Fintech
Apolo III And Ruckify Enter into Binding Letter of Intent to Complete Qualifying Transaction
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – November 11, 2020) – Apolo III Acquisition Corp. (TSXV: AIII.P) (“Apolo“) and Ruckify Inc. (“Ruckify“) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a binding letter of intent dated November 10, 2020 (the “LOI“), which outlines the terms and conditions pursuant to which Apolo and Ruckify will complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of Apolo by Ruckify (the “Proposed Transaction“). The Proposed Transaction will be an arm’s length transaction, and, if completed, will constitute Apolo’s “Qualifying Transaction” (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“)).
In addition, Ruckify is pleased to announce that it has commenced a financing pursuant to which Ruckify proposes to issue and sell, on a private placement basis, common shares (the “Ruckify Shares“) at a price of $4.00 per Ruckify Share (the “Issue Price“) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000 (the “Offering“). The Offering is expected to close on or about November 30, 2020. The proceeds of the Offering will be released to Ruckify immediately on closing.
Ruckify
Founded in Ottawa, Canada, in 2017 Ruckify’s peer-to-peer rent anything marketplace provides a platform enabling Ruckify users to monetize their assets while at the same time leverage the sharing economy to rent items and minimize what they own, avoiding investment in depreciating assets. With its industry-changing technology Ruckify is poised to expand from test markets to lead the way for peer-to-peer sharing in communities around the world. Ruckify provides its users with the freedom to do what they want when they want without the restrictions of time, storage, price or availability. In doing so, Ruckify supports sustainability by providing people the means to optimize the use of thousands of items within their communities.
Proposed Transaction Summary
The Proposed Transaction is expected to be structured as a three-cornered amalgamation, whereby a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apolo will amalgamate with Ruckify (the “Amalgamation“) to form a newly amalgamated company (“Amalco“). Pursuant to the Amalgamation, holders of Ruckify Shares will receive one common share in the capital of Apolo (each, an “Apolo Share“) for each Ruckify Share held. In addition, pursuant to the Amalgamation, each Ruckify stock option and each Ruckify warrant will be exchanged for an Apolo stock option or Apolo warrant, as applicable, on substantially the same terms and conditions, except that such securities will thereafter be exercisable to receive one Apolo Share.
In order to align the value of the Apolo Shares with the value per Ruckify Share at which the Proposed Transaction will be completed, it is anticipated that Apolo will consolidate its common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation Apolo Share for every 36.3636 existing Apolo Shares (the “Consolidation“). Pursuant to the terms of the Proposed Transaction, Apolo Shares are being valued at $0.11 per Apolo Share and the Ruckify Shares shall have an implied value equal to the terms of the Ruckify Shares issued pursuant to the Offering.
Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, Apolo will be the parent and sole shareholder of Amalco and thus will indirectly carry on the business of Ruckify. As a result, Apolo intends to change its name to “Ruckify Corporation” or such other name as is acceptable to the regulators (the “Name Change“). Further, it is proposed that the officers and directors of Ruckify will replace the existing officers and directors of Apolo. Biographical information regarding these individuals is provided below under the heading “Officers and Directors“.
The Proposed Transaction is subject to the parties successfully entering into a definitive agreement in respect of the Proposed Transaction on or before January 31, 2021, or such other date as Ruckify and Apolo may mutually agree. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is also subject to a number of other conditions, including obtaining all necessary board, shareholder and regulatory approvals, including TSXV approval.
In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Apolo will convene a meeting of its shareholders for the purpose of approving, among other matters, the Consolidation, the Name Change and the election of the directors to replace the current directors of Apolo immediately following the completion of the Proposed Transaction. Ruckify will convene a meeting of its shareholders for the purpose of approving the Amalgamation and the Proposed Transaction. The Proposed Transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Ruckify and Apolo and both boards of directors recommend that their respective shareholders vote IN FAVOR OF the Proposed Transaction and related matters.
As at the date of this news release, Apolo has 8,600,000 common shares and 860,000 stock options, each exercisable to acquire one Apolo Share (on a pre-Consolidation basis). As at the date hereof, Ruckify has the following securities issued and outstanding: 12,342,577 Ruckify Shares, options to acquire 1,041,900 Ruckify Shares and warrants to acquire 109,867 Ruckify Shares.
