Fintech
Real Luck Group Ltd. Announces Management and Director Appointment and Grant of Stock Options and Incentive Bonus
Calgary, Alberta and Isle of Man–(Newsfile Corp. – January 7, 2021) – Real Luck Group Ltd. (TSXV: LUCK) (the “Company”) and its subsidiary companies doing business as “Luckbox” (the “Group”), a leading provider of legal, real money esports betting, is pleased to announce that, following the closing of the previously announced qualifying transaction involving Elephant Hill Capital Inc. (the “Qualifying Transaction”) and the subsequent listing and posting for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”) of the Company’s common shares, the Company has made the additions to its leadership team.
The Company has appointed Ran Kaspi as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Kaspi previously served as the CFO of ASX-listed ParaZero Ltd., a company developing drone safety solutions. Prior to that, Mr. Kaspi served as Finance Director of Global-e, a top European provider of seamless cross-border E-commerce solutions. Mr. Kaspi brings substantial online gaming experience following almost six years at London Stock exchange-listed 888.com where he led the economic and performance team. Mr. Kaspi holds an MBA degree in Finance from Tel-Aviv University in Israel and a BA in Economics and Management. He is licensed by the Israeli Securities Authority.
In addition, the Company has appointed Jo-Anne Archibald as Corporate Secretary. Ms Archibald is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Canadian Corporate Board Advisory Services (www.ccbas.ca).
With Ms. Archibald’s appointment, Mike Stevens, co-founder of the Luckbox group and current director of the Company has resigned as Corporate Secretary to focus on his board role. The Board of Directors wishes to thank Mr. Stevens for his role as Corporate Secretary for this transitional phase following the closing of the Qualifying Transaction.
The Company has also confirmed three new additions to its Board of Directors. Concurrently with the closing of the Qualifying Transaction, the following directors were appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company.
Drew Green
Mr. Green is an award-winning Chief Executive Officer, entrepreneur, and expert in managing fast-paced, high-growth companies. A visionary leader, Mr. Green has created one of the world’s fastest growing apparel brands, INDOCHINO. Since 2015, he has established significant strategic capital, hired a world class management team, and created global alliances which led to over 500% growth. A seasoned business leader, Mr. Green is Chairman of five public or preparing to go public companies (including the Company), including EMERGE COMMERCE, BRUUSH, APOLLO and AIRES TECH.
Previously recognized as top 40 under 40, as well as CEO of the year, Mr. Green has been recognized for his accomplishments throughout his career, including being awarded the Innovation in Retail Award, Breakout Retailer of the Year and The Entrepreneur of the Year, by Ernst & Young. In 2019 Canadian Business announced that between 2015 and 2019, INDOCHINO was the fastest growing Canadian retailer with sales globally, amongst retailers with revenues over CAD$100 million.
Mr. Green is an independent director of the Company, Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Maruf Raza
Mr. Raza is the National Director of MNP LLP’s Public Companies practice. Mr. Raza is an Assurance Partner in the Toronto office of MNP LLP where he serves as an advisor to public and private companies planning on going public through direct initial public offerings or reverse mergers. Mr. Raza currently serves on CPA Canada’s Cryptocurrency Task Force. Mr. Raza is also a director of an Exchange-listed company and was a past board chair of an Exchange-listed company.
Mr. Raza is an independent director of the Company and a member of the Compensation Committee and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Lloyd Melnick
Mr. Melnick is General Manager at VGW Holdings Ltd., and Non-Executive Director at Blackstone owned Murka Games. Mr. Melnick is a serial builder of businesses and held senior leadership positions on three exits worth over US$700 million. Mr. Melnick success extends across prominent companies – Disney, Stars Group, Zynga – and small businesses (Merscom LLC., Spooky Cool Labs LLC). Mr. Melnick also brings over 20 years’ experience in the gaming and casino space.
Mr. Melnick is an independent director of the Company and a member of the Compensation Committee and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
CEO Commentary
The Company’s CEO, Quentin Martin, said: “Ran, Drew, Maruf and Lloyd add an invaluable amount of knowledge and experience to our company, and their diverse backgrounds will be enormous assets as we strive to meet our ambitious growth goals from the outset. These are hugely exciting times for Luckbox, and I am grateful to have such a capable and experienced senior team to help us grow as we undertake the next steps as a public company.”
