Fintech
Dash Capital Corp. Provides Update Regarding Qualifying Transaction with Simply Solventless Concentrates Ltd.
Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – February 3, 2022) – Dash Capital Corp. (TSXV: DCX.P) (“Dash“) and Simply Solventless Concentrates Ltd. (“SSC“) are pleased to provide an update on the previously announced business combination, which will constitute the “Qualifying Transaction” of Dash (the “Transaction“) as such term is defined under TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV“) Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies (“TSXV Policy 2.4“). As previously disclosed on August 9, 2021, Dash, SSC and 2366191 Alberta Ltd. (“Dash Subco“), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dash, entered into an amalgamation agreement dated August 6, 2021 (the “Amalgamation Agreement“), which, among other things, sets forth the terms and conditions of the Transaction. Upon completion of the Transaction, it is intended that the Resulting Issuer (as defined below) will continue SSC’s business in the cannabis industry. Details of the Transaction, including the amount and type of proposed consideration, were previously disclosed in the news releases of Dash dated June 11, 2021 and August 9, 2021.
On January 31, 2022, Dash, SSC and Dash Subco entered into an amending agreement to the Amalgamation Agreement (the “Amending Agreement“), which, among other things, extended the outside date for the closing date of the Transaction to May 31, 2022. A copy of the Amalgamation Agreement, the Amending Agreement and the previous news releases of Dash detailing the Transaction have been filed on Dash’s SEDAR profile and are available for viewing at www.sedar.com.
The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions customary to transactions of the nature of the Transaction, obtaining all requisite shareholder and corporate approvals, approvals of all regulatory bodies having jurisdiction in connection with the Transaction, and the final approval of the TSXV, including the satisfaction of its initial listing requirements. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. A filing statement in respect of the Transaction will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the TSXV and will be filed under Dash’s issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Advance to SSC
Dash and SSC will seek approval of the TSXV for Dash to advance a secured loan in the amount of $250,000 to SSC (the “Advance“) pursuant to and in accordance with Section 8.5 of TSXV Policy 2.4. If approved by the TSXV, the Advance will be made by Dash to SSC on customary terms and conditions for a secured loan of this nature. SSC plans to use the proceeds from the Advance for general working capital purposes.
Concurrent Financing of SSC
SSC plans to conduct a brokered private placement financing (the “Concurrent Financing“) of subscription receipts (“Subscription Receipts“) in connection with the Transaction. Each Subscription Receipt is expected to entitle its holder to receive, in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipts, one common share of SSC (“SSC Share“) immediately prior to closing of the Transaction. SSC will provide further details in respect of the Concurrent Financing in due course by way of press release.
Post-Closing Capitalization
Under the proposed Transaction, each SSC Share, each common share purchase warrant of SSC (“SSC Warrant“) and each stock option of SSC (“SSC Option“) will be exchanged for one post-consolidation common share of Dash upon completion of the Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer“), one common share purchase warrant of the Resulting Issuer (“Resulting Issuer Warrant“) and one stock option of the Resulting Issuer (“Resulting Issuer Option“), respectively.
Pursuant to the Amending Agreement, if the price per Subscription Receipt (the “Financing Price“) issued under the Concurrent Financing is less than $0.30, the consolidation ratio of common shares of Dash will be adjusted from 3:1 to 2.5:1. Further, if the Financing Price is less than $0.25, the number of Resulting Issuer Shares, Resulting Issuer Warrants and Resulting Issuer Options to be issued for each SSC Share, SSC Warrant and SSC Option, respectively, will be decreased on a pro rata basis based on the percentage that the Financing Price is less than $0.25. Please see Dash’s news release of August 9, 2021 for further information.
Management of the Resulting Issuer
It is expected that the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer will be comprised of the following individuals:
Jeffrey Swainson – President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jeff is a passionate executive with over ten years of experience building high-growth public companies in the cannabis and oil and gas sectors. Prior to co-founding SSC, Jeff was Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of SugarBud Craft Growers Corp. (“SugarBud“) during which time SugarBud’s market capitalization grew to nearly $90 million at its peak. Prior to SugarBud, Jeff was Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Blackbird Energy Inc. (“Blackbird“) (now Pipestone Oil), during which time Blackbird’s market capitalization grew from approximately $20 million to approximately $400 million at its peak. Jeff brings strong strategic vision, capital markets, sales, finance, transaction, governance, and operational experience to SSC. Jeff holds a CPA, CA designation and a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours degree from UBC Okanagan.
