Fintech
Quantum Announces Nomination of Additional Director and Proposed Implementation of Changes in Accordance with New TSXV CPC Policy
Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – January 29, 2021) – Quantum Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: QBC.P) (the “Corporation” or “Quantum“) is pleased to announce the nomination of Robert J. Quinn to the Corporation’s Board of Directors and its intention to implement (subject to shareholder approval) certain amendments to avail itself of changes arising from the TSX Venture Exchange’s amended Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies that came into effect on January 1, 2021 (the “New CPC Policy“).
Under the New CPC Policy, an existing Capital Pool Company (“CPC“) can implement some changes under the New CPC Policy without shareholder approval (see “Other Changes“, below), but certain changes require specific disinterested shareholder approval. Further to this, the Corporation will be seeking such approval at its upcoming annual general and special meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on February 26, 2021 (the “Meeting“), for the following matters: (i) to amend the Corporation’s Stock Option Plan to become a “10% rolling” plan prior to the Corporation completing a Qualifying Transaction; (ii) to remove the consequences of failing to complete a Qualifying Transaction within 24 months of the date the Corporation’s Common Shares became listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”); and (iii) to enter into a new escrow agreement in the form adopted by the for CPCs on January 1, 20201 to supersede the Corporation’s existing escrow agreement.
The proposed amendments are described in further detail below.
Amendments to the Option Plan
The New CPC Policy permits the Corporation to adopt a “10% rolling stock option plan”, such that the total number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance pursuant to options under the Plan may not exceed 10% of the Common Shares issued and outstanding at the date of grant. The Corporation has adopted an incentive stock option plan (the “Current Plan“) that allows the Corporation to issue options to purchase up to 10% of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding Common Shares, provided that, until the completion of a Qualifying Transaction, the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance shall not exceed 500,000. The 500,000-share limitation in the Current Plan was due to the TSXV’s requirement under the version of Policy 2.4 that existed prior to January 1, 2021 (the “Former Policy“) that shares issued under a stock option plan of a CPC prior to the completion of a Qualifying Transaction could not exceed 10% of the shares issued and outstanding upon completion of the Corporation’s initial public offering. Under the New CPC Policy, the 500,000-share limitation would no longer be required.
At the Meeting, the Corporation will seek the approval from disinterested shareholders to adopt a new stock option plan that differs from the Current Plan only in that the 500,000-share limitation would be removed.
Removal of the Consequences of Failing to Complete a Qualifying Transaction within 24 Months of Listing
Under the Former Policy, there were certain consequences if a Qualifying Transaction is not completed within 24 months of the date the Corporation’s Common Shares became listed on the TSXV. These consequences include a potential for Shares to be delisted or suspended, or, subject to the approval of the majority of the Corporation’s shareholders, transferring Shares to list on the NEX and cancelling certain seed shares. Under the New CPCP Policy, these consequences will be removed provided the Corporation obtains disinterested shareholder approval to do so.
At the Meeting, the Corporation will seek the approval from disinterested shareholders to approve the removal of such consequences.
Amendments to the Escrow Agreement
In compliance with the Former Policy, the Corporation has entered into an escrow agreement with certain of its shareholders and with Alliance Trust Company pursuant to which 10% of the escrowed shares will be released from escrow on the issuance by the TSXV of a final bulletin in respect of the Corporation’s Qualifying Transaction (the “Initial Release“) and an additional 15% will be released on the dates 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months and 36 months following the Initial Release. The escrow agreement also provides that all shares acquired on exercise of stock options prior to the completion of a Qualifying Transaction must also be deposited in escrow and will be subject to escrow until the Qualifying Transaction is completed.
Under the New CPC Policy, the Corporation’s escrowed securities would be subject to a different escrow release schedule whereby 25% of the escrowed securities would be released from escrow on the Initial Release and 25% of the escrowed securities would be released from escrow on each of the 6, 12 and 18 months following such date. The New CPC Policy also provides that (i) all options granted prior to the date the TSXV issues a final bulletin for the Corporation’s Qualifying Transaction and all Common Shares that were issued upon exercise of such options prior to such date will be released from escrow on such date, other than options that (a) were granted prior to the Corporation’s Initial Public Offering (“IPO“) with an exercise price that is less than the issue price of the Common Shares issued in the IPO and (b) any Common Shares that were issued pursuant to the exercise of such options, which will be released from escrow in accordance with the schedule set out above.
