Fintech
1246765 B.C. Ltd. Announces Business Combination to Form Lahontan Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – February 1, 2021) – 1246765 B.C. Ltd. (“765“) announced that it has agreed to complete a business combination with Lahontan Gold Corp. (“LGC“) that will result in 765 (to be named “Lahontan Gold Corp.” as discussed below) indirectly acquiring the Santa Fe Project, the Moho Project and the Redlich Project located in Nevada (the “Nevada Properties“). The proposed transaction will be effected through an amalgamation agreement (the “Amalgamation Agreement“). The transaction is conditional on LGC completing the Private Placement (as defined below) and the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV“) approving the listing of the post-Consolidation (as described below) common shares of 765 (“Resulting Issuer Shares“) and other customary conditions.
Amalgamation Agreement
The Amalgamation Agreement, dated January 29, 2021, is an arm’s length transaction between 765 and LGC, and provides for, among other things, a three-cornered amalgamation (the “Amalgamation“) pursuant to which (i) LGC will amalgamate with a wholly-owned subsidiary of 765 incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), (ii) all of the outstanding common shares of LGC (each, a “LGC Share“), with a deemed price of $0.50, will be cancelled and, in consideration therefor, the holders thereof will receive Resulting Issuer Shares on the basis of one LGC Share for one Resulting Issuer Share (the “Exchange Ratio“), and (iii) the amalgamated corporation will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of 765. After giving effect to the Amalgamation, the shareholders of LGC will collectively exercise control over 765. Pursuant to the Amalgamation, all securities of LGC convertible into LGC Shares will cease to represent a right to acquire LGC Shares and will provide for the right to acquire the same number of post-Consolidation Resulting Issuer Shares at the same exercise price per share, reflecting the Exchange Ratio.
It is intended that prior to completion of the Amalgamation, and assuming the Private Placement is completed at the offering price of $0.50 per subscription receipt, 765 will effect a consolidation of its currently outstanding 3,000,000 common shares on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation share for every three (3) pre-consolidation shares (the “Consolidation“) and change its name to “Lahontan Gold Corp.” or such other name as agreed to by 765 and LGC and accepted by the applicable regulatory authorities (the “Name Change“).
Completion of the Amalgamation will be subject to certain conditions, including among others: (i) the requirement for LGC to obtain the unanimous written consent resolution of its shareholders or the approval of at least 66⅔ percent of the votes cast by shareholders of LGC at a special meeting of shareholders of LGC; (ii) the requirement for 765 to obtain applicable approvals for the Consolidation and the Name Change; (iii) completion of the Private Placement (defined below); and (iv) obtaining conditional approval of the TSXV to the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares. 765’s due diligence will be limited as 765 intends to rely on the diligence conducted by the TSXV in connection with the listing application.
The Nevada Properties
Santa Fe Project
The Santa Fe Project comprises 217 unpatented mining claims, 67 unpatented millsite claims, and 24 patented mining claims in a contiguous block located 12 km east along Nevada State Highway 361 from the town of Luning, Nevada. The claims are held by Gateway Gold (USA) Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gateway Gold Corp., which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of LGC.
Moho Project
The Moho Project is comprised of a total of 94 unpatented mining claims located in Mineral County, Nevada. Of this total, 9 claims are subject to the Moho Option Agreement dated May 26, 2017 with Nevada Select Royalty, Inc.; 50 claims are subject to the Mining Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement dated August 30, 2017 with Minquest Ltd. (“Minquest”); and 35 claims are held directly.
Redlich Project
The Redlich Project is comprised of 76 unpatented mining claims located in Esmeralda County, Nevada that are subject to the Redlich Option Agreement dated May 26, 2017 with Nevada Select Royalty, Inc.
Financing Matters
LGC intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of subscription receipts (the “Subscription Receipts“) at a price of $0.50 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of at least CAD$10,000,000 and up to $15,000,000 (the “Private Placement“). In connection with the Private Placement, LGC intends to engage certain arm’s length finders’ to assist with the Private Placement. Those finders would be entitled to a cash commission equal to six percent (6%) of the gross proceeds raised as a result of the finder’s efforts; and (ii) finders warrants (“Finders Warrants“) equal in number to six percent (6%) of the subscription receipts issued to those Purchasers that were introduced to LGC by the finder (with each Finders Warrant entitling the finder to acquire one common share of LGC at a price of $0.50 for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Private Placement). Immediately prior to the completion of the Amalgamation, each Subscription Receipt is expected to convert into one LGC Share and one half of one LGG Share purchase warrant, and such LGC Shares and warrants will subsequently be exchanged pursuant to the Amalgamation for Resulting Issuer Shares and Resulting Issuer Share purchase warrants. Similarly, pursuant to the Amalgamation, each Finders Warrant would be subsequently exchanged for Resulting Issuer Share purchase warrants. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be placed into escrow and released to LGC, subject to the receipt of all required corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the proposed transaction and the completion or satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the proposed transaction.