James Nerland – Chief Financial Officer
James is a financial executive with over ten years of experience in cannabis, investment management and oil and gas. Prior to SSC, James led Decibel Cannabis Company’s (“Decibel“) finance team in the areas of financial reporting, tax, M&A accounting, post-implementation ERP system development and integration, and internal controls. Prior to Decibel, James held roles of increasing responsibility with various investment management and oil and gas companies covering complex accounting, financial reporting, purchase price allocations, valuations and modelling, and taxation. James is an entrepreneurially minded CA, CPA, with a strategic focus on early stage, fast-growth, transaction-oriented public companies.
Gord Cameron – Corporate Secretary
Gord is currently a partner with McCarthy Tétrault LLP and has been a practicing lawyer in Alberta since 2009. Gord’s law practice focuses on corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and general corporate matters, and he has significant experience advising public and private companies in the cannabis sector. Gord has an LLB from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University.
Tara Johnson-Ouellette – Director
Tara is a seasoned executive with over twenty years of experience in both high-growth and established multi-national corporations. Tara most recently served as Vice President, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs with SugarBud, where she was largely responsible for the on-budget construction and licensing of its state-of-the-art vertical cannabis cultivation facility. Prior to SugarBud, Tara served as Manager of Operations with Sundial Growers Inc., and in numerous management level roles in oil and gas regulatory affairs, process management, project management and compliance. Tara brings exceptional governance and oversight to the board of SSC.
William (Bill) MacDonald – Director
Bill has over 40 years of deal making, financing and capital markets experience. He has extensive experience with publicly listed companies having been involved in four TSXV recapitalizations in the last five years and three initial public offering filings on the Canadian Securities Exchange. In his career he has transformed both private and public companies through inventive transactions that delivered enhanced value to the shareholders.
Colin Davison – Director
Colin is currently President and Chairman of McIntyre Creek Cannabis Inc., a leading producer of fresh frozen and dried and cured outdoor cannabis, and Chief Executive Officer of NOVEM Pharmaceuticals Inc., a cannabis storage and logistics company. With over twenty years of executive experience as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operations Officer within the engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries, Colin has successfully operated a number of companies and has directly overseen projects and customers in over 30 countries worldwide. Colin was Chief Executive Officer of a two-time profit 500 company (and one of Alberta’s fastest growing companies on two occasions), and he participated in a roundtable with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss how businesses could help to stimulate the economy. Colin is a dedicated father and husband, as well as an accomplished curling player and coach, having won the 1994 Canadian and World Curling Championships. He was also involved in coaching the 1998 Japanese Olympic Mens and Ladies curling teams for Nagano Olympics. Colin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alberta.
Hugh Porter – Director
Hugh is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Battle River Pharmaceuticals (“BRP“), a licensed craft cannabis producer located in Ponoka, Alberta. BRP crafts ultra premium indoor cannabis flower. Hugh began his career in property development, and among other roles, was General Manager of Cairns Homes Ltd. In 1988, Hugh completed Dental School and ran his own dental practice from 1988 to 2015, giving him a keen understanding of health standards and regulated industries. Hugh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Science in General Studies from the University of Alberta, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Alberta.
Financial Information of SSC
The following sets forth selected management prepared historical financial information for SSC for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and selected balance sheet data for such period. The financial statements of SSC are denominated in Canadian dollars and are unaudited.
As of September 30, 2021 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 (management prepared draft, unaudited):
- Assets: $4,268,016
- Liabilities: $2,136,665
- Royalty income: $975,926
- Gross profit: $359,323
- Net and comprehensive loss: $1,712,890
SSC achieved first revenue in May, 2021.
Sponsorship
Pursuant to the exemption from sponsorship provisions of the policies of the TSXV, Dash and SSC intend to make an application for exemption from the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV in connection with the Transaction; however, there is no assurance that the TSXV will exempt Dash and SSC from all or part of the applicable sponsorship requirements.
