Person

Mr. Gauthier was an original shareholder and seed capital investor of Bitcoin Solutions. Mr. Gauthier has no active role with Bitcoin Solutions and will have no active role with the Resulting Issuer. Mr. Gauthier is an insider and control person (as such term is defined by the policies of the Exchange), due to his shareholdings. Following the Acquisition, it is anticipated that Mr. Gauthier will hold approximately 21% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Resulting Issuer.

About Red River Capital Corp.

Red River is a CPC that completed its initial public offering and obtained a listing on the Exchange in July 2018 (trading symbol: “XBT.P”). It does not own any assets, other than cash or cash equivalents and its rights under the Agreement. The principal business of Red River is to identify and evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of an interest in assets or businesses and, once identified and evaluated, to negotiate an acquisition or participation subject to acceptance by the Exchange so as to complete a qualifying transaction in accordance with the policies of the Exchange.

For further information please contact:

Red River Capital Corp.
Julian Klymochko, Director and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 403-801-2445

1739001 Alberta Ltd. o/a Bitcoin Solutions
Adam O’Brien, Director and President
Phone: 1-888-711-3866

Cautionary Statement

Statements in this press release regarding Red River and Bitcoin Solutions which are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties, such as the completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties such as the risk that the closing may not occur for any reason. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the terms and conditions of the Acquisition, the completion of the Acquisition, as presently proposed or at all, the Name Change and the completion thereof, the Red River shareholder meeting, the business and operations of Bitcoin Solutions and the Resulting Issuer, go-forward management of the Resulting Issuer, the trading of the Resulting Issuer Shares, the listing of the Resulting Issuer as a Tier 1 Industrial Issuer and the number of Resulting Issuer Shares issued and outstanding at the time of closing. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements due to factors including but note limited to: the decision to not close the Qualifying Transaction for any reason, including adverse due diligence results and Exchange refusal of the Qualifying Transaction, adverse market conditions, the need for additional financing, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals. Except as required by law, Red River and Bitcoin Solutions do not intend to update any changes to such statements,

Completion of the Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Acquisition cannot close until the require shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition will be completed as proposed or at all.

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Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Acquisition, any information released or received with respect to the Acquisition may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Acquisition and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Neither the 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 press release.

Not for distribution in the U.S. or to U.S. newswire services

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63790

Fintech

Asian Financial Forum held next week as the region’s first major international financial assembly of 2025

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The 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 13 and 14 January (Monday and Tuesday). As the region’s first major international financial conference in 2025, the forum will examine the landscape for new business opportunities in various industries and regions in the coming year and promote global cooperation, and is expected to attract more than 3,600 finance and business heavyweights.

Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, the AFF will bring together more than 100 global policymakers, business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech companies and economists to share their views on the shifting global economic landscape and financial ecosystem. These industry experts will dissect the risk management strategy, discover new business opportunities, and explore how Hong Kong can seek breakthroughs in a period of change.

First flagship financial event to showcase Hong Kong’s financial strengths

Launched in 2007, the AFF has become a flagship financial event for Hong Kong and the broader region, highlighting the city’s pivotal role as a globally renowned financial hub with a highly competitive economic and business environment. Amid a rapidly changing global macroeconomic landscape, and shifts in geopolitical dynamics and monetary policies, Hong Kong’s financial services sector continues to leverage its strengths across various domains, drawing on its world-class business infrastructure and robust regulatory regime to help drive cooperation and mutual success across Asia and around the world.

Christopher HuiSecretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, said: “Hong Kong’s financial market went through a lot of reforms and innovation last year. We have also launched a roadmap on sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong and issued a policy statement on responsible application of artificial intelligence in the financial market with a view to boosting green finance and sustainable financing. The upcoming Asian Financial Forum will gather the top-tier of the financial and various sectors from all around the world, the Mainland and in Hong Kong and hence is the perfect occasion for us to showcase to the world the new momentum and latest advantages of Hong Kong in the financial realm. Participants will also have a chance to learn more about how Hong Kong can partner with them to explore new collaborations and development areas while expanding their network here.”

Luanne Lim, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said: “The global economy faces greater uncertainties in 2025 compared to 2024. However, robust growth in India and ASEAN nations, combined with increased policy support from Mainland China, is expected to keep Asia’s (ex-Japan) GDP growth at a strong 4.4%, well above the global average of 2.7%.” Against this backdrop, this year’s Asia Financial Forum is aptly themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine” and will focus on high-potential markets such as ASEAN, the Middle East (particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council countries), and the role that Hong Kong can play. Ms Lim said Hong Kong’s unique role as a bridge between the mainland and international markets allows it to support mainland enterprises expanding globally. She added that Hong Kong is committed to attracting global talent and investors, driving growth for both mainland and international businesses.

Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “As we move into the new year, different economies around the world are facing challenges in maintaining economic growth. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is playing an important role both as a ‘super-connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ to link the world, enabling investors and fundraisers to leverage the city’s professional services and investment platforms to facilitate collaboration and create business opportunities. This year’s forum not only brings together heavyweight speakers and thought leaders but also builds on the success of previous years to provide a business platform for international participants, promoting financial and business cooperation and working together to launch new engines for growth.”