Grant of Stock Options
The Board of Directors have granted stock options in the aggregate of 450,000 to an officer and employees of the Company. The options were granted under the Company’s stock option plan and the policies of the Exchange.
Each option is exercisable for one common share of the Company, for three years, at an exercise price of $0.84, based on the closing price of the Company’s shares on December 22, 2020. Options shall vest over a three-year period as to 10% vesting immediately, 10% six months from grant date and 20% every six months.
Incentive Bonus
The Company also announces that its Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors has authorized the payment of a one-time performance incentive bonus (the “Incentive Bonus”) to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Quentin Martin. The Incentive Bonus is intended to compensate Mr. Martin for services provided in connection with the successful Qualifying Transaction, and to reflect the below market compensation Mr. Martin agreed to accept during the initial listing and financing process.
“The Board of Directors commends Mr. Martin for his substantial efforts over the past year. His successful guidance of the Company through the Exchange listing process and initial financing rounds has added great value for all stakeholders”. Stated Drew Green, Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
The Incentive Bonus will include: the issuance of 119,048 common shares of the Company (the “Bonus Shares”); upon issuance, the Bonus Shares will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.
The Incentive Bonus constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (the “MI 61-101”). In connection with payment of the Incentive Bonus, the Company intends to rely upon the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 set forth in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1) (a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the Incentive Bonus does not exceed twenty-five percent of the market capitalization of the Company (as determined under MI 61-101).
Issuance of the Bonus Shares, in accordance with the Incentive Bonus, remains subject to the approval of the Exchange. In accordance with the policies of the Exchange, the Company is also required to obtain disinterested shareholder approval for the Incentive Bonus. The Company intends to obtain such approval at a general meeting of the Company.
The Company will issue a further news release once the requisite approval of the Exchange, and disinterested shareholders, has been obtained, and the Incentive Bonus has been paid.
About Luckbox
The Company is a pure play esports betting company, that offers legal, real-money betting, live streams, and statistics on 13 esports on desktop and mobile devices. The Company has a B2C platform, and by leveraging shared technology, data, and resources, the Company can offer an extensive range of betting options for esports tournaments. The Company’s in-house customized user interface and user experience, built on a technology stack that supports multiple odds and streaming sources, allows the Company to deliver one of the world’s deepest esports betting coverage. The Company has been built by a team combining vast experience in the igaming industry and a passion for esports to offer players a unique, broad, engaging, and legal CS:GO betting, Dota 2 and League of Legends betting experience. The Company serves esports fans in more than 80 territories across the globe. In November 2020, Luckbox was named Rising Star at the EGR Operator Awards. The Company (via the Group) holds a full licence under the Online Gambling Regulation Act (OGRA), issued by the Isle of Man Gaming Supervision Commission. As the Group is fully licensed in the Isle of Man for Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) esports & sports betting and casino, the Company has access to favourable payment processors. Luckbox is committed to supporting responsible gambling.
CAUTION WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the anticipated payment of the Incentive Bonus, the process by which the Company intends to obtain disinterested shareholder approval for the payment of the Incentive Bonus, regulatory requirements or approvals necessary for the payment of the Incentive Bonus, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71590
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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.
The post Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, today’s briefing highlights pivotal developments, strategic expansions, and innovative launches across the industry. This op-ed explores the latest advancements with commentary on their potential impacts and challenges.
Finastra Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Fintech Security
Source: KrebsOnSecurity
The cybersecurity landscape is buzzing after Finastra, one of the largest financial technology providers globally, confirmed an investigation into a potential data breach. Reports suggest unauthorized access to its systems, raising concerns about data security across its client base, which includes thousands of banks and financial institutions worldwide.
Implications and Challenges
While the details of the breach remain sparse, this incident underscores a glaring vulnerability in the fintech sector—cybersecurity. As financial services increasingly rely on interconnected ecosystems, breaches like these threaten not only individual institutions but also the trust customers place in fintech platforms.