Trading Halt
Trading in Dash’s common shares has been halted and is not expected to resume trading until completion of the Transaction or until the TSXV receives the requisite documentation to resume trading.
Non-Arm’s Length Parties of Dash
The following Non-Arm’s Length Parties (as defined in TSXV Policy 1.1 – Interpretation) of Dash have a beneficial interest in SSC as set forth below:
- Darrell Denney, Chief Executive Officer and director of Dash, currently holds 1,092,783 SSC Shares, 171,391 SSC Warrants and 250,000 SSC Options, including SSC Shares and SSC Warrants held by Mr. Denney’s spouse.
- Stephen Bjornson, Chief Financial Officer and director of Dash, currently holds 833,333 SSC Shares and 416,666 SSC Warrants.
- Todd McAllister, director of Dash, currently holds 700,000 SSC Shares and 350,000 SSC Warrants, including SSC Shares and SSC Warrants held by Mr. McAllister’s spouse.
- Murray Kent Scalf, director of Dash, currently holds 675,000 SSC Shares and 337,500 SSC Warrants, including SSC Shares and SSC Warrants held by Mr. Scalf’s spouse.
- Gordon Cameron, Corporate Secretary of Dash, currently holds 416,666 SSC Shares, 83,333 SSC Warrants and 150,000 SSC Options.
The Transaction does not constitute a Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction (as defined in TSXV Policy 2.4).
About Simply Solventless Concentrates Ltd.
SSC is a private company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). SSC’s mission is to provide pure, potent, terpene-rich solventless concentrates to discerning cannabis consumers. For more information regarding SSC, please see www.simplysolventless.ca.
About Dash Capital Corp.
Dash is a public company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). Dash’s principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.
Further Information
Dash and SSC will provide further details in respect of the Transaction and Concurrent Financing in due course by way of press release in accordance with the requirements of TSXV Policy 2.4. However, Dash and SSC will make available to the TSXV all information, including financial information, as required by the TSXV and will provide, in a press release to be disseminated at a later date, required additional disclosure.
All information contained in this press release with respect to Dash and SSC was supplied by the respective party for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.
Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, acceptance of the TSXV and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, majority of the minority approval. 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 management information circular or filing statement 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. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.
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 press release.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
For further information:
Dash Capital Corp.
Darrell Denney, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 403-651-9009
Email: [email protected]
Simply Solventless Concentrates Ltd.
Jeff Swainson, President & Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 403-796-3640
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 release.
Notice on Forward Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements“) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “will”, “estimates”, “believes”, “intends” “expects” and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the Transaction, the use of proceeds from the Advance, the capitalization of the Resulting Issuer, the Concurrent Financing, the Financing Price, the expected composition of the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer, the completion and timing of the application to the TSXV in respect of the Transaction, the ability of Dash and SSC to meet the conditions of the Transaction in the required timeframes, obtaining the necessary exemptions and approvals from the TSXV or other regulatory bodies, including the business, name and function of the Resulting Issuer and certain financial information and forecasts. Dash cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Dash and SSC, including expectations and assumptions concerning Dash, SSC, the Resulting Issuer, the Transaction, the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the acceptance of the TSXV, the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement and Amending Agreement, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Dash’s final prospectus dated April 26, 2021 filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Alberta Securities Commission, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan, and the Ontario Securities Commission and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. 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 Dash and SSC. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, 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 Dash and SSC 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 expressly required by securities law.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.
In the fast-paced world of financial technology, shifts occur daily as companies strive for innovation, customer satisfaction, and enhanced market reach. Today’s briefing covers a spectrum of developments, from Visa Direct’s groundbreaking integration in Korea to challenges plaguing the app economy. We’ll also touch on recent acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and expansions in fintech ecosystems. Here’s what you need to know about today’s most pressing fintech trends.
Visa Direct’s Milestone in South Korea: SentBe’s Card Transfer Service Launch
South Korea’s fintech ecosystem has taken a notable leap forward with SentBe’s implementation of Visa Direct’s Card Transfer Service. This collaboration marks a milestone, positioning SentBe as the first Korean fintech company to offer card-to-card international money transfers, a feature in high demand given the rise in cross-border financial activities. Visa Direct’s real-time card-to-card transfers are a potential game-changer for consumers and businesses alike, facilitating faster and more secure global transactions.