The Exchange has adopted a new form of escrow agreement for CPCs on January 1, 2021 (the “New Escrow Agreement“) that reflects the policies of the New CPC Policy.
At the Meeting, the Corporation will seek the approval from disinterested shareholders to enter into a new escrow agreement in the same form as the New Escrow Agreement to amend, replace and supersede the Corporation’s current escrow agreement.
Other Changes
Under the New CPC Policy, the Corporation is permitted to implement certain changes from the Former Policy without obtaining shareholder approval including, but not limited to: (i) increasing the maximum aggregate gross proceeds to the treasury that the Corporation can raise from the issuance of shares under an IPO, as seed shares and by private placement to the new maximum of $10,000,000, rather than $5,000,000 which was the limit under the Former Policy; (ii) removing the restriction which provided that no more than the lesser of 30% of the gross proceeds from the sale of securities issued by the Corporation and $210,000 may be used for purposes other than identifying and evaluating assets or businesses and obtaining shareholder approval for a proposed Qualifying Transaction, and implementing the restrictions on the permitted use of proceeds and prohibited payments under the New CPC Policy, under which reasonable general and administrative expenses not exceeding $3,000 per month are permitted; (iii) removing the restriction on the Corporation issuing new agent’s options in connection with a private placement; and (iv) removing the restriction such that now one person has the ability to act as the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and corporate secretary of the Corporation at the same time. The Corporation intends to avail itself of the foregoing if, as and when applicable.
Nomination of Robert J. Quinn
The Board of Directors of the Corporation currently consists of Keith J. Erickson, Roger M. Jewett and Johannes J. Kingma. At the Meeting, Management will propose the re-election of Messrs. Erickson, Jewett and Kingma as directors of the Corporation and will also propose the election of Robert J. Quinn to the Board. The addition of Mr. Quinn to the Corporation’s Board of Directors is subject to the approval of the TSXV.
Mr. Quinn is an independent businessman with over 40 years of diverse board, management, and legal international mining industry experience. He has extensive corporate governance, environmental, transactional, M&A, financing, contract, development, compliance and litigation experience with companies developing and operating numerous mines and conducting exploration programs internationally.
He was the General Counsel of Battle Mountain Gold Company (NYSE, S&P 500) for 12 years during which time the company went from operating one mine in Nevada to developing and operating several mines internationally. He has served on the boards of numerous other public companies, including as the Chairman of the Boards of four TSX and TSXV listed mining development and operating companies. More recently, he has been involved in the start-up and financing of Canadian TSXV listed junior mining companies, mostly focused on the Golden Triangle area of northwest British Columbia.
Mr. Quinn holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver School of Law (1981) and a Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration from the University of Denver (1978).
About Quantum
The Corporation is a capital pool company pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the TSXV. Except as specifically contemplated in such policy, until the completion of its Qualifying Transaction, the Corporation will not carry on business, other than the identification and evaluation of companies, businesses or assets with a view to completing a proposed Qualifying Transaction. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a CPC is considered highly speculative.
As previously disclosed, Quantum has entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated July 25, 2020 with Ocumetics Technology Corp., as amended by amendments dated December 15, 2020 and December 29, 2020, to complete a business combination that would, if approved by the TSXV, comprise Quantum’s Qualifying Transaction. Completion of the business combination is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to, the approval of the TSXV.
Trading of Quantum Shares
Pursuant to the policies of the TSXV, trading of the shares of Quantum has been halted on the TSXV and will remain halted until the conditions of the TSXV for the resumption of trading have been met.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Roger Jewett, CA
Director
(403) 650-7718
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.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management’s expectations regarding future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects of the Corporation. These forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the approval of disinterested shareholders of matters under the New CPC Policy and the election of directors at the annual general and special shareholder meeting, the completion of a business combination with Ocumetics Technology Corp., the future business of the Corporation, forecasts or expectations regarding business outlook for the Corporation, and may also include other statements that are predictive in nature, or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and can generally be identified by words such as “may”, “will”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “guidance” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.
Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Corporation. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Although such information is considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, it may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Corporation do not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by securities law.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/73200
The financial technology sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace, offering innovations that disrupt traditional paradigms. Today’s briefing underscores fintech’s diverse growth avenues: from substantial venture capital plays and strategic partnerships to groundbreaking implementations in lending. Here’s a closer look at recent developments shaping the landscape.
Synapse’s Comeback and Andreessen Horowitz’s Strategic Bet
Source: Axios
Synapse, a financial infrastructure company previously embattled by controversy, is staging a remarkable comeback, backed by none other than venture capital heavyweight Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). With this new infusion of funds, Synapse aims to consolidate its position as a premier platform for building financial services tools.
This resurgence demonstrates the resilience of the fintech ecosystem, where innovation often prevails over turbulence. Synapse’s renewed vigor also signals that top-tier investors remain bullish on infrastructural solutions pivotal to the future of digital finance. Andreessen Horowitz’s participation not only validates Synapse’s model but also underscores the VC giant’s enduring interest in fintech infrastructure, even amid global economic uncertainties.
Analysis:
This partnership exemplifies the dynamism within fintech, highlighting the interplay of innovation, capital, and resilience. It also raises questions about the broader implications of giving second chances to firms with turbulent histories. While Synapse’s evolution could inspire others, it also places a spotlight on governance and accountability in high-growth sectors.
Israel’s Fintech Scene Gets a Boost with Investment in Finova Capital
Source: Calcalistech
Israeli fintech startup Finova Capital has raised an impressive $20 million in a funding round led by prominent institutional investors. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to expand its suite of financial solutions aimed at underserved markets.
Israel’s fintech ecosystem has long been recognized as a hub of innovation, and this latest investment only reinforces its global standing. Finova Capital’s focus on empowering smaller businesses and fostering financial inclusivity aligns with emerging trends where tech-driven solutions bridge critical gaps in financial services.
Analysis:
With this funding, Finova is poised to enhance its technological offerings while contributing to economic inclusion. However, the broader fintech industry will watch closely to see how the company leverages this capital amid increasing competition from regional and global players.
India’s Yubi Plans a Fundraising Push
Source: Bloomberg
Yubi, a prominent Indian fintech platform backed by Insight Partners, is reportedly preparing for a new fundraising round. Having already established itself as a leader in credit infrastructure, Yubi aims to bolster its offerings and expand its market footprint.
India’s fintech landscape is witnessing explosive growth, with platforms like Yubi playing a critical role in the credit ecosystem. Yubi’s planned fundraising reflects the broader appetite for scaling solutions that streamline credit access, particularly in emerging markets where traditional lending models often fall short.
Analysis:
This development highlights two key trends: the increasing reliance on credit platforms in high-growth economies and the strategic role of international investors like Insight Partners in driving fintech innovation. Yubi’s expansion plans could set a precedent for other regional fintech players seeking to scale amid global economic headwinds.
Provenir and Hastings Financial Services Win Global Recognition
Source: Business Wire
In a testament to the transformative power of digital lending solutions, Provenir and Hastings Financial Services have been jointly recognized for the Best Digital Lending Implementation at the IBSi Global Fintech Innovation Awards. This accolade underscores the success of their collaboration in modernizing the lending process through cutting-edge technology.
Provenir’s advanced decision-making platform and Hastings Financial Services’ lending expertise have delivered a solution that significantly enhances user experience, operational efficiency, and risk management. Such innovations highlight the increasing role of partnerships in advancing fintech’s digital transformation.
Analysis:
This recognition not only validates the efficacy of digital lending but also emphasizes the importance of partnerships in driving innovation. It signals to the industry that collaboration can be a powerful tool for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Microf and Quantum Financial Technologies Forge New Alliances
Source: PR Newswire
Microf, a financial solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Quantum Financial Technologies. This collaboration aims to expand lending solutions for contractors, providing streamlined access to capital for businesses in need of flexible financing options.