The key takeaway for the fintech industry is clear: proactive cybersecurity strategies must go beyond compliance. Real-time threat detection, robust encryption standards, and regular audits are no longer optional but essential for maintaining operational integrity.
Future Considerations
This breach could trigger a domino effect, prompting regulators to tighten security standards and requiring fintech companies to double down on investments in data protection. Startups and mid-tier players, often lacking extensive cybersecurity budgets, may face significant pressure to keep pace.
PayPal Resurrects Money Pooling Feature
Source: TechCrunch
In a bid to stay ahead of the competition, PayPal is reintroducing its Money Pooling feature, a popular tool that was discontinued in 2021. The feature allows users to pool funds collectively, catering to families, small businesses, and social groups.
Strategic Revival
This move reflects PayPal’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. By reinstating a feature beloved by its user base, the company seeks to reclaim market share lost to emerging competitors offering similar functionalities.
Broader Industry Impacts
Money pooling represents a broader trend in fintech—customized solutions that cater to niche needs. This reintroduction may inspire competitors like Venmo and CashApp to refine their collaborative payment offerings.
While this move strengthens PayPal’s ecosystem, its success will depend on seamless integration with existing services and robust fraud prevention mechanisms to avoid abuse of the feature.
Santander Expands Fintech Reach in Mexico
Source: Yahoo Finance
Santander is making waves in the Latin American fintech space with the launch of a dedicated fintech unit in Mexico. The initiative aims to capitalize on Mexico’s growing fintech adoption and digital payments market, valued at billions of dollars annually.
Strategic Significance
Santander’s expansion into Mexico highlights the region’s untapped potential. Latin America is a burgeoning market for fintech, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, a youthful demographic, and demand for accessible financial services.
Challenges on the Horizon
While Mexico offers immense opportunities, regulatory complexities and market competition from local players like Clip and Konfío pose significant challenges. Santander will need to blend its global expertise with local adaptability to succeed in this dynamic market.
2024 Global Fintech Awards: Spotlighting Excellence
Source: PRNewswire
Benzinga has announced the winners of the 2024 Global Fintech Awards, honoring companies and individuals driving innovation in financial technology. This year’s winners spanned categories like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and payment solutions.
Recognizing Industry Leaders
Awards like these highlight the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive fueling fintech growth. Recognizing trailblazers not only motivates incumbents but also inspires startups to push the boundaries of innovation.
What It Means for the Ecosystem
The awards also bring attention to emerging technologies. Categories such as blockchain and AI signal the industry’s continued focus on leveraging cutting-edge tech for efficiency and scalability.
Commonwealth Central Credit Union Partners with Jack Henry
Source: FinTech Futures
Commonwealth Central Credit Union (CCCU) has announced a partnership with Jack Henry, a leading financial technology provider, for a comprehensive tech upgrade. The collaboration focuses on enhancing member experience through improved digital services.
Modernizing Member Experiences
Credit unions have often lagged behind major banks in adopting advanced digital solutions. By partnering with Jack Henry, CCCU aims to bridge this gap, offering members streamlined services such as mobile banking, automated lending, and personalized financial tools.
A Growing Trend
This partnership reflects a broader trend in the financial industry—credit unions and smaller banks embracing fintech to remain competitive. As customer expectations evolve, partnerships like this may become the norm rather than the exception.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Industry
- Cybersecurity is Critical: The Finastra breach underscores the need for robust security measures.
- Innovation Drives Loyalty: PayPal’s revival of its Money Pooling feature highlights the importance of listening to customers.
- Regional Opportunities: Santander’s expansion into Mexico showcases the untapped potential of emerging markets.
- Recognition Matters: Awards like Benzinga’s provide valuable visibility for companies and individuals shaping the industry.
- Partnerships Foster Growth: Collaborations between credit unions and fintech companies signify a trend towards modernized financial solutions.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
The fintech sector continues its relentless drive toward innovation and market dominance. Today’s highlights include a record-breaking customer milestone for Revolut, groundbreaking fintech solutions for women in the EU, open entries for the PayTech Awards 2025, implications of political shifts on funding, and notable recognition at the US FinTech Awards.