On completion of the Proposed Transaction (including the maximum number of Ruckify Shares to be issued in the Offering) and assuming completion of the Consolidation, it is anticipated that there will be an aggregate of approximately 13,829,077 Apolo Shares issued and outstanding and additional securities convertible into or exercisable to acquire 1,175,417 Apolo Shares. On completion of the Proposed Transaction (including the maximum number of Ruckify Shares to be issued in the Offering) and assuming completion of the Consolidation, former shareholders of Apolo will hold 236,500 Apolo Shares, representing 1.70% of the outstanding Apolo Shares and former shareholders of Ruckify will hold 13,592,577 Apolo Shares, representing 98.30% of the outstanding Apolo Shares (on a non-diluted basis).
A filing statement or joint management information circular of Ruckify and Apolo will be prepared and filed in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.
Officers and Directors
Subject to applicable shareholder and TSXV approval, it is anticipated that the officers and directors of the combined company will be:
Steve Cody – Chief Executive Officer and Director
With over 30 years of experience in the rental industry, Steve Cody has a wealth of knowledge and truly understands the value of connecting customers and communities. Having built and sold 6 different rental companies and most recently founding a successful franchise software company has prepared Steve for his recent venture. Ruckify is a combination of Steve’s matchless experience and passion for the sharing economy. Ruckify allows everyone to experience the financial and ecological rewards of sharing their items.
Dean Cosman – Chief Financial Officer
Dean Cosman joined Ruckify in August 2020 after spending 25 years in the financial services sector where he held executive level roles at both Export Development Canada (EDC) and Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Most recently Mr. Cosman served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer at Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. Prior to that he led CDIC as Interim Chief Executive Officer. He also held the roles of Senior Vice-President, Insurance and Risk Assessment and Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. Dean holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Carleton University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant.
Graham Brown – Chief Technology Officer
Graham has served as Ruckify’s CTO since March 2019, bringing with him two decades of serving as a technology executive, principally in publicly traded companies, including the Chief Technology Officer at Corel / WordPerfect and VP of Product Development at Halogen (now Saba Software). Graham was an early proponent of user-centered design and has been a proponent of developing software for its users ever since, producing both desktop and cloud-based Consumer and B2B products in the time since. As well as a passion for building great products, Graham enjoys developing great teams and making the total greater than the sum of its parts.
Bruce Linton – Chairman and Director
Mr. Linton was the founder and former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy“), formerly Tweed Marijuana Incorporated, a cannabis company based in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada. Bruce founded Tweed in 2013 and renamed it Canopy Growth Corporation in 2015. Canopy was the first cannabis company in North America to be listed on a major stock exchange (TSXV in April 2014 and TSX in July 2016) and to be included on a major stock index (S&P/TSX Composite Index in March 2017). Bruce co-founded Canopy Rivers in 2017 and Canopy Health Innovations in 2018. Bruce’s founding idea grew to a TSXV listed start-up with an $80 million market cap to a NYSE/TSX listed company (S&P/TSX60) including more than 30 M&A activities, ranking number one of the TSX30 with a market cap of over $20 billion by the summer of 2019. Bruce’s experience as a founder, CEO, and board member across a diversity of sectors was a huge influence for the success of Canopy. Earning market support for 16 rounds of financing of over $6 billion in public capital markets and private placements, the company funded capacity growth and opened new markets, including a $5 billion CAD investment by Fortune 500 beverage company, Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ).
Notably, throughout his career, Bruce has been responsible for the acquisition and/or disposition of nearly $4 billion in business assets and has established regular engagement with the World Bank and Asia Development Bank as well as companies listing with NYSE, NASDAQ, TSX and TSXV. Bruce has overseen over 35 acquisitions in 6 countries.
Currently, he also holds the positions of: Executive Chairman for Gage Cannabis Co., Co-Chairman for Martello Technologies Group. He is also Chairman of the Advisory Board for Red Light Holland Corp., Non-Executive Chairman of Oskare Capital, Director with Mindmed and the Canadian Olympic Foundation, and an active investor with SLANG Worldwide Inc., and OG DNA Genetics Inc. Beginning his journey at Newbridge Networks Corporation, Bruce went on to be part of the establishing team at Crosskeys Systems Corporation, of which he was a key member for the NASDAQ/TSX IPO. He was GM and Re-Founder of Computerland.CA, and Co-Founder of Webenhancer Corp. Bruce has acted as CEO and Director at Clearfield Water Systems, Inc., past Chairman of the Ottawa Community Loan Foundation, past board member and Treasurer of Canada World Youth, and past member of the Board of Governors for Carleton University.