The collaboration exemplifies Visa’s larger strategy of partnering with regional fintech players to broaden its influence across Asia’s dynamic fintech markets. By tapping into SentBe’s growing customer base and extensive user insights, Visa is embedding itself deeper into local markets, simultaneously offering Korean users a more streamlined and efficient money transfer experience.
The service’s design allows individuals and small businesses alike to benefit from quicker transaction processing times, marking a significant evolution from traditional remittance processes that rely on intermediary banks. The move is especially critical in a digital age where customer expectations lean heavily towards instant, seamless financial interactions.
Source: Electronic Payments International
Fintech App ‘Trap’ Enrages Consumers Struggling to Cancel Subscriptions
In the modern subscription-based economy, some fintech companies are facing backlash over what customers perceive as the ‘trap’ of endlessly renewable subscriptions that are nearly impossible to cancel. A recent expose revealed mounting frustrations among consumers who signed up for digital services but later found themselves locked into subscriptions they could not easily terminate. The piece highlights the darker side of user retention strategies deployed by some companies to mitigate churn by making cancellation processes intentionally convoluted.
The app-based economy relies on recurring revenue, which remains a vital lifeline for startups and established firms alike. However, industry insiders argue that lack of transparency and difficult cancellation processes have an adverse impact on customer trust, leading to a growing dissatisfaction that may ultimately backfire on these companies. As consumers grow more savvy, fintechs relying on these practices could risk higher attrition rates, regulatory scrutiny, and brand erosion.
This emerging issue has raised questions about ethical standards and customer-centric models in fintech. As competition intensifies, companies must balance growth with transparent practices that foster customer loyalty, rather than coercion.
Source: Forbes
Pinwheel and Terafina Partner to Streamline Omnichannel Customer Onboarding
Pinwheel, a fintech infrastructure company known for its payroll and income data connectivity solutions, recently announced a partnership with Terafina, a leader in omnichannel sales and service platforms for financial institutions. This collaboration aims to simplify and enhance the onboarding process for new customers, providing them with seamless experiences across multiple channels, whether online, mobile, or in-branch.
The partnership combines Pinwheel’s data integration capabilities with Terafina’s expertise in customer onboarding, allowing financial institutions to create more personalized and flexible account opening processes. With consumer expectations evolving towards instant service and mobile-first access, this integration empowers banks and credit unions to meet these needs by delivering cohesive and smooth digital onboarding journeys.
In an industry where customer acquisition and retention are increasingly dependent on first impressions, the significance of streamlined onboarding cannot be overstated. By improving access to real-time employment and income data, this partnership enhances user verification and compliance while also allowing institutions to better assess applicants’ creditworthiness, which is crucial in today’s lending environment.
Source: PR Newswire
nCino Acquires FullCircl in $135 Million Deal: Expanding the Scope of Relationship Management
Fintech giant nCino recently completed its acquisition of FullCircl, a move that underscores its ambition to broaden its reach in the financial services sector. FullCircl, known for its focus on customer relationship management (CRM) solutions tailored to financial institutions, brings a robust set of tools that will allow nCino to enhance its cloud-based banking platform. The acquisition, valued at $135 million, positions nCino as a stronger player in the relationship management space, especially crucial for institutions looking to build deep, long-term client relationships.
With this acquisition, nCino aims to expand its footprint in Europe and boost its offerings in the CRM space, providing banks and credit unions with innovative tools for client engagement and retention. The integration of FullCircl’s CRM capabilities will also support nCino’s existing portfolio, which includes loan origination and digital banking solutions, strengthening its position as a one-stop platform for financial institutions.
This acquisition is part of a growing trend of consolidation in the fintech sector, where larger firms acquire specialized players to fill critical service gaps and offer more comprehensive solutions. By building a holistic platform that spans multiple functionalities, nCino is better equipped to compete in the increasingly crowded digital banking software market.
Source: The Paypers
DriveWealth’s European Expansion: A Strategic Base in Lithuania
DriveWealth, a digital brokerage technology firm, has chosen Lithuania as the launchpad for its European operations. By establishing a base within Lithuania’s burgeoning fintech hub, DriveWealth is strategically positioning itself to tap into the European market, leveraging the country’s favorable regulatory environment and proximity to major EU economies.