This partnership is a timely response to the growing demand for specialized financial products in niche markets. By leveraging Quantum’s technology, Microf can now offer more tailored solutions, particularly to contractors navigating complex financial requirements.
Analysis:
This development reflects a growing trend: the diversification of fintech offerings to serve specific market segments. As competition in mainstream fintech intensifies, targeting underserved niches could become a defining strategy for success.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Ecosystem
- Resilience in Fintech Funding: Despite economic uncertainties, venture capital continues to fuel innovative fintech players like Synapse and Finova Capital.
- Regional Growth Stories: From Israel to India, fintech ecosystems are thriving, attracting global attention and investment.
- Collaboration as a Catalyst: The success of partnerships like Provenir-Hastings and Microf-Quantum underscores the importance of strategic alliances.
- The Power of Recognition: Awards like the IBSi Fintech Innovation Awards validate industry achievements, inspiring others to push the envelope.
- Focus on Inclusion: Whether through credit platforms or lending solutions, fintech is playing a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusivity worldwide.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The fintech sector’s journey is far from linear. Regulatory complexities, technological disruptions, and market volatility remain persistent challenges. However, as seen in today’s developments, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, fintech players can navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape.
This moment in fintech history is pivotal. It’s a time for bold decisions, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to bridging financial divides. As industry players rise to the occasion, the road ahead promises a future where technology and finance intertwine to empower individuals and businesses alike.
The post Fintech Pulse: A Daily Dive into Industry Innovations and Developments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Fintech Latvia Association Releases Fintech Pulse 2024: A Guide to Latvia’s Growing Fintech Hub
The Fintech Latvia Association has launched the latest edition of its annual publication, Fintech Pulse 2024, unveiling insights and resources that position Latvia as a thriving hub for European fintech.
Announced at this year’s Fintech Forum, the magazine is now available in digital format, offering a comprehensive guide for fintech professionals and entrepreneurs navigating the Latvian market and exploring its advantages.
This issue covers essential topics, from support tools provided by Latvijas Banka and newcomer roadmaps to Riga’s investor resources and fintech education opportunities. Readers will find the latest fintech news from Latvia, coverage of this year’s key industry events, and member insights on the future of fintech. The Fintech Landscape section provides a comprehensive overview of the Latvian fintech ecosystem.
Tina Lūse, Managing Director of Fintech Latvia Association, expressed excitement about the ecosystem’s growth: “We are excited to unveil the third annual edition of Fintech Pulse. This year has been pivotal for our ecosystem, and together with public sector stakeholders, we are enhancing financial inclusion, democratizing investments, and driving innovation throughout the sector. This is a testament to Latvia’s emergence as a fintech hub, establishing itself as an equal partner in innovation and support within the Baltic region.”
Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens highlighted Latvia’s fintech potential in the magazine, stating: “Latvia has already made strides in adapting its regulatory framework to support a stable financial system. Now, we encourage financial market players to invest in modern technologies to meet the growing demand for inclusive financial services and solidify Latvia’s position in the fintech landscape. We are confident that with the combined offer of the government, Latvijas Banka and Riga city, we are a great place to start your next scalable European FinTech!”
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis expressed Latvia’s ambition in the magazine, stating: “Latvia wants to become a WEB 3.0. innovation hub and solidify itself as one of the leaders of a newly regulated EU crypto-asset market. We welcome international companies to choose Latvia, a flexible and fast-paced country, where you can obtain a MICA license in just 3 months. Open your office in Latvia, receive a MICA license and serve the whole EU market!”
The Fintech Latvia Association brings together fintech and non-banking financial service providers to represent their interests at both the national and international levels. It promotes sustainable development in Latvia’s financial sector by fostering reliable, responsible, and long-term industry practices that earn trust from consumers and regulatory authorities. The association is committed to supporting innovation and growth opportunities within the fintech landscape.
The post Fintech Latvia Association Releases Fintech Pulse 2024: A Guide to Latvia’s Growing Fintech Hub appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a pivotal white paper in collaboration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), titled “Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches”. This January 2024 publication underscores the urgent need for global cooperation as the financial sector transitions from a digital economy to a quantum economy, highlighting both the immense opportunities and cybersecurity challenges posed by quantum computing.
