Fintech

Canna 8 Investment Trust Reports Results of Its Annual General and Special Meeting and Provides Update on the Qualifying Transaction

Published

3 years ago

July 21, 2021

Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – July 21, 2021) – Canna 8 Investment Trust (TSXV: RCR.P) (“Canna 8” or the “Trust“) is pleased to announce that, due to changes announced by the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“) to its Capital Pool Company program and changes to the Exchange’s Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies, which became effective as at January 1, 2021 (the “New CPC Policy“), the Trust intends to implement certain amendments to further align its policies with the New CPC Policy. Pursuant to the New CPC Policy, in order for the Trust to align certain of its policies with the New CPC Policy it is required to obtain the approval of disinterested unitholders of the Trust.

The Trust submitted to unitholders for approval, as set out in detail in the Trust’s management information circular (“Circular“) dated May 20, 2021, among other things, the removal of the consequences associated with the Trust not completing a Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in the Exchange policies) within 24 months of its listing date and the authorization of the Trust to make certain amendments to the Trust’s escrow agreement (the “CPC Resolutions“). The annual and special meeting of unitholders was held on June 25, 2021 (the “Meeting“) and all matters submitted to unitholders were approved.

At the Meeting, in addition to the approval of the CPC Resolutions, RSM Canada LLP was reappointed as the auditor of the Trust, the Trust’s stock option plan was approved and the incumbent members of the board of trustees, being Dean Parmar, Nebojsa Dobrijevic, Sundeep Cheema, Shant Poladian and Gopikannan Pillai, were re-elected.

Disinterested unitholders of the Trust approved the amendment of the Trust’s escrow release agreement. Pursuant to these amendments, the Trust’s escrowed securities will now be subject to only an 18-month escrow release schedule, whereby 25% of the escrowed securities will be released from escrow on the date the Exchange issues a final bulletin for the Trust’s Qualifying Transaction and 25% of the escrowed securities will be released from escrow on each of the 6, 12 and 18 months following such date.

Other Changes:

Under the New CPC Policy, the Trust is permitted to implement certain other changes without obtaining shareholder approval. As a result, the Trust wishes to have the option and may take advantage of certain or all of the changes under the New CPC Policy that do not require shareholder approval, which came into effective on January 1, 2021, including, but not limited to:

removing the restriction that provided that no more than the lesser of 30% of the gross proceeds from the sale of securities issued by the Trust 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;
removing the restriction on the Trust issuing new agent’s options in connection with a private placement; and
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 Trust at the same time.

Update on Previously Announced Qualifying Transaction:

By way of news release dated April 17, 2020, the Trust announced that Canna 8 and Real Industrial Investment Trust (“Real Industrial“) had entered into a letter of intent (the “LOI“) with the intent of constituting Canna 8’s Qualifying Transaction. In a subsequent news release dated September 18, 2020, the Trust provided an update on its agreement to amend certain terms and conditions of the LOI.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the prevailing uncertainties in real estate market, Real Industrial was unable to fulfill its obligations under the LOI, which eventually expired, and the Trustees have determined not to grant any extension. The Trustees of Canna 8 are reviewing other potential Qualifying Transaction opportunities and will issue a press release if and when a new LOI is entered into. It is intended that the units of Canna 8 will resume trading on the Exchange.

About the Trust:

Canna 8 is a capital pool company pursuant to the policies of the Exchange. Except as specifically contemplated in such policies, until the completion of its Qualifying Transaction, the Trust 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 capital pool company is considered highly speculative. For further information please see all relevant documents, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information concerning Canna 8 Investment Trust, please contact:
Dean Parmar, CEO and Trustee of Canna 8 Investment Trust
[email protected] or 780-499-7833

Notice on forward-looking statements:

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Canna 8 which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the completion of a Qualifying Transaction, the approval of the Exchange of implementation of certain matters under the New CPC Policy, the resumption of trading of the units of the Trust on the Exchange, the ability to obtain regulatory and unitholder approvals and other factors. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “is expected”, “expects”, “scheduled”, “intends”, “contemplates”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “proposes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management, and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties (including the risk factors listed below). Although the management of the Trust believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the companies, including risks regarding the real estate industry, failure to obtain regulatory or unitholder approvals, market conditions, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition. Although Canna 8 has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable securities laws, Canna 8 undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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.

Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90838

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Peter Tolan

fintech-pulse:-daily-industry-brief-–-a-dive-into-today’s-emerging-trends-and-innovations

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.

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Peter Tolan

fintech-pulse:-industry-updates,-innovations,-and-strategic-moves

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.

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Peter Tolan

fintech-pulse:-milestones,-partnerships,-and-transformations-in-fintech

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.

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