Revolut Hits 50 Million Customers: A Global Fintech Giant’s Milestone
Source: Revolut
Revolut, the UK-based financial super app, has achieved a monumental feat: surpassing 50 million customers worldwide. This milestone underscores its position as a leader in the global fintech landscape, furthering its ambition to create the world’s first truly global bank.
Key to this success has been Revolut’s strategy of expanding its offerings, from banking to travel and crypto services, all within a seamless user experience. The company’s recent ventures into emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia demonstrate its intent to bridge financial services gaps while retaining competitive differentiation through technology.
This milestone is not just a triumph for Revolut but a signal of fintech’s capacity to redefine traditional banking. It reinforces the narrative that digital-first strategies, customer-centric innovation, and international scalability can challenge long-standing financial institutions.
PayTech Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation
Source: FinTech Futures
The PayTech Awards 2025 are officially open for entries, promising to spotlight the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the payment technology sector. These awards are a testament to the industry’s commitment to advancing secure, seamless, and scalable payment systems.
This year, the focus is on emerging technologies that redefine how businesses and consumers interact financially. Categories will recognize achievements across multiple domains, including sustainability in payments, AI-driven solutions, and partnerships that push boundaries.
As fintech companies prepare their entries, the awards provide a timely reminder of the sector’s ongoing evolution and the collaborative efforts required to achieve meaningful breakthroughs.
U.S. Politics and the Fintech Sector: A New Era of Funding?
Source: American Banker
The U.S. fintech sector might witness an infusion of optimism as speculation about a second Trump presidency gains momentum. The Trump-era policies of deregulation and venture capital encouragement are remembered as catalysts for unprecedented fintech growth during his first term.
While it remains uncertain how regulatory landscapes will shift, the possibility of a more relaxed approach toward fintech compliance could rejuvenate funding inflows. Investors and startups alike are watching closely, weighing the potential benefits against long-term risks tied to reduced oversight.
A politically charged backdrop often spells volatility, but for fintech, it may also spell opportunity. Preparing to adapt quickly will be crucial for startups and established players in the face of any regulatory pivot.
Klara AI and Unlimit: Addressing the €1.3 Trillion Female Economy
Source: FF News
Klara AI has teamed up with Unlimit to launch a fintech solution aimed at empowering women across the EU. This collaboration targets the €1.3 trillion female economy by addressing the unique financial needs of women entrepreneurs and consumers.
The solution promises to integrate AI-powered tools with streamlined financial management services, enabling users to access credit, manage investments, and scale businesses effectively. By tailoring services to the underserved female demographic, the partnership hopes to drive financial inclusion and support economic growth.
This initiative stands as a blueprint for fintechs exploring niche markets, proving that innovation tailored to specific segments can yield transformative results.
Autire: Accounting Tech of the Year at US FinTech Awards
Source: Business Wire
Autire, a rising star in financial technology, has been crowned ‘Accounting Tech of the Year’ at the US FinTech Awards 2024. The award recognizes Autire’s ability to blend cutting-edge AI with intuitive user interfaces, delivering unparalleled accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Autire’s platform has gained traction for automating complex accounting tasks, ensuring compliance, and delivering actionable insights through real-time analytics. Its emphasis on reducing administrative burdens for SMEs has been particularly impactful, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than bookkeeping.
The recognition not only cements Autire’s reputation but also highlights the role of AI-driven accounting solutions in reshaping business operations globally.
Final Thoughts: A Fintech Revolution in Full Swing
From customer milestones to policy-driven opportunities, the fintech ecosystem is in constant evolution. Revolut’s ascent to 50 million users signals growing consumer trust in digital platforms. The PayTech Awards continue to inspire innovation, while political shifts could redefine the regulatory landscape. Initiatives like Klara AI and Unlimit emphasize the power of targeted solutions, and companies like Autire show how niche technologies can achieve broad impact.
The next phase of fintech growth will likely hinge on inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation—pillars that today’s news stories exemplify.
The post Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech appeared first on .
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