Joseph Mimran – Director
Mr. Mimran is among Canada’s leading fashion and retail pioneers and entrepreneurs. Throughout his career, he has founded or co-founded and built brands that have helped define the fashion industry landscape, including Joe Fresh™, Club Monaco, Alfred Sung, Caban and, with his wife Kimberley Newport-Mimran, Pink Tartan. In addition, Mr. Mimran is the Chairman of Gibraltar & Company, Inc., a private investment management company, and was formerly the Co-CEO of Gibraltar Opportunity, Inc., a provider of advisory and revenue acceleration services, and Gibraltar Growth Corporation, a special acquisition corporation. Mr. Mimran was the founder and former Creative Director of the Joe Fresh™ brand for Loblaws, where he led the entire creative process for the women’s, men’s and children’s apparel line, from product design to marketing and advertising to store selection and design for the merchandising of the line. Mr. Mimran founded the consulting firm Joseph Mimran & Associates Inc. (“JMA“) in 2001. In 2003, Loblaws engaged JMA to design home products under its President’s Choice brand, followed by all general merchandise categories by 2009. Mr. Mimran co-founded The Monaco Group (which included Alfred Sung, a high-end fashion women’s wear line, and Club Monaco, a fashion-forward, high-end casual clothing retailer) in 1980 and took the company public in 1986. The company was purchased by Dylex in 1989. In 1991, Mr. Mimran repurchased Club Monaco from Dylex, founded and launched Caban (a design-oriented home furnishings retailer) and took the business public in 1997. In 1999, he sold Club Monaco (and Caban) to Ralph Lauren for an equity value of $77,500,000. Mr. Mimran has been the recipient of many industry awards, including the Canadian Style Award and the lifetime achievement award by the Design Exchange, and in 2015 he was inducted into Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends. Mr. Mimran began his career at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) after receiving his Chartered Accountant designation.
Sponsorship
The Proposed Transaction is subject to the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV, unless a waiver or exemption from this requirement can be obtained in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. Apolo intends to apply for a waiver of the sponsorship requirement, however there is no assurance that a waiver from this requirement can or will be obtained.
Trading in Apolo Common Shares
Trading in Apolo Shares has been halted since April 9, 2020 for failing to complete a Qualifying Transaction within 24 months of its listing on the TSXV. Trading in the Apolo Shares will remain halted pending the review of the Proposed Transaction by the TSXV and satisfaction of the conditions of the TSXV for resumption of trading. It is likely that trading in the Apolo Shares will not resume prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction.
This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.
Ruckify is represented by Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP. Wildeboer Dellelce LLP acts as legal counsel to Apolo.
A subsequent news release with respect to the closing of the Offering and including a summary of certain significant financial information with respect to Ruckify will follow in due course.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of Apolo and Ruckify with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar expressions and includes information regarding: (i) expectations regarding whether the Proposed Transaction will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction will be satisfied, or the timing for completing the Proposed Transaction, (ii) the timing for closing and the pricing and size of the Offering, and (iii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.
Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect Apolo and Ruckify’ respective management’s expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Apolo and Ruckify believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the ability to consummate the Proposed Transaction; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the Proposed Transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; the re-rating potential following the consummation of the Proposed Transaction; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and the diversion of management time on the Proposed Transaction. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Apolo and Ruckify and market conditions.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Apolo and Ruckify have attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Apolo and Ruckify do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.
For further information, please contact:
Apolo III Acquisition Corp.
Jeff Hergott
Corporate Secretary
[email protected]
Ruckify Inc.
Dean Cosman
Chief Financial Officer
E-mail: [email protected]
Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to TSXV acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement or joint management information circular of Apolo and Ruckify to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Apolo should be considered highly speculative.
The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR
DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/67967
Fintech
Asian Financial Forum held next week as the region’s first major international financial assembly of 2025
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 Hui, Secretary 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.
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 Spectrum, Dialogues 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
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
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
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
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:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- 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.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- 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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Fintech
SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025
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.
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