Quantum: A Double-Edged Sword for Finance
Quantum computing offers transformative benefits for the financial sector, such as accelerated portfolio optimization, enhanced fraud detection, and improved risk management. Yet, it simultaneously threatens the very foundation of cybersecurity. With quantum’s ability to break traditional encryption methods, sensitive data and financial transactions face significant risks. The white paper warns that such vulnerabilities could erode trust in the financial system and destabilize global markets.
The urgency to prepare is evident, with some quantum threats, such as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks, already emerging. Governments and regulators, including the United States with its National Security Memorandum on Quantum (2022), have begun advocating for quantum security readiness by 2035. However, as noted in the paper, transitioning to a quantum-secure infrastructure is a monumental task requiring unprecedented coordination between regulators, industry leaders, and technology providers.
A Collaborative Framework: Four Guiding Principles
To address the complex challenges posed by quantum technologies, the WEF and FCA have proposed four guiding principles to inform global regulatory and industry approaches:
- Reuse and Repurpose: Leverage existing regulatory frameworks and tools to address quantum risks, rather than creating entirely new systems.
- Establish Non-Negotiables: Define baseline requirements for quantum security, ensuring consistency and interoperability across organizations and jurisdictions.
- Increase Transparency: Foster open communication between regulators and industry players to share best practices, strategies, and knowledge.
- Avoid Fragmentation: Prioritize global collaboration to harmonize regulatory efforts and avoid inconsistencies that could burden multinational organizations.
These principles aim to create a unified, forward-looking strategy that balances innovation with security.
A Four-Phase Roadmap for Quantum Security
The white paper introduces a phased roadmap to help the financial sector transition toward quantum security:
- Prepare: Raise awareness of quantum risks, assess cryptographic infrastructure, and build internal capabilities.
- Clarify: Formalize engagement between stakeholders, map current regulations, and model the cost and complexities of transitioning to quantum-safe systems.
- Guide: Address regulatory gaps, translate technical standards into actionable frameworks, and develop industry-wide best practices.
- Transition and Monitor: Implement cryptographic management modernization and adopt iterative, adaptable regulatory approaches to remain resilient in the quantum economy.
This roadmap emphasizes adaptability, encouraging stakeholders to continuously refine their strategies as quantum technologies evolve.
The Path Forward: Collaboration as a Catalyst
The transition to a quantum-secure financial sector is not merely a technological shift but a comprehensive rethinking of how industries and regulators approach cybersecurity. The interconnected nature of global finance means that collaboration between mature and emerging markets is crucial to avoid vulnerabilities that could undermine the entire system.
Regulators and financial institutions must act with urgency. As Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships at the World Economic Forum, notes in the report:
“The quantum economy era is fast approaching, and we need a global public-private approach to address the complexities it will introduce. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with the FCA to chart the roadmap for a seamless and secure transition for the financial services sector.”
Similarly, Suman Ziaullah, Head of Technology, Resilience, and Cyber at the FCA, emphasizes:
“Quantum computing presents considerable opportunities but also threats. The financial sector relies heavily on encryption to protect sensitive information, the exposure of which could cause significant harm to consumers and markets. Addressing this requires a truly collaborative effort to transition to a quantum-secure future.”
Global Impact: Ensuring Resilience in an Evolving Landscape
As quantum technologies mature, they will redefine the landscape of cybersecurity. The financial sector, as one of the most sensitive and interconnected industries, must prioritize preparedness to ensure stability, protect consumers, and maintain trust.
The Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches white paper offers an essential foundation for continued dialogue and action. By adhering to the guiding principles and roadmap outlined in the report, stakeholders can navigate this transformation with foresight and cooperation.
The full report, published by the World Economic Forum, highlights the need for a unified global approach to quantum security, serving as a rallying call for industry and regulatory leaders alike.
Source: World Economic Forum, “Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches”, January 2024.
The post Quantum Security and the Financial Sector: Paving the Way for a Resilient Future appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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