The expansion is particularly significant given the increasing demand in Europe for retail investing platforms that provide accessible and affordable market entry. DriveWealth’s solutions enable digital brokers and financial platforms to offer customers fractional shares and real-time trading experiences, which have proven highly popular in markets like the U.S. This move aligns with DriveWealth’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to democratizing access to investing across the globe.
Lithuania’s supportive regulatory framework and well-developed fintech infrastructure make it an ideal location for DriveWealth’s entry into Europe. The country’s fintech-friendly policies allow innovative financial service providers to set up and scale efficiently. DriveWealth’s presence in Lithuania not only adds to the growing cluster of fintech firms but also reinforces the country’s reputation as a rising fintech powerhouse within the EU.
Source: Finance Magnates
Key Takeaways and Strategic Insights
As seen from today’s top stories, several overarching themes shape the fintech landscape:
- Global Partnerships and Local Expansion: Visa’s collaboration with SentBe exemplifies how partnerships enable fintech firms to break into regional markets by addressing specific customer needs.
- Transparency in Subscription Models: The customer backlash against difficult-to-cancel fintech services raises concerns about the sustainability of current subscription models.
- Innovation in Customer Onboarding: Pinwheel and Terafina’s partnership highlights the importance of streamlined onboarding processes as a means to increase customer satisfaction and improve retention.
- Mergers and Acquisitions to Fill Service Gaps: nCino’s acquisition of FullCircl illustrates a broader trend of consolidation, where fintech companies acquire specialized players to broaden their product portfolios.
- Regional Hubs as Strategic Launch Pads: DriveWealth’s decision to establish a base in Lithuania underscores the importance of regional fintech hubs in providing a supportive environment for global expansion.
Today’s roundup underscores the adaptability of fintech companies as they navigate emerging challenges and opportunities. From addressing regional financial needs to innovating customer experience, fintech firms continue to redefine what it means to engage in modern finance. As the industry grows, so too does the necessity for ethical practices, robust infrastructure, and agile customer solutions. In this competitive environment, the companies that prioritize transparency, customer satisfaction, and strategic expansion will set the standard for the future of finance.
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Fintech
Fintech Pulse: A Snapshot of Global Expansion, Regulatory Moves, and Transformative Tech in Fintech
In today’s fast-paced fintech ecosystem, the global narrative is pivoting towards integration, regulation, and technological advancement as new entrants aim for U.S. markets, emerging startups seek growth capital, and financial giants align with innovative trends. Here’s a breakdown of recent developments that underline the dynamism in fintech and the paths to profitability and compliance as technologies reshape financial services globally.
Singapore’s MAS Advocates for a Borderless Fintech Network
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recently emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in the global fintech ecosystem, with chairman Ravi Menon outlining a vision for a seamless fintech network. This network would transcend geographic and regulatory boundaries, allowing Singapore and its fintech entities to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide. Menon highlighted that Singapore’s strategic geographic position and regulatory environment make it a natural hub for fintech collaborations that advance financial inclusion and foster innovation.
This call for a borderless approach underscores the need for interoperability among financial systems globally, particularly as digital payments and decentralized finance become increasingly prevalent. Singapore’s initiatives signal that regions with supportive fintech policies can potentially drive new growth avenues in the digital economy.
Source: Channel News Asia
Thredd’s McCarthy to Fintech Entrants: Be Sponsor-Bank Ready for the U.S. Market
Fintech firms eyeing the U.S. market face a challenging regulatory landscape. John McCarthy of Thredd advises that those looking to enter the U.S. market should prioritize establishing sponsor-bank partnerships. The U.S. regulatory framework mandates that fintech companies collaborate with sponsor banks to access the financial system, making this step a critical milestone for fintechs aiming to operate stateside.
McCarthy’s guidance highlights an increasingly common barrier for fintech companies: navigating complex regulatory requirements to gain a foothold in the lucrative U.S. financial sector. For many, this means rethinking business models to comply with financial regulations, even as they innovate. This approach has led several fintech firms to secure sponsorship deals with established banks, enabling them to deliver compliant financial services to U.S. consumers.