The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used by LGC to fund further exploration on the Nevada Properties and for general corporate purposes following completion of the Transaction.
The securities to be offered in the Private Placement have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Further details in respect of the Private Placement will be announced by 765 in a separate press release.
Stock Exchange Matters
As at the date hereof, neither the common shares of 765 nor the LGC Shares are listed on any stock exchange. A condition to completion of the Transaction is the conditional approval for the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the TSXV. A listing application in respect of the Resulting Issuer Shares, which will include further details of the Transaction, will be filed on 765’s issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com provided TSXV’s conditional approval of the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares has been obtained. There can be no assurance that the TSXV will grant such conditional approval or that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
765 intends to apply to the TSXV for an exemption or waiver from the sponsorship requirements for the Transaction based upon exemptions available in TSXV policies.
About Lahontan Gold Corp.
LGC is a private corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on May 14, 2020 and is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of mineral properties.
As of the date hereof, there are 67,840,532 LGC Shares outstanding and 6,478,325 LGC Shares issuable upon exercise of options and warrants to purchase LGC Shares.
Financial Information
A summary of certain financial information for LGC is included in the table below:
| Lahontan Gold Corp. | For the Period from May 14, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (Unaudited) |
| (US$) | |
| Expenses | |
| Promotion and web-site | 6,500 |
| Regulatory authority and transfer agent fees | 1,911 |
| Legal, accounting and audit | 46,645 |
| Office, general and administrative | 54,824 |
| Share based compensation | 1,125,169 |
| Interest income | (562) |
| Balance Sheet | |
| Total assets | 12,778,622 |
| Total liabilities | 352,995 |
| Total equity | 12,425,627 |
Further financial information for LGC will be included in the listing application to be prepared in connection with the transaction.
Proposed Directors and Senior Management Team
Upon the closing of the Transaction, it is anticipated that Kimberly Ann, Chris Donaldson, John McConnell and Bob McKnight (plus one additional member to be announced at a later date prior to closing) will constitute the Board of Directors of LGC. It is also anticipated that the new senior management team of LGC will be comprised of Kimberly Ann (President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board), John McNeice (Chief Financial Officer), Brian Maher (Director of Exploration) and Tony Wonnacott (Corporate Secretary).
The following are brief resumes of the currently proposed directors and senior officers of LGC following the Transaction:
Kimberly Ann, Proposed President, CEO and Chair of the Board
Ms. Kimberly Ann is a mining executive who has founded multiple junior mining companies and served in a variety of senior executive positions including CEO, President, CFO and Board Member. In the past twelve years, Kimberly Ann has raised over $210 Million in project financing and collaborated on three Junior Mining M&A projects. While at Prodigy Gold, Kimberly Ann was responsible for all aspects of the company’s corporate communication program, facilitating equity financings, generating analyst coverage, participating in key aspects of corporate M&A leading to the $340 Million buyout of Prodigy by Argonaut Gold. Kimberly was CFO and VP Corporate Development at PPX Mining Corp, successfully bringing the high-grade Callanquitas gold-silver underground mine into production in Northern Peru. In 2017, Kimberly founded Latin America Resource Group (“LARG”), building Jasperoide from two small concessions into a 57 square kilometre strategic project in the heart of Peru’s most prolific copper-gold mineralized belt. In 2020, LARG merged with Carube Copper Corp. to create C3 Metals Inc., setting the stage for value creation throughout C3’s project portfolio. Kimberly is also the Managing Partner of KA Gold LLC, a private company with a portfolio of advanced gold-silver exploration projects in Nevada. Kimberly attended the University of Washington, majoring in Business and Marketing.
Chris Donaldson, Proposed Director
Chris Donaldson is an experienced executive with a 25-year track record of raising funds and building out new investment channels for both public and private companies. Chris is the CEO and Director of Outback Goldfields, a CSE listed exploration company trading under the symbol OZ, that recently acquired a package of projects located around the Fosterville Gold Mine in Australia. From 2013 to 2020, Chris held the dual role of Director, Corporate Development with Western Copper and Gold (NYSE American and TSX listed) as well as Director, Corporate Development and Community with Casino Mining Corporation. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Western Ontario.
John McConnell, Proposed Director
John McConnell has more than 35 years of mining experience, mostly spent in Canada’s northern territories. Previously, he was President and CEO of Western Keltic Mines until it was acquired by Sherwood Copper. During his career he was Vice President, Northwest Territories Projects for De Beers Canada where he was primarily responsible for the permitting and development of the Snap Lake Diamond Mine. His experience also includes 12 years with Breakwater Resources Ltd / Nanisivik Mines Ltd in operations at the Nanisivik Zinc and Lead Mine on the northern tip of Baffin Island, and he spent six years with Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd. where his work included engineering, feasibility studies and project development. John is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, with a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering. He is also a Director of public companies; Hudson Resources Inc., Abacus Mining & Exploration Corp. A strong advocate for the mining industry, he is also a director of industry organizations; Klondike Placer Miners’ Association (KPMA), and the Mining Association of Canada (MAC).