Exploring new trends as the world’s economic centre of gravity continues its shift east

Reflecting on a trend where the world’s economic centre of gravity continues to take an eastward shift, Christopher Hui will host two plenary sessions on emerging prospects in the region on the first day of the forum (13 January). The morning session of Plenary Session I will feature H.E. Adylbek Kasymaliev, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, finance ministers from countries such as Pakistan and Luxembourg, and Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), who together will explore the financial policy outlook for 2025. In the afternoon, Plenary Session II will bring together leaders from multilateral organisations to share their views on the role of multilateral cooperation in regional economic development. Speakers will include Roberta Casali, Vice-President, Finance and Risk Management, Asian Development Bank; Jin Liqun, President and Chair of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); and Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Moreover, a new session, the Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter, will bring together HE Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), speakers from the Middle East and local experts to discuss prospects in fostering financial cooperation and investment between the member states of the GCC and Hong Kong.

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Also on the first day, Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, will host the Policy Dialogue session with speakers including European representatives such as Philip Lane, Chief Economist and Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank, and Dr Olli Rehn, Governor of the Bank of Finland. The discussion will explore the opportunities and challenges arising from the global shift towards more accommodative monetary policies and national authorities’ strategic deployment of measures to revitalise their economies and accelerate growth through innovation.

The panel discussion on China Opportunities returns this year with senior figures invited to analyse investment prospects under China’s commitment to technological innovation and its impact on global business. The panellists included Li Yimei, Chief Executive Officer of China Asset Management; and Ken Wong, Executive Vice President of Lenovo and President of Lenovo Solutions & Services Group.

Top economist and leading AI expert take the stage at keynote luncheons

Another highlight of this year’s AFF will be the two keynote luncheons featuring thematic speeches by two distinguished guests: Prof Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012), and Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council on AI. These two prominent figures will dissect the evolution of the global economic landscape amid changing international dynamics, and examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a new driving force for rapid global economic growth respectively.

Exploring hot topics in the financial and economic sectors

The afternoon panel discussion, Global Economic Outlook, will feature a special address from Liu Haoling, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Investment Officer, China Investment Corporation. The panel will analyse international economic trends and provide insights into business opportunities and wealth accumulation in emerging industries and regions in 2025.

Other sessions titled Global SpectrumDialogues for Tomorrow and Thematic Workshop will feature in-depth discussions focusing on the latest industry trends, including AI, Web 3.0, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices. As AI becomes increasingly widespread and diversified in its societal applications, the second day of the forum will introduce a special session, Dialogue with Kai-Fu Lee, in which Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures, will discuss the transformative power of AI and its impact on technological advancements in the global business ecosystem.

Exploring the impact of sustainable disclosure on investment strategies

Sustainable finance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations have become an irreversible global trend. In 2025, Hong Kong is set to fully align its regulatory framework with the sustainability disclosure standard of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the ISSB, will join other experts in discussing how adopting international financial sustainability disclosure standards can strengthen market confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets, address post-COP29 implementation in Asia, and share strategies for sustainable investing across three separate sessions. In addition, the Breakfast Panel on the second day will focus on the flows of transition finance in shaping a sustainable future in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Furthermore, the HKTDC has partnered with EY to conduct a joint market survey on sustainable development, aiming to explore the views and practices of Asian businesses and investors on topics such as sustainability reporting, sustainable finance and preparations for dealing with climate change. The results of the survey will be unveiled on the first day of the forum.

Expanding cross-border opportunities through the HK global investment platform

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As a key element of this year’s forum, AFF Deal-making offers one-on-one matching services for project owners and investors. More than 270 investors and 560 projects are expected to participate, with investment opportunities across industries such as environmental, energy, clean technology, food and agriculture tech, healthcare tech, fintech and deep technology. The exhibition sections of the AFF – Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Startup Salon and Global Investment Zone – will attract more than 130 local and global exhibitors, international financial institutions, technology companies, start-ups, investment promotion agencies and sponsors, including Knowledge Partner EY, HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, Prudential, China International Capital Corporation (CICC), Huatai International and more. Notably, the InnoVenture Salon will provide a platform for more than 100 start-ups to showcase innovative technologies in a variety of fields such as finance, regulation, sustainability, health and agriculture, supported by more than 110 Investment Mentors and Community Partners.

IFW 2025 creates synergies with AFF to boost mega event economy

International Financial Week (IFW) 2025 runs from 13 to 17 January with the AFF as its highlight event. This year’s IFW will feature more than 20 partner events, covering a wide range of global financial and business topics, including private equity, family offices, net-zero investing and generative AI. As the region’s first major financial event of the year, the AFF attracts top global enterprises and leaders to Hong Kong, creating connections between capital and opportunities. The forum assists industry professionals in seizing opportunities in the new year and helps promote the mega event economy in Hong Kong.

This year, the AFF has collaborated with various organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants joining the event. Activities include Peak Tram and Sky Terrace trips, the iconic Aqua Luna red-sail junk boat, and guided tours of Man Mo Temple and Tai Kwun arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Participants can also enjoy dining discounts and guided tours from the Lan Kwai Fong Group, as well as the Winter Wonderland at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Happy Wednesday at Happy Valley Racecourse, all designed to immerse overseas visitors in the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong.

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

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

Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets

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

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

Source: Bloomberg

ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval

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

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

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

Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire

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The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation

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

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

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

Source: PYMNTS

Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission

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

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

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

Source: RBJ

Industry Implications and Takeaways

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

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

 

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SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025

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

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

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

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

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

The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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