Source: PYMNTS
Spidr Fintech Lands Funding to Drive Growth with Wells Fargo Backing
Spidr, a rising fintech star, has successfully raised capital, attracting the attention of Wells Fargo and other financial institutions. The fresh funding will fuel Spidr’s ambitious expansion plans, further positioning it as a formidable player in the fintech space. This backing from Wells Fargo represents a trend where major financial institutions are investing in or partnering with fintech startups to gain a competitive edge and meet evolving consumer expectations.
For Spidr, the capital injection aligns with a robust strategy for market penetration, and it’s an opportunity to leverage Wells Fargo’s extensive network and resources. Spidr’s latest round of funding signifies that traditional banks are increasingly open to collaborations with fintech entities, a trend that is reshaping the financial services landscape as banks seek to stay competitive in the digital age.
Source: Charlotte Business Journal
Elphinstone’s Trikl: Innovating Digital Payments in MENA
Elphinstone, a digital payments startup based in MENA, is introducing its innovative solution, Trikl, aimed at transforming payments across the region. The startup’s recent developments underscore its commitment to creating accessible and user-friendly payment systems tailored for the MENA market’s unique dynamics. By addressing specific needs such as currency exchange complexities and local payment preferences, Trikl is positioning itself as a key player in the digital payments landscape.
Trikl’s approach is particularly noteworthy as it caters to the MENA market’s diverse consumer base and taps into the region’s growing appetite for digital financial services. This development represents a promising advancement in digital payment solutions, fostering greater financial inclusion and enabling smoother transactions across borders in MENA.
Source: Menabytes
Hong Kong Sets Rules on Responsible AI to Get Ahead of Disruptive Tech
Hong Kong has unveiled regulatory guidelines on responsible AI use, a proactive move that places it among the leading jurisdictions in AI governance. This development signals Hong Kong’s recognition of the transformative impact of AI on financial services, as it sets clear boundaries on how AI can be used responsibly in financial applications. With AI continuing to disrupt financial services, responsible usage is becoming a priority, particularly in regions where financial systems are heavily reliant on technology.
These guidelines aim to balance innovation with accountability, addressing concerns over data privacy, ethical considerations, and risk management. Hong Kong’s stance on AI regulation reflects its commitment to safeguarding both consumers and financial institutions, setting a high standard for other regions to emulate in terms of regulatory foresight.
Source: South China Morning Post
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The Changing Landscape of Global Fintech
The financial technology (fintech) industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making headlines worldwide. Today’s briefing dives into transformative moves and strategic shifts within fintech companies across diverse geographies. From innovative alliances to prominent executive appointments and ambitious expansions into banking, the industry is positioning itself for a future that intertwines financial inclusivity, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric technology. Let’s unpack these developments.
XTransfer’s Hong Kong Fintech Week Entry: Scaling Financial Access in China
XTransfer, a Shanghai-based cross-border financial services firm, has joined the Hong Kong Fintech Week to showcase its solutions, marking a significant milestone in its journey to bridge financial gaps for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. Founded in 2017, XTransfer addresses common barriers faced by Chinese SMEs in accessing international financial networks due to regulatory complexities. The firm’s platform facilitates smoother cross-border transactions by helping businesses navigate regulatory and compliance challenges seamlessly.
The strategic choice to participate in Hong Kong Fintech Week highlights XTransfer’s commitment to strengthening connections within the Asian financial hub. The firm seeks to tap into the region’s wealth of potential clients and partners, as Hong Kong continues to be a pivotal gateway for businesses engaging in cross-border trade with China. The move is also symbolic of the broader fintech community’s push to create inclusive and accessible financial networks, even amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
Source: XTransfer Joins Hong Kong Fintech Week to Expand Global Presence (Yahoo Finance)
Propelld’s New Chief Business Officer: Driving Growth and Product Innovation
Propelld, an Indian ed-finance company, recently appointed Manoj Shetty as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO), signaling a strong commitment to enhancing its market penetration and product offerings. Known for his extensive experience in fintech, particularly in business development and scaling, Shetty is expected to spearhead Propelld’s ambitions to bring tailored financing solutions to India’s education sector.
Propelld focuses on providing student loans and education financing to underserved sections of India, leveraging advanced data analytics to assess borrowers’ potential rather than conventional credit scores. Shetty’s addition to the leadership team suggests that Propelld aims to double down on its innovative data-driven model to better serve the unique financial needs within education.
As the industry grows more competitive, having a seasoned executive like Shetty could be instrumental for Propelld to fortify its unique value proposition. His track record indicates a capacity for handling the nuanced needs of financial services catering to niche markets, and he may well position Propelld to scale sustainably in the expanding ed-finance space.
Source: Propelld Names Manoj Shetty as Chief Business Officer (IBS Intelligence)
Solo Funds Faces Legal Hurdles: The Class-Action Lawsuit Dilemma
In a move that could impact peer-to-peer lending’s regulatory path, Solo Funds faces a class-action lawsuit, alleging that the company’s lending practices breached consumer protection laws. As a platform designed to offer emergency loans to consumers facing cash flow issues, Solo Funds charges “tips” rather than conventional interest rates, a tactic intended to circumvent traditional lending regulations. However, plaintiffs argue that these tips effectively function as disguised interest, making Solo Funds’ practices deceptive and exploitative.
This lawsuit is a critical test for the burgeoning peer-to-peer lending segment, which has grown immensely in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to traditional financial institutions. The outcome may force similar platforms to reassess how they balance operational flexibility with regulatory compliance, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to short-term lending.
With growing scrutiny on fintech lending platforms, the legal proceedings could also open a wider debate on how fintech firms should transparently operate within the bounds of financial laws. If Solo Funds is found liable, it may prompt stricter regulatory frameworks, affecting peer-to-peer platforms that rely on nontraditional models to attract users.
Source: Lending Fintech Solo Funds Faces Class-Action Lawsuit (TechCrunch)
Slice’s Transformation: A Fintech Company’s Foray into Traditional Banking
India-based Slice, originally a credit-based fintech, has announced its transition into a full-fledged bank, allowing it to offer conventional banking services in addition to its credit solutions. By securing regulatory approval to operate as a bank, Slice aims to expand its product range and deepen its relationship with a fast-growing consumer base in India. This move exemplifies a larger trend of fintech firms seeking to bridge the gap between traditional banking and innovative financial services.
Slice’s venture into banking will also set an intriguing precedent for other fintech companies in India and beyond. The company has successfully carved a niche among young users with its simple, digital credit products. As a bank, it can now offer savings accounts, lending products, and other services, thus creating a one-stop platform that could enhance customer retention and lifetime value.
The expansion to full banking status raises questions about how effectively Slice will manage its dual roles as a fintech innovator and a traditional bank, especially in a market as large and complex as India’s. It also marks a pivot point in the narrative of fintech companies morphing into full-service financial institutions, a trend that is gaining traction globally.
Source: India Fintech Slice Expands to Become a Bank (TechCrunch)
FullCircl’s 2025 Identity Verification Report: Insights into Compliance Challenges
FullCircl, a leading regulatory technology provider, recently released its “2025 State of Identity Verification” report, shedding light on the evolving landscape of identity verification and the challenges businesses face in maintaining compliance. As financial crimes become more sophisticated, firms increasingly invest in identity verification tools to stay ahead. According to the report, over 75% of financial institutions rank identity verification as a critical priority, citing the surge in fraudulent activities as a prime concern.
The report also highlights an industry-wide push towards digital identity systems and the use of artificial intelligence in detecting fraud patterns. As regulatory demands tighten and compliance risks rise, firms are urged to adapt swiftly. FullCircl’s findings underscore a need for seamless, real-time verification solutions that do not compromise customer experience—a delicate balance to maintain as identity verification protocols become more stringent.
The insights from FullCircl’s report reveal a heightened industry focus on ensuring robust identity frameworks that foster trust without hindering the ease of digital transactions. This growing demand aligns with broader trends where digital trust is crucial in retaining customers and enhancing their satisfaction.
Source: FullCircl Releases 2025 State of Identity Verification Report (PR Newswire)
The post Fintech Pulse: Today’s Key Industry Developments, Appointments, and Regulatory Challenges appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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