Bob McKnight, Proposed Director
Robert McKnight, P.Eng., B.A.Sc., MBA is an experienced mining executive with over 40 years of experience in copper, gold, base metals, coal and potash. He has been directly involved in over $1.5 Billion in project debt, equity, stream and M&A transactions. As Executive VP and CFO at Nevada Copper, Mr. McKnight assisted in arranging over $500 Million in debt, equity and metal stream financings. While with Endeavor Financial, he participated in the successful negotiation of a US$85 Million gold loan with 5 major international banks for Bema Gold and Amax Gold. As CFO and VP at Yukon Zinc Corp and Selwyn Resources he secured a $150 Million committed term sheet from a syndicate of banks and participated in the takeover process of Griffin Mining and, at Selwyn, a $100 Million sale of a 50% joint venture of the Howard’s Pass project.
John McNeice, Proposed Chief Financial Officer
John McNeice is a Chartered Professional Accountant registered in Ontario, Canada with over 30 years of experience in public company reporting, financial management, accounting and audit. Currently, John is the CFO of Gold79 Mines Ltd.; C3 Metals Inc. and Northern Graphite Corp. where he is responsible for financial and regulatory reporting as well as day-to-day financial management. John has had CFO roles in seven public resource companies over the past 17 years and has overseen IPOs, RTOs and many quarterly, annual and periodic public company filings. From 2004 to 2007, John was CFO of Ur-Energy Inc., a uranium exploration and development company now a US based producer of uranium. John was a key member of the management team directly involved in the initial public offering on the TSX. During John’s tenure, Ur-Energy raised an aggregate of $150 million in a series of private placements, the IPO and several significant secondary financings. From 1990 to 2003, John worked in public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where his primary focus was providing audit and regulatory reporting advisory services to Canadian and US publicly listed clients. John holds an Honours B.Comm. degree from McMaster University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (Ontario).
Brian Maher, Proposed Director of Exploration
Brian J. Maher is an economic geologist with over 40 years of experience in the international mining and exploration industry. Currently Brian is the President and CEO of PPX Mining, operating a high-grade underground gold and silver mine in northern Peru. Prior to PPX, Brian was the President, CEO and Director of Prodigy Gold Inc. where he guided the company through a period of expansive growth, culminating in the $340 Million acquisition of Prodigy Gold by Argonaut Gold in 2012. In 1982, Brian began a 16-year career with ASARCO Inc. exploring for gold and copper deposits in a variety of geologic environments throughout North and South America. From 1998 and 2004, Brian was Project Manager for Metallic Ventures Gold Inc., supervising underground and surface exploration, mine development and operations at an underground gold mine in Nevada. In 2005, Brian joined Hochschild Mining PLC and was involved in all aspects of the company’s North American exploration program, serving as the Exploration Manager for the US, Canada and Mexico. Brian is also the Managing Partner of KA Gold LLC, a private company with a portfolio of advanced gold-silver exploration projects in Nevada. Brian received his BA degree (Geology) from the California State University, Chico in 1980 and his MSc. Degree (Economic Geology) from Colorado State University in 1983.
Tony Wonnacott, Proposed Corporate Secretary
Tony Wonnacott is a corporate securities lawyer based in Toronto, Ontario with over 20 years of experience. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and holds a B.Comm. (cum laude) from Saint Mary’s University and an LL.B. from Dalhousie University. He began his career at a major Toronto law firm in the banking and securities field before moving to work as a legal consultant to a number of companies, primarily in the mining and resource industry. As a consultant, officer and director of several of these companies, Mr. Wonnacott has been involved with the successful listings of private companies, the outright sale of a company for approximately $750 million and capital raisings in excess of $1 billion.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the terms and conditions of the proposed Transaction; the terms and conditions of the proposed Private Placement; use of proceeds from the Private Placement; future development plans; and the business and operations of 765 after the proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: satisfaction or waiver of all applicable conditions to the completion of the Transaction (including receipt of all necessary shareholder, stock exchange and regulatory approvals or consents, and the absence of material changes with respect to the parties and their respective businesses); ability to close the Private Placement on the proposed terms or at all, the synergies expected from the Transaction not being realized; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding);inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.
There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 765 disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the listing application to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
For further information, please contact:
1246765 B.C. Ltd.
James Ward, Director
Phone: (416) 897-2359
Email: [email protected]
Lahontan Gold Corp.
Kimberly Ann, President & CEO
Phone: (530) 414-4400
Email: [email protected]
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/73320
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